Asterix and the Magic Carpet

A fakir from India (Watziznehm) arrives at the village, in search of the "Gaulish madmen who can make it rain," in order to prevent the sacrifice of the Princess Orinjade to appease the gods. 'Asterix and the Magic Carpet' story represents very much an Arabian Nights pastiche which rids it of any satirical bite. Though the story lacks the usual Chauvinist dynamic of Asterix adventures (i.e. no fight with the Romans), still it's a well-paced story, it's amusing in places and it's - needless to say - fabulously drawn.

Asterix and the Magic Carpet is the 28th volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny (stories) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations). It was first published in 1987. It is the fourth book to be published after the death of René Goscinny and is thus both written and drawn by Albert Uderzo alone. The story line flowed with the last story (Asterix and Son). But the story never explained why Cacofonix's voice brought rain every time he singed.

Asterix Book# 28 (1987)

Trivia:
1. This is the first reference to India in an Asterix book. Although some things are depicted in historical fashion, many of the architectural details and styles of clothing are distinctly Islamic, as is the concept of a fakir. 

2. This is the first time that readers see Cacofonix in battle, and the only time of his drinking the magic potion.

3. The gag that Cacofonix' singing induces rain, was used for the first time in this book. The gag appears later in Asterix and the Secret Weapon.

4. When Cacofonix sings in Vitalstatistix' hut, it begins to rain indoors (causing an angry Impedimenta to chase them outside). However, when he first sings in his own hut, it rains all over the village. 

5. When Cacofonix sings in his own hut, causing Watziznehm to fall from his carpet, the song is "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"by B.J. Thomas. Upon recovering his voice, Cacofonix sings "Singin' in the Rain" by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown.

6. On page 29 Asterix, Obelix and Cacofonix eat caviar, just a meal for "poor people", according to the cooks. This is of course a reference to the fact that nowadays only rich people eat it.

[[ All information was taken from Internet...]]

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The adventures of Asterix and Obelix were full of witty and endearing characters who win against insurmountable odds by the use of their wits and the occasional glug of a magic potion. The flying carpet is just as fanciful as the magic potion, but the excursion to the mysterious Orient gives Cacofonix the chance to be a star again. It's refreshing, especially with all the downpours the bard brings on… 
Read that lovely, hilarious story once again...

Asterix and the Magic Carpet

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