Forget the usual chart-toppers from DC Comics and Marvel or even the top manga powerhouse books—the biggest-selling comic book of 2025 is set to be Astérix en Lusitanie by Fabcaro and Didier Conrad. Or, as it may be known in English, Asterix in Lusitania—or perhaps even Asterix in Portugal.
Lusitania, an ancient Roman province covering much of modern Portugal (south of the Douro River) and parts of western Spain, was home to the Lusitanians, an Indo-European tribe known for their resistance against Roman rule. Given that Asterix and Obelix have ventured far and wide—from Egypt to Britain to the Americas—remarkably, Portugal has remained an uncharted territory for them until now. But come 2025, that’s set to change with Asterix in Lusitania, poised to be the most significant comic book release of the year.
From the grand Roman ruins that whisper tales of a bygone empire to the breathtaking coastal landscapes kissed by the Atlantic, Portugal provides a striking contrast to the frozen, windswept steppes of Asterix and the Griffin (2021). This time, Asterix and Obelix embark on an adventure set in a land of sunshine, rich culture, and warm hospitality—a region brimming with history, legendary monuments, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Fabcaro has hinted that a familiar face from The Mansions of the Gods will make a return—specifically, a former Lusitanian slave who will seek the help of our Gaulish heroes. Initially written by Asterix‘s legendary creators, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, The Mansions of the Gods was first published in 1971, making this upcoming story a nostalgic nod to one of the series’ classic adventures.
The Asterix franchise, while immensely popular across Europe and many parts of the world, has never quite achieved the same level of success in North America. Its strongest foothold in the region is in French-speaking Canada, where the series enjoys a dedicated fan base. However, in the United States and English-speaking Canada, Asterix has remained more of a niche title, often overshadowed by the dominance of American superhero comics and the rising influence of manga.
It’s a shame, as the series masterfully blends historical satire, sharp wit, and timeless humor, making it a true classic of the comic book world.
Despite its limited mainstream presence in the U.S., Asterix has had some surprising moments in pop culture. In 1980, an English-language animated Asterix film, The Twelve Tasks of Asterix, was released in American theaters, and even Walt Disney himself once considered adapting the series—but ultimately decided against it!
With an initial print run exceeding five million copies and instant translations into multiple languages—including distinct British and American English versions—this 41st volume in the legendary Asterix series is expected to dominate global comic book sales upon its release on October 23, 2025. As with previous installments, it will likely not only be the best-selling comic of the year but also the best-selling book in countries like France and Belgium.
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