‘Asterix and the White Iris’: France’s beloved Gallic hero returns in 40th volume • FRANCE 24

With his small stature, impressive moustache and clever quips, Asterix has been winning hearts both in and outside of France since his creation by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in 1959. This Thursday marks the release of the comic’s 40th edition, “Asterix and the White Iris”. The first written by French comic book author Fabcaro, it satirises wellness culture with new villain Tullius Vicévertus, a sort of new-age health guru who champions positive thinking, vegetarianism and meditation. FRANCE 24’s Alison Sargent tells us more.