Erasing Baba
The striking disappearance of Black colonial caricatures from the French comic series Astérix
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22003255 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Marion Duval (0000-0003-0346-5236, College of Wooster, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-20 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-17 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Graphic Novels & Comics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2150-4857 • E-ISSN: 2150-4865 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/21504857.2025.2578443 |
| OpenAlex | W4416300526 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 14 |
Baba, the only recurring Black character in the French bande-dessinée Astérix, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, is disappearing. Introduced in Astérix Gladiateur [Asterix the Gladiator], Baba has long embodied racial stereotypes shaped by French colonial propaganda. His quiet removal from Astérix et le Griffon [Asterix and the Griffin] reflects a growing discomfort with such imagery, yet it also raises pressing questions about how the series confronts – or avoids – its colonial legacy. Does erasing a problematic character address the issue, or does it sidestep the challenge of representing Black figures in Astérix and French comics more broadly? This article argues that erasure is not the solution. Instead, it calls for a critical reimagining of Black characters in Astérix, moving beyond caricature to embrace more nuanced and meaningful portrayals. To develop this argument, the article first situates Astérix within its historical and cultural context before closely analysing Baba’s character and his reinforcement of colonial stereotypes. It then examines the evolution of his role across the series, highlighting his gradual disappearance, and concludes by highlighting how humour functions as the main vehicle for stereotyping in Astérix, demanding critical decolonial reflection
Colonialism · Comics · Caribbean and African Literature and Culture · North African History and Literature · Postcolonial and Cultural Literary Studies
| Highly cited | No |
|---|