((BURST: 8 million first printing worldwide ))

"With more than 310 million books sold, ASTERIX rules the world—and now a brand-new album featuring the Gaulish hero is on its way "" "Asterix, the comic hero from the Roman era and first international superhero, continues to conquer the world. With hundreds of millions of copies sold in 107 languages and dialects, not to mention 11,000 Web sites devoted to the character, these engagingly witty and record-breaking books have become the highest-selling series ever—"surpassing even Harry Potter" And the phenomenon shows no sign of abating; in fact, it's spreading to other cultural forms, such as video games, CDs, and movies. And now, fans of these hysterical historical tales have something to look forward to: the first new album in four years It's a lively tale that features a falling sky, an incredible space race, and some surprising characters.Whatever adventure Asterix embarks on, it's sure to be a blockbuster. "Wit, humane insights, and physical antics allow readers to join the fun... has cross-generational appeal."—"Booklist"

Rene Goscinny was born in Paris in 1926, and spent most of his childhood in Argentina, before eventually moving to Paris in 1951. He died in 1977. Albert Uderzo was born in 1927 in a small village in Marne, France. He met Rene Goscinny in 1951 and on 29 October 1959 their most famous creation, Asterix, made his first appearance on page 20 of Pilote. Asterix the Gaul, their first album, was published in 1961 and there have now been 33 Asterix albums. Albert Uderzo was born in 1927 in a small village in Marne, France. He met Rene Goscinny in 1951 and on 29 October 1959 their most famous creation, Asterix, made his first appearance on page 20 of Pilote. Asterix the Gaul, their first album, was published in 1961 and there have now been 33 Asterix albums.