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32. Asterix and the Class Act

A Collection of Gaulish Gems

Asterix and the class act - french cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix and the Class Act departs from the traditional single-story format of the series, instead presenting a delightful anthology of short stories, some never before seen in album form. This 32nd volume, published in 2003, offers a captivating journey through the history of Asterix, showcasing the creative evolution of the beloved characters and highlighting the genius of both René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. On Asterix.com this album is numbered as 32, but most of the stories are much older than some of the albums that came before.

Back to school

The French title “Astérix et la rentrée gauloise” translates to “Asterix and the Gaulish Return.”

  • “Rentrée” in French refers to the “return to school” period after the summer holidays.
  • “Gauloise” simply means “Gaulish,” referring to the Gauls, the inhabitants of ancient Gaul (present-day France).

Therefore, the title playfully suggests that this album captures the spirit of the “back-to-school” season, but with a distinctly Gallic twist, showcasing the unique humor and adventures of the indomitable Gauls.

The Collection

The collection features a diverse array of tales, ranging from the classic “The Birth of Asterix” to the entirely new “Chanticleerix.” We witness the Gauls grappling with modern education, celebrating the arrival of spring, and even encountering the absurdity of fan fiction. “Asterix As You Have Never Seen Him Before…” is a particular highlight, a playful meta-commentary on the creative process itself, as the authors satirize reader suggestions and indulge in a variety of artistic styles.

The Stories

Wounded Legionary

School Days: Asterix and Obelix help round up the village children for the start of the school year, but Obelix himself ends up needing a refresher course in current events.

The Birth of Asterix: We witness the chaotic day of Asterix and Obelix’s birth, amidst a heated argument among their fathers.

Chanticleerix: Dogmatix assists the village rooster in a heroic battle against a Roman eagle.

Fashion Faux Pas: A village fashion show leads to a hilarious clash between Impedimenta and Mrs. Geriatrix.

“Asterix As You Have Never Seen Him Before…”: A satirical look at reader suggestions, with Asterix and Obelix depicted in various outlandish styles.

The Lutetia Olympics: Asterix and Obelix help Lutetia (ancient Paris) secure the ancient Olympic Games by providing security for the event.

Springtime in Gaul: Asterix aids a personification of Spring in overcoming the forces of Winter. This story, as well as the next one, appeared in Asterix a Romainville.

Dogmatix the Mascot: The Romans attempt to use Dogmatix as their lucky mascot, with predictable consequences.

Latinamania: A humorous take on the “bastardization” of the French language, featuring the Gauls using excessive Latin loanwords.

The Obelix Family Tree: The authors encounter a modern-day descendant of Obelix, who proves to be just as stubborn as his ancestor.

The Birth of an Idea: A glimpse into the creative process of Goscinny and Uderzo, as they brainstorm ideas for new Asterix stories.

This album is a treasure trove for fans, offering a glimpse into the creative minds behind the beloved series. It’s a chance to revisit classic moments, discover hidden gems, and appreciate the enduring charm of these indomitable Gauls. It is also a way for fans to finally read the stories that we hard to find.

Latin Quotes

  • “Quo vadis?”
    • Translation: “Where are you going?”
    • Source: Attributed to Saint Peter in the apocryphal Acts of Peter.
    • Modern Use: This phrase is often used rhetorically to question someone’s direction or intentions.
  • “Memento Mori”
    • Translation: “Remember that you must die.”
    • Source: Ancient Roman philosophy, a reminder of the inevitability of death.
    • Modern Use: This phrase serves as a philosophical reminder of mortality and the importance of living a meaningful life.
  • “Veritas odium parit”
    • Translation: “Truth begets hatred.”
    • Source: Publilius Syrus, a Roman writer of maxims.
    • Modern Use: This proverb highlights the potential for truth to generate hostility, particularly when it challenges existing beliefs or power structures.
  • “Nunc est bibendum”
    • Translation: “Now is the time for drinking.”
    • Source: Horace, Roman poet.
    • Modern Use: A celebratory phrase often used to encourage the enjoyment of food and drink.
  • “Res, non verba”
    • Translation: “Deeds, not words.”
    • Source: Attributed to Quintus Ennius, a Roman poet.
    • Modern Use: This emphasizes the importance of action over empty promises or rhetoric.
  • “Mea culpa”
    • Translation: “Through my fault.”
    • Source: Catholic liturgy.
    • Modern Use: A formal acknowledgment of one’s own wrongdoing or guilt.

“Asterix and the Class Act” is a delightful reminder of the enduring power of humor and the importance of preserving creative legacies. This collection, a testament to the genius of Goscinny and Uderzo, continues to entertain and inspire readers worldwide.

My Collection

Next: 33. Asterix and the Falling Sky