René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix in Belgium — First UK Edition, 1980 — Goscinny’s Final Asterix Adventure

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix in Belgium.
London: Hodder Dargaud, 1980. First UK edition, first impression in hardcover. Quarto. 48 pages. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original publisher’s pictorial laminated boards. English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge.

Description

The twenty-fourth adventure in the internationally celebrated Asterix series, this volume occupies a particularly important position in its publishing history as the final Asterix story written by René Goscinny before his untimely death in November 1977.

Originally published in French as Astérix chez les Belges in 1979, the album was completed and illustrated by Albert Uderzo following the death of his long-standing collaborator. It consequently marks the end of the remarkable creative partnership responsible for establishing Asterix as one of the most successful characters in the history of European comics.

The Story: Asterix in Belgium

The adventure begins when Julius Caesar makes the unfortunate declaration that the Belgians are the bravest of all the peoples of Gaul.

This is not well received by Vitalstatistix, chief of the indomitable Gaulish village in Armorica, who considers the statement a direct insult to the courage and fighting abilities of his own people. Determined to defend the honour of his village, Vitalstatistix sets off for Belgium to prove Caesar wrong. Asterix and Obelix accompany him, and the three soon encounter a group of Belgian warriors whose enthusiasm for fighting Roman soldiers rivals that of their Armorican visitors. A competition develops between the Gauls and the Belgians to establish which group can inflict the greatest humiliation upon the occupying Roman forces. As the contest escalates, Roman camps are attacked, military commanders become increasingly exasperated, and Caesar himself is eventually drawn into the dispute. The story provides Goscinny with numerous opportunities to parody national characteristics, military organisation, ancient history and the peculiarities of relations between neighbouring peoples. Belgian customs, food, language and historical traditions all become subjects for affectionate satire, while Uderzo’s lively artwork incorporates numerous visual jokes and elaborate historical and cultural references.

The adventure culminates in a memorable battle sequence that draws heavily upon both European art and literature, making it one of the more sophisticated examples of the series’ characteristic combination of historical parody and visual comedy.

Albert Uderzo’s Tribute to René Goscinny

One of the most poignant features of Asterix in Belgium is the manner in which Albert Uderzo acknowledged the death of his friend and collaborator within the illustrations themselves.

During the production of the album, Goscinny died before Uderzo had finished drawing the story. Uderzo subsequently incorporated an unusual visual change into the artwork. The skies become darker and rain begins to fall at the point associated with Goscinny’s death, introducing a noticeably sombre atmosphere into the otherwise brightly coloured and humorous adventure. This change has long been recognised as Uderzo’s personal tribute to his friend. Additionally, in the final celebratory banquet scene, a small rabbit appears to be looking sadly back towards Goscinny’s signature, a touching personal tribute associated with an affectionate nickname used by Goscinny and his wife.

Pieter Bruegel, Waterloo and the Artistic References

An especially interesting feature of Asterix in Belgium is its extensive use of references to European art and literature. The concluding banquet scene is strongly influenced by the paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c.1525–1569), particularly his celebrated depictions of peasant festivities and communal meals. Uderzo recreates the crowded compositions, expressive figures and lively atmosphere associated with Bruegel’s paintings, transforming the final celebration into a comic interpretation of Flemish Renaissance art.

The album also incorporates allusions to the Battle of Waterloo, fought in present-day Belgium in June 1815, and the subsequent literary treatment of the battle.

Although the story is set in ancient Gaul, the creators deliberately incorporate references to events and personalities from later European history, providing another example of the sophisticated historical humour characteristic of the series. The battle sequences draw upon literary descriptions of warfare, while the English translation incorporates references to the works of Lord Byron and other major writers.

Elsewhere, on page 31, Hergé’s famous detectives Thomson and Thompson from The Adventures of Tintin make a brief appearance, an affectionate homage to Belgium’s rich comic-strip tradition. These subtle details add considerable historical and emotional significance to the final Asterix adventure created by Goscinny and Uderzo together.

Such details demonstrate the unusual richness of Goscinny’s writing and Uderzo’s illustrations, which combine readily accessible comedy with references intended to amuse more knowledgeable readers.

Condition

Very good indeed. First UK edition, first impression, 1980. Quarto. Original publisher’s colour pictorial laminated boards, illustrated throughout in colour by Albert Uderzo.

The original binding remains nice and tight, with only very slight creasing. The boards are bright and attractive, retaining their original colour illustrations. There is the usual fading to the spine, together with very minor signs of handling and wear. Internally, the pages and illustrations are generally very nice and clean, with occasional slight foxing. The original full-colour artwork remains fresh and bright. A very good indeed, tight and clean copy of the first British hardcover edition of this important and highly collectible Asterix adventure.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix in Belgium
Original French Title: Astérix chez les Belges
Translators: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
Publisher: Hodder Dargaud
Place of Publication: London, Sydney and Auckland
Date: 1980
Original French Publication: Dargaud, 1979
Edition: First UK Edition, First Impression, Hardcover
Series: An Asterix Adventure, Volume 24
Format: Quarto
Pagination: 48 pages
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
Printed Price: £2.25 net (UK)
ISBN: 0 340 25735 0
Condition: Very Good Indeed
Catalogue Number: 004223
Location: Book Room

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