37. Asterix and the Chariot Race
Racing Through Ancient Italy
The 37th installment of the Asterix series, Asterix and the Chariot Race (Astérix et la Transitalique), is another thrilling adventure by Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad. Released worldwide on October 19, 2017, in more than 20 languages, this album had an initial print run of 5 million copies.
The French title translates to Asterix and the Trans-Italic, referring to the race’s path across the Italic Peninsula. This wordplay evokes both the geographical scope of the race and the sense of an epic journey.
Synopsis
The story begins with Senator Lactus Bifidus proposing a grand chariot race to improve the reputation of Rome’s roads. Open to participants from across the known world, the race is intended to showcase Roman engineering. Julius Caesar, however, insists a Roman must win, threatening Bifidus with exile if the plan fails.
In Gaul, Asterix and Obelix visit a market where a sibyl predicts Obelix will become a champion charioteer. Enthusiastic about this newfound calling, Obelix buys a sports chariot on credit and joins the race with Asterix and Dogmatix. Along the way, they encounter diverse competitors, the wonders of ancient Italy, and their most formidable rival: the masked Coronavirus.
The race ends with a chaotic finish. Julius Caesar, disguised as a competitor, attempts to secure Roman victory but fails. Ultimately, Obelix hands the trophy to Asterix, who passes it to other teams in a chain of goodwill. The Lusitanians, though finishing last, end up with the trophy after requesting its value in sesterces. Obelix decides he’s had enough of racing and returns to making menhirs.
Competitors
Asterix and Obelix face a colorful array of opponents, each bringing unique characteristics to the race:
| Team | Origin | Members | Chariot Motif | Result | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bretons | Britannia | Madmax and Ecotax | Lions | Retired | Sabotaged leaving Parma. |
| Lusitanians | Iberia | Bitovamess and Undaduress | Fish | 5th | Though always late, they end up with the trophy. |
| Kushites | Africa | Princesses Nefersaynefer and Kweenlatifer | Cheetah hieroglyph | 2nd | Kweenlatifer falls in love with Dogmatix. |
| Romans | Rome | Coronavirus, Bacillus; Julius Caesar | Aquila | Retired | Coronavirus quits after a cheating scandal; Caesar replaces him. |
| Pirates | The Seas | Redbeard and Lookout | Jolly Roger | Retired | Sink in the Venexia marshes. |
| Cimbri | Germania | Zerogluten and Betakaroten | Moose skull and antlers | Retired | Sabotage backfires; chariot crushed by Obelix. |
| Sarmatians | Eastern Europe | Tekaloadov and Wotaloadov | Bear | 3rd | |
| Greeks | Greece | Yudabos and Attalos | Golden Fleece | 4th | |
| Normans | Scandinavia | Skinnidecaf and Gamefralaf | Shields | Retired | Quit due to homesickness caused by good weather and civilization. |
| Persians | Persia | Unnamed | Bull | Retired | Eliminated due to sabotage. |
Other teams include Goths, Hells Angels lookalikes, and Umbrians.
Fun Facts
- The innkeeper in Parma resembles Luciano Pavarotti, while the masked charioteer Coronavirus is modeled on Alain Prost.
- The Kushite princesses are caricatures of Venus and Serena Williams.
- In Florencia (modern Florence), the references to the Renaissance include a man resembling Leonardo da Vinci and statues reminiscent of Michelangelo’s works.
- A Helvetian friend from Asterix in Switzerland makes a cameo appearance on page 40.
- Obelix forestalls Mount Vesuvius’s eruption while passing Pompeii.
A New English Translator
This album marks the debut of Adriana Hunter as the English translator, following the retirement of Anthea Bell. The publishers included a heartfelt message thanking Bell for her exceptional contributions to the series.
Latin Quotes
Despite being set in Italy, the album contains only two Latin phrases:
- Auro sacra fames (“The accursed hunger for gold”) – This quote from Virgil’s Aeneid laments humanity’s greed, referencing the murder of Polydorus for wealth.
- Sine curis (“Without worries”) – Used humorously by Caesar’s bodyguard when asked to leave Caesar alone, capturing the lighthearted tone of the series.
Why Read Asterix and the Chariot Race?
This album offers a delightful mix of history, satire, and humor, making it a must-read for fans. Ferri and Conrad continue to honor the legacy of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo while keeping the series fresh and engaging. Asterix and the Chariot Race is a testament to why these indomitable Gauls remain beloved worldwide.
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