Asterix “Summer Strips” released by Papercutz ahead of Volume 40 this October

August 15, 2023

1–2 minutes

Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated release of Asterix Vol 40: Asterix and the White Iris this October, Mad Cave Studios imprint Papercutz have unveiled three all-new Asterix “Summer Strips” as companion pieces to the upcoming OGN.

The three strips make up the first half of a six-part standalone story entitled “The Chief’s Fight”, with the final instalments being released before Asterix and the White Iris hits shelves on Thursday the 26th of October 2023.

Speaking about the story of volume #40, writer Fabrice Caro said “I wanted to find a title in the spirit of Goscinny and Uderzo’s albums where the theme is often embodied by an actual object or a character (The Cauldron, The Soothsayer, The Great Divide, The Chieftain’s Shield, The Golden Sickle…) In this case, the iris symbolises goodwill and fulfilment, or at least that’s what everyone hopes…”

He continued, adding “I felt like doing an album that was centred on the village and its surroundings. I particularly like Asterix albums where something or someone comes into the village from outside and upsets the balance, and it’s fun seeing the villagers react with their legendary hypocrisy. It was also an opportunity – by implication – to shine a light on a contemporary phenomenon…”

The new volume will be illustrated by artist Dider Conrad, who has been drawing the Gaulish adventures since 2013’s Asterix and the Picts.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“To light up the forest, only one iris need bloom,” the 40th adventure of Asterix and Obelix tells us. What everyone’s really waiting for is a smile to light up Vitalstatistix’s face! What’s happened to our Gaulish chief and why the perma-frown?!

You can feast your eyes on the three strips released so far below: