‘Asterix & Obelix’ stays true to spirit of comic book fave
For several generations now, if someone asked about French comics, the answer would likely be “Asterix.” Over the decades, the incomparable duo of creators René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo has put out volumes of hilarious adventures starring the indomitable Gauls of the last holdout village in Julius Caesar’s bid for total conquest. A worldwide success, it instilled in many youth an appreciation for the underdog, and for integrity, community, and a love of puns.
Adapting the 1964 classic “Asterix and the Big Fight,” Netflix’s original series “Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight” is a loving take-off that’s true to the spirit of the original, perfect in visual fidelity while adding welcome new characters and successful bits of modern humor.
The chief of the village may be Vitalstatistix, but Asterix and Obelix are considered the best of the fighters, defenders of their home against the Roman soldiers that periodically try their luck, much to their dismay and punished bodies. There is the druid, Panoramix (known as Getafix to English-language readers), who knows the secret recipe to their magic potion, which gives the villagers super strength for a limited time. There’s Unhygienix the fishmonger, and Fulliautomatix the blacksmith, and Cacofonix the bard, among many others, who avid readers should recognize with delight.
The plot kicks off when Caesar is reminded once again that the lone village holds out against Imperial Rome. A plan is proposed by a young up-and-comer, Metadata, to use Gallic law against them. It would be legal and have the added advantage of not requiring bloodshed. If a rival chief challenges Vitalstatistix and wins, they become chief of both villages. So they need a chief loyal to Rome, which they find in Cassius Ceramix, who used to bully Asterix and Obelix when they were all younger.
Part of the plan is to incapacitate the druid Panoramix so that he can’t supply the chief with magic potion. While taking a walk to gather ingredients, Panoramix is set upon by a squad of Romans doing reconnaissance. Luckily, Asterix and Obelix are nearby. Unluckily, a menhir thrown by Obelix lands not on the Roman soldiers but on Panoramix, resulting in memory loss, spelling disaster for our indomitable Gauls. The race is on to try and restore Panoramix’ memory before the titular Big Fight!
Preserved
Creator/writer/director/voice of Asterix Alain Chabat is a clear devotee of Goscinny/Uderzo. Nothing has been changed as far as their look and feel. Indeed, they look like they’ve stepped off the page. Much of the story and dialogue from the original book is preserved. Though there is a lovely and sumptuous orchestral score by Mathieu Alvado, there are also modern song choices on the soundtrack, notably DJ Snake & Lil Jon’s “Turn Down For What” during the prize fight and a sweet use of Kim Weston & Marvin Gaye singing “It Takes Two” for a montage, not of romance, but the friendship between Asterix and Obelix (the entire first episode of a fleet five takes place when they were young).
The animation is fluid, smooth, crisp, colorful, and expressive. They take delightful turns like when anybody takes the potion, or the potion’s brewing is complete, or a hallucinogenic turn that Panoramix takes. The ominous hard angles of Rome are contrasted with the soft curves of nature in Armorica, as well as the color palette, so vibrant and alive.
In keeping with the books, there are lots of side jokes and asides, some metafictional, characters flippantly tossing off historical bits and serving up sight gags at the same time. The jokes land and are plentiful, and there are also quieter, emotional moments, like when Asterix must confront his own cruelty to Obelix.
It’s a credit to Chabat and his team that a follow-up can’t come soon enough. There are still so many volumes of Asterix left to adapt, which should keep them busy for some time to come.
