Asterix in Corsica
| Company type | Comic book volume |
|---|---|
| Industry | Comics, Graphic novels |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | René Goscinny (writer), Albert Uderzo (illustrator) |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix in Corsica () represents the twentieth installment in the Asterix comic series, with narrative by René Goscinny and illustrations by Albert Uderzo. Initially, it was published in serialized form within Pilote issues 687–708 during 1973. This volume stands as the series’ top seller, largely due to its popularity in France, despite being among the least purchased editions in English-speaking markets.
Plot summary
Differing from most editions, the introductory map depicts Corsica along with Roman encampments scattered along its coastline rather than showing Gaul and nearby Roman outposts.
The narrative begins at a feast commemorating Vercingetorix's triumph at the Battle of Gergovia. As is customary, the Gauls launch attacks on surrounding Roman forts, causing Roman soldiers to conduct "special manoeuvres" aimed at evading confrontation. This celebration features old allies from diverse regions, including Petitsuix from Helvetia, Huevos Y Bacon and his son Pepe from Hispania, Instantmix from Rome, alongside several British and Gallic characters previously introduced.
At the Roman fort of Totorum, three legionaries escort Corsican chieftain Boneywasawarriorwayayix, who has been exiled by Praetor Perfidius. Upon spending the night in the Centurion's tent, Boneywasawarriorwayayix awakens to find that other camps have been abandoned as troops flee from Gaulish assaults.
Boneywasawarriorwayayix joins the feast before setting off for Corsica with Asterix, Obelix, and Dogmatix. Arriving at Massalia, they secure passage on a ship operated by recurring pirate figures. When pirates attempt a nocturnal robbery, they recognize their passengers as Gauls and promptly abandon their vessel.
The following day, Boneywasawarriorwayayix presents his companions with strong-smelling Corsican cheese prior to swimming ashore. A Roman patrol spots their landing but discovers no proof aboard the now-empty ship. The pirates return only to have their boat destroyed by an accidental ignition caused by cheese fumes.
A young Roman soldier named Courtingdisastus apprehends the pirate captain and reports back to Praetor Perfidius in Aleria. Upon hearing that Boneywasawarriorwayayix has returned from exile, Perfidius orders Courtingdisastus to capture him again but secretly plans to escape Corsica with stolen treasures.
Courtingdisastus confronts Carferrix, Boneywasawarriorwayayix’s deputy, and his followers but is intimidated into retreating. Meanwhile, Boneywasawarriorwayayix and the Gauls convene with clan leaders who are plotting an attack on Aleria to reclaim their wealth.
The clans launch their assault just before Perfidius flees. Boneywasawarriorwayayix delivers a defiant address declaring that Corsica will never be governed by an emperor unless he is a native Corsican.
After defeating the Romans, a vendetta between Boneywasawarriorwayayix’s and Olabellamargaritix’s clans is resolved through Asterix’s diplomatic efforts. Nonetheless, subtle indications reveal persistent feuds among other Corsican chieftains.
The Gauls return home carrying enduring memories of their adventure in Corsica.
Commentary
- This album humorously critiques the stereotype of laziness attributed to Corsicans, often linked to their well-known siesta habit.
- It portrays Corsican ideals of honor and respect, alongside their traditional vendetta culture, with knives depicted accurately as authentic vendetta knives.
- In French, Boneywasawarriorwayayix is called Ocatarinetabellachitchix, a nod to songs by Corsican artist Tino Rossi. The secret boarding password also references Rossi’s musical works.
- The story includes allusions to election fraud via ballot box tampering.
- Regional details such as wild pigs (Suidae), chestnuts, elderly men commenting on events, and the distinctive aroma of Corsican cheese—specifically the notorious casgiu merzu—are woven into the narrative.
- The maquis shrubland appears as a setting historically known both for sheltering bandits and nationalists and as a popular tourist trap.
- Extensive references are made to Corsican emperor Napoleon Bonaparte:
- The English name "Boneywasawarriorwayayix" alludes to a sea shanty about Napoleon. Asterix’s mispronunciation humorously reflects Napoleon's British foe, the Duke of Wellington.
- The character’s ability to identify Corsica by its scent mirrors Napoleon’s reputed skill.
- Asterix’s remark about the "grande armée" subtly honors Napoleon's legendary army.
- A pun involving a Corsican clan chief hints at Napoleon’s triumph at Austerlitz.
- When Boneywasawarriorwayayix strikes Napoleon’s signature pose while proclaiming only a native Corsican emperor will be accepted, it underscores local pride.
- The figure of Boneywasawarriorwayayix caricatures Corsican journalist Paul Gianolli.
- Roman Centurion Hippopotamus is modeled after Goscinny and Uderzo's acquaintance Pierre Tchernia.
- The album’s depiction of Corsican traits such as pride, vendettas, and feuding is considered applicable to Cretan culture; accordingly, Greek and Serbian translations adapt dialects to reflect this.
- For the first time within the series, offspring of main characters make appearances—including sons of Fulliautomatix and Unhygenix engaged in a fish-related dispute.
In other languages
- Afrikaans: Asterix in Korsika
- Arabic: أستريكس فى جزيرة كورسيكا
- Catalan: Astèrix a Còrsega
- Corsican: Asterix in Corsica
- Croatian: Asterix na Korzici
- Czech: Asterix na Korsice
- Cretan Greek: Ο Αστερικάκης στην Κορσική
- Danish: Asterix på Korsika
- Dutch: Asterix op Corsica
- German: Asterix auf Korsika
- Greek: Ο Αστερίξ στην Κορσική
- French: Astérix en Corse
- Finnish: Asterix Korsikassa
- Italian: Asterix in Corsica
- Norwegian: Asterix på Korsika
- Polish: Asteriks na Korsyce
- Portuguese: Astérix na Córsega
- Serbian: Астерикс на Корзици/Asteriks na Korzici
- Slovenian: Asterix na Korziki
- Spanish: Astérix en Córcega
- Swedish: Asterix på Korsika
- Turkish: Asteriks Korsika'da