An Illustrated Tribute to Asterix and Obelix cartoonist Albert Uderzo

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Written By Niamh Tait
My name is Niamh, and I’m a freelance writer and a Loughborough University English graduate. I love to travel and my hobbies include writing, reading and drawing.

There is, perhaps, no better way to pay tribute to the great comic book artist, Albert Uderzo, than by exhibiting the works of artists from around the globe, whose illustrations recognise and were inspired by his talent, and recreate his beloved characters, Asterix and Obelix.

Displaying a talent for sketching at a young age, Uderzo pursued a career in the arts, and upon meeting the writer, and new friend, René Goscinny, the two men decided to collaborate professionally in 1952. Uderzo and Goscinny enjoyed success early on with their series ‘Oumpah-pah’, but it was their comic series, ‘Asterix’, where they gained widespread recognition and praise.

Set during the Roman Empire, with Gaulish warriors and the likes of Julius Caesar to contend with, the series centres on the adventures of Asterix and his invincibly strong friend Obelix and combines history with magic, giving young readers a glimpse into a whole new world.

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It is one of the best-loved comic series in French popular culture, not only for the lovable characters (not forgetting their dog, Dogmatix), but also for Uderzo’s iconic illustrations, putting minute detail into every page, and giving each character their own identity. His style, and the universe he created, has resonated with artists across the globe, and below are just a few examples of tributes to his work.

Asterix and Obelix by Francisco Fontenelle, Brazil on Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix by Francisco Fontenelle, Brazil


Asterix and Obelix Barbarian style by Paul Raillar, France - on Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix Barbarian style by Paul Raillard, France


Asterix the Gaul by Gil Amorim on Huntlancer

Asterix the Gaul by Gil Amorim, Brazil


Asterix and Obelix by Clément Dornier, France on Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix by Clément Dornier, France


Asterix the Gaul by Edegar Agostinho, Brazil

Asterix the Gaul by Edegar Agostinho, Brazil


Asterix by Sebastian Meinecke, Canada
Cesar character in Asterix and Obelix by Sebastian Meinecke, Canada - Huntlancer

Asterix and Cesar by Sebastian Meinecke, Canada


Asterix & Obelix by Maxime Schilde, France - Huntlancer

A$terix & ObeliXXX by Maxime Schilde, France


Obelix vs Superman by Stephen Webster, USA - Huntlancer

Obelix vs Superman by Stephen Webster, USA


Gauls from Asterix and Obelix by Oliver Gross, Germany

Gauls by Oliver Gross, Germany


Getafix by Suyog Mahamuni, India - Huntlancer

Getafix by Suyog Mahamuni, India


Asterix and the secret of magic potion by Thomas Lépine, France - Huntlancer

Asterix and the secret of magic potion by Thomas Lépine, France


Gourd of magic potion by Antoine Lataille, France | Asterix and Obelix

Gourd of magic potion by Antoine Lataille, France


Asterix and Obelix by Estúdio Ícone, Brazil - Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix by Estúdio Ícone, Brazil


Albert Uderzo Anniversary by Francois Gomes, France

Albert Uderzo Anniversary by Francois Gomes, France


Asterix and Obelix Concept by Louis-Mary Touzalin, France - Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix Concept by Louis-Mary Touzalin, France


Adieu Albert Uderzo by Roberta Cavaliere, Italy - Huntlancer

Adieu Albert Uderzo by Roberta Cavaliere, Italy


Asterix and Obelix by Enrique Ibanez, UK - Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix by Enrique Ibanez, UK


Tribute to Albert Uderzo by Alexis Taccoen, France - Huntlancer

Tribute to Albert Uderzo by Alexis Taccoen, France


Asterix and Obelix by Marcel Bartholo, Brazil - Huntlancer

Asterix and Obelix by Marcel Bartholo, Brazil


Goodbye Albert Uderzo by Manu, Italy

Goodbye Uderzo by Manu, Italy


Albert Uderzo by Daniel Bastidas, Venezuela - Huntlancer

Albert Uderzo by Daniel Bastidas, Venezuela


Indian version of Obelix by Ishan Trivedi, India
Indian version of Asterix and his friends by Ishan Trivedi, India - Huntlancer

Indian version of Asterix and his friends by Ishan Trivedi, India

Despite the vast range of styles displayed by each artist, they all manage to capture the iconic essence of Asterix and Obelix as Uderzo had originally created them; the enormous strength of Obelix alongside the small but brave and mighty Asterix. The stories and illustrations leave a lasting impression on readers, and no doubt will continue to be read and enjoyed by children in years to come.

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