Druids secrets revealed in new Asterix book

By John Freeman on June 4, 2010

A new Asterix book always attracts plenty of interest across Europe and we’re sure Secrets de druides, released this week in French, will prove no exception.

In the new story, a lightning bolt has struck at the heart of the annual druids’ conference. This usually joyful reunion with its druidical competitions and punning festival, transmitted only by druid word of mouth (“Pass me the celt!”, “This food’s a bit sickle-y!”: you get the picture…), traditionally held in the Forest of Carnutes not far from Cenabum (Orleans), is troubled this year as these eminent wise men find themselves plagued by doubt….

Just think about it: Dubbelosix, the spy-druid working for Caesar, has taken it upon himself to reveal the source of the most wonderful druidical marvels by publishing a mysterious book of magic spells stolen from ancient archives. For the very first time, Secrets de druides will explain everything you wanted to know about the magic potions in Asterix’s Adventures but never dared to ask.

This just-released, hitherto unpublished and limited edition 48-page book (French version only for the time being) will be offered at all participating bookshops for the purchase of two Asterix albums. Inside, you will discover the perfect guide for the erudite druid, with:

• Druid magic: an annotated catalogue of all magic potions from the Asterix universe

• The druids’ network, bringing together the most famous druids and their communities of friends. These pages detail the many names of the most famous druids from the Asterix mythos across Europe and beyond

• The druid’s toolkit: all the utensils you need to prepare the very best potions

• Prepare for D Day by visiting the druidical version of the Virtual Village, Asterix.com. A special banner on the homepage presents Secrets de druides. And, even better, a special mini-site invites you to discover the most illustrious druids, as well as several pages from the new book and original wallpapers in “Panoramix” format.

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.