Asterix in Spain

Asterix in Spain
Company type	Comic book
Industry	Comics, Graphic novels
Founded	1969
Founder	René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo
Products	Comic book

Asterix in Spain (, 'Asterix en Hispania') represents the fourteenth installment in the Asterix comic series, crafted by René Goscinny (writer) and Albert Uderzo (artist). Initially published serially in 1969 within Pilote magazine, the English translation followed in 1971.

Plot summary

Julius Caesar takes Chief Huevos Y Bacon’s son, Pepe, hostage—Pepe being a key figure among Iberian insurgents resisting Roman domination—and transports him to Gaul. Asterix and Obelix come to Pepe’s aid, providing refuge in their village. Pepe’s troublesome behavior soon tests the patience of the Gauls, prompting Asterix and Obelix to accompany him back to Iberia. Unbeknownst to them, Spurius Brontosaurus, commander of Pepe’s Roman escort, trails their journey.

When Brontosaurus attempts to pilfer Asterix’s magical strength potion but is apprehended, both are detained by Roman soldiers. In the Seville arena, Asterix engages in an early form of bullfighting, ultimately securing his release. Subsequently, Brontosaurus deserts the legion to pursue a career as a bullfighter.

Obelix ensures Pepe’s safe return to his village under siege, dispersing the Roman troops intent on maintaining control. The narrative concludes with a celebratory feast back in Gaul, highlighted by Obelix’s spirited Spanish dance and song.

Commentary

The narrative incorporates historical elements such as political hostage-taking, with Caesar guaranteeing Pepe is treated honorably.
Pepe's rebellious spirit mirrors the famous Spanish Civil War motto "¡No pasarán!".
Comedic depictions touch on Spanish characteristics like pride, temperament, and road conditions.
The story satirizes modern travel through images of Gauls and Goths journeying in chariots shaped like houses, alluding to motorhome vacations.
Figures reminiscent of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza appear, emphasizing cultural references.
Cultural details include castanet playing and traditional Spanish religious parades.
Bullfighting sequences feature an extinct aurochs rather than a contemporary bull.
Literary allusions appear with a twist on Shakespeare’s Richard III through the line "A fish, a fish, my kingdom for a fish!".
This volume introduces recurring characters Unhygienix and Bacteria and depicts the first village brawl triggered by Unhygienix’s fish.
Pepe’s proficiency with a sling nods to the historical expertise of Balearic slingers.

In other languages

Basque:
Catalan:
Croatian:
Czech:
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Finnish:
Galician:
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Icelandic:
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Polish:
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Slovene:
Spanish:
Swedish:
Turkish:

Cancelled film adaptation

Following the success of Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, producer Claude Berri and director Gérard Jugnot planned a film adaptation of Asterix in Spain. However, this project was abandoned in 2003 after Albert Uderzo declined approval of Jugnot's screenplay.

External links