The 33 Asterix Books
I have loved the Asterix books since I was a child and continue to enjoy reading them into adulthood. As a youngster, the combination of colourful illustrations and Roman bashing adventures were enough for me, but as an adult the books reveal a lot more.
As an older reader I love the satire of issues such as capitalism, property development and feminism, also many of the characters' names take on a whole new meaning now my vocabulary is much wider.
Below are short descriptions of the 33 Asterix adventures and a comment or two about some of the best moments.
Asterix Characters
One of the highlights of all Asterix books is the funny characters with ridiculous names. For those who want to learn more about the Asterix characters, take a look at my other Asterix lens.-
Asterix the Gaul - The Characters
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A little Gaulish village on the Armorican coast still holds out against the Roman forces in 50 BC by the fortune of having a village druid who has discovered a potion to give the Gauls superhuman strength - this is the premise for over 30 graphic nov...
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1. Asterix the Gaul
The first in the series, Asterix the Gaul is also one of the most amusing. Although the illustrations are still in their infancy the silliness of the story and the quality of the puns, who could forget centurion "Crismus Bonus"?, makes this one of my favourites.
Asterix the Gaul is basically an introduction to the characters of Asterix and Getafix the druid and how the Gauls cause constant torment, in a novel fashion, to the Romans.
Asterix the Gaul is basically an introduction to the characters of Asterix and Getafix the druid and how the Gauls cause constant torment, in a novel fashion, to the Romans.
Asterix the Gaul
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009) 
2. Asterix and the Golden Sickle
This is not one of my favourite Asterix stories but has an amusing villain in the permanently bored Prefect Surplus Dairiprodus.
Here Asterix and Obelix go in search of a new sickle for the druid but find that Metallurgix, the best sickle manufacturer and Obelix's cousin has been kidnapped by a sickle trafficking gang.
For me the story is not the most interesting but there are some excellent scenes in Lutetia with pollution and traffic jams.
Here Asterix and Obelix go in search of a new sickle for the druid but find that Metallurgix, the best sickle manufacturer and Obelix's cousin has been kidnapped by a sickle trafficking gang.
For me the story is not the most interesting but there are some excellent scenes in Lutetia with pollution and traffic jams.
Asterix and the Golden Sickle (Bk. 2)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
3. Asterix and the Goths
The confusion created when Asterix and Obelix cross the border into the land of the Goths to rescue the kidnapped druid is highly amusing, with the Goths assuming that they have been invaded by Romans and the Romans thinking that they have been invaded by Goths. A funny story of political intrigue ensues with the Gauls setting up various Gothic leaders and pitting them against each other, thus starting the Germanic infighting that lasted until Bismark.
There are a lot of mistakes in this story and the colouring is quite bad, but some of the names are excellent with an English druid called Valuaddedtax, a Gothic interpreter called Rhetoric and a Roman General called Cantakerous.
This is a good story with some funny moments and clever ideas.
There are a lot of mistakes in this story and the colouring is quite bad, but some of the names are excellent with an English druid called Valuaddedtax, a Gothic interpreter called Rhetoric and a Roman General called Cantakerous.
This is a good story with some funny moments and clever ideas.
Asterix and the Goths
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
4. Asterix the Gladiator
In Asterix the Gladiator the village bard, Cacofonix, is kidnapped and given as a gift to Julius Caesar who decides to throw the bard to the lions. In their efforts to rescue Cacofonix, Asterix and Obelix hitch a ride with the Phoenician merchant, Ekonomikrisis, in order to get to Rome.
Signing up as gladiators the Gauls torment their trainer, Caius Fatuous, by having no need to train due to the strength the magic potion gives them. The book ends with an hilarious games at the coleseum where the gladiators play parlour games, Asterix and Obelix take on Rome's best legions and the coleseum is cleared by Cacofonix's dreadful singing.
One of the best Asterix books in terms of illustrations, the story and a string of amusing jokes throughout the book.
Signing up as gladiators the Gauls torment their trainer, Caius Fatuous, by having no need to train due to the strength the magic potion gives them. The book ends with an hilarious games at the coleseum where the gladiators play parlour games, Asterix and Obelix take on Rome's best legions and the coleseum is cleared by Cacofonix's dreadful singing.
One of the best Asterix books in terms of illustrations, the story and a string of amusing jokes throughout the book.
Asterix the Gladiator (Bk. 4)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
5. Asterix and the Banquet
This is the story of a tour of France and was apparently inspired by the Tour De France bicycle race. The Romans have built a stockade to keep the Gauls in their village but a bet is made that Asterix and Obelix can still travel around Gaul at their leisure and will collect regional food specialities to prove so.
The story here is not complex as it is simply the tale of the Gauls' journey around their own country, but there are many amusing incidents, including a dodgy second-hand chariot dealer, and plenty of funny names; Drinklikafix, General Overanxious and the treacherous Unpatriotix.
The story here is not complex as it is simply the tale of the Gauls' journey around their own country, but there are many amusing incidents, including a dodgy second-hand chariot dealer, and plenty of funny names; Drinklikafix, General Overanxious and the treacherous Unpatriotix.
Asterix and the Banquet (Bk. 5)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
6. Asterix and Cleopatra
This is a really good Asterix story where Asterix, Obelix and Getafix travel to Egypt to help a friend build a palace ordered by Cleopatra as a bet with Julius Caesar. Everyone is enchanted by Cleopatra's beautiful nose but the Gauls must contend with the sabotage of some rivals - Artifis and Krukhut.
There are some excellent little features in this book including the Egyptians speaking in hieroglyphics and a brilliant explanation of how the Sphinx's nose became broken.
The original cover of this book was a spoof of the advertising material for the movie Cleopatra and claims that "1 hard pencil, 27 erasers, 1984 sheets of paper, 16 typewriter ribbons, 2 typewriters, 366 pints of beer went into this creation" amongst other things.
This is also the only adventure in which Obelix is allowed a drop of magic potion.
There are some excellent little features in this book including the Egyptians speaking in hieroglyphics and a brilliant explanation of how the Sphinx's nose became broken.
The original cover of this book was a spoof of the advertising material for the movie Cleopatra and claims that "1 hard pencil, 27 erasers, 1984 sheets of paper, 16 typewriter ribbons, 2 typewriters, 366 pints of beer went into this creation" amongst other things.
This is also the only adventure in which Obelix is allowed a drop of magic potion.
Asterix and Cleopatra (Bk. 6)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
7. Asterix and the Big Fight
One of the silliest Asterix stories sees chief Vitalstatistix challenge the chief of a Gallo-Roman village, Cassius Ceramix, to a boxing match in order to determine the leadership of the two villages.
Much of the fun here derives from the fact that Obelix accidently flattens the druid, Getafix, with a menhir and consequently he is unable to make the magic potion which would guarantee Vitalstatistix's victory. They turn to another druid, Psychoanalytix, who also gets flattened by a menhir. The two druids then brew a variety of potions that turn them strange colours and the Gauls test these potions on the Roman spy.
This book is a farcical story which is the result of a Roman plot to defeat the Gaulish village by merging it with a pro Roman one. Great fun!
Much of the fun here derives from the fact that Obelix accidently flattens the druid, Getafix, with a menhir and consequently he is unable to make the magic potion which would guarantee Vitalstatistix's victory. They turn to another druid, Psychoanalytix, who also gets flattened by a menhir. The two druids then brew a variety of potions that turn them strange colours and the Gauls test these potions on the Roman spy.
This book is a farcical story which is the result of a Roman plot to defeat the Gaulish village by merging it with a pro Roman one. Great fun!
Asterix and the Big Fight
Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 11/20/2009)
8. Asterix in Britain
This book is simply quite brilliant. The characatures of the British, stopping battle at 5 o'clock for tea, weather consisting solely of fog and rain,obsesion with boiled food and talking without emotion, are superb. On top of this, an intricate adventure keeps Asterix and Obelix very busy, attempting to smuggle a barrel of magic potion to a British village holding out against the Romans.
Some of the names in this book are great; Mykingdomforanos, Anticlimax, Dipsomaniax and the Roman Govenor Encyclopaedicus Britannicus are some of the most memorable, to me, of the whole Asterix series.
The Rugby match towards the end of this book is brilliantly farcical and the Beatles make a cameo appearance in a crowd scene. All Asterix fans should own this one.
Some of the names in this book are great; Mykingdomforanos, Anticlimax, Dipsomaniax and the Roman Govenor Encyclopaedicus Britannicus are some of the most memorable, to me, of the whole Asterix series.
The Rugby match towards the end of this book is brilliantly farcical and the Beatles make a cameo appearance in a crowd scene. All Asterix fans should own this one.
Asterix in Britain
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
9. Asterix and the Normans
Justforkix arrives in the Gaulish village in his suped-up chariot and introduces modern rock music to the inhabitants. At the same time the Normans (Vikings) arrive looking for someone to teach them the meaning of fear.
The names of the Normans are great, led by chief Timandahaf, they include Nescaf, Transportcaf and Toocleverbyhaf - the Normans too have a kind of magic potion: apple brandy.
There is a great sequence in this book where the Gauls battle with the Normans and a group of Romans get caught up in the fight as they attempt to perform an arrest.
The illustrations in this story are very good and there are quite a few amusing jokes: this has now been adapted into a movie - Asterix and the Vikings.
The names of the Normans are great, led by chief Timandahaf, they include Nescaf, Transportcaf and Toocleverbyhaf - the Normans too have a kind of magic potion: apple brandy.
There is a great sequence in this book where the Gauls battle with the Normans and a group of Romans get caught up in the fight as they attempt to perform an arrest.
The illustrations in this story are very good and there are quite a few amusing jokes: this has now been adapted into a movie - Asterix and the Vikings.
Asterix and the Normans
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
10. Asterix the Legionary
This has been voted the best Asterix adventure by fans and it is full of great jokes. The Roman centurions Nefarious Purpose and Dubious Status are constantly tormented by Asterix and Obelix's disregard for discipline and the questions of an Egyptian recruit who thinks he is on a package tour.
Amusingly, with the unwitting assistance of Asterix and Obelix, this story sees Julius Caesar defeat Scipio in Tunisia.
The illustrations in this book are great and one frame of the pirates sinking once again was modelled on "The Raft of the Medusa" painted by Theodore Gericault.
A very funny book with lots of memorable characters.
Amusingly, with the unwitting assistance of Asterix and Obelix, this story sees Julius Caesar defeat Scipio in Tunisia.
The illustrations in this book are great and one frame of the pirates sinking once again was modelled on "The Raft of the Medusa" painted by Theodore Gericault.
A very funny book with lots of memorable characters.
Asterix the Legionary (Book. 10)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
11. Asterix and the Chieftan's Shield
As a kid I loved the character Winesanspirix, a wine and charcoal merchant, perhaps because it was one of the few names in which I could understand the pun. Although the colouring in this book is not the greatest at times, it has a good story as the Gauls try and track down the shield of Vercingetorix, last seen at the battle of Alesia, but no one knows where Alesia is!
There is some great satirization of the health farm industry and of big business, with a highly amusing communications system. Another highlight is the Romans constantly getting covered in charcoal as they also search for the Chieftan's shield on the orders of Caesar's envoy, Noxius Vapus.
This was one of my favourite Asterix stories as a child but many fans don't rate it so highly.
There is some great satirization of the health farm industry and of big business, with a highly amusing communications system. Another highlight is the Romans constantly getting covered in charcoal as they also search for the Chieftan's shield on the orders of Caesar's envoy, Noxius Vapus.
This was one of my favourite Asterix stories as a child but many fans don't rate it so highly.
Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield
Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 11/20/2009)
12. Asterix at the Olympic Games
Published in 1968 this book is still very relevant as it deals with the issue of performance enhancing drugs at the Olympic games; this time it is not steroids but magic potion instead! A strong party of Gauls travel to ancient Greece but after the magic potion is banned only Asterix is able to compete. Asterix wins his race by default as all the other competitors are disqualified for drinking magic potion which is kept "in the cauldron in the shed with the door that doesn't close properly".
I have great memories of this book as my father used to enjoy reading it to me as a child, particularly relishing the part when the Gauls break into song when coming into view of Greece - "When father painted the parthenon". There are also some excellent moments with the Gauls enjoying Greek hospitality, particularly the elderly Geriatrix, and some superb illustrations.
I have great memories of this book as my father used to enjoy reading it to me as a child, particularly relishing the part when the Gauls break into song when coming into view of Greece - "When father painted the parthenon". There are also some excellent moments with the Gauls enjoying Greek hospitality, particularly the elderly Geriatrix, and some superb illustrations.
Asterix at the Olympic Games
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 11/20/2009)
13. Asterix and the Cauldron
This adventure is possibly one of the funniest in the whole series with Asterix and Obelix embarking on a series of schemes to replace the money lost whilst unsuccessfully protecting the riches of a neighbouring Gaulish village led by chief Whosemoralsarelastix.
Asterix and Obelix prove they are no businessmen when they sell "Boars, boars, best prime boars" for just 5 sestertii causing the collapse of the boar market. Performing dog acts, fairground gladiatorial battles and gambling don't improve their fortunes and when they join Laurensolivius's acting troup Obelix's improvisation sees the Roman audience break out into a riot.
This book is a series of mini money-making adventures that results in a cunning bank robbery plan - smash the door down, walk in and bash the guards until they reveal where the money is hidden! At the end the portrayal of a tax collector is remarkably accurate and the way in which Asterix detects a fraud through the smell of onion soup is very inventive.
An excellent book that even my sister quotes from regularly.
Asterix and Obelix prove they are no businessmen when they sell "Boars, boars, best prime boars" for just 5 sestertii causing the collapse of the boar market. Performing dog acts, fairground gladiatorial battles and gambling don't improve their fortunes and when they join Laurensolivius's acting troup Obelix's improvisation sees the Roman audience break out into a riot.
This book is a series of mini money-making adventures that results in a cunning bank robbery plan - smash the door down, walk in and bash the guards until they reveal where the money is hidden! At the end the portrayal of a tax collector is remarkably accurate and the way in which Asterix detects a fraud through the smell of onion soup is very inventive.
An excellent book that even my sister quotes from regularly.
Asterix and the Cauldron
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
14. Asterix in Spain
Here Asterix and Obelix travel to Spain to return a kidnapped son of a Spanish chief to his home. Some of the comedy within the Gaulish village is most entertaining with a wonderful fish fight. When they leave the village they are followed by the Roman responsible for bringing the little Spaniard to Gaul, Spurius Brontosaurus, who hilariously takes on the guise of an Iberian nomad with the name Olorosso El Fiasco.
Lots of Spanish stereotypes occur with bull fights, flamenco music and strutting around, but these are done with less humour than would be expected in this series.
Lots of Spanish stereotypes occur with bull fights, flamenco music and strutting around, but these are done with less humour than would be expected in this series.
Asterix in Spain
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
15. Asterix and the Roman Agent
This complex story sees the Romans attempt to defeat the Gauls by sending in their agent to spread discord and jealousy by convincing the villagers that the secret of the magic potion has been sold, by a traitor, to Rome.
Many of the simple Gauls cannot see through this trick and disharmony strikes the village whilst the complex plotting of the Roamn agent, Tortuous Convolvulus, is beyond the comprehension of the Romans who become just as confused as the Gauls.
This is a really funny book as a result of the confusion that arises from a plot too complicated for the characters to understand. A real farce added to by legionary Magnus Opus's interpretation of phsycological warfare.
Many of the simple Gauls cannot see through this trick and disharmony strikes the village whilst the complex plotting of the Roamn agent, Tortuous Convolvulus, is beyond the comprehension of the Romans who become just as confused as the Gauls.
This is a really funny book as a result of the confusion that arises from a plot too complicated for the characters to understand. A real farce added to by legionary Magnus Opus's interpretation of phsycological warfare.
Asterix and the Roman Agent
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
16. Asterix in Switzerland
Orgies, orgies, we want orgies. And that is what you get at the beginning of Asterix in Switzerland. The Governor of Helvetia, Varius Flavus, poisons a Roman Quaestor who is likely to uncover the corruption prevalent in the governor's reign. Asterix, Obelix and Getafix travel to save the dying man.
There is a lot of comedy in this book with an excellent portrayal of the United Nations headquarters, complete with sleeping delegates, Cheese with holes in, holes with cheese in and Swiss fondues that result in forfeits.
This a splendid Asterix adventure with really great illustrations and an appearance by the Michelin man if you have an original English edition.
There is a lot of comedy in this book with an excellent portrayal of the United Nations headquarters, complete with sleeping delegates, Cheese with holes in, holes with cheese in and Swiss fondues that result in forfeits.
This a splendid Asterix adventure with really great illustrations and an appearance by the Michelin man if you have an original English edition.
Asterix in Switzerland (No. 16)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
17. The Mansions of the Gods
Squareonthehypotenus is the Roman architect ordered to build a housing estate around the Gaulish village, but he does not account for Getafix's superb answer to deforestation. This story is an excellent satire on property development and how all the Gaulish shops convert to antiques salesrooms to cater to their new rich Roman customers is amusing.
A gang of slaves are a feature of this story, led by Flaturtha, they demand that the Romans deliver "paid holidays, overtime, the gradual phasing out of the whip, a ban on chains and decent accommodation" - a superb answer to the concept of slavery.
This is one of the best of the series, really funny, very clever and excellent illustrations, along with the Romans at their most frustrated.
A gang of slaves are a feature of this story, led by Flaturtha, they demand that the Romans deliver "paid holidays, overtime, the gradual phasing out of the whip, a ban on chains and decent accommodation" - a superb answer to the concept of slavery.
This is one of the best of the series, really funny, very clever and excellent illustrations, along with the Romans at their most frustrated.
Asterix The Mansions of the Gods
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
18. Asterix and the Laurel Wreath
An hilarious opening to this book sees Asterix, Obelix, Chief Vitalstatistix and his wife Impedimenta visiting the chief's brother-in-law, Homeopathix. The chief and Obelix get increasingly drunk whilst arguing about the virtues of Cow's Hoof Mould compared to wild boar.
Here there are some wonderful illustrations of Rome, a brilliant cure for a hangover and an amusing parody of a courtroom drama.
There are some great names in this book, including the slave Goldendelicius and the high class slave emporium - "The House of Typhus". This was always one of my favourites as a child and still is today - "Zigactly, that's Ferpectly right". This is perhaps my favourite Asterix book.
Read my review of Asterix and the Laurel Wreath.
Here there are some wonderful illustrations of Rome, a brilliant cure for a hangover and an amusing parody of a courtroom drama.
There are some great names in this book, including the slave Goldendelicius and the high class slave emporium - "The House of Typhus". This was always one of my favourites as a child and still is today - "Zigactly, that's Ferpectly right". This is perhaps my favourite Asterix book.
Read my review of Asterix and the Laurel Wreath.
Asterix and the Laurel Wreath
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
19. Asterix and the Soothsayer
A fraudulent soothsayer arrives in the village and convinces some of the villagers that they need his predictions. The naivity of the villagers is funny as they shower him with gifts and various animals so that he can read their entrails.
Meanwhile the Roman centurion Voluptuous Arteriosclerosus realises he can use the soothsayer to defeat the Gauls. This is an entertaining story with lots of jokes and I particualrly like the reasoning the soothsayer uses to prove that he is not a real soothsayer.
Meanwhile the Roman centurion Voluptuous Arteriosclerosus realises he can use the soothsayer to defeat the Gauls. This is an entertaining story with lots of jokes and I particualrly like the reasoning the soothsayer uses to prove that he is not a real soothsayer.
Asterix and the Soothsayer
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
20. Asterix in Corsica
Although much of the humour in terms of Corsican stereotypes is lost on those not familiar with the island, and the plot fairly weak, there are some great moments in Asterix in Corsica. In particular I like the Corsican resistance leader, Boneywasawarriorwayayix and the explosive Corsican cheese which destroys an abandoned ship with the sound "Vlabadaboom!"
There is also a superb portrayal of a "new broom" legionary who is keen to make an impression but soon falls into the habits of the old hands and it is funny to watch the exasperation of the Roman Praetor Perfidus as the Corsican slaves load his boat with the proceeds of his corruption oh so slowly.
Whilst not one of the favourites with Asterix fans there are enough clever moments here to amuse and the pirates get a little more involvement than usual.
There is also a superb portrayal of a "new broom" legionary who is keen to make an impression but soon falls into the habits of the old hands and it is funny to watch the exasperation of the Roman Praetor Perfidus as the Corsican slaves load his boat with the proceeds of his corruption oh so slowly.
Whilst not one of the favourites with Asterix fans there are enough clever moments here to amuse and the pirates get a little more involvement than usual.
Asterix in Corsica
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
21. Asterix and Caesar's Gift
Julius Caesar gives the Gaulish village to an drunken ex-legionary who consequently sells it to an innkeeper for a few beers. When this innkeeper, Orthopaedix, arrives in the village the Gauls aren't too keen to make him chief. A very funny election campaign ensues, with even Geriatrix putting his case for being village leader.
Obelix gets a romantic interest in this story, dating Influenza, but he turns out to be less than comfortable conversing with a young lady. A very amusing tale.
Obelix gets a romantic interest in this story, dating Influenza, but he turns out to be less than comfortable conversing with a young lady. A very amusing tale.
Asterix and Caesar's Gift
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
22. Asterix and the Great Crossing
This story was an attempt to crack the American market and because of this it falls short of making the jokes about foreign nations that make some of the other Asterix adventures so funny.
Asterix and Obelix get lost on a fishing trip and end up in the New World and there are some amusing scenes where a Viking ship also discovers the continent. Although Obelix has some amusing moments, surrounding the lack of food, this book lacks many of the puns that Asterix fans love.
Quite an interesting adventure but not particularly funny.
Asterix and Obelix get lost on a fishing trip and end up in the New World and there are some amusing scenes where a Viking ship also discovers the continent. Although Obelix has some amusing moments, surrounding the lack of food, this book lacks many of the puns that Asterix fans love.
Quite an interesting adventure but not particularly funny.
Asterix and the Great Crossing
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
23. Obelix and Co.
This is one of the most satirical Asterix stories and one of the funniest. Obelix and Co. pokes fun at the world of capitalism, marketing and greed when Caius Preposterus, an economics graduate from Rome, arrives to corrupt the Gauls with greed by creating huge competition in the menhir market. Unfortunately for the Romans the money suddenly dries up and the bottom falls out of the menhir market.
There are some brilliant moments here and I particularly like the absurd clothing the Gauls begin to wear once they become rich. Another highlight for me is how discipline breaks down in the Roman camp as they get used to the Gauls delivering useless menhirs.
One of the best Asterix books and, as one of the Roman guards puts it, "watch out, here comes another one of those weirdos".
There are some brilliant moments here and I particularly like the absurd clothing the Gauls begin to wear once they become rich. Another highlight for me is how discipline breaks down in the Roman camp as they get used to the Gauls delivering useless menhirs.
One of the best Asterix books and, as one of the Roman guards puts it, "watch out, here comes another one of those weirdos".
Asterix Obelix and Co.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
24. Asterix in Belgium
This was the last story to be written by Goscinny before his death. Uderzo's illustrations are superb but the jokes rely mainly on the French attitude towards Belgians which gets lost in translation. However, there are some good bits, particularly the battle at the end and the arguments about who are the best warriors, the Gauls or the Belgians.
The stimulus for this story is that Julius Caesar proclaims the Belgians the bravest of all his enemies. Chief Vitalstatistix cannot agree with this and the Gauls travel to Belgium to prove that this is not true.
The stimulus for this story is that Julius Caesar proclaims the Belgians the bravest of all his enemies. Chief Vitalstatistix cannot agree with this and the Gauls travel to Belgium to prove that this is not true.
Asterix in Belgium
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
25. Asterix and the Great Divide
This adventure sees a love affair between Melodrama and Histrionix in a village divided by a ditch, and has obvious parallels with the Berlin Wall and the Romeo and Juliet story. Getafix, Asterix and Obelix are dispatched to help unify the village, but their efforts are complicated by the Gaulish traitor Codfix who assists the Romans in their quest for slaves.
The Great Divide has some of the best illustrations of any Asterix book with a remarkable sequence where the Romans use an array of siege engines to attack a Gaulish village, but of course they are foiled by a very unusual potion from Getafix.
The Great Divide has some of the best illustrations of any Asterix book with a remarkable sequence where the Romans use an array of siege engines to attack a Gaulish village, but of course they are foiled by a very unusual potion from Getafix.
Asterix and the Great Divide (Asterix (Orion Paperback))
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
26. Asterix and the Black Gold
Getafix runs out of oil for brewing the magic potion and the Phoenician merchant Ekonomikrisis forgets the order. Asterix and Obelix head to the Middle east to look for oil, tracked by the Roman agent Dubbelosix.
Once again the drawings here are great and there are some comic moments when the Gauls get caught up in tribal fighting - the Medes are at war with the Assyrians, who are at war with the Hittites, who are at war with the Akkadians.....
Once again the drawings here are great and there are some comic moments when the Gauls get caught up in tribal fighting - the Medes are at war with the Assyrians, who are at war with the Hittites, who are at war with the Akkadians.....
Asterix and the Black Gold (The Adventures of Asterix)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
27. Asterix and Son
The heir to the Roman empire is hidden within the Gaulish village and cared for by Asterix and then an unfortunate Roman, Crismus Cactus, who is forced to dress as a nurse maid. Unfortunately songs from the legion don't help the baby sleep who gets some magic potion and uses a cow as a rattle!
This is an amusing story, but not one of my favourites, although I do like the ending when Brutus burns down the Gaulish village but is sent packing by Cleopatra and Julius Caesar who proves an unlikely ally to the Gauls.
This is an amusing story, but not one of my favourites, although I do like the ending when Brutus burns down the Gaulish village but is sent packing by Cleopatra and Julius Caesar who proves an unlikely ally to the Gauls.
Asterix and Son (The Adventures of Asterix)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
28. Asterix and the Magic Carpet
This adventure sees Asterix, Obelix and the bard Cacofonix travelling to India to help end a drought. Whilst this isn't one of the very best Asterix stories, the illustrations are some of the best and there are some very amusing moments. I particularly liked the way Obelix deals with the wild animals in the jungle and a brief episode where the Gauls pass a sick Julius Caesar on a magic carpet results in a nice pun.
Asterix and the Magic Carpet (Uderzo. Asterix Adventure, 28.)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
29. Asterix and the Secret Weapon
This is a very amusing satire of feminism and has atrracted its fair share of controversy. A female bard, Bravura, arrives in the village and takes over the education of the children. She proceeds to teach them about women's rights and the men of the village begin to feel like second class citizens. There is even the suggestion that women could one day be druids - but that would be ridiculous.
I love the moment when the Roman, Manlius Claphamomnibus, decides to send in female legionaries to fight the Gauls, but they are distracted by a fashion sale!
A very funny book and it gives readers a chance for the female Gauls to be far more involved in the story than in any other adventure.
I love the moment when the Roman, Manlius Claphamomnibus, decides to send in female legionaries to fight the Gauls, but they are distracted by a fashion sale!
A very funny book and it gives readers a chance for the female Gauls to be far more involved in the story than in any other adventure.
Asterix and the Secret Weapon (Uderzo. Asterix Adventure, 29.)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
30. Asterix and Obelix All at Sea
Obelix drinks the magic potion and the result is a catastrophe! Asterix joins the slave army of Spartakis and ends up in the city of Atlantis attempting to save Obelix.
Although the beginning of this story has great potential and the drawings are great, it fails to live up to its promise and the story is a bit weak, although the sea battles are good.
Although the beginning of this story has great potential and the drawings are great, it fails to live up to its promise and the story is a bit weak, although the sea battles are good.
Asterix and Obelix All at Sea (Uderzo. Asterix Adventure, 30.)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
31. Asterix and the Actress
Once again, this story is not as great as many of the older Asterix adventures but it does have its moments - we get to see Asterix and Obelix's fathers who own a collectables and modernities shop.
Here Asterix and Obelix are given a sword and a shield that the Romans want back and they send in a famous actress, Latraviata, to do their dirty work. Obelix falls in love with the actress and the friendship between him and Asterix is under threat.
Whilst the story isn't up to much there are some good jokes and some very beautiful illustrations.
Here Asterix and Obelix are given a sword and a shield that the Romans want back and they send in a famous actress, Latraviata, to do their dirty work. Obelix falls in love with the actress and the friendship between him and Asterix is under threat.
Whilst the story isn't up to much there are some good jokes and some very beautiful illustrations.
Asterix and the Actress
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
32. Asterix and the Class Act
This is a collection of short stories written by Goscinny and Uderzo in past times: Uderzo also created one new story. This book gives readers an insight into some old adventures and the origin of Asterix.
I recently received this book after ordering it on Amazon and was amused by many of the short collections in it, particularly the one where Asterix and Obelix are depicted in different styles.
I recently received this book after ordering it on Amazon and was amused by many of the short collections in it, particularly the one where Asterix and Obelix are depicted in different styles.
Asterix and the Class Act
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
33. Asterix and the Falling Sky
Many Asterix fans have been highly disappointed by this much awaited story, and some have been highly critical of the author for what they see as a terribly under par performance.
Certainly this is lacking in the puns, amusing names and torment of the Romans that make many Asterix books so enjoyable, but there are some facets that make it interesting.
It seems that Uderzo was attempting to convey a number of messages in this story - the battle between traditional cartoons and Japanese Manga, and also poking fun at so-called "advanced" civilizations invading less civilized nations (i.e. the war in Iraq). Certainly there is one very pertinent joke when one of the aliens declares that the Gauls' secret weapon (the magic potion) needs to be confiscated in order to maintain peace throughout the universe.
Unfortunately, the author seemed to be so focused on his message that he completely forgot the story, which is almost non-existent. However, the illustrations are superb.
Read my review of Asterix and the Falling Sky
Certainly this is lacking in the puns, amusing names and torment of the Romans that make many Asterix books so enjoyable, but there are some facets that make it interesting.
It seems that Uderzo was attempting to convey a number of messages in this story - the battle between traditional cartoons and Japanese Manga, and also poking fun at so-called "advanced" civilizations invading less civilized nations (i.e. the war in Iraq). Certainly there is one very pertinent joke when one of the aliens declares that the Gauls' secret weapon (the magic potion) needs to be confiscated in order to maintain peace throughout the universe.
Unfortunately, the author seemed to be so focused on his message that he completely forgot the story, which is almost non-existent. However, the illustrations are superb.
Read my review of Asterix and the Falling Sky
Asterix and the Falling Sky
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/20/2009)
Vote for Asterix
Is Asterix the best series of Cartoon Adventures?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, Zigackly, You're Ferpectly Right
nickupton says:
Yes, no matter how many times I reread them, I still laugh. I recently read Iznogoud which was pretty amusing but not as good as Asterix and Tintin really did not compare well in my opinion.
Posted July 26, 2009
No! Have You Ever Heard of Tintin?
Two More Asterix Books
These two books are not numbered in the series and are not written in the same style as the other Asterix books. However, Asterix fans will be interested in them.
How Obelix Fell Into the Magic Potion: When He Was a Little Boy (Asterix)
In all the Asterix books reference is made to Obelix falling into the magic potion when he was a baby, giving him permanent superhuman strength. This is how it happened.
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 11/20/2009)
Asterix - The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (Classic Asterix paperbacks)
This book of the movie features the trials of Asterix based on the far more widely known twelve tasks of Hercules.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/20/2009)
Asterix Links
- Asterix - the Official Site.
- Asterix and Obelix's virtual village offers all the latest news from Asterix and his friends.
- Asterix NZ
- A superb site which details all the books and much more.
- Asterix Annotations
- All sorts of nerdy information on Asterix books - brilliant and very informative.
- Asterix Characters
- A Who's Who of the Asterix C.haracters
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Book Reviews
For those readers that enjoy reading reviews and synopses of a wide range of books, please take a look at my book review site: Book Review Blog where I publish short reviews.
Talk About Asterix
What do you like about Asterix books? Tell us which book is your favourite, who are your favourite characters etc.
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Reply
- nickupton nickupton Oct 16, 2009 @ 5:42 am
- I don't think they were translated, I think they had to rewrite a lot of it. [in reply to susannaduffy]
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Reply
- susannaduffy susannaduffy Sep 16, 2009 @ 5:55 am
- I love Asterix! I love the latin puns... tell me, how can those very dry puns in English be translated? How were they translated in the first place? Incredible.
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Reply
- Dec 10, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
- Excellent! It looks like you really love Asterix stories, and quite right too :)
I loved reading these as a kid, and I'm told by my Dad that when you read them at an older age you get some of the more subtler jokes :D.
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Reply
- Kanga Kanga May 26, 2008 @ 10:46 pm
- I love Dogmatix! XD
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Reply
- harry2 harry2 Nov 27, 2007 @ 8:38 am
- Hi,
I LOVE Obelix, he is my absolutely favorite.
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Lensmaster nickupton has been a member since June 23 2007, has rated 148 lenses, favorited 71, and has created 63 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "The Sneetches by Dr Seuss". See all my lenses
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