Asterix inspired by Scotland

The new author of the 'Asterix' comic book series will speak publicly for the first time about the forthcoming 'Asterix' adventure, 'Asterix chez les Pictes' ('Asterix and the Picts') at an event in Glasgow today (Friday 28 June). This is a historic landmark for 'Asterix' as it is the first book in the series not to be written by the creator, Albert Uderzo, the Italian-born illustrator who invented the warrior Gaul with his scriptwriter friend, Rene Goscinny, in 1959. Jean Yves-Ferri and new illustrator Didier Conrad have taken over creative duties from Uderzo and Goscinny, who retired in 2011. This publication is particularly highly anticipated as they are the first people, other than the original creators, to hold these posts. The lecture, being held at the Grand Salon of the Alliance Française de Glasgow in Glasgow's West End, will be the first time that Ferri has spoken publicly about the launch of the new book, which is set in Scotland and is to be released worldwide on 24 October 2013. The famous 'Asterix' series is the world's number one selling comic book series, estimated to have sold over 350 million copies worldwide and inspiring 12 films. As well as detailing the reasons for setting the new book in Scotland, Ferri will speak about the process of taking over from the world's most successful comic book illustrators.