Asterix Omnibus 2: Includes Asterix the Gladiator #4, Asterix and the Banquet #5 and Asterix and Cleopatra #6 in one large format glossy papered volume. “Asterix the Gladiator” is the story of the Romans capturing Cacofonix to feed him to the lions as a special treat for Julius Caesar. Asterix and Obolix join the Roman Gladiator school to rescue him and teach the Romans a lesson. “Asterix and the Banquet” follows Asterix and Obelix’s travels round the entire country of France to gather local specialties in order to make a massive banquet and to win a bet with the Romans who are surrounding their village. “Asterix and Cleopatra” follows Asterix and Obelix’s to Egypt where they assist one of Getafix’s old friends in building a huge palace for Cleopatra. This book also sees the introduction of another regular character in the shape of a dog called Dogamatix.
All three books are light hearted with plenty of jokes at the expense of Asterix’s enemies. Unlike the first volume where it took a while to get used to the style of writing this volume immediately flowed nicely and the translation was seamless. The stories were witty and perfectly paced and the jokes at the expense of the Romans are as funny as ever. I think with these three volumes the series really found its rhythm and it would be hard to pick a favorite amongst them.
The artwork and coloring is excellent and of a consistent high standard. There are tons of things going on in the backgrounds of the panels and the book is a joy to look at. The presentation is also really good in the oversized format and the colors are vibrant.
This is a another great collection that should appeal to both kids and adults alike. It certainly doesn’t feel childish in any way and the sense of humor makes it a light read. If you enjoyed the first omnibus you should enjoy this one too. ISBN-13: 978-1444004243. 8/10
This Omnibus collects Asterix the Gaul #1, Asterix and the Golden Sickle #2, Asterix and the Goths #3 in one pretty large format glossy papered volume. “Asterix the Gaul” introduces the main characters and the magic strength potion and sees our hero and friends defending their small Gallic village from the surrounding Romans. “Asterix and the Golden Sickle” is the story of how Asterix and Obelix try to get a new golden sickle for Getafix so that he can attend the druids conference. Unfortunately the sickle maker has disappeared and our intrepid duo have to break up an organised crime ring of sickle sellers. “Asterix and the Goths” is the story of Getafix’s trip to the druids conference and Asterix and Obelix’s run in with the Goths who kidnap their druid friend.
All three books are light hearted with plenty of jokes at the expense of Asterix’s enemies. It can take a while to get used to the style of writing as there are quite a few latin references and jokes but after a while the language become transparent. Asterix is translated from the French original (I originally encountered Asterix in my French class at school) and at times the translation is a little uncomfortable but by the middle of the first book I didn’t notice it any more. The different accents are illustrated by using different fonts which can be a little hard on the eye but add a comedic element to the story. I haven’t read any Asterix since I was a kid but I had fond memories of the books and I am happy to report that it is just as good as I remembered.
The artwork and coloring is excellent and of a consistent high standard. There are tons of things going on in the backgrounds of the panels and the book is a joy to look at.
This is a great collection that should appeal to both kids and adults alike. It certainly doesn’t feel childish in any way and the sense of humor makes it a light read. The artwork is also great. ISBN-13: 978-1444004236. 8/10
One Mad Dog 