60 years Idefix: How a Gallic dog conquers the world

He does not wear a helmet with wings, does not throw hinking stones and does not beat Romans. And yet Idefix belongs to the Asterix universe such as the potion and the insatiable appetite of Obelix. The little dog had his first appearance 60 years ago.

The milestone birthday is celebrated, as it should be – and extensively. After all, you know nothing as much as a decent festival in Gallic village. The main thing is that the Romans don’t get anything from the cake.

Small, white – and suddenly unmistakable

In March 1965, the little black and white dog appeared for the first time in an Asterix adventure by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo-silent, nameless, almost overview. Today Idefix has blossomed into an integral part of the Gallic cosmos: as a cult figure, loved by young and old, and as a charismatic leader of his own animation and comic series « Idéfix et les Irréductibles », in which he heads up to the Romans with undeterred courage and Gallic, despite a small crowd.

Idefix officially came into the picture in March 1965 in « Le Tour de Gaule ». This is the fifth volume of the comic series in Asterix canon in French. But what counts an exact date in the Gallic village?

There is a lot of life in several stages: on June 11th with a luxury edition of the Asterix debut album in France, at the same time with the eighth comic book by « Idéfix et les Irréducttibles ». And of course the little dog should not be missing in autumn: then he returns to the big comic stage in the next Asterix adventure « Asterix en Lusitanie ».

According to Gallic, the following applies: it is celebrated when and where you like – the main thing with humor. And if you take it precisely, you could object anyway: his very first appearance was already in the French youth magazine « Pilote » in November 1963. But Idefix only became a star when he clamped himself on Obelix.

From the street dog to the mascot

His first appearance in « Le Tour de Gaule » is more casual than spectacular. He sits in front of a butcher’s shop in Lutetia. Asterix and Obelix enter the business that is waiting for the dog. When the two Gauls broke up again, he follows them quietly and unobtrusively.

At the very end, Obelix notices him and gives him a bone. This laid the foundation for one of the most loyal friendships in the Asterix universe. Originally, Asterix should pay attention to the small dog – but draftsman Uderzo spontaneously chose Obelix. Since then, the four -legged friend has not deviated from his side and suffers when Obelix falls in love.

His name is the program and comes from the French word game « Idée Fixe ». That fits perfectly with its steadfast, loyal beings. While Obelix flattened Römer with his Hinkelstein, Idefix shows the sensitive and sometimes almost poetic side of the Gauls.

Shy? None! On his adventures, he meets all kinds of animal buddies-from massive Viking dogs to lazy island dogs.

Incidentally, he gets upset pretty quickly when you tell him that he is small – he shows his big one! His favorite acquisitions? Enjoy nature, nibble the bones and, above all, mix properly – especially when it comes to the Roman legions.

The eco in the Gallic village

Idefix, probably the most sensitive character in the Gallic cosmos, is an avowed tree friend. Whether Obelix deals with a tribe in anger or carelessly roams a wood – Idefix reacts promptly: with painful yell, as if the world got out of joint.

His green conscience in the volume « Le Domaine des Dieux » is particularly evident. When the Roman square caresses a cross into a tree, Idefix does not know any pardon – and starts the first active protest: a targeted bite into the Roman rear. When the first tree falls for the planned tabant city, he sinks into fainting with a complaining « Jauuul ».

His creators, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, kept themselves covered through the dog breed of Idefix. One thing is certain: originally the small dog with short legs and rounded physique occurred – a design that was charming in the early comics, but was not very practical for the animation in cartoons. So Idefix got longer legs and a slimmer silhouette for the canvas.

His distinctive appearance has remained: small, white, with black tips on the ears and tail, plus a striking nose back and bushy mustache – in the style of the bearded Gauls that surround it. Comic experts like Nicolas Rouvière suspect a mixture of white schnauzer, Malteser and West Highland White Terrier.

But ultimately Idefix is ​​one thing above all: a Gallic dog – small in the format, big in character that has been writing comic history with yells and a lot of heart for 60 years.