Hilarious Adventure: Review of BD Comics Asterix the Gaul

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Origins of Asterix
3. The Popularity of Asterix
4. The First Volume of Asterix and Obelix Comics
5. The Comic Adaptation of Asterix
6. The First Issue of Asterix's Adventures
7. A Review of the Book
   1. Book Details
   2. Cover and Illustrations
   3. Translation and Fonts
   4. Comparison with Previous Editions
8. Summary of the Story
9. Character Descriptions
10. Localization and Name Confusion
11. Asterix in Russia
12. Conclusion

The Adventures of Asterix and Obelix: A Timeless Comic Series

Introduction

When I was young, one cartoon character stood out among the rest - Asterix of Gaul. His cunning personality and distinctive mustache captured my imagination alongside other beloved heroes such as the Ninja Turtles, Spider-Man, Uncle Scrooge, and Batman. Little did I know that Asterix originally hailed from comic books, and after 27 years of captivating audiences through various adaptations, it's time to Delve into the original story. In this article, we will explore the first volume of Asterix and Obelix comics and delve into the enchanting world of the indomitable Gauls.

The Origins of Asterix

The Asterix and Obelix comics were first introduced to the world in 1959 through a mini comic published in the Pilote magazine. Created by Writer Rene Goscinny and artist Albert Uderzo in France, Asterix quickly gained popularity, leading to the release of the first comic book, "Asterix le Gaulois," in 1961. Since then, the adventures of Asterix and Obelix have expanded to approximately 37 volumes. In 1967, the first animated adaptation of Asterix, faithful to the original comic, was released, setting a Precedent for future adaptations.

The Popularity of Asterix

Unlike modern Marvel movies that build a new story around a comic book, the first volume of Asterix was nearly verbatim for its animation adaptation. This decision can be attributed to the lack of experience of Goscinny and Uderzo in adapting their comic books to the screen, as well as their desire to stay true to the introduction of characters and the Universe of the indomitable Gauls. By preserving the story of the book in the animated adaptation, the Creators aimed to provide consistent and Cohesive experiences to viewers who had only seen the comic or the cartoon.

The First Volume of Asterix and Obelix Comics

As a proud owner of the very first issue of Asterix's adventures, I can testify to the joy of discovering its existence, especially since it has been translated into Russian. Purchased from the shop Read City for a reasonable price, this edition offers readers the opportunity to delve into the authentic storytelling experience. The book features a thick cardboard cover with a Vivid picture, creating an enticing visual appeal. The illustrations within the book are beautifully colored and impeccably printed, ensuring a high-quality reading experience.

A Review of the Book

Book Details

The first volume of Asterix in Gaul, published by Machaon Publishing House in Moscow in 2017, features pages printed on heavy paper reminiscent of album paper. The translation from French to Russian, skillfully executed by Mikhail Khachaturov, retains the essence of the original storyline and characters. However, it is worth noting that some of the fonts used in the book, particularly when portraying characters screaming, do not Align with the original comic.

Cover and Illustrations

The cover of the book, made from thick cardboard, showcases a colorful and captivating image that immediately draws readers into the world of Asterix and Obelix. Turning the pages, readers are greeted with vividly colored illustrations, providing a visually appealing experience. The quality of the printing is impeccable, with no blurred colors or other defects.

Translation and Fonts

Mikhail Khachaturov's translation captures the essence of the original story, bridging the gap between French and Russian readers. However, the use of inconsistent fonts, particularly in scenes of characters screaming, detracts from the overall aesthetic of the book and fails to accurately represent the original comic.

Comparison with Previous Editions

Compared to an earlier edition of Asterix in Gaul published in 1994 by Egmont Latvia, which suffered from poor printing quality and color reproduction, the 2017 edition stands as a testament to improvement. The repainted pages in the newer edition enhance the overall visual experience, providing readers with more pleasing and accurate colors.

Summary of the Story

Set in the year 50 B.C., Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul is almost complete. However, a tiny village, home to our protagonists Asterix and Obelix, continues to fiercely resist the Roman conquerors. Despite the presence of four Roman garrisons surrounding the village, all attempts to storm the Gauls' stronghold fail. The story begins with Asterix hunting wild boar and besting a patrol of Roman legionaries, infuriating the tribune of the Roman Camp, Gaius Acacius, who decides to send a spy to uncover the secret behind the villagers' unwavering strength. The spy, Caligula Puptius, embarks on a mission that introduces readers to the rules of the Asterix universe, where the magic Potion brewed by the druid Panaramix grants the Gauls invincibility.

Character Descriptions

Asterix, the clever protagonist of the series, possesses incredible wit and ingenuity. Conservatorix, the bard, is unable to sing, and Obelix, Asterix's loyal friend, plays a secondary role in the first half of the story. Panaramix, the druid, aids Asterix in the latter half of the book. The character descriptions and development showcase the authors' intentions to equally reveal the multifaceted personalities of the main characters.

Localization and Name Confusion

The naming conventions of characters in Asterix can vary due to localization and translation choices by different translators. For example, the druid Panaramix is also known as Getafix in certain translations, while Assurancetourix is referred to as Cacophonix. This name confusion is a common occurrence in the world of comics, as different translators may opt for different names Based on the language they are translating from.

Asterix in Russia

The first edition of "Asterix of Gaul" was published in Russia in 1994 under the title "The Adventures of Asterix." While the translation by Elena Tsidylo served its purpose, the quality of printing and color reproduction in this edition was subpar. However, the 2017 edition stands as a vastly superior option, providing a higher-quality translation and printing experience.

Conclusion

The first volume of Asterix in Gaul is a Timeless story that has captivated readers for generations. The high-quality translation, printing, and illustration make it a must-have for any comic connoisseur's collection. While it would be ideal to have all 37 volumes of Asterix and Obelix available in Russian, the Current selection of six published volumes by Makhaon is a promising start. Furthermore, fans can look forward to the release of "Asterix et la Transitalique," the 37th volume of the series. In the meantime, the upcoming animated film "Asterix – Le Secret de la Potion Magique" promises to reignite our love for these beloved characters.