Asterix book with art dedication by Albert Uderzo leads the bidding in latest Catawiki Original Comics Art Auction

By John Freeman on November 6, 2023

There’s some great artworks and other items at auction this week on Catawiki in the Original Comics Art Auction curated by Louis Girard, with a dedicated copy of a French edition of Astérix chez les Bretons (Asterix in Britain) by co-creator Albert Uderzo commanding fierce bidding.

*A dedicated copy of a French edition of Astérix chez les Bretons (Asterix in Britain) with a pencil drawing inside by co-creator Albert Uderzo*

No doubt interest has been amplified by the recent release of Asterix and the White Iris, the latest Asterix book, the work of writer Fabcaro and artist Didier Conrad. Plus, Asterix is celebrating his sixtieth anniversary since his debut in the French comic anthology, Pilote.

On offer is a copy of the Deluxe Edition of the Astérix chez les Bretons album, published in 2010 by Hachette, which includes a very careful pencil drawing by Uderzo.

Also in the auction:

A Modesty Blaise strip (No. 5151) from the 1981 story, “Garvin’s Travels“, with art by Neville Colvin in 1981, for the daily newspaper strip published in the Evening Standard. No Modesty in this one – on two counts!

Modesty Blaise No. 5151 -"Garvin's Travels" (1981) - art by Neville Colvin

A terrific page from the World War One strip, “Eagles Over the Western Front” drawn by Bill Lacey, published by Look & Learn. The details and craftsmanship jump off the page.

Bear Alley Books published a complete collection of this strip in 2020, available here

An original painting by Antonio Parras, created for the French publication, Vaillant (later retitled Journal de Pif), published in 1963 in No. 933.

A Blueberry original artwork drawn by Colin Wilson, in inks

The full auction catalogue is here – bidding ends on Thursday 9th November 2023. Do note customs fees will apply to items being sold by European sellers

Asterix and the White Iris is available now from all good bookshops (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)

In the new tale – the 40th Asterix album – a strange new philosophy is gaining popularity amongst the Roman soldiers, spearheaded by the charismatic Isivertuus. When its enchanting influence reaches the Gauls, everything they once held dear is turned upside down.

As news of the dire situation reaches Asterix and Obelix, they embark on a thrilling quest to confront Isivertuus and restore the indomitable spirit of the Gauls. Armed with their trademark humour, bravery, and trusty magic potion, can our heroic duo save the Chief’s wife and break the spell of the White Iris?

• Buy the new book here | Official web site here

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.