The iconic and internationally popular French/Belgian comic book Asterix is seeing a resurgence in popularity which is likely to grow, as the brand launches new licensing deals and a live action film.
Asterix launched as a French and Belgian French comic book in 1959, depicting the adventures of the Gauls in their resistance to the Romans in the era of Julius Caesar. Featuring Asterix and his oversized friend Obelix, the two face off against the mighty Roman Empire with the help of a potion that temporarily gives them super human strength.
The comedic graphic novels have maintained strong sales ever since, but brand owner Éditions Albert Rene says the characters have become even more popular in 2020 and heading into 2021. The graphic novel The Chieftain’s Daughter sold more than 5 million copies, setting a new record for an Asterix comic since the series takeover in 2013, and the backlist of novels has seen a five per cent growth in sales in 2020 over 2019, and 35 per cent higher sales than in 2018.
Polling showed Asterix was the most popular character for boys in France aged seven to 14, ahead of Harry Potter, and it is now one of the top 10 licenses in the country.
That increased popularity has also led to new licensing agreements for the franchise.
Éditions Albert René are now coining 2021 as the year for Asterix as it gears up for the launch of a new comic book album this October, and the debut of a new TV series based on the character on France Televisions this September. It will also air on Super RTL in Germany at the end of the year. In the meantime, work has already begun on a live action Asterix movie, in which Asterix and Obelix travel to China, directed by Guillaume Canet.
The company is also working on a planned launch of an augmented reality mobile game this spring. Developed by Hootside, the game will see players take on the role of a young Gaul from the village, and help Obelix find his friends. It’s been billed as an immersive new game that will play a key role in recruiting new fans to the IP.