27. Asterix and Son
Asterix and Son, originally titled Le Fils d’Astérix in French, is the twenty-seventh volume in the beloved Asterix series. Released in 1983, this adventure holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. Known for its masterful script, Asterix and Son is often regarded as one of Uderzo’s finest works, skillfully blending humor, action, and classic Asterix wit.
Upon its release, Asterix and Son saw an impressive print run of 2,055,000 copies, quickly becoming one of the most popular albums in the series. In fact, the French edition alone has reached its 39th reprint, a testament to its enduring appeal and the continued love fans have for Asterix and his world. This album, with its clever storytelling and cherished characters, remains a standout in the Asterix collection.
Synopsis
One sunny morning, Asterix finds an unexpected bundle at his doorstep: a baby boy. Wrapped in luxurious linen and embroidered clothes, the baby hints at a Roman origin. Rumors fly, suggesting Asterix could be the father, prompting him and Obelix to seek out the child’s parents.
The mystery thickens when the Romans, led by Marcus Junius Brutus, try to capture the baby. The famed druid Getafix deduces that the baby has been brought to the village for safety. During his stay, the baby drinks the magic potion twice—once accidentally via a potion-filled feeding bottle, and another time when he falls into a cauldron. The result is a baby with superhuman strength who inadvertently causes chaos for his would-be captors.
Brutus ultimately attacks the village with his legions, burning it to the ground. Despite their home in ruins, the Gauls rally to rescue the baby, who is eventually revealed to be Caesarion, the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. Brutus sought to eliminate Caesarion to secure his inheritance of Caesar’s fortune. Caesar and Cleopatra arrive to reclaim their child, exile Brutus, and promise to rebuild the village.
The story concludes with a celebratory feast aboard Cleopatra’s royal barge, a rare departure from the usual village banquet.
Dutch audiobooks
The album was released as audiobook on cassette in several languages. You can listen to the Dutch audiobook here:
- De Zoon van Asterix – side A (49,4 MB)
- De Zoon van Asteirx – side B (48,6 MB)
Interesting Facts
- Departure from Tradition: This is the only album where the famous Gaulish village is destroyed. Caesar’s promise to rebuild it underscores the narrative’s darker tone.
- Dark Themes: The story explores somber topics, including Brutus’s plot to kill Caesarion. The destruction of the village and Impedimenta’s despair highlight these moments.
- Historical References: Brutus’s exile to Upper Germania nods to his eventual betrayal of Caesar in real history. The English translation’s inclusion of “Et tu, Brute?” links directly to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
- Non-Traditional Banquet: Unlike the typical village banquet ending, this album concludes with a feast aboard Cleopatra’s barge, which drew some criticism from fans.
Latin Quote: Argumentum Baculinum
- Translation: “An argument of the stick” or “Resorting to force.”
- Origin: This phrase refers to using force rather than reason to settle disputes. It derives from medieval scholastic philosophy and logic, where it described fallacies involving coercion.
- In Context: The phrase humorously applies to many of the physical altercations in the Asterix series, particularly where brute strength resolves conflicts over logic.
Acknowledgments to Historical and Literary Context
- Caesarion: Historically, Caesarion was the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, lending credibility to the story’s premise.
- Brutus: Known for his betrayal in Roman history, Brutus’s portrayal here as a schemer adds layers of irony and historical allusion.
Asterix and Son combines humor, action, and historical depth, standing out as one of the series’ most emotionally compelling adventures. It reflects Uderzo’s ability to weave mature themes into the comic’s playful narrative, making it a memorable addition to the Asterix saga.
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