Asterix creator Uderzo ends long dispute with daughter

Albert Uderzo launched the Asterix comic strips in 1959

The co-creator of the famous Asterix cartoons, Albert Uderzo, has ended a seven-year legal battle with his daughter amicably, French media report.

The rift began in 2007 when Sylvie Uderzo and her husband Bernard de Choisy were dismissed by Asterix publisher Editions Albert Rene as managers of the Uderzo estate.

Albert Uderzo created the Asterix books with Rene Goscinny, who died in 1977.

Uderzo, 87, and his daughter say they have agreed to drop their lawsuits.

Sylvie Uderzo is seen here at a restaurant in Paris in June

The latest title, Asterix And The Picts, was released in Paris last October

The characters (from left) Obelix, Idefix and Asterix are household names in France

She had opposed his decision to sell his 60% stake in the Asterix publisher in 2008.

Last year, Uderzo sued his daughter and son-in-law for "psychological violence". He accused Mr de Choisy of being behind various legal moves by his daughter against him.

Sylvie Uderzo in turn brought a lawsuit against persons unnamed for abusing her father's "frailty" but the case was thrown out on Friday.

'Rediscovered happiness'

The illustrator and his daughter announced their reconciliation in a joint statement sent to AFP news agency.

"The Uderzo couple and their daughter are again reconciled and are determined to make a clean slate reciprocally, with regard to the reproaches made by both sides," the statement said.

"They wish henceforth to enjoy in full their newly rediscovered happiness."

Contacted by French daily Le Figaro, the Asterix co-creator said he had nothing to add.

More than 352 million copies of the Asterix albums have been sold worldwide and they have been translated into 111 languages.

The latest album, Asterix and the Picts, was published last October in 15 countries and 23 languages by new author Jean-Yves Ferri and illustrator Didier Conrad.