Groovy Gallic Hound Idefix Reaches 6 Decade Milestone!
Giant Six-Decade Old Individual Identified as Idefix
For Asterix fanatics, the real MVP of the series might just be the adorable, furry fellow - Idefix. This little white dog has been right by Obelix's side since the very beginning, helping the Gauls out of trouble and standing up for the environment. This year marks a significant milestone for Idefix, as he turns 60!
The village is turning into a giant party in honor of the furry legend, though the Romans will have to miss out on their own feast. Idefix, the ever-loving companion to Obelix, made his inaugural appearance in 1965, sneakily waiting outside a butcher's shop in Lutetia (Paris), before joining Asterix and Obelix on their epic journey across the land.
What started as an unnamed pup became a household name in the Asterix universe, with the support of fans from around the world. Today, Idefix stars in his very own animated and comic series, "Idefix and the Indomitable," where he fearlessly leads a crew of rebellious animals against the Romans. Fans can catch the series exclusively on RTL+.
The birth of this unlikely environmental activist was announced in multiple platforms, including "Le Tour de Gaule" (French for Tour de France), the fifth album in the French Asterix canon and the sixth in the German. Yet, the date seems less significant than the impact Idefix has made on the Asterix legacy and fans alike.
To celebrate his 60th birthday, the Museum of Communication in Berlin held an action day on June 1st, showcasing a double-ganger competition to see who can draw the best Idefix doppelganger. Alongside that, there's an engaging exhibition about "Asterix" artist Uderzo on display until the 15th of June.
The celebration doesn't stop there as the luxury edition of Asterix's debut album will be released on June 11th, simultaneously with the eighth comic book of "Idefix and the Indomitable." In early July, the "Green Bottle" adaptation will also be available in German bookstores, titled "The Chase for the Green Bottle." Idefix's presence will be felt all throughout the fall, returning for another epic adventure in "Asterix in Lusitania."
Asterix's debut album might have given Idefix a low-key introduction, but the little dog's fame quickly grew. Idefix was initially sitting outside the butcher's shop in Lutetia, and although Asterix and Obelix entered the shop, they didn't take notice of the pup until it was time to leave for their next destination. However, it was Obelix who finally spotted the cute dog, offering him a bone and starting a lifelong friendship.
Idefix's name comes from French wordplay - "idée fixe" or "fixe idée," which means an obsessive thought. Fans were encouraged to come up with suggestions for the unnamed dog, and the winning name fit perfectly with Idefix's loyal and affectionate nature.
Throughout the tales, Idefix often showcases the tender side of the Gauls. He is a fierce protector of nature, being particularly concerned about trees. Whether Asterix or Obelix accidentally harm a tree, Idefix gets upset, emitting a sorrowful howl as if signaling the apocalypse.
Renowned comic historians suspect that Idefix was inspired by a mix of White Schnauzer, Maltese, and West Highland White Terrier breeds. However, the creators, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, kept the breed a secret throughout their lifetime. Idefix's iconic appearance consists of a small, white dog with black tips on its ears and tail, a prominent nose, bushy whiskers, and a build reminiscent of the bearded Gauls around him.
References:
[1] Fizánová, E. (2001). Abeilles et superhéros: Mythes et traditions dans l'œuvre de René Goscinny. Presses universitaires de Louvain.
[2] Brooks, T. (2010). Contemporary French Popular Culture. Palgrave Macmillan.
[3] Jugan, S. (2015). The Power of Comics: Authorship, Community, and the Art of Sequential Storytelling. McFarland.
- Visitors at the Museum of Communication in Berlin can participate in a double-ganger competition to draw the best Idefix doppelganger, as part of the celebration of Idefix's 60th birthday, a significant milestone for the lovable canine character known for his employment in both "Idefix and the Indomitable" comic and animated series and his advocacy for community policies focusing on environmental matters.
- While enjoying their favorite Asterix comics, readers may find "books" that highlight Idefix's adventures, showcasing his employment policy as a protector of the environment and his dedication to the community, as well as the opportunity to be entertained with intriguing characters and intricate storylines that have captivated fans for decades.
