Asterix, the Gaul
Although he does not have the impressive muscle-bound physique of the heroes Albert Uderzo drew at first, Asterix is the only anti-hero to boast such a collection of success stories and heroic feats.
Throughout his adventures, where his legendary wile and the precious magic potion concocted by the druid Getafix allow him to escape from the direst situations, often covered with glory, Asterix has made off with Caesar’s laurel crown, won a gold metal at the Olympic Games (without the benefit of the magic potion, if you please!) and completed with honours the 12 tasks as decreed by Caesar one day when he was foolish enough to risk a bet with our incorrigible Gauls.
Thanks to our hero, the Britons discovered tea and the Belgians were inspired to make French fries! As for the Asterix comic book series, it has been the sensation of the publishing world for over 45 years while the character Asterix has become a mythical figure, a symbol throughout the world for all who resist the influence of Empires trying to impose their will and law on others. René Goscinny explained that his hero’s name, with its initial «A», was a clear advantage with regard to alphabetic classification in any future comic book encyclopaedia, but did he ever imagine that his tiny Gaul would also change comic book history?
And what more can be said about the success of Asterix in the film industry? Despite all his success, Asterix has remained down to earth and all he needs to keep him (and his readers) happy is the chance to ridicule the Romans and savour a delicious banquet with his friends.
Meet Asterix and the gang at Asterix: The Magic Web Portion!
List of comics available:
- Asterix the Gaul (1959)
- Asterix and the Golden Sickle (1960)
- Asterix and the Goths (1961-62)
- Asterix the Gladiator (1962)
- Asterix and the Banquet (1963)
- Asterix and Cleopatra (1963)
- Asterix and the Big Fight (1964)
- Asterix in Britain (1965)
- Asterix and the Normans (1966)
- Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield (1967)
- Asterix at the Olympic Games (1968)
- Asterix and the Cauldron (1968)
- Asterix in Spain (1969)
- Asterix and the Roman Agent (1970)
- Asterix in Switzerland (1970)
- Asterix and the Laurel Wreath (1971)
- Asterix and the Soothsayer (1972)
- Asterix in Corsica (1973)
- Asterix and Caesar’s Gift (1974)
- Asterix and the Great Crossing (1975)
- Obelix and Co. (1976)
- Asterix in Belgium (1979)
- Asterix and the Great Divide (1980)
- Asterix and the Black Gold (1981)
- Asterix and Son (1983)
- Asterix and the Magic Carpet (1987)
- Asterix and the Secret Weapon (1991)
- Asterix and Obelix All at Sea (1996)
- Asterix and the Falling Sky (2005)
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I was introduced to Asterix in my teens and I was hooked. I particularly like the witty dialogues with it’s use of Greek-influenced names and funny characterisation. With it’s memorable drawings and outlandish plots, it’s a perfect book for anyone to while away their free time.