tech
March 18, 2026
Corporate Thriller
During more than six decades of existence, Asterix comics have become a globally recognizable institution, so it's not surprising that Asterix in Lusitania had a huge initial print run of about five million copies worldwide, while its sales in France rank it among the most successful releases in 2025.
TL;DR
- The new Asterix album, "Asterix in Lusitania," is the first adventure set in Portugal.
- Fabrice Caro takes over as scriptwriter, bringing a distinct, more modern humor and a plot structured like a corporate thriller.
- The story involves helping a local merchant escape imprisonment due to a conspiracy.
- The humor includes anachronisms, wordplay, and guest appearances, with authors skillfully incorporating Portuguese motifs.
- Didier Conrad's artwork is lively and aesthetically pleasing, though it shows subtle changes in character proportions and style.
- Despite some pacing issues and a less sharp script than classic Asterix, the album shows signs of creative resurgence for the long-running series.
- The episode has received high ratings from readers, indicating a positive reception for the new direction.