Someplace growing up I ran into the Asterix titles, with a four volume set beginning with Asterix the Gaul. As a child I enjoyed the antics; as an adult I enjoy the puns and historical allusions. It continually amazes me to realize that this is originally a French production, and yet translated into English and some 20 other languages, and the puns *still* translate! That's not easy to do. And while later episodes decline in quality and are suitable more for children, stories like Asterix the Gaul are great for children of 30 years too.

The very names provide example of brilliant use of dialogue. Asterix- a small, seeming addition. Obelisk, who delivers menhirs. Getafix, the Druid. (Remember, this series began in the 60's.) Cacaphonix, the Bard, and Vitalstatistix, the chief. In the same vein, the authors use contemporary differences between cultures and play them upon the ancient Gaulish-Roman dispute. This is about the only place one can find swearing in Latin- "ipso facto", "sic", etc. Or the taking of Toutanis' name in vain.

This is the premier of the world-renowned Asterix series - one of the most humorous, most colorful series of comics that made and continues to make millions of children and adults smile. In this tale the reader is introduced to Asterix, his friends and their strange, yet lovable little village. The reader gets to meet the revered druid, aptly named "Getafix" and the bustling, burly chieftain, "Vitalstatistix." The story gives a lot of background to the entire comic series, including the nature of the magic potion and the reason why Obelix isn't allowed to touch it. The reader also learns about the Roman dilemma, which revolves around the little, indomitable Gaulish village.

This specific episode begins with the Romans sending a spy in to the village to discover their secret source of strength. Very soon, the Romans kidnap Getafix in the hopes that they could cajole the potion's formula out of him. However, the Romans are lined up to pay dearly because nobody lays one over on the Gauls without receiving a serious pounding on the skull!

Most Asterix titles are aimed at a teen/adult audience and they cleverly integrate many historical events in to their plots. There is also a deeper satirical presence throughout these books, and for that reason I feel that children under the age of 12 or so would not quite appreciate the humor. The violence is more along the lines of black eyes, dented armor and missing teeth, and hence should not worry a parent too much. This is one of the best Asterix comics, and since it started the chain reaction, this is the one to get FIRST!