how Asterix became a national monument

This article is taken from the special issue “Asterix, a French myth”. In this issue, the sharpest feathers of the Figaro bring an offbeat, caustic, original and updated look at this icon of French culture.

Le Figaro

French people, we all have something of Asterix in us. This comic strip is the mirror of our identities: Gallic, of course, but also Breton, Corsican and wherever its French adventures take us. As for this little guy, he is the caricature of our main character traits: strong-willed and feisty, rebellious and cunning, courageous and grumpy.

This story and this hero are corny? Not for a second. The best proof, sixty-five years after the release of the first album (Asterix the Gaul), is that we continue, all generations combined, to read the entire collection with as much delight. And, a sign of the finesse of this work in 40 volumes – the word is not overused here –…