Asterix the Gladiator
| Industry | Comics |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix the Gladiator (French: Astérix Gladiateur) is a French comic tale created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, marking the fourth installment in the Asterix collection. Initially published in serialized form within Pilote magazine in 1962, it was later compiled into a comic album released in 1964.
The plot centers on Asterix and Obelix as they journey to Rome with the mission of rescuing their village’s bard, Cacofonix, leading to their covert participation in the gladiatorial contests to secure his freedom.
This installment garnered favorable reviews and was partially incorporated into the 1985 animated feature Asterix Versus Caesar, which also adapted elements from Asterix the Legionary.
Plot summary
Prefect Odius Asparagus commands Centurion Gracchus Armisurplus at Camp Compendium in Armorica to capture a Gaulish individual as a gift for Julius Caesar. They seize Cacofonix, the village bard. Upon learning of this, Asterix and Obelix launch an assault on the camp but discover that Asparagus has already taken Cacofonix aboard his galley bound for Rome. The duo then boards a vessel owned by Ekonomikrisis, a Phoenician trader who initially intends to sell them into slavery but reconsiders after they assist in repelling pirates.
Once in Rome, they encounter Instantmix, a Gaulish cook who reveals that Cacofonix is imprisoned at the Circus Maximus and scheduled to be devoured by lions during the games—a sentence issued by Caesar after evaluating Cacofonix’s combat potential through gladiator instructor Caius Fatuous.
When attempting to free him, Asterix and Obelix find that Cacofonix has been relocated to a more secure cell due to his disruptive singing. To rescue him, they infiltrate Fatuous’s gladiator school despite being hunted for a bounty. Their unconventional training methods annoy Fatuous but amuse the other gladiators.
On the day of the games, Asterix and Obelix easily triumph in a chariot race, while Cacofonix’s singing scares off the lions. When commanded to fight, the gladiators instead engage in their guessing game, provoking Caesar’s ire. Responding to Asterix’s challenge, Caesar’s guards enter but are defeated by the Gauls, who subsequently win over the audience. Impressed by their valor, Caesar pardons them and entrusts Fatuous to their custody.
The Gauls return home aboard Ekonomikrisis’ galley, sending Fatuous back to Rome. The village celebrates with a feast honoring Asterix and Obelix’s victory, while Cacofonix is restrained to prevent further singing disturbances.
Characters
- Asterix – The principal Gaulish warrior and hero.
- Obelix – Menhir deliveryman and warrior; Asterix's loyal companion.
- Getafix – The village druid responsible for brewing the magic potion that grants extraordinary strength.
- Vitalstatistix – Leader of the Gaulish community.
- Cacofonix – The village bard.
- Geriatrix – Elderly villager who gains greater prominence in subsequent stories.
- Julius Caesar – Roman Empire’s ruler modeled on the historical figure.
- Caius Fatuous – Gladiator trainer based in Rome.
- Odius Asparagus – Roman prefect overseeing Gaul.
- Gracchus Armisurplus – Commander of Camp Compendium.
- Ekonomikrisis – Phoenician merchant who becomes an ally during their voyage to Rome.
- The Pirates – Crew led by Captain Redbeard; caricatures from the French comic Barbe-Rouge, frequently bested by the Gauls.
Adaptations
In 1985, Dargaud created an animated movie titled Asterix Versus Caesar, which integrated storylines from both Asterix the Gladiator and Asterix the Legionary.
An English-language audiobook version was made available in 1988, adapted by Anthea Bell and voiced by Willie Rushton, released through EMI Records under their Listen for Pleasure imprint.