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26. Asterix and the Black Gold

A Journey Through the Middle East with a Comic Twist

asterix and the black gold - french version - source: asterix.com

Asterix and the Black Gold (French: L’Odyssée d’Astérix, “Asterix’s Odyssey”) is the twenty-sixth volume in the beloved Asterix comic book series. First published in French in 1981 and translated into English shortly thereafter, it marks the second story written and illustrated solely by Albert Uderzo after the passing of his co-creator René Goscinny.

This album takes Asterix and Obelix on a thrilling adventure to the Middle East, blending biblical tales, James Bond references, and clever satire.

Decoding the Title: L’Odyssée d’Astérix

The French title, L’Odyssée d’Astérix, directly alludes to Homer’s Odyssey, symbolizing a perilous journey filled with challenges and discovery. This homage to the Greek epic sets the tone for Asterix and Obelix’s odyssey through ancient Judea and Mesopotamia, where they navigate cultural encounters, political intrigue, and the ever-present Roman menace.

Synopsis: Oil, Espionage, and Adventure

The story begins in Asterix’s Gaulish village, where a shortage of rock oil jeopardizes Getafix’s ability to prepare the magic potion that empowers their resistance against Rome. Upon learning that the oil must be sourced from the distant land of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Asterix and Obelix set out on a daring expedition accompanied by the Phoenician merchant Ekonomikrisis and the dubious Gaulish-Roman druid Dubbelosix.

Dubbelosix, a caricature of Sean Connery’s James Bond, is secretly working for the Roman Empire, using his “ancient gadgets” to sabotage the Gauls’ mission. Along their journey, the group faces Roman warships, duplicitous traders, and the challenges of navigating a politically volatile region. In Judea, Asterix and Obelix find allies who help them circumvent Roman blockades. The story weaves biblical and historical references, including a stay in Bethlehem, encounters with traders inspired by David and Goliath, and a wry commentary on Middle Eastern conflicts.

Despite setbacks—including Dubbelosix’s treachery and the loss of their precious rock oil—the Gauls return to their village to discover that Getafix has ingeniously substituted beetroot juice for rock oil in the magic potion. The album ends with Caesar punishing the hapless Dubbelosix and Surreptitius, and the village celebrating their triumph as always.

Dedication to René Goscinny

A poignant feature of the album is the dedication “à René” on the back of the title page, a heartfelt nod to Goscinny’s enduring influence on the series. This subtle tribute underscores the significance of their partnership in shaping the world of Asterix.

Pop Culture and Historical References

  1. Dubbelosix and James Bond: The character of Dubbelosix, modeled on Sean Connery, is a playful parody of the suave secret agent. His gadgets and espionage antics mirror the 007 franchise, while his name is a clever adaptation of “006” to fit the naming conventions of Gaulish characters.
  2. Biblical Allusions: The story’s setting in Judea features numerous nods to biblical tales. The Gauls sleep in a stable in Bethlehem, and their journey is described as taking them to the “Promised Land.”
  3. Middle Eastern Conflicts: The depiction of ancient Mesopotamian cultures humorously reflects the complexity of modern regional conflicts, with warriors mistaking the Gauls for enemies at every turn.
  4. Environmental Commentary: The disdain shown by characters for rock oil, deemed useless and unpleasant, contrasts with its modern-day significance as a resource, referencing oil spills like the Amoco Cadiz disaster of 1978.

Latin Quotes in the Album

  1. Non omnia possumus omnes — “Not all of us can do everything.”
    • Source: Derived from Virgil’s Eclogues (Book 8, line 63). This phrase acknowledges human limitations, often used to advocate for collaboration and specialization.
  2. Nigro notando lapillo — “To be marked with a black stone.”
    • Source: This ancient Roman expression refers to marking days of bad fortune with a black stone. In the context of the story, it underscores the misfortune and treachery encountered during the journey.
De Odyssee van Asterix Dutch audiobook

Audiobook Adaptation

An audiobook version of Asterix and the Black Gold, adapted by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge and narrated by William Rushton, was released by Hodder and Stoughton. This audio rendition brings the story’s humor and action to life, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The audiobooks were released in more languages, you can listen to the Dutch audiobooks here:

Why This Adventure Stands Out

  • Tribute to Goscinny: Uderzo’s dedication and the inclusion of a character inspired by Goscinny add an emotional depth to the album.
  • Cultural Layers: The mix of biblical, historical, and contemporary themes creates a rich narrative tapestry.
  • Humor and Satire: From parodying James Bond to critiquing oil dependency, the album seamlessly blends humor with sharp commentary.

Asterix and the Black Gold remains a fan-favorite for its adventurous spirit, clever references, and heartfelt tribute to the series’ origins. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to the series, this volume offers a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into the world of Asterix.

My Collection

Asterix e Obelix alla Conquista Del Mondo contains seven stories.