Asterix and the Big Fight
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| Asterix and the Big Fight | |
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| French Title: | Les Combat des Chefs |
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| Story: | Rene Goscinny |
| Illustrations: | Albert Uderzo |
| French Edition: | 1966 |
| English Translation: | 1971 |
| Preceded by: | Asterix and Cleopatra |
| Followed by: | Asterix in Britain |
Asterix and the Big Fight is a French comic book, the seventh in the Asterix comic book series. It was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. Originally called ‘’Le Combat des chefs’’ and serialized in Pilote issues 261-302 in 1964.
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[edit] Plot summary
The Romans have once again been humiliated by the Gauls. Felonius Caucus, right hand man of Centurion Nebulus Nimbus, head of the fortified camp of Totorum, suggests a Big Fight. This is a Gallic tradition where two Gallic chiefs fight and the winner becomes leader of both tribes.
To fight Vitalstatistix, chief of Asterix’s tribe, the Romans enlist a Gallo-Roman collaborator, Chief Cassius Ceramix of Linoleum. Vitalstatistix would surely win with Getafix’ magic potion of invincibility, but the Romans plan to capture the druid long beforehand. In an effort to rescue him, Obelix accidentally puts Getafix out of action with a menhir, the impact of which causes amnesia and insanity.
Cassius Ceramix' challenge therefore comes at the worst possible moment, and Asterix and Vitalstatistix desperately attempt to restore Getafix’s mind by consulting Psychoanalytix (original French name is the very appropriate "Amnesix"), a druid who specializes in mental disorders. But during an explanation of the cause of the problem Obelix decides to physically demonstrate with a menhir, leaving Psychoanalytix in the same state. As the two crazed druids concoct a number of skin-coloring magic potions, Asterix tries to bring Vitalstatistix into good phyisical shape for the upcoming fight.
As the fight begins, Getafix accidentally makes a potion which restores his mind, and quickly proceeds to brew a supply of magic potion. Cassius Ceramix looks sure to win, but Getafix' recovery gives Vitalstatistix the courage to win despite not having any potion. After another tussle with the Romans, who do not accept this victory, and Cassius Ceramix himself getting 'menhired', Vitalstatistix returns home victorious to the inevitable feast. Psychoanalytix returns to business despite his current state, but he remains professionally successful (a wry comment on the state of psychiatry).
[edit] Notes
- In the issue of Pilote #260, which preceded the publication of the actual story, Vitalstatistix hosted a press conference to announce that "Asterix and the Big Fight" would be the next adventure and that he would play a leading role in it. This scene was reprinted in Asterix and the Class Act as its Introduction.
- The Gauls collaborating with Romans recall the French who collaborated with the Germans in the Second World War.
- The "big fight" itself is a parody of boxing, in particular Vitalstatistix' strategy of wearing down his opponent and his victory dance parody Muhammad Ali who was world heavyweight champion when the story was written
- Cassius Ceramix’ name is based on that of boxer Cassius Clay (ceramic==baked clay) who was later better known as Muhammad Ali (see previous note). That it uses both the –us ending characteristic of Roman names in the Asterix books and the Gaulish –ix to mark him as a collaborator, and references a highly relevant boxer makes this play on words stand out by surpassing his original French name (Aplusbégalix)
- In this story we see Vitalstatistix’ (as yet unnamed) wife for the first time, fussing over him when he is preparing to meet Cassius Ceramix.
[edit] Film adaptation
An animated film bearing the comic's title was released in 1989. However, only the plot of Getafix having amnesia is retained in the film, which is actually more an adaptation of Asterix and the Soothsayer than it is of this book.
[edit] In other languages
- Italian: Asterix e il duello dei capi
- Catalan: Astèrix i el combat de caps
- Spanish: El combate de los jefes
- Finnish: Päälliköiden ottelu
- German: Der Kampf der Häuptlinge
- Dutch: De strijd van de stamhoofden, formerly De Kampioen
- Polish: Walka wodzów
- Portuguese: O Combate dos Chefes
- Swedish: Tvekampen
- Turkish: Şefler Savaşı
