Asterix and the Magic Carpet (1987)
Asterix and the Magic Carpet Review
Asterix and the Magic Carpet is the 28th volume of the Asterix comic strip series that was written and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It was published in 1987 and it is a highly flawed, but entertaining installment.
An Indian fakir arrives to the Gaulish village on the magic carpet, asking for Cacofonix’ help. Apparently, the bard has the power to bring rain through singing, which is the new development only introduced in this volume for inexplicable reasons other than plot conveniences. Asterix and Obelix then travel to India to bring them rain and fight with the bad guy who wants to be the next rajah.
The overall plot is fine. I actually liked this volume despite its many flaws, which I do recognize. This is the point in the series when Uderzo went fully into the fantastical realm for better and for worse. That led to great world building and wonderful illustrations, but it also diminished the grounded feel and impact that the series exhibited up to this point. The adventurous elements were great here. I loved the magic carpet ride and the reference to their previous Greek adventure was actually quite appealing to me.
But the third act was a mess. There was no need to include a full-on magic duel in an Asterix story. It was way too fantastical for its own sake. The dialogue is also only okay with way too many lines that are not as funny as Uderzo thinks they are. The absence of Goscinny was definitely felt here, but at least in the sheer sense of adventure he mostly managed to emulate his tone and feel.
The villain is way too over-the-top and cartoony. He was obviously evil and not well developed at all. The fakir had his moments, but he was also underdeveloped. However, the main duo had some great moments, especially Obelix as his reactions at a different culture are always priceless. The highlight in this story is easily Cacofonix, who finally got to be the hero that saves the day for a change. The final banquet without these three characters was very memorable and emotionally engaging. I liked all the animals and landscapes in this volume too as Uderzo’s drawings have only become better throughout the years.
