Asterix and the Griffin
| Industry | Comics, Graphic novels |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2021 |
| Founder | Jean-Yves Ferri (author), Didier Conrad (illustrator) |
| Products | Comic book / Graphic novel |
| Website | www |
Asterix and the Griffin (French title: Astérix et le Griffon) represents the 39th installment in the Asterix franchise and is the fifth volume authored by Jean-Yves Ferri with illustrations by Didier Conrad. Launched globally on 21 October 2021, it was translated into more than 20 languages and featured an initial print exceeding five million copies. This release is notable as the first Asterix volume published following the passing of co-creator Albert Uderzo and marks Ferri’s final contribution before Fabcaro took over writing duties in 2022.
Plot
In Rome, the geographer Cartographus briefs Julius Caesar about the griffin, a mythical creature said to inhabit distant Sarmatian lands. The Romans have apprehended Kalashnikova, a Sarmatian Amazon warrior, who cautions against pursuing the griffin; however, her warnings are disregarded. Determined to enhance his popularity, Caesar dispatches a Roman force to capture the griffin for exhibition in Rome’s circus.
Concurrently, druid Getafix journeys alongside Asterix, Obelix, and Dogmatix to the icy expanse of Sarmatia to consult with shaman Fanciacuppov. They carry a barrel of Getafix’s renowned magic potion that grants extraordinary strength but find it frozen solid and unusable. Fanciacuppov shares his foreknowledge of the Roman incursion aimed at seizing the griffin, a sacred symbol for his matriarchal warrior tribe. The Romans arrive with Kalashnikova held captive as their guide. Fanciacuppov consents to lead them to the griffin in exchange for her freedom.
The expedition reaches a frozen lake concealing a petrified Styracosaurus, differing from classical griffin portrayals. A confrontation erupts; Dogmatix calls forth wolves that compel the Romans to withdraw. After uncovering Kalashnikova’s ingenious escape from captivity, the Gauls make their way back home. Meanwhile, in Rome, Caesar settles for showcasing a giraffe due to the absence of successful news from his mission.
The deluxe French edition offers extra content not found in the standard release. It includes an early scene set in a Gaulish village where Getafix naps during a chess match between Asterix and Obelix, dreaming that Fanciacuppov requires assistance. This vision rouses Getafix, who then calls out the shaman’s name. Initially presented as a teaser in January 2021, this sequence pays tribute to Tintin in Tibet, where Tintin similarly dreams of a friend in distress. Additionally, the deluxe version portrays Getafix levitating.
Production
Sylvie Uderzo, daughter of Albert Uderzo, confirmed that he reviewed early drafts and sketches prior to his passing in March 2020.
Ferri mentioned that a sculpture depicting the Celtic beast tarasque inspired him to investigate whether ancient civilizations believed in mythical creatures. He observed that Roman spectators, accustomed to exotic species like elephants and rhinoceroses, might have been receptive to Greek tales describing fantastical beings such as medusas and centaurs.
Prior to release, Ferri suggested the story would subtly incorporate elements referencing the COVID-19 pandemic, including an indirect nod to a potion resembling vaccination; however, he later minimized these connections by stating "it wasn't that funny."
Critical reception
Olivier Delcroix of Le Figaro expressed disappointment with the book, describing it as lackluster and tedious. He observed that "the enchanting charm and subtle irony characteristic of Goscinny and Uderzo seem to be completely absent."
Myriam Perfetti, writing for the French publication Marianne, pointed out the reduced prominence of Asterix himself, overshadowed by supporting characters. She characterized the work as "fully aligned with the politically correct trends of today," comparing it to "a version of Tintin in Tibet without any yeti and with minimal action sequences."
On the other hand, Dominique Bry from Diakritik commended the album for its clever wordplay and relevant critique of contemporary issues such as misinformation, conspiracy theories including flat Earth, superficial media coverage, and gender topics. Bry concluded that Ferri and Conrad prove that "even in the absence of magic potion and despite challenges, the adventure continues."
The Indian Express pointed out a "confusing" lack of a teaser page, which led to an abrupt beginning and some reader disorientation. The review also highlighted inconsistency in the name of the Sarmatian cheesemaker, initially introduced as Wottastinkov but later referred to as Viraloadov.
Notes
- The Roman geographer Cartographus is a caricature of French author Michel Houellebecq.
- The language spoken by the Sarmatians incorporates a reversed letter e, evoking elements of the Cyrillic script.
- Several puns related to Amazonian women play on references to the Amazon marketplace.
- The Roman guides belong to the Scythians, portrayed with speech patterns resembling those of online travel reviewers.
- The crying owl depicted in the final panel serves as a tribute from Uderzo to original creator René Goscinny, paralleling a weeping rabbit in Asterix in Belgium.
- The Romans' confusion of a frozen Styracosaurus with a griffin alludes to folklorist Adrienne Mayor’s hypothesis connecting griffin legends to fossilized Protoceratops remains.