Asterix the Gaul (1961)

Grew up with this... :) ( )

Read and reread when I was in French class. Funny in the original French, not sure how it would translate. Great art, funny (punny?) dialogue.

This is the first book in the Asterix comic series which I loved as a child. I've decided I'm going to re-read them over the next little while, assuming I like the first few. This book introduces the characters, and covers the attempted infiltration of the village by a Roman spy. He learns the secret of the Gaul's strength, and tells the Romans. The Romans then of course have to capture the druid and torture him into tell them the secret. People get thumped quite a lot, an excellent read.

http://www.stillhq.com/book/Rene_Goscinny/Asterix_the_Gaul.html ( )

Asterix the Gaul, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo, is a humorous and colorful graphic novel series that young students (up to adults) will enjoy. The story is set in 50 B.C. The Romans have conquered all of Gaul (France), except for one tiny village. It is here we find our protagonist, Asterix--a feisty hunter/warrior who loves a good fight.

Asterix and his trusty friend, Obelix, have superhuman strength from the magic potion devised by the aptly named, Getafix--the village druid. When Getafix is captured by Romans, Asterix sets out to rescue him--but not before having a bit of fun at the expense of his adversaries. Page by page, the reader learns that Asterix is not only strong, but cunning as well. The ensuing mission unfolds into a series of hilarious pranks on the invaders.

Asterix the Gaul is a terrific book for boys who will enjoy the colorful graphics and action-packed fight scenes (which are cartoonish in nature). Originally written in French, nothing appears to be lost in translation. In fact, it is a wonder that the jokes work so well in English as well. With thirty-seven books in the series, Asterix entertains for many hours of enjoyable reading. ( )

Six out of ten. CBR format. Getafix is kidnapped by the Romans, meaning Asterix has to penetrate the Roman camp to get him back. ( )