Asterix and the Class Act
| Company type | Comic book collection |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing, Comics |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book short stories |
Asterix and the Class Act () represents the thirty-second installment in the Asterix collection, crafted by René Goscinny (story writer) and Albert Uderzo (illustrator and occasional story contributor), released in 2003. Unlike typical Asterix albums that feature a continuous storyline, this volume assembles a series of short tales, each accompanied by context regarding its original release.
History
Within this compilation, only one narrative ("Chanticleerix") is newly created; the remainder are reissued pieces, predominantly sourced from the French comic Pilote. The majority were penned by Goscinny. Following Goscinny's passing, Uderzo authored "Chanticleerix," "The Lutetia Olympics," and "The Birth of Asterix." Additionally, Uderzo independently produced "Springtime in Gaul" and "Asterix As You Have Never Seen Him Before...."
Prior to this 2003 publication, these stories had limited circulation. During the mid-1980s, some were translated into various languages (excluding English) under the title Astérix mini-histoires. A more concise French-only edition from 1993 named La Rentree Gauloise included an unrelated filler story, "L'Antiquaire," illustrated by Albert’s brother Marcel Uderzo, which has not been reprinted since. Apart from this exception, Class Act serves as a broadened and updated version of that earlier collection.
Introduction (Press Conference)
This piece originally served as a promotional announcement for Asterix and the Big Fight, featuring Vitalstatistix conducting a contemporary press conference that parodies events associated with then-president Charles de Gaulle.
- (1964 – Conférence de presse) – 1 page. Initially published in Pilote #260; later included in Astérix mini-histoires.
Asterix and the Class Act
At the beginning of the school year, Asterix and Obelix catch village children trying to avoid school; however, Obelix himself is placed in class due to his unfamiliarity with current affairs.
- 1966 – Rentrée gauloise' – 2 pages. First appeared in Pilote #363; featured in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
The Birth of Asterix
This story portrays events on the day when Asterix and Obelix were born, interrupting a dispute among their fathers’ friends.
- 1994 – En 35 avant J.C. (Julius Caesar)' – 4 pages. Published as part of Pilote’s 35th anniversary edition (the inaugural Asterix tale debuted in its first issue).
In 50 BC
Created for the American audience, this introduction summarizes key themes and principal characters of the series.
- 1977 – En 50 avant J.C. – 3 pages. Originally published in National Geographic’s May 1977 issue accompanying an article on Celtic history; also included in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
Chanticleerix
Dogmatix assists the village rooster (symbolizing France) in defeating an eagle (representing Ancient Rome) by covertly using Asterix's magic potion to empower the rooster.
- 2003 – Chanteclairix – Le Coq Gaulois' – 5 pages. Newly created for this album.
For Gaul Lang Syne
Obelix tries to employ Gaulish traditions to earn a kiss from Panacea but is unsuccessful; instead, Dogmatix receives it.
- 1967 – Au gui l'an IX' – 2 pages. First seen in Pilote #424; later included in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
Mini Midi Maxi
A dispute ignites during a fashion event when Impedimenta and Mrs. Geriatrix clash.
- 1971 – Mini, Midi, Maxi' – 2 pages. Crafted for the French women's publication Elle #1337; featured in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
Asterix As You Have Never Seen Him Before...
A humorous exploration of reader feedback highlighting Uderzo’s artistic flexibility:
- A modernized panel showing Getafix wielding firearms and using casual expressions like "like," inspired by audience remarks;
- A minimalist black-and-white telegram-style narrative parodying intricate storylines;
- A science fiction version titled Jim Asteryx, created in response to a Flash Gordon fan's critique;
- A psychedelic approach featuring floral-adorned female legionnaires addressing complaints about monotony;
- Concludes with the creators asserting their artistic authority, portraying Asterix and Obelix in plus-fours as a Tintin homage, much to their chagrin.
- 1969 – Amicales coopérations' – 3 pages. Initially released in Pilote #527.
The Lutetia Olympics
To defend Gaul’s prestige, Asterix and Obelix support Lutetia (ancient Paris) in securing the hosting rights for the ancient Olympic Games by serving as event guards.
- (1986 – Lutèce olympique) – 4 pages. Produced to promote Paris’s candidacy for the 1992 Summer Olympics, originally published in promotional content.
Springtime in Gaul
Asterix aids the embodiment of Spring in triumphing over Winter’s hold.
- (1966 – Le printemps gaulois) – 2 pages. Debuted in Pilote #334 and later included in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
The Mascot
Fortunate Romans attempt to appropriate Dogmatix as their talisman, prompting retaliation from Asterix and Obelix.
- (1968 – La mascotte) – 4 pages. Originally published in Pilote "Super Pocket 1". Also featured in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
Latinamania
A comedic critique of French anxieties regarding linguistic purity, depicting Gauls incorporating Latin borrowings into their speech.
- (1973 – Etc, etc ...) – 1 page. Publication details unclear; included in "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires".
The Obelix Family Tree
The creators uncover a contemporary descendant of Obelix who shares striking traits with his forebear.
- (1963 – Obelisc'h) – 5 pages. Presented as strips in Pilote #172–186; compiled within "La Rentree Gauloise".
The Birth of an Idea
Illustrates the authors’ creative brainstorming session, humorously culminating with their commitment to a psychiatric institution due to enthusiasm over story conflicts.
- (1962 – Naissance d'une idée) – 1 page. First appeared in Pilote #157; also part of "La Rentree Gauloise".
Notes
Recent publications, particularly German editions, feature an additional short story:
Obelix: As Simple as ABC
Obelix endeavors to learn reading after receiving a birthday message from Panacea that he wishes to keep confidential. Later included in Asterix and Obelix's Birthday: The Golden Book.
- (2004 – Lire avec Obelix ) – 3 pages. Initially published in the French literary magazine "LiRE" celebrating Asterix’s 45th anniversary.
In other languages
- Croatian: Povratak u klupe (Back to school)
- Dutch: Het pretpakket
- Finnish: Gallialainen kertomataulu (The Gaulish Multiplication Table)
- German: Asterix plaudert aus der Schule
- Greek: Ο Αστερίξ και η επιστροφή των Γαλατών (Asterix and the return of the Gauls)
- Italian: Asterix tra banchi e... banchetti
- Occitan: Asterix a l'escòla gallesa
- Portuguese: Astérix e o regresso dos Gauleses (Portugal) / Astérix e a volta às aulas (Brazil)
- Polish: Galijskie początki
- Serbian: Asteriks i povratak u galsku školu
- Swedish: Åter till Gallien
- Breton: Astérix hag an distro