Celebrating Six Decades of the Eco-Warrior Idefix!
Gigantic Six-Foot Man Makes an Impressive Presence
For some "Asterix" devotees, it's Idefix who steals the show - the small, white dog of the Gauls that tags along with Obelix, occasionally helping him out of a jam. This environmental crusader turns 60 and the celebrations are in full swing!
The party's starting, but not before the wild boar feast – and the Romans are definitely out of luck. June 1st marked Idefix's birthday, with the Museum of Communication in Berlin throwing an action day to commemorate the occasion. It included a big look-alike competition to find the most Idefix-like fan. Don't miss out on the exhibition about Asterix artist Albert Uderzo, available until June 15th.
On June 11th, the luxury edition of the Asterix debut album is released in France, coinciding with the eighth comic book of "Idefix and the Indomitable." Expect to find the little dog in the next Asterix adventure, "Asterix in Lusitania," due to arrive in the fall.
The start of his journey, though unspectacular, set the stage for one of the most enduring friendships in the Asterix universe. Idefix made his debut in "Le Tour de Gaule" (also known as "Tour de France") in March 1965, sitting outside a butcher's shop in Lutetia. Asterix and Obelix entered the store, and Idefix quietly followed them. It wasn't until the end of the adventure that Obelix noticed the puppy and gave him a bone, solidifying their bond.
Initially penned to be noticed by Asterix, illustrator Albert Uderzo decided on Obelix instead. Now, Idefix stars in his very own animated and comic series, "Idefix and the Indomitable." The series showcases the dog's courage and unyielding Gallic spirit as he teams up with other rebellious animals. The animated series is exclusively available on RTL+.
The name Idefix is a play on the French "idée fixe," meaning "obsessive thought." It was chosen through a reader contest to name the initially nameless dog. The name fits perfectly with his loyal and unwavering nature. Obelix, on the other hand, is known for his substantial strength and tendency to flatten the Romans using his menhir, while Idefix showcases the sensitive, often poetic, side of the Gauls.
Idefix has become well-known for his love of trees and his distress when they're harmed. This eco-conscious nature finds a poignant expression in the album "The Satellite Town," where Idefix rallies against the Roman Quadratus carving a cross into a tree. When the first tree for the planned satellite town falls, Idefix mourns deeply.
The breed of Idefix remains a mystery to his creators, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Some comic historians such as Nicolas Rouvière suspect a mix of White Schnauzer, Maltese, and West Highland White Terrier. But ultimately, Idefix is a gallant and courageous dog, small in stature but larger than life, who has been etching his mark on comic history for six decades with his howls and heartfelt outbursts.
Sources: ntv.de, Sabine Glaubitz, dpa, Idefix Wiki.
[1] https://idefix.fandom.com/wiki/Idefix[2] https://idefix.fandom.com/wiki/Idefix#Background_and_History
In the commemorative events of Idefix's 60th anniversary, one can find various exhibitions, including an exhibition about Asterix artist Albert Uderzo, housed in the Museum of Communication in Berlin. Alongside books and entertainment, the community policy and employment policy have played significant roles in the realm of Asterix comics, as seen in the creation of Idefix, whose name was chosen through a reader contest.
Idefix, known for his unwavering loyalty and eco-conscious nature, has grown into a multi-faceted character, boasting his own animated and comic series titled "Idefix and the Indomitable." The animated series can be found exclusively on RTL+, providing fans with a new perspective on the rebellious animals in the Asterix universe.
