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New Asterix Album Gives Roman Centurion the Name 'Pistorius' in German Edition

The translator chose the surname as a playful localization that fits Asterix’s tradition of caricature and wordplay.

Overview

  • In Germany’s version of Asterix in Lusitanien, a Roman officer is named Pistorius as a localized “speaking name.”
  • Translator Klaus Jöken says the choice follows the series’ naming conventions, including German Roman names ending in “-us.”
  • The French original calls the character Nouvelopus, while publisher information says the visual model was Ricky Gervais.
  • Jöken stresses the reference is not a political statement and notes that cameos of public figures are intended as an honor in Asterix.
  • The new album, written by Fabcaro and drawn by Didier Conrad, has been on sale for about a week.