Publisher: Papercutz
Writer: Fabcaro
Artwork Didier Conrad
Release Date: 26th October 2023

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In this latest Asterix story, the landmark 40th volume since the series was first published way back in 1959, the Romans have chosen to adopt a markedly different approach to finally attempt to subdue those pesky Gauls. Namely, positive thinking and mindfulness (hey, at this point anything has to be worth a try, right?) Unleashing self-help guru Viceversus into the village with his messages of positivity, healthy eating – no more suspect fish from Unhygienix – and general niceness, the hope is seemingly to ease some of the ongoing tensions and assimilate the Gauls peacefully, rather than their repeated failed attempts to take it by force.

In his first Asterix book, writer Fabcaro breathes a new lease of life into a storied franchise that, let’s be honest, hasn’t quite felt the same since the passing of René Goscinny back in 1977. As someone who whiled away countless hours at my local public library as a youngster, eagerly devouring every Asterix book I could get my grubby little hands on, Asterix and the White Iris feels in a lot of ways like a fond reunion with an old friend. The distinctive sense of humour is here, the creative spark is in full effect, and the cleverness of the writing (even if ten-year-old me didn’t fully appreciate it at the time) is very much on display once again.

The illustrations here are provided by Didier Conrad, now on his sixth straight Asterix book after being hand-picked by co-creator Albert Uderzo himself back in 2012. The level of authenticity is fantastic, with Conrad bringing this beloved cast of characters to the page with a familiar style that would certainly make Uderzo proud. He also does a great job with new villain Viceversus, who provides the central focus of this new book in all his slinky, silver-tongued, salt-and-pepper glory.

Conrad also does a stellar job with the action sequences along the way, delivering the Gaul-on-Roman violence with requisite flair. We are treated to plenty of the familiar flying bodies being upercutted out of frame in sprays of stars, as well as lots of amusing facial expressions and reactions. The Cacofonix “concert” is a personal highlight for me with some cracking colour work and some hilariously nonplussed reactions from the usually enraged audience.

Both Fabcaro and Conrad ensure that there are plenty of rapid-fire gags along the way, both in the dialogue and in the background details, covering topics ranging from modern art to public transport, ensuring that this is thoroughly enjoyable book that rewards repeated read-throughs.

The story unfolds gradually for the most part, starting with minor disruption as Viceversus’ teachings inspire a more peaceful mindset among the Gaulish village inhabitants. Animosity is at an all-time low among Gaul and animal alike – heck, even the boars have become tame and friendly without people constantly hunting them – and Obelix is particularly unhappy at the lack of fighting and eating. It’s an interesting premise in the way that, well, it’s probably not the worst thing in the world that these guys chill out a little and try and cut down on the boar fat.  But given how established that particular way of life is for them, it all feels perhaps a little more threatening than it actually is.

That said, the stakes are ramped up a little as Chieftain Vitalstatistix’ wife Impedimenta is kidnapped (sort of) and taken to Lutetia (Paris to you and me) after a wedge is well and truly driven between husband and wife by the slimy newcomer. The Chief is amusingly despondent, and even the prospect of swigging some potion and roughing up some Romans on his way to rescuing her can’t lift his spirits.  I won’t go into too many details, but suffice to say all’s well that ends well, and we get a particularly satisfying finale that proves that all the positive thinking and mindfulness in the world can’t change the spots of these particular leopards.

Honestly, I absolutely loved this, and I hope that I don’t have to wait as long for the next truly brilliant Asterix story, hopefully with Fabcaro and Conrad still at the helm. Effortlessly capturing the magic of the classic stories of old, Asterix and the White Iris will have you thinking about the Roman Empire for a long time to come.

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The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson-Adams (aka Ceej)
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