The latest Asterix cartoon adventure is being published in 19 languages and across 25 countries as it takes the indomitable Gaulish warrior to ancient Portugal.
Asterix in Lusitania is the 41st instalment in the legendary French comic book series, taking him to the far reaches of the Roman Empire, 66 years after his creation by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.
Accompanied as usual by his trusty sidekicks Obelix and Dogmatix, he is on a mission to save a small-time garum producer accused of poisoning Julius Caesar with his fermented fish sauce and facing a trip to the lion's den.
Meanwhile, the Romans lose all desire to fight upon hearing the melancholic "fado" Portuguese music.
Speaking to AFP, Fabcaro explained how Asterix "has a 'comforting' aspect for readers".
"Our parents read it and made us read it. We do the same with our children. There is an ongoing attachment," he said.
He added that the comic has "incredible" educational value."
Conrad, who has illustrated Asterix since 2012, said he is keen to keep going and explained it takes "between 14 and 18 months to illustrate a 48-page comic book".
"It is a continuous joy because it is a constant challenge," he continued.
Asterix in Lusitania, the forty-first album in the Asterix series, is out now.
Source: AFP
