07. Asterix and the Big Fight

Asterix and the Big Fight (French: Le Combat des chefs) is the seventh volume of the Asterix comic book series, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Initially serialized in Pilote magazine in 1964 and later published as a standalone album in 1966, this installment focuses on a challenge issued to the Gaulish village by the Gallo-Roman Chief, Cassius Ceramix (Fr. Aplusbégalix).
Plot
Humiliated by the Gauls’ repeated resistance, the Romans devise a cunning plan. Felonius Caucus (Fr. Perclus), advisor to Centurion Nebulus Nimbus (Fr. Langélus), suggests a single combat between Vitalstatistix, the chief of Asterix’s village, and Cassius Ceramix. According to ancient Gaulish customs, the loser would forfeit their entire tribe to the winner. However, the Romans plan to arrest Cassius Ceramix after the fight, effectively bringing the entire region under Roman control.
The situation is further complicated when Obelix, while attempting to scatter a Roman patrol sent to capture Getafix, accidentally strikes the druid with a menhir, causing him to lose his memory and become insane. With Getafix incapacitated and the village deprived of the magic potion, the Gauls face a grave threat.
Asterix and Obelix embark on a series of misadventures to restore Getafix’s sanity. Their attempts include experimenting with potions (which inadvertently render a Roman soldier weightless), consulting a druid specializing in mental disorders (who is subsequently rendered insane by Obelix), and even attempting to recreate the original accident by hitting Getafix with another menhir.
Meanwhile, Asterix trains Vitalstatistix for the impending fight, focusing on improving his physical fitness. The actual combat proves to be a farce, with Vitalstatistix, now in excellent shape, easily outmaneuvering the slower Cassius Ceramix.
However, just as the fight seems to be a foregone conclusion, Getafix miraculously recovers his sanity and brews a fresh supply of magic potion. The Gauls, invigorated by the potion, swiftly defeat the Romans. Cassius Ceramix, struck by a third menhir (thrown by Obelix in a misguided attempt to cure Getafix), loses his memory and becomes the most courteous chief in Gaul.
Tidbits
- A De Gaulle-esque Announcement:
In a humorous prelude to the story, issue #260 of Pilote featured Vitalstatistix holding a press conference (parodying then-French President Charles de Gaulle) to announce the upcoming adventure and his starring role. This scene was later reprinted in Asterix and the Class Act. - A Nod to Muhammad Ali:
The English translation cleverly renamed Vitalstatistix’s opponent, Aplusbégalix, to Cassius Ceramix, a clear reference to the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. This name change extends to the story, as Vitalstatistix employs Ali’s signature “rope-a-dope” strategy and even performs a victory dance reminiscent of the “Ali Shuffle.” - A Play on Words:
The album is filled with witty puns and wordplay. For example, when informed that Getafix has been “disposed of,” Ceramix replies that he is “inspecting Professor Berlix’s school for modern languages,” a playful reference to the Berlitz language schools. - Hidden Details:
The album is packed with subtle details. An amusement park scene features a “Slavic Mountain” (a pun on the French term for roller coaster), a “W. H. Smix” bookstore (a nod to W. H. Smith), and even a cameo appearance of the Marsupilami, a famous Belgian comic book character. - A Historical Inconsistency:
One of the patients at Psychoanalytix’s clinic believes he is Napoleon Bonaparte, a humorous anachronism considering the story is set in 50 BC. - Character Developments:
This album marks the first appearance of Vitalstatistix’s wife, hinting at his domestic life. It also notably excludes the usual appearance of the pirate Captain Redbeard and his crew. - Recurring Themes:
The plot device of two chiefs locked in single combat for control of their respective domains, first seen here with Vitalstatistix and Cassius Ceramix, is revisited in Asterix and the Great Divide with Cleverdix and Majestix.
Latin Quotes
The album includes the Latin phrases “Quod erat demonstrandum” (“Which was to be demonstrated”), a common mathematical expression, and “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” (“It is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country”), a line from a poem by Wilfred Owen that reflects the Roman ideology of sacrifice.
Conclusion
Asterix and the Big Fight is a memorable installment of the series, known for its humorous portrayal of political intrigue, its exploration of the consequences of unintended actions, and its memorable depiction of the chaotic events leading up to the climactic battle. Part of this story was used, together with Asterix the Legionary for the 1989 film Asterix and the Big Fight.
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