Dear Mr. Uderzo,
You do not know me, but I am a huge fan of the Asterix comics that you have drawn, and later written, for almost fifty years. Ever since I was a child, I have been delighted by the adventures of Asterix, Obelix, Getafix, Dogmatix, and all of the indomitable Gauls as they use their magic strength potion to bravely hold out against Roman invaders.
I have read recently that you are retiring, and have made a deal with a large publisher to allow the Asterix comics to continue on — now created by new writers and artists. Many fans, including your own daughter, have been outraged at the thought of any but yourself telling new Asterix tales. I’m not sure where I stand on this issue. While I certainly don’t want to see new, inferior Asterix books tainting your legacy, the thought of our favorite Gauls’ stories ending forever brings me great sadness.
Since you have already sold the rights to the Asterix series to new publishers, I suppose there is nothing I can do. But no matter what happens now, I beg of you one thing. From the bottom of my heart, I implore you, please…
DO NOT SELL THE SECRET TO THE GAULS’ MAGIC POTION!!!
The Romans have been trying to get their hand on strength potion for centuries! Just think what publishers would do with the old druid’s secret recipe! Punching writers so hard their teeth would hang in mid-air while their bodies went flying into the sky! Throwing menhirs at rival publishing houses! Fearlessly tearing into armies of corporate executives, leaving only offices full of mangled upper management behind! One shudders to think at the carnage.
It is one thing to sell Asterix himself, but please, please, please… let the secret of the magic potion die with you. The world is not ready.
