Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix journey to Roman-era Portugal in new issue of iconic comic book series

The 41st adventure of Asterix sends the indomitable Gauls to Lusitania, the Roman-era name for what is now Portugal. It is their first visit to the region in the series, although Lusitanian characters have appeared before, including in Asterix and the Chariot Race (#37) and The Mansions of the Gods (#17).

Excerpt from the German issue.

The comic book's publication comes two months before Christmas, as is custom every two years.

In the new story, a character from the Mansions of the Gods album arrives in the Gauls' village seeking help. The Romans have captured one of his closest friends, and Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix set out to free him, providing ample opportunities to pummel legionaries and discover a new culture.

Readers can expect series staples: dense wordplay that challenges translators, brisk comic set pieces, Romans on the receiving end, and a closing village banquet. Whether the feast features wild boar or Lusitanian specialties is revealed in the book.

Excerpt from the German issue.

Writer Fabcaro, delivering his second Asterix script, uses the journey to play with Portuguese touchstones such as fado, Vinho Verde, bacalhau and distinctive local architecture.

True to the spirit of René Goscinny, and in the vein of filmmaker Alain Chabat, the album, illustrated by Didier Conrad, sprinkles in present-day references that gently mock the Gauls. One gag has them prove their identity by using a "secure word", a neat send-up of modern passwords and security protocols.

Asterix "has a 'comforting' aspect for readers", Fabcaro said. "Our parents read it and made us read it. We do the same with our children. There is an ongoing attachment."

He added that the comic has "incredible" educational value. m"A 10-year-old child who doesn't understand a joke or an allusion, it's not a big deal. They will understand it at 15, 20, or 40 years old. There are several levels of interpretation."

Conrad has illustrated Asterix since 2012 and is keen to keep going. "It is a continuous joy because it is a constant challenge", he said. Living in Austin in Texas, the United States, it takes him "between 14 and 18 months to illustrate a 48-page comic book".

Fabcaro, also a successful novelist, has produced two comics and is unsure whether he will write another one -- the next is scheduled for late 2027.

It remains to be seen whether his predecessor Jean-Yves Ferri will pick up the pen again.

Report in Luxembourgish by RTL Radio