36. Asterix and the Missing Scroll
Rediscovering the Magic of Asterix

Two years after the success of Asterix and the Picts, the creative duo of Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad returned with their second album, Asterix and the Missing Scroll. Released in 2015, this adventure continues the legendary series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, delivering all the classic ingredients that fans have come to expect: clever humor, historical parody, and a touch of contemporary relevance.
While Asterix and the Picts showed promise, Asterix and the Missing Scroll fully establishes Ferri and Conrad’s ability to carry the torch. Critics hailed it as a triumphant return to form, praising its balance of plot, character interactions, and humor. This album reaffirms that the Asterix series has plenty of life left, seamlessly combining its historical setting with modern-day satire.
A Synopsis of the Plot
In this tale, Julius Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War is missing a critical chapter: the one recounting his defeats at the hands of the indomitable Gauls of Armorica. At the urging of his publisher, Libellus Blockbustus, Caesar omits this chapter to protect his reputation.
However, the truth refuses to stay hidden. A mute Numidian scribe, Bigdhata, steals a copy of the chapter and delivers it to the Orwellian journalist Confoundtheirpolitix, a parody of whistleblowers and reporters like Julian Assange. The controversial chapter eventually finds its way to the village of indomitable Gauls.
Although Chief Vitalstatistix is unconcerned by the Roman propaganda, his wife Impedimenta insists on spreading the truth. Since the Gauls have no writing skills, the druid Getafix embarks on a mission with Asterix, Obelix, and Dogmatix to deliver the story orally to the Carnutes’ sacred forest. There, his former teacher, Archaeopterix, will ensure the tale is passed on to future generations. The story culminates in a delightful twist, where the Gauls’ history reaches René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in modern times, inspiring the Asterix comics.
A Book Full of Caricatures
The Missing Scroll is brimming with playful caricatures of real-world figures. Confoundtheirpolitix, inspired by Julian Assange, nearly received the name “Wikilix” and plays the role of a newsmonger spreading dangerous truths. His clothing, reminiscent of Tintin, and his name, referencing the British national anthem, add layers of humor.
Libellus Blockbustus, Caesar’s cunning publisher, bears a resemblance to Jacques Séguéla, though Ferri noted he also drew from French political advisers Henri Guaino and Patrick Buisson. Alfred Hitchcock appears as a falconer in Blockbustus’s entourage, a nod to his classic film The Birds, while French actor Jean Réno is humorously portrayed as a soldier in Blockbustus’s special unit.
The critic of Mundus, with his striking white hair, parodies French journalist Franz-Olivier Giesbert, adding another modern touch to the story.
Fun Facts
The whistleblower character Bigdhata alludes to Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, emphasizing the album’s modern-day parallels. Additionally, Anachronistix’s pipe emits tweeting sounds accompanied by small blue birds, a clear reference to Twitter.
The album was a commercial sensation, with an initial print run of 4 million copies. It became France’s top-selling book of 2015, with over 1.6 million copies sold. Sadly, this was the final Asterix book translated by the legendary Anthea Bell, who retired due to illness in 2016.
The Sole Latin Quote
Unlike many earlier Asterix albums packed with Latin phrases, The Missing Scroll contains just one: “Dat veniam corvis, vexat censura columbas” (The censor forgives the ravens but harasses the doves). This quote, attributed to the satirical poet Juvenal, reflects the misplaced focus of critics, as they often target the innocent while ignoring the guilty. The relevance of Juvenal’s observation extends to modern times, where social media amplifies criticism on a global scale.
Why Asterix and the Missing Scroll Is a Must-Read
This album stands as a testament to Ferri and Conrad’s growth as the new custodians of the Asterix legacy. With its engaging plot, sharp satire, and rich characterizations, it captures the essence of the original series while injecting a contemporary spirit. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Asterix and the Missing Scroll is a joyful reminder of why we love these indomitable Gauls.