Asterix in Belgium

Asterix in Belgium
(Astérix chez les Belges)
Date 1980
Series Asterix
Creative team
Writers René Goscinny
Artists Albert Uderzo
Original publication
Date of publication 1979
Language French
Chronology
Preceded by Obelix and Co.
Followed by Asterix and the Great Divide

Asterix in Belgium (French: Astérix chez les Belges, lit. Asterix among the Belgians) is the twenty-fourth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations).

It is noted as the last Asterix story from Goscinny, who died during its production.

Plot summary

After fighting the Belgians, Caesar declares them the bravest enemies he has ever faced (historically claimed by Caesar). His soldiers agree with him, and therefore consider being posted to the camps outside Asterix' village as a period of leave. Chief Vitalstatistix is aghast at the idea thereof; claims that his own villagers are the bravest men of Gaul; and travels to Belgium to prove his point. A reluctant Asterix and Obelix go with him, at the advice of Getafix. After crossing the border, they encounter a village of Belgians led by two chiefs, Beefix and Brawnix. To prove that his own Gauls are the bravest, Vitalstatistix proposes a competition of raiding and destroying Roman camps on either side of the Belgian village, and thereupon identifying themselves to vanquished commanders. By the end of the contest, they have destroyed an equal number of camps, and word is sent to Rome, wherein the facts are exaggerated to include "vast hordes of Gauls, accompanied by savage packs of hounds [Dogmatix]", aided by a naval fleet (the recurring pirates). Caesar goes to Belgium himself to restore order, and is informed by Asterix and Obelix of the competition and its exigence. When requested to arbitrate between the two factions, Caesar instead issues a declaration of battle. Upon hearing this, Beefix insists that his visitors remain aloof. Through the use of catapults the Romans gain an advantage; but are defeated when Asterix, Obelix, and Vitalstatistix intervene. When Beefix and Vitalstatistix ask Caesar which side is the bravest, Caesar declares them "all equally crazy" and leaves. Vitalstatistix and Beefix are thereupon reconciled, and the two factions hold a victory feast. In the epilogue, Asterix, Obelix, and Vitalstatistix return to their own village, to a second celebration.

Notes

Thomson and Thompson appear in Asterix in Belgium

In other languages

References

    External links

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