Asterix and the Picts
| Company type | Graphic novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Comics |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Jean-Yves Ferri (writer), Didier Conrad (illustrator) |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix and the Picts marks the 35th installment in the Asterix franchise and is notable for being the first volume not penned by René Goscinny or Albert Uderzo. This edition was crafted by writer Jean-Yves Ferri with illustrations by Didier Conrad, while the English translation was completed by Anthea Bell. The narrative follows Asterix and Obelix on their second expedition to the British Isles, specifically venturing into Scotland, where they encounter the mysterious Picts.
Plot
During a winter oyster gathering, Asterix and Obelix stumble upon a young man encased in ice along the shoreline. They bring him to the druid Getafix, who identifies the stranger as a Pict originating from Northern Caledonia (present-day Scotland). Although mute, the man clutches a gold ring that hints at his identity. Meanwhile, a Roman census official named Limitednumbus arrives to document village life, an activity permitted by chief Vitalstatistix.
The Pict slowly begins to speak but remains largely incomprehensible. He inscribes a map onto a menhir pointing towards his homeland. Motivated by the village women’s fascination with the newcomer, Asterix and Obelix embark on a journey with him aboard Unhygenix's fishing vessel, carrying healing potion. After fending off the Pirates, the Pict regains his voice and introduces himself as MacAroon. He recounts being ambushed by MacCabaeus, leader of the MacCabee clan, who bound him to a log and cast him into a loch. MacCabaeus plans to wed MacAroon’s betrothed Camomilla—adopted daughter of the late Caledonian king Mac II—to claim rulership. He has allied with Rome and invited a legion to attend his coronation.
Following an encounter with Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster who absconds with their potion, they reach MacAroon’s homeland only to discover Camomilla has been abducted by MacCabaeus. With MacCabaeus’ coronation imminent, Asterix urges MacAroon to confront him; however, MacAroon loses his voice once more. While attempting to retrieve the potion from Nessie, Asterix and Obelix discover a secret passage leading to the Red Picts’ dungeon where Camomilla is held captive. They successfully rescue her and make their escape.
At the assembly of Pict chieftains convened to elect their king, MacCabaeus asserts his claim backed by Roman support. Although MacAroon arrives, he is unable to challenge due to his lost voice. Just in time, Asterix, Obelix, and Camomilla enter through a hidden tunnel; seeing Camomilla restores MacAroon’s speech. Together, the Gauls and Picts unite to defeat MacCabaeus and his Roman allies—with assistance from Nessie—capturing them and casting them into icy waters as MacAroon ascends to kingship.
The Gauls return home triumphant. Meanwhile, Limitednumbus struggles with counting them because of their constant movement until Asterix proposes using their customary banquet as an effective census method.
Notes
- In the English edition, Macaroon references several well-known Scottish songs and poems such as Scots Wha Hae, The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond, and Waly Waly. Additionally, he alludes to non-Scottish works including Jingle Bells, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and Jabberwocky. During Macaroon's coronation, the Picts quote Bonnie Dundee. These references differ notably from the original French text where Macaroon inserts lines from popular music titles such as Jingle Bells, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, and Stayin' Alive.