The full line of all-time best-selling Asterix comics are arriving in the U.S. this summer in new editions through kids’ graphic novel publisher Papercutz. All old fans can enjoy reliving the adventures of Asterix and Obelix, while a new generation of young readers can get to know them freshly. Papercutz has taken on board veteran comics translator Joe Johnson for the project, working from the original French.
Since Asterix first appeared as a French comics hero in 1959, the ancient warrior has been featured in 38 books which have sold close to 380 million copies worldwide as well as 50 million album collections. The series, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo, has been translated into 111 languages and dialects (including Latin!), adapted into 10 animated and four (soon to be five) live-action films, and even inspired a full theme park outside of Paris.
Asterix is the main character in a village of Gauls who managed to never being conquered by the occupation of the Roman Army. Set in ancient France, it’s a classic David and Goliath story, the underdog triumphing over the behemoth. Asterix offers a humorous and subversive look at social customs and stereotypes, dismantling cliches and highlighting the heroism and absurdity in us all.
