Things start off when Getafix's golden sickle breaks, meaning that the mistletoe needed to make the magic potion will not have any magical properties, and that he will be unable to attend the annual druids' conference which is coming up soon. In order to preserve the security of the village, Asterix and his best friend Obelix volunteer to obtain a new sickle from Metallurgix of Lutetia (Paris). Unfortunately, there's a shortage of sickles in Lutetia, and Metallurgix has disappeared. Something nefarious is afoot, and it's up to Asterix to investigate, soon discovering a sickle trafficking ring spearheaded by Navishtrix.
This is the first story in the series to take place away from the village and the surrounding camps. It also fleshes out some of the major characters who only appeared briefly in the previous story. For example, while Asterix travelled alone previously, this time he is accompanied by Obelix, forming the "brawn and brains" duo which would persist throughout the series. While the first story was more world-building, in this one they flesh out the signature humour of the series.
One of my favourite moments is during the trip to Lutetia, in which Asterix is having a casual conversation with Obelix when they are jumped by bandits in the forest. They don't stop walking or even their conversation as they fight the bandits off. It's one of the many slapstick fight scenes which makes this series so endearing. I also love the recurring joke in which the two Gauls are repeatedly arrested and brought before the Roman Prefect, Surplus Dairiprodus, only for him to pardon them because he finds their antics amusing.
Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, where I'll look at Asterix and the Goths and Asterix the Gladiator.
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