34. Asterix and Obelix’s Birthday
The Golden Book

To celebrate 50 years of Asterix, Albert Uderzo created Asterix and Obelix’s Birthday: The Golden Book, a joyous homage to the series and its fans worldwide. Released on October 22, 2009, this 34th album marks the anniversary of the characters’ first appearance in the French magazine Pilote on October 29, 1959. Uderzo, who co-created the series with René Goscinny, offers readers a collection of short stories, unpublished drawings, and nostalgic nods to beloved moments from the series’ history.
True to the satirical spirit of the Pilote years, Uderzo begins the album with a direct response to critics of his solo work, particularly the divisive Asterix and the Falling Sky. He clarifies that The Golden Book isn’t a traditional linear story but rather a celebration of the franchise’s enduring legacy. The album revels in light-hearted fun, revisiting characters and themes while showcasing Uderzo’s artistry.
A Synopsis of the Plot
The album opens with a tongue-in-cheek scene set in 1 AD, 50 years after the usual time period of the series. The Gaulish characters are depicted as aged, with some having grandchildren. Uderzo even inserts himself into the scene, only to be humorously rebuffed by Obelix. Realizing the folly of aging his characters, Uderzo promptly resets the story to 50 BC.
In the village, a grand celebration unfolds to honor the shared birthday of Asterix and Obelix. Letters pour in from familiar friends like Panacea, Edifis, and the pirates, while the villagers prepare a feast. Obelix, frustrated by his inability to read Panacea’s letter, throws an alphabet book at Getafix in a comedic display of temper. Geriatrix adds to the humor with a critical—and absurd—description of the pair using a Roman medical illustration.
The festivities include a fashion show starring Obelix, gifts from numerous past characters, and proposals for future adventures. Cleopatra and Julius Caesar make a grand entrance, with Cleopatra persuading a reluctant Caesar to attend. Caesar, ever the schemer, attempts to sabotage the celebration with a poisoned wine, only for Getafix to outwit him. The story concludes with a two-page spread showcasing more than 60 characters from the series, a stunning testament to Uderzo’s artistic skill and the series’ rich legacy.
A Nostalgic Celebration
With over 80 characters featured, The Golden Book is a treasure trove of nostalgia. Familiar faces from across the series—some unnamed—join the party. Gaulish traitors like Prolix and Clovogarlix mingle with former villains such as Julius Caesar, along with a diverse array of centurions, villagers, and even the lovesick chicken enamored with Vitalstatistix’s helmet feathers. The album blends classic and obscure elements into a cohesive “best of” tribute to the series’ history.
Many visuals were drawn from earlier works, including publicity materials and previous albums. For example, the study of Asterix’s proportions on page 17 originated in The Twelve Tasks of Asterix. Notably, the pirate captain Redbeard is named for the first time, while Caesar’s pharmacist Choleramorbus makes his debut. A delightful detail on the final spread features Voluptuous Arteriosclerosus, who appears both as a centurion and a demoted legionary, highlighting Uderzo’s playful attention to continuity.
A Unique Conclusion
Unlike most Asterix albums, The Golden Book doesn’t end with the iconic banquet. Instead, it closes with a spectacular tableau of characters from the series’ rich tapestry, suggesting a banquet will follow after the final page. This departure underscores the album’s celebratory nature, leaving fans with a sense of joy and admiration for Uderzo’s ability to honor half a century of Asterix adventures.
Uderzo’s Final Gift
Asterix and Obelix’s Birthday: The Golden Book is more than an album; it’s a heartfelt thank-you to fans who have cherished the series for generations. Filled with humor, nostalgia, and visual splendor, it serves as a reminder of the enduring charm of the little Gaulish warrior and his big-hearted companion. Uderzo’s final solo contribution to the series is both a reflection on its past and a hopeful nod to its future, solidifying its place as a cultural icon in the world of comics.
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