Asterix and Dogmatix. © Les Editions Albert René
To celebrate the Asterix album’s 50th anniversary of publication in France, Asterix and the Banquet returned to bookshops there earlier this month with two brand new editions – and began a tour of the country with a special exhibition featuring artwork and behind the scenes insights into the book that first introduced Obelix’s much-loved pet dog, Dogmatix.
Asterix and the Banquet (known as Le Tour de Gaule in France), which helped firmly establish the character in France on its original release in 1965, returned with two brand new editions: Asterix and the Banquet – Special Edition, which includes a new 16-page feature; and a Asterix and the Banquet – Deluxe Edition, which includes the original ink drawings by Albert Uderzo based on the script by René Goscinny and a 32-page feature containing all you need to know about the album, with original working drafts by Uderzo and Goscinny.
In Asterix and the Banquet, Gaul, now France, has always been famous for its food and drink – so when, for a bet with the Romans, Asterix and Obelix travel round collecting local delicacies they start on the journey home with all sorts of goodies. First, however, they must outwit the thieves Villanus and Unscrupulus. And who’s that little dog who has been following them all the way?
Les Editions Albert René also celebrated the birthday of Obelix’s pet dog, Dogmatix (known as Idefix there) with the release of a special 48-page souvenir book, Le meilleur d’Astérix et Obélix – Idéfix (The Best of Asterix and Obelix – Idéfix) offered to fans on the purchase of two Asterix albums. It features the best gags of the series, plus some all-new extras.
• The official Asterix web site has samples of the special Dogmatix souvenir book here
• Full details of the Asterix and the Banquet exhibition tour of France are here
• Background information on Asterix and the Banquet here
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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.
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