Asterix in Britain: Album #8 (The Adventures of Asterix)

"Asterix in Britain" is the eighth Asterix adventure, first published in 1966, and later made into an animated movie in 1986. This is the original comic, and I really enjoy this one. Caesar has taken over Britain, by only fighting during teatime and weekends, when the British are drinking cups of hot water and milk on their breaks from battle. All the Romans have gone over to make it part of the empire, while back in Gaul Asterix and Obelix are bored in their village. They have no legionaires to hassle, that is until a British relative of Asterix's comes and asks for their village's help. They have heard of the magic potion that gives the Gaulish village strength against the Romans, and they would like some to drive Caesar away. He gets the potion, a whole barrel, and Asterix and Obelix come with him to carry it. They dodge legions, lose the barrel, get captured, and even get caught up in a rugby match. Will the English village be able to push away the Roman armies. It's great fun, like the Asterix's are, and shows Britain in a warm but funny and colourful way, which is interesting for a French comic. You can tell the two guys who write/illustrate the series (Rene Goscinny and Albert Udzero) love the place, and say so in the earlier prints of the comic to English fans. It's worth picking up, fan or newcomer to the series.

Asterix and friends are called to Britain to help a cousin who lives in a village plagued with the ubiquitous pest: Romans. "Asterix in Britain" is among my favourites of this cartoon, being both funny and quick-witted in observing some well-known stereotypes. Much of the humour is based on poking fun at British stereotypes, which might be a touch on the nose for some. However, for those with less politically correct humour, these very gibes should give plenty of laughter. Coupled with the antics of Asterix and Obelix, the book is a great little story and a great laugh. Any fans of the Gauls should really enjoy this installment. The way in which one or two icons of British culture actually arrived in the Isles was very interesting. I had not known it before. This is both an entertaining and educational book. Really. ;-)

I have a 13yr. old nephew and a 16 yr. old son and both have enjoyed these books absolutely. They laugh for hours about the humor and still talk about it for days after they have read it. It does seem to appeal to boys more than girls however. Very humorful and enjoyable.

After centuries of wars between France and England we have finally arrived in an era that the two countries seem to coexist in peace. That does not mean that fun cannot be had at each other's expense, and the way Uderzo and Goscinny make fun of the English in this episode is sometimes subtle, mostly gentle, and always hilarious. The more you are familiar with the pecularities of the Brits, the more laughs you'll have. Enjoy!

A particularly amusing Asterix album , it was first published in 1966 ,in French , as Astérix chez les Bretons and in English in 1970.After the Roman conquest of Britain ( veni vidi vici and all that...) , a small village of Britons holds out against the Roman invaders just like their counterparts in Gaul.British chief Mykingdomforanos -aided by his right hand man the Hibernian (Irishman) Overoptimistix and the Caledonian (Scotsman) McAnix- asks one of his favourite men , Aticlimax , to visit his cousin Asterix in Gaul , to seek help. The result is that he returns to Britain with Asterix , Obelix and a barrel of magic potion. The Romans have however got wind of the news , and they do everything in their power to make sure that the barrel of magic potion does not reach it's destination. Jam packed with all things British , there are guest appearances by the Beatles ( this book was written when Beatlemania was at its height) and Boadicea. The adventure takes place in such places as the governor's palace in Londinium (Buckingham Palace) , London Bridge , the Tower of London and the Thames.Our friends are introduced to Rugby and British food (which both the authors and Obelix do not hide their contempt very well) as well as tea (which unbeknown to our heroes plays a large part in the resolution of the story).There is even a reference to the Channel Tunnel (even though this was written in 1966 , 21 years before construction of the Chunnel begun-the idea was only being talked about then!).