Monday, 18 April 2016

Asterix and the Missing Scroll by Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad (Graphic novel, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

October 2015, Orion Children's Books, 48 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Content: lots of humour 

Book summary 
The long awaited new album featuring Asterix, the Gaul.

Julius Caesar has finished writing the history of his campaigns in Gaul. His publisher, Libellus Blockbustus, forsees a huge success ... but there's a snag: the chapter about Caesar's defeats by the indomitable Gauls of Armorica. Cut it, Blockbustus advises, and everyone will believe that Caesar conquered all Gaul. Or will they? Newsmonger and activist Confoundtheirpolitix takes the chapter to Asterix's village. Can the Gauls make sure the truth is revealed?

Following in the footsteps of Goscinny and Uderzo, the thirty-sixth Asterix album by Ferri and Conrad is a number 3 New York Times bestselling title.

Nayu's thoughts
This is a brand new Asterix tale which brought back memories of reading this series when I was little! Despite being a girly girl (something I'm even more into now) Asterix was somethig I loved despite there being barely any girls in it. It's a funny series, filled with humor which starts with someone's name. For example Cacophonix the bard is terrible at singing, so much so he frequently gets tied up and beaten up to save everyone's sanity. However, he is a secret weapon Asterix and co unleash on their enemies. 

There are continuous jokes and conceptswhich reoccur in most books including this one. For example Obelix is forever annoyed that he isn't allowed any potion because he fell into a vat when he was a baby, which explains his superhuman strength. Boars appear in every story which happen to be Obelix's favourite food. There's always a feast, usually in the Gaul's village, at the end of the
story including this one. Also the village chief is frequently berated by his wife, among other incidents which I've forgotten. There are more subtle and obvious reoccurrences which readers familiar of the series will pick up on, but most of the humour even first time readers will love.

Everything which makes Asterix Asterix is in this latest book. It's been years since I read one so I haven't noticed a difference by having a different author and illustrator to the earlier volumes. There's plenty of historical themes to explore, some naturally have a lot of artistic licence, but I think Asterix played a small part in my love of the ancient world. Go check it out!

You can find out more on the official Asterix website and Didier's website (the latter is in French).

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