Majestix has a crisis: preview of "Asterix" volume 40
21.3.2023
Translation: machine translated
The 40th volume of the "Asterix" comic series will not be published until October. However, the publisher has already revealed the name and cover image.
"Asterix" is much older than the series of the Netflix age or the inventions of the Marvel Comics marketing machine. But the publisher behind the adventures of the invincible Gauls has of course also understood how to create anticipation. The latest volume, now number 40, will be called "The White Iris", Egmont Ehapa announced.
What is it about? Not too much has been revealed yet, but some things have been hinted at. This time, the Gallic village will be at the centre of the story. Chief Majestix is to plunge into a deep crisis of meaning. The trigger is "The White Iris", a new school of thought from Rome that propagates positive thinking. Caesar hopes that this will give a new boost to the Roman camps around the unruly Gallic village, which is offering permanent resistance thanks to the power of magic. And the new school of thought probably also appeals to some of the inhabitants of the village.
Famous illustrator, new copywriter
The 49-year-old Frenchman Fabrice Caro, artist name Fabarco, is responsible for the texts for the first time. He takes over the pen from Jean-Yves Ferri. Ferri has been responsible for the series together with illustrator Didier Conrad since 2013. Conrad will also lend his line to the characters for volume 40.
Source: Egmont Ehapa
"Asterix" and his friends were invented in 1959, when René Goscinny published the first stories in a magazine. The art director of this magazine was Uderzo, who drew the characters. The "Asterix" adventures were published as a series by Uderzo and Goscinny until 1977. After Goscinny's death in 1977, Uderzo also took over the copywriting. In 2011, he handed over to Ferri and Conrad.
The stories about the cunning Gallic warrior, his friend Obelix and the Gallic village in which they live became one of the most successful comic series in the world. The works have been translated into 117 languages, including some German, Austrian and Swiss dialects, and have sold over 400 million copies.
There's still (too) long to go until 26 October for "Asterix" fans. You'll just have to be patient until you can add another volume to your collection.
If you don't know "Asterix" yet - does that actually count as an educational gap? - you can always catch up on what you've missed so far. With volume 1, "Asterix the Gaul", of course. After that, you can choose freely from the other 38 volumes. Volume 16 is a must-read for the Swiss, as Goscinny and Uderzo skilfully hold up a mirror to the Swiss - from their passion for melted cheese to secrecy and bank accounts.
Asterix and Obelix travel through Germania in volume 3, "Asterix with the Goths". A lot of French prejudices about the Germans were incorporated into this volume - especially their penchant for militarism.
Cover picture: Egmont Ehapa
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.
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