Asterix the Gaul

ASTERIX THE Gaul is one of the most popular comic book creations in the whole world, with countless book collections published over the years in over a hundred languages.

Created and written by Rene Goscinny until he passed away in 1977, and drawn by Albert Uderzo who took over writing the series, Asterix is a historic comedy adventure set in Ancient Gaul where one village remains unoccupied by the Romans, thanks in part to a magical potion brewed by their druid, and its most popular hero, the diminuitive but super-strong Asterix... and his overweight, clumsy friend, Obelix!

Asterix debuted within the pages the French comics magazine Pilote #1 on 29th October 1959 and soon proved a success. Not only are there other 30 album collections of his adventures around the ancient world available there have been animated and live action film adaptations, and a theme park dedicated to the incorrigable hero in France well before Eurodisney was even thought of.

Here follows a few short reviews on some of the books that have been published. For further information on the internet visit: gb.asterix.com

Asterix and the Normans
by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
(Orion)

A very funny book wherein the Normans (as Vikings) come to learn what fear is at the hands of the Gauls! The jokes come thick and fast, the misunderstandings and not so subtle subplots collide joyously and there's some excellent cartooning on show.

Asterix the Legionary Book 10
by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
(Orion)

Sweet Panacea has grown up and returned to the village but is missing her sweetheart, Tragicomix, who's gone to join Caeser's legions. Obelix is besotted with her but Asterix promises to bring Tragicomix back, so they join the Roman legion themselves for some very typical Carry On moments. Not as good as book 9 but still up there.

Asterix: The Mansion of the Gods Book 11
By Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
(Orion)

Roman real estate in Gaul, or more particularly the forest next to that of our heroes' village is the name of the game here. A well-written satire on commercialisation that holds as true today at it did when originally published in 1971!

Asterix and the Golden Sickle Book 15
by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
(Hodder Dargaud)

The druid Getafix breaks his golden sickle and needs a replacement promptly so that he can attend the Annual Conference of Gaulish Druids. Asterix and Obelix oblige, promising to get him a new one from Metallurgix in Lutetia - cue lots of getting thrown into gaol for fighting while asking questions about Metallurgix's whereabouts.

There are some good jokes but there's not much of a plot and some by now routine situations are present. Suffice to say it all ends well with Metallurgix found and the Roman Prefect of Lutetia routed out as being behind the illegal sickle trafficking business that's been going on.

Asterix and Caesar's Gift
By Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
(Dargaud)

A sprightly series of misadventures wherein Caesar offers a retiring soldier the only Gaulish village not under Roman rule. Guess whose The soldier sells the village for a drink, and the innkeeper and his family who turn up to take it bring politics, soap opera melodrama and some welcome fun into the lives of Asterix and Obelix.

Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield
By Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
(Dargaud)

Caesar's plans to celebrate the anniversary of his conquering Gaul by parading Vercingetorix's shield, only it have been mislaid. Meanwhile, an ulcer-imminent Vitalstatistix needs treatment at a health farm, Asterix and Obelix tagging along. Somewhere in between two wrongs make a right. It's one long drawn out punchline waiting to happen but the journey's not displeasing, although not adventurous either.