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23. Obelix and Co.

The Guals Venture into Economics

Obelix & Co. - French cover - source: asterix.com

Obelix and Co. (original title: Obélix et Compagnie) is the 23rd volume in the Asterix comic book series, masterfully written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. First published in 1976, this penultimate album penned by Goscinny takes readers on a hilarious journey into the world of capitalism and market economics as Julius Caesar tries to defeat the indomitable Gauls not by force but through financial corruption.

Synopsis: The Menhir Economy

After Obelix single-handedly defeats yet another Roman battalion, Julius Caesar seeks a more cunning strategy to conquer the rebellious Gaulish village. Enter Caius Preposterus, a bright graduate of the Latin School of Economics, who proposes introducing capitalism to the Gauls. His plan hinges on persuading Obelix to sell menhirs—massive stone structures—to the Romans, who then market them as symbols of wealth and prestige.

Initially, Obelix thrives in the menhir trade, hiring villagers to meet the growing demand. However, as menhir production increases, the once-cohesive community becomes consumed by greed, creating rifts among the villagers. Asterix, Getafix, and a few others remain skeptical, sensing that this new lifestyle is unsustainable.

Meanwhile, the Roman economy collapses under the weight of a “menhir crisis,” as provinces begin producing their own menhirs to capitalize on the trend. Julius Caesar orders Preposterus to cease trading with the Gauls, leaving the villagers disillusioned. Obelix, having realized the emptiness of his newfound wealth, reconciles with Asterix and Dogmatix. The story concludes with the Gauls returning to their traditional ways, celebrating with a feast as their village’s economy stabilizes.

Caius Saugrenus
Caius Preposterus

Hidden References and Easter Eggs

  1. Preposterus as a Parody: The character of Caius Preposterus is a satire of French politician Jacques Chirac, who was Prime Minister at the time of publication and later served as President.
  2. Laurel and Hardy Cameo: On page 27, the iconic comedy duo appears as Roman soldiers unloading menhirs.
  3. Goscinny and Uderzo Appearances: On page 2, the creators cameo as legionaries carrying a drunk friend, Pierre Tchernia, on a shield.
  4. Roman Camp Laxity: Unlike other Asterix adventures, Roman soldiers here are shown as disheveled and anarchic, reflecting their complacency during the menhir trade.
  5. The 1000th Page: Page 36 marks the 1000th Asterix page, where Preposterus explains his menhir strategy to Caesar. This milestone features a special panel with the authors’ names and a Latin pun: “Albo notamba lapillo,” a playful twist on the French phrase “à marquer d’une pierre blanche,” meaning “to go down as a milestone.”
  6. Getafix’s Witty Observation: On page 30, Getafix quips, “And the funny thing is, we still don’t know what menhirs are for!” This humorously references ongoing archeological debates about the purpose of menhirs.
  7. Cleopatra’s Needle: The “Egyptian menhir” advertised in Rome is an obelisk, akin to Cleopatra’s Needle, drawing parallels between ancient monuments and modern marketing.

Latin Quotes Explained

  1. “Redde Caesari quae sunt Caesaris”
    • Translation: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”
    • Source: The Bible, Gospel of Matthew 22:21.
    • Modern Use: Often used to emphasize separating secular and spiritual responsibilities.
  2. “Uti, non abuti”
    • Translation: “Use, don’t abuse.”
    • Source: A philosophical maxim from Latin literature.
    • Modern Use: Advocates moderation and responsible usage of resources or power.

A Commentary on Greed and Economics

Asterix Atlas Obélix Déguisé

Through Obelix and Co., Goscinny and Uderzo offer a humorous yet sharp critique of capitalism and greed. The album’s exploration of supply and demand dynamics, advertising, and market crashes remains relevant, serving as a lighthearted introduction to economic principles. The inclusion of cultural and historical references, such as Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy and the Viking motifs, adds layers of depth and humor, making it a memorable entry in the Asterix series.

Fun Facts

  • Obelix’s garish new wardrobe, including a cape and jewelry, pokes fun at the ostentatious displays of newfound wealth.
  • The “menhir crisis” parodies real-world economic phenomena, such as speculative bubbles and market crashes.

Obelix’s journey from a simple, happy villager to a reluctant capitalist and back again is not just a tale of humor but a timeless lesson on the true value of life’s simple pleasures.

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