“Asterix in Lusitania,” the 41st album of the adventures of Asterix and Obelix, is set to be released on October 23 in 25 countries , boasting an unprecedented circulation in the publishing world. Penned by the talented Fabcaro and illustrated by Didier Conrad, this highly anticipated release marks the second installment of Asterix under Fabcaro’s creative direction.
Information about the album has been trickled out carefully—46 pages have been read by a select few in a secure environment, all under strict embargo conditions. The two-year wait for this release parallels the hype surrounding a new James Bond film, underscoring the significance of the event and the weighty expectations resting on the duo of authors.
A Circulation of Five Million Copies
With a print run expected to reach five million copies , including two million earmarked for France, this trend has become the standard for any new Asterix release. The album is being launched by Editions Albert-René at an unbeatable price of €10.90 —a notable consideration in today’s market.
<p>When viewed in the context of the wider publishing world, these numbers showcase a unique phenomenon. To illustrate, a good Goncourt novel might sell between 400,000 and 500,000 copies in a stellar year. In the comic sector, reaching half a million sales is often regarded as an unattainable benchmark for most competitors, including popular titles like Lucky Luke or Blake and Mortimer , which just manage to approach this number.</p>
</div>Jean-Yves Ferri, the usual screenwriter for the series, decided to take a break following the release of “ Asterix and the Griffin ” in 2021 . Consequently, Albert-René editions selected Fabcaro, a native of Montpellier now residing in Bédarieux, to succeed him.
The Centurion Nouvelopus and the Villain Pirespès
Under the pen name Fabcaro, Fabrice Caro is known not only for comic writing but also for his acclaimed novel “The White Iris,” which was released to critical acclaim in 2023 . This time, he creatively transports Asterix, Obelix, and Dogmatix to Portugal , a Roman-occupied province for the first time. There, the Gauls encounter Centurion Nouvelopus and the nefarious villain Pirespès .
An Album in 19 Languages and Dialects
The release of a new Asterix album transcends the borders of France and Belgium ; “Asterix in Lusitania” is being published simultaneously in nineteen languages and dialects across twenty-five countries !
<p>According to the editors, this extensive release includes not only French-speaking audiences but also German , American , English , Basque , Catalan , Danish , Spanish , Finnish , and many more, broadening the reach of this beloved character.</p>
</div>Fabcaro, currently amidst a promotional tour, recently returned from Brussels and Frankfurt and is set to head off to Lisbon and Madrid . He shared his feelings with Midi Libre : “ There’s always a bit of apprehension, and excitement at the same time. We know that quite a few people will read it, and we hope that it pleases. The Portuguese in particular appreciated it, and the former ambassador even found it hilarious!”
“Luxury Fatigue”
Despite the demanding schedule, Fabcaro humorously referred to his experience as “ luxury fatigue ,” stating, “For three weeks, we’ve been working tirelessly, and I actually began promoting back in August for my novel. But, I’m not complaining—sometimes I just think, why release a novel the same year as an Asterix release? ”
Looking ahead, would a new Asterix project already be in the works? Fabcaro remains grounded: “I am pleased with what I’ve accomplished with these two albums. For future projects, it depends on whether Ferri chooses to return or continue his break. If he opts for the latter, I have a few ideas brewing.” A new era of Asterix awaits, and fans are more than eager to explore what lies beyond Lusitania .