As the first comic, this one establishes the setting for the rest of the series; Asterix is a small but cunning warrior from a coastal village in the province of Armorica (present day Brittany), which has been able to resist the Roman occupation of Gaul through the use of a magic potion brewed by Getafix the Druid, which grants superhuman strength to those who consume it. Asterix's best friend is a much larger warrior named Obelix, who carves and supplies menhirs. It's said that Obelix fell into a cauldron of magic potion when he was a baby, and as such it has a permanent effect on him.
The main story is set into motion when a Roman spy infiltrates the village and discovers that the Gauls are using a magic potion brewed by the druid Getafix which grants superhuman strength. After these findings are reported, Getafix is captured by the Romans, and taken to the fortified camp of Compendium. Asterix sets out after him, and learns that the camp's centurion, Crismus Bonus, intends to obtain the secret of the magic potion in order to overthrow Julius Caesar.
Overall, the first half of the story is pretty much world-building and exposition. There are a few inconsistencies too, mainly because of the serial format. For example, at the beginning, Crismus Bonus' second-in-command (optio, to use the official name) is a bearded man called Julius Pompus, but he's replaced without warning by the (initially) clean-shaven Marcus Ginantonicus.
However, after Asterix finds Getafix, the rest of the story is pure hilarity. Asterix is acting on his own for this adventure, in which he must rely purely on his wits, but the Romans believe he is under the influence of the magic potion so they're reluctant to fight him. However, he surrenders so that he and Getafix can take the opportunity to troll them. Having been unable to break Getafix, the Romans threaten to torture Asterix and he begs for mercy before they've even started. Getafix agrees to make the potion, but then asks for an unseasonal ingredient, so he and Asterix enjoy luxurious conditions while the Romans are out looking for it. As for the potion they actually make, I'll leave that one as a surprise.
So far, I've picked up the first three omnibus editions, which contain the first nine stories. If I'm not at work, I'll be able to post several reviews each day, so I might have the next one later on.
Overall, the first half of the story is pretty much world-building and exposition. There are a few inconsistencies too, mainly because of the serial format. For example, at the beginning, Crismus Bonus' second-in-command (optio, to use the official name) is a bearded man called Julius Pompus, but he's replaced without warning by the (initially) clean-shaven Marcus Ginantonicus.
However, after Asterix finds Getafix, the rest of the story is pure hilarity. Asterix is acting on his own for this adventure, in which he must rely purely on his wits, but the Romans believe he is under the influence of the magic potion so they're reluctant to fight him. However, he surrenders so that he and Getafix can take the opportunity to troll them. Having been unable to break Getafix, the Romans threaten to torture Asterix and he begs for mercy before they've even started. Getafix agrees to make the potion, but then asks for an unseasonal ingredient, so he and Asterix enjoy luxurious conditions while the Romans are out looking for it. As for the potion they actually make, I'll leave that one as a surprise.
So far, I've picked up the first three omnibus editions, which contain the first nine stories. If I'm not at work, I'll be able to post several reviews each day, so I might have the next one later on.
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