Les Irréductibles font leur cirque

Originally published in June 2023 in French, Les Irréductibles font leur cirque is the fourth volume in the Idéfix and the Indomitables comic book series. Set in Roman-occupied Lutetia just before the events of the main Asterix adventures, the series follows Dogmatix (Idéfix in French) and his band of animal friends as they mount their own small-scale resistance against the Roman invaders. The English release is scheduled for September 2025 under the title: The Indomitables ruff things up.

Les Irréductibles font leur cirque

This volume, like its predecessors, is composed of three short, self-contained stories. The titular tale, Les Irréductibles font leur cirque, sees Dogmatix and his companions face off against a traveling Roman circus. When they discover a lion being transported in cruel conditions, the animals attempt a rescue mission. Their plan backfires, leading to their capture and conscription into gladiatorial training. With the help of Nocturnix — a canny insider — the group orchestrates a daring escape and succeeds in freeing the lion.

Idéfix et la Soupe à la Romaine

The second story, Idéfix et la Soupe à la Romaine, turns to culinary chaos. The Romans, led by General Labienus, demand a grand banquet from two reluctant Gaulish cooks, Poulérotix and Pomdofine. A kitchen catastrophe threatens the entire affair, but Dogmatix, using his sharp nose and natural instincts, manages to salvage the situation with an improvised recipe, earning the unlikely gratitude of the Romans.

Des menhirs dans le ciel

The final story, Des menhirs dans le ciel, begins when Roman troops steal all the menhirs from Lutetia — including the one that belongs to the Irréductibles. Intent on recovering their prized stone, the animals give chase, discovering that the Romans intend to repurpose the menhirs as architectural elements in their new buildings. Hilarity ensues as the animals struggle to move the massive stones themselves, proving once again that resistance is not just a human affair.

Background

The album continues the established style of the series, blending action, humor, and a touch of historical parody. The artwork, provided by Philippe Fenech and David Etien, is vibrant and expressive, staying true to the spirit of the original Asterix albums while catering to a younger audience. The writing team — Yves Coulon, Simon Lecocq, and Cédric Bacconnier — offers stories that balance comedy and cleverness without resorting to condescension, making the book suitable for children while still entertaining for older fans.

While not essential to the main Asterix continuity, Les Irréductibles font leur cirque provides a fresh perspective on the world of ancient Gaul, allowing younger readers to engage with the Roman era through the eyes of animals. As with other books in the series, it emphasizes themes of friendship, solidarity, and quiet rebellion — all set against the backdrop of Roman imperialism.

This album follows Ça balance pas mal à Lutèce ! (Volume 3, 2022) and precedes Idéfix et le druide (Volume 5, 2023).