Asterix and the Picts (Album 35) marks the first Asterix adventure created entirely by the modern duo, Ferri and Conrad, following the retirement of Albert Uderzo. The story transports the inseparable duo across the sea to Caledonia, which is modern-day Scotland, the ancient home of the Picts. The adventure begins with the appearance of a Pict, MacAroon, frozen in a block of ice that washes up on the Gaulish coast. After being thawed and revived by Getafix, MacAroon, unable to speak (a side effect of the cold), is accompanied by Asterix and Obelix back to his homeland to restore his memory and discover why he was exiled. They soon uncover a sinister plot: the treacherous Pict chieftain MacBaddy is planning to usurp the throne of the rightful king, MacTeewho. MacBaddy is allied with the Romans, who seek to exploit the internal conflict among the Picts to establish control over Caledonia. The Gauls encounter the many colorful and iconic features of Scottish culture, including the haggis, bagpipes, whiskey, and the famous kilt, all filtered through the series' signature comedic lens. Obelix, in particular, finds an unexpected connection with the Pictish strongmen. The album is a grand, high-spirited quest to unite the Picts, restore the rightful king, and foil the Roman and MacBaddy's scheme, featuring a memorable introduction to the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately named "Nessie."
