Asterix in Lusitania, the newly announced volume of the legendary French-Belgian comic series, has been hailed as a heartfelt tribute to Portugal’s rich history, culture, and national identity. The book marks the first time Asterix and Obelix travel to ancient Lusitania, bringing the Iberian Atlantic frontier to life with humor, creativity, and a deep respect for Portuguese heritage.
Set against the backdrop of Roman-occupied Lusitania, the story is filled with affectionate nods to iconic Portuguese traditions. Readers will immediately recognize playful references to fado, pastéis de nata, codfish, Roman-era precursors to the “Portuguese discoveries,” and even a satirical wink at the famed Lusitanian resistance embodied by the national hero Viriato. The creators have woven these references into the classic Asterix universe, blending historical imagination with the series’ signature wit and charm.
Portuguese fans and cultural institutions have welcomed the book as an international moment of visibility. The release underscores the growing global interest in Portugal’s cultural footprint and serves as a celebration of Lusophone identity. Early commentary from critics notes that the volume balances playful stereotypes with authentic research, honoring Portugal while introducing its culture to millions of Asterix readers worldwide.
About the Authors
Rene Goscinny was born in Paris in 1926. After growing up in Argentina, he came to America, where he shared a studio with future Mad magazine co-founder Harvey Kurtzman and collaborators Will Elder and Jack Davis. In 1959, he founded the magazine Pilote, which premiered what was to become the most successful comic series anywhere: Asterix. He died suddenly cardiac arrest in 1977 at the age of 51.
Albert Uderzo was born in France 1927 to Italian Immigrants. In 1959 Goscinny and Uderzo became editor and artistic director (respectively) of Pilote magazine. Their creation, Asterix became a runaway success. After Goscinny’s death in 1977, 26 volumes of Asterix were complete, Uderzo continued to write and illustrate the Asterix books on his own, publishing 8 volumes. The cover credits still read “Goscinny and Uderzo.” He retired in 2011 but still oversees Asterix and the current publications by Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad.
Jean-Yves Ferri was handpicked by surviving Asterix creator, Albert Uderzo, to write subsequent volumes of the Asterix franchise, with artist Didier Conrad. Their first volume of Asterix, the 35th in the series, came out in 2013.
Didier Conrad was born in 1959 in France. He worked for the French comics magazine Spirou for a number of years before being handpicked by surviving Asterix creator, Albert Uderzo, to do the art on subsequent volumes of the franchise. Together with writer Jean-Yves Ferri, the duo’s first volume, the 35th in the series, came out in 2013.
Book detailsTitle: Asterix Vol. 41: Asterix in Lusitania
Authors: René Goscinny et al
Illustrator: Didier
Publisher: Papercutz
Publication date: October 28, 2025
Language: English
Hardcover: 48 pp
Available @ Amazon.com
