35. Asterix and the Picts

A New Chapter in the Asterix Saga

Asterix and the Picts - French cover - source: asterix.com

Asterix and the Picts, the 35th album in the beloved Asterix series, represents a major milestone as the first book not created by René Goscinny or Albert Uderzo. Instead, the series was handed over to the talented duo of writer Jean-Yves Ferri and illustrator Didier Conrad. Published in 2013, this album takes the indomitable Gauls on a new adventure to Scotland, where they encounter the Picts. While their journey recalls themes from Asterix in Britain (1966), Asterix and the Picts stands apart as an exploration of new terrain both geographically and creatively.

The English translation, skillfully handled by Anthea Bell, continues the tradition of witty dialogue and cultural humor that fans of the series adore.

A Synopsis of the Plot

The story begins on a wintery day when Asterix and Obelix discover a young man encased in ice on the beach. The druid Getafix identifies him as a Pict from Caledonia (modern-day Scotland) but finds that the man, later revealed as MacAroon, has lost his voice and cannot explain his plight. A gold ring in his hand and his cryptic map carved on a menhir set the stage for a journey to the Pict homeland.

MacAroon’s voice returns during the voyage, and he recounts how the treacherous MacCabaeus, leader of the MacCabee clan, threw him into a freezing loch to remove him as a rival for the throne. With Roman support, MacCabaeus plans to claim the crown by marrying MacAroon’s fiancée, Camomilla.

The Gauls and MacAroon face challenges, from retrieving a healing elixir from the mischievous Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) to a daring rescue of Camomilla from the MacCabee clan’s dungeon. At the assembly of Pict leaders, MacAroon ultimately regains his voice and challenges MacCabaeus. With help from Nessie, the Gauls, and the united Picts, the Romans and MacCabaeus are defeated, and MacAroon is crowned king.

The Gauls return home just in time for a celebratory banquet, and a frustrated Roman census officer, Limitednumbus, finally counts the village by joining the feast.

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic

When Ferri and Conrad took the helm of the series, fans and critics alike wondered if they could uphold the rich tradition of Asterix. While Asterix and the Picts may not rank among the greatest entries in the series, it’s a strong debut for the new creative team and arguably as good as Uderzo’s later solo work.

Ferri’s writing cleverly balances the series’ signature elements—wordplay, local cultural nods, and comedic situations—while finding his footing in pacing and plot development. Conrad’s art skillfully channels Uderzo’s style, maintaining the classic aesthetic of Asterix while introducing a slightly more dynamic and cartoony edge.

The humor is enriched by cultural references. In the English version, MacAroon’s limited speech humorously borrows from iconic Scottish songs and poems like The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond and Scots Wha Hae. For variety, there are also surprising references to Jingle Bells and Jabberwocky. These playful allusions are unique to the English adaptation; the French version features taglines based on popular song titles like Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.

Latin Quote

Unlike earlier albums rich with Latin puns, Asterix and the Picts contains just one Latin quote—half of one, to be precise. The phrase “Verba volant” is part of the saying “Verba volant, scripta manent,” meaning “Words fly away, but what is written remains.” The Roman orator Caius Titus is credited with this wisdom, a subtle nod to the timeless legacy of Asterix himself.

A Colorful Cast and New Adventures

The album introduces Nessie, the mischievous Loch Ness Monster, who adds a touch of whimsical chaos. While most characters return from previous adventures, MacAroon’s family and Camomilla bring new dimensions to the story. The charmingly inept census officer Limitednumbus provides comic relief, emphasizing Roman bureaucracy’s futility when faced with the free-spirited Gauls.

Through this fresh adventure, Ferri and Conrad pay homage to the legacy of Asterix while charting a promising path forward. Asterix and the Picts is a worthy addition to the series, delighting fans old and new with its wit, artistry, and heart.