Like that of the magic potion of the druid Panoramix, the secret of making each new Asterix album is jealously guarded and the revelations come slowly. No wonder for the all-category champion of book sales in France: far ahead of the literary bestsellers, the comic strip created by Goscinny and Uderzo each time wins the title of best-selling book in France.
The last and 40th opus, “White Iris”, sold 2.2 million copies in French and was printed in a total of 5 million, to satisfy fans abroad. Exclusively, however, we can reveal to you some information on the expected release of the next one, and first of all its date: it will be October 23, 2025. For the rest, we interviewed the two authors: Fabcaro, the screenwriter, who is back for a second album, and Didier Conrad, drawing since 2013.
Fabcaro, happy to make a second album?
FABCARO. Delighted, especially since it wasn't premeditated. I really came to do just one. And then obviously, Jean-Yves Ferri (writer of five albums) still needed time for his personal projects. I'm very happy to find all these characters that I love.
Here is a preview of the new Asterix album
There is generally an alternation at Asterix, with an album in the village then one on a trip. Is she respected?
FABCARO. Yes. It will definitely be a travel album. I didn't have to: the editor told me that if I had a great idea for staying in the village, I could try. But as a reader, I like this concept of alternation and I didn't want to break the rhythm. I had to think a little to find a destination where our Gauls have not yet gone. The field is starting to narrow…
Where are you with the production?
FABCARO. We can say that I have almost finished the script even if, until the last moment, we can modify things, points of detail, dialogue… It took me about a year.
DIDIER CONRAD. I'm almost at the end of the sketches. I started at the beginning of March. Then I have to move on to inking which is a lot of work. Everything has to be finished before summer.
Didier, after seven volumes, do you feel more comfortable drawing?
DIDIER CONRAD. Yes a little. I feel like I'm improving from album to album… But it's never easy. It's not my style to begin with. So, it's very demanding and I can never let go.
What is a good travel album for you?
FABCARO. An album where we have a laugh… But also which takes us on a journey with the characters. When I see Didier's sketches, I wander through his landscapes. That's what I like.
Your favorite?
DIDIER CONRAD. “Asterix and Cleopatra”, for the great adventure side. Even if it's not necessarily the funniest.
FABCARO. “Asterix at the Olympics”, I think. Because there is a mix: it's a travel album but also almost a village album, with all the Gauls who are part of the adventure. And I have a lot of fun watching them play tourists.
Will there also be some caricatures?
DIDIER CONRAD. I don't like it that much… But there will be a few to respect tradition.
