Asterix in Switzerland
| Company type | Comic book volume |
|---|---|
| Industry | Comics, Graphic novels |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix in Switzerland () represents the sixteenth installment in the Asterix comic series, crafted by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. Initially published in serialized form within Pilote magazine from issues 557 to 578 in 1970, the volume was later rendered into English in 1973.
Plot summary
In the town of Condatum, Roman governor Varius Flavus diverts the majority of tax revenues to support his extravagant lifestyle, forwarding only a minimal share to Rome. When Quaestor Vexatius Sinusitus arrives to conduct an inquiry, Flavus resorts to poisoning him and enlists inept medical practitioners.
Sinusitus summons the druid Getafix, who detects the poisoning and agrees to prepare an antidote that requires the "silver star" flower (edelweiss) native to Helvetia (Switzerland). He dispatches Asterix and Obelix on a mission to obtain the flower, while keeping Sinusitus within the Gaulish village both as a safeguard and a captive.
Upon reaching Helvetia, Asterix and Obelix encounter resistance from Roman forces alerted by Flavus’s counterpart, Curius Odus. They gain assistance from local personalities such as hotelier Petitsuix, bank director Zurix, and Helvetian veterans who organize a gathering at Lake Geneva. During this festivity, Obelix is rendered unconscious by plum wine; as the veterans repel a Roman assault, Asterix alongside some Helvetians successfully acquire the "silver star" flower.
Flavus arrives expecting Sinusitus near death but instead finds him restored by Getafix’s potion. Sinusitus confronts Flavus with a vow to reveal the corruption and ensure both Flavus and Odus face judgment in Rome’s Circus. Vitalsatistix declares Sinusitus a guest rather than a prisoner. The narrative closes with the customary banquet, now featuring Sinusitus as the first Roman guest.
Commentary
- In response to the May 1968 protests, Goscinny incorporated more mature themes, including an opening scene parodying Federico Fellini's Fellini Satyricon featuring an "orgy." The juxtaposition of this decadence with the precise Swiss servants highlights Helvetian meticulousness.
- The concept of setting an adventure in Switzerland originated from future French president Georges Pompidou. A handwritten note from Pompidou, then prime minister, encouraging the authors to create a story among the Helvetians was exhibited at the National Library of France in 2013.
- This volume stands out for its comparatively somber tone involving attempted murder, adding dramatic complexity uncommon in the typically lighthearted series. Comparable serious moments appear in Asterix and Son and Asterix and the Magic Carpet.
- The comic features wordplay centered on Swiss stereotypes such as banking secrecy, fondue, Swiss timepieces (notably cuckoo clocks), neutrality, yodeling, punctuality, alphorns, and the workings of the Swiss Federal Assembly.
- It humorously implies that modern mountaineering began when Asterix secures himself and others with ropes; sledding is depicted comically as Asterix accidentally slides down a mountain on Obelix.
- A scene where Asterix shoots an arrow at an apple atop a boy’s head pays homage to Swiss folk legend William Tell.
- Avalanches are lampooned when a Roman soldier cautions, "Stop shouting, you could easily start something off," alluding to Alpine snow slides.
Adaptation modifications
- In the initial English translation, the Michelin figure, Bibendum, makes a brief appearance as the vendor of chariot wheels, replacing the Gaulish-warrior-style mascot used by the French service station company Antar in the original French edition. The 2004 English reissue by Orion Books adopts the French artwork, which renders Obelix's pun about Bibendum's size ("Call me fat! Did you see his spare tire?") less clear.(Various depictions of the wheel dealer)
Translations
- ("Asterix and the Flower of the Alps")
- ("Asterix in the Alps")