Asterix Omnibus 2: Includes Asterix the Gladiator #4, Asterix and the Banquet #5, Asterix and Cleopatra #6

In my review of Asterix Vol. 1, I had stated I had first learned about the Gaul from a hardcover book 'Asterix and Cleopatra,' which I would check out of the library religiously. Because of it, I had started collecting other Asterix books throughout the 90s until now. Also a recap on the Papercutz versions themselves, where, yes, they are slightly smaller than the UK Published ones, and have smaller print, and the whole renaming controversy.But as Paul F. Tomkins said to me when I criticized 'The Love Witch,' for having a cell phone, when I had erroneously presumed the film took place in the 60's : 'It doesn't bother me, and it shouldn't bother you.' (If I've misquoted, apologies, attempting to make a point here).Meaning even though Getafix is now referred to as Panoramix, it doesn't bother since most of the time the Gauls usually call him 'O Druid,' for the most part.As my review title suggests, Vol. 2 starts focusing and introducing some characters to Asterix. Cacofonix the Bard, Dogmatix, and Cleopatra whose character design suspiciously resembles a famous actress who portrayed her.Before I begin, you'll start noticing a classic 'Looney Tunes' formula when it comes to these stories. For the most part the Gauls usually keep to themselves, rarely causing any trouble for anyone, until the Romans (or some other factor) usually gets them embroiled into these adventures. Case in point with the first tale in this Volume:'Asterix the Gladiator' - This one focuses on the bard, Cacofonix, and judging by his name, you know he's allegedly tone-deaf. However, from the songs he sings, I suspect he's a bit ahead of his time, where his music genre's not so appreciated by the Ancient World. Nevertheless, the tale begins with Prefect Odious Asparagus (no fooling) makes a stop over at the camp surrounding the Gauls.Regrettably, seeking a rare gift for Julius Caesar, Odious wants to bring back an indomitable Gaul. Realizing how troublesome the task, they decide to capture Cacofonix, since he appears harmless than the others. As a result, Cacofonix gets captured and taken to Rome, where he'll be presented to Caesar at the Colosseum. When wind of this gets to the Gauls, Asterix and Obelix are sent to fetch the Bard. Hopping on a boat, this is the first time Asterix and Obelix will encounter the infamous barbarian pirates. As well as actually visiting Rome itself.As the title indicates, the Gauls discover the only way to enter the Colosseum is to become a gladiator, where they do end up rescuing Cacofonix, but not before causing calamity at the Caesar Games, much to the trainer's chagrin.'Asterix and the Banquet' - This tale has many milestones, since it was not only the one introducing Dogmatix (at this time an unnamed, stray dog, adopted by the Gauls later on), but was based on a true story, and was the first attempt to contain the Gauls within their village (pre-Mansion of the Gods).The story, according to the creators, was a famous European Food Critic had penned a scathing article about how France could only offer cheese and wine as a way of cuisine, so to prove the critic wrong, many provinces had prepared a banquet from their various delicacies to prove the critic wrong. So inspired by the story, this tale came out where Asterix and Obelix end up making a bet with the Romans.However the tale is slightly different: visited by the Inspector General Lucius Overanxious, whom is concerned about Caesar being vexed that a Gaulish village can keep his armies at bay. So they unsuccessfully attempt to attack the Gaulish village. Angered with this defeat, Overanxious decides on constructing a giant wall (hmm... why does this sound familiar) surrounding the village, so they can isolate them from the rest of the world.Not happy with this, Asterix proclaims Gaul is their land and they can come and go as they choose. To prove this, he makes a bet, not only where he will get past their border, but travel to parts of Gaul and bring back each delicacy to prepare a banquet for them. Naturally Obelix joins up with them and has an adventure not unlike 'Around the World in 80 Days,' where the Romans fruitless attempt to stop Asterix and Obelix.Along the way, a small stray dog ends up covertly accompanying the Gauls on their journey back, and at the end of the tale, becomes part of the Gaulish village.'Asterix and Cleopatra' - This one made me wonder if Goscinny and Uderzo did this tale to pay tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor herself, since the character does greatly resemble her, and they play on the fact her nose was so beautiful it shaped the way the Ancient World was viewed. Anyway, this tale begins with a bet between Cleo and Caesar.Miffed by Caesar's suggestion Egypt is now become a decadent country, Cleopatra makes a bet her people can produce a magnificent palace for him within three months time. Regrettably, her only choice is the architect, Edifis, and if he fails to complete the task, it's the crocodiles for him.At first it seems hopeless, until he remembers someone who can help him, thus he travels to Gaul where he enlists Asterix, Obelix and Panoramix (Getafix) to help him with his task. Also the first tale where Dogmatix is officially introduced as Obelix smuggles him on the trip.Oddly, this time the Gauls must contend with Edifis' rival, Artifis, whose not too pleased Cleopatra chose Edifis over him to construct the palace. Hilarity ensues when the Gauls apply their magic potion to the workers, as well as having to fetch more building materials. One hilarious note tells how the Sphinx ended up losing its nose, which was not by a cannon, but a curious Obelix who wants to climb it for a better look.Ironically, the Romans don't get involved until the last part of the tale, when Caesar becomes suspicious over the palace's successful construction, so he sends a spy to uncover the fact the Gauls are there, and decides on thwarting them by destroying the palace unless they surrender. Fortunately Asterix and Dogmatix manage to contact Cleo to put things right.What I started loving about the Banquet and Cleopatra stories is, how Goscinny and Uderzo admitted once in an annual how future stories had been influenced by 'The Flintstones,' but here they take modern stuff and 'Romanize' them. Such as the traffic jam and road construction in 'Asterix and the Banquet,' where in 'Cleopatra' we see Artifis reading a newspaper scroll when Asterix and Obelix end up paying him a visit.Overall, Volume Two I definitely recommend since the stories do pick up a bit and are enjoyable. One thing I like about the series is, despite the magic potion, Asterix and Co. do tend to use their wits more often and sometimes get help in unusual ways. Like how Dogmatix helps rescue the Gauls from being trapped within a pyramid, much to Artifis' henchman's chagrin.Basically these are great for all ages since they're just fun reads. I'd recommend this volume as well.

Was bought as a gift for someone who is an Asterix fan. They were very pleased with it.

I’ll admit, I’m not British so I can’t say if the songs Cacofonix sings in the other translation are just as ridiculous, but something about seeing “Row row row your galley” and “it’s raining menhirs” gave me a double take. Incredibly fun stuff! While I’m sad to see a few of my favorite jokes changed, on the whole it’s a blast and there were new jokes I could appreciate!Also to those wondering, Papercutz did recolor the bright red lips on the Africans to be an actual skin tone. This is just a recolor, however, so be aware that they are still rather large.

Any of Asterix & Obelix books which we read already always bring back memories when we were young to read when we were living in Saigon, Republic of Viet-Nam then.

I read these comics as a child over and over again. They are well written and beautifully illustrated, witty and very entertaining. The story follows the members of a small village in Gaul whom resist the Roman Empire by virtue of a super-strengthening potion brewed by their druid Getafix. The heros of the stories are Asterix ( a short, but smart warrior) and his best friend Obelix ( a large, boar meat loving, loyal but not smart warrior whom fell in a cauldron of magic potion as a child and as a result has permanent super strength). You can read each comic seperately and be able to follow the story, though certain characters do repeat throughout the series. I am buying them again as an adult and enjoying them just as much as I did as a kid. I definitely recommend these comics.

It’s great and sturdy. The type is too small for me, but kids are obsessed over it. Hopefully they are getting some context for ancient history this year! They think it’s pretty funny.

I grew up reading these comics and decided to introduce them to my 8 year old son. He has problems understanding certain things like who and what are Gauls, but he gets the humor because I've heard him laughing loudly at some of the jokes.

Kindle review: An excellent group of 3 Asterix comics with Asterix and Cleopatra being my favorite. Being able to enlarge the artwork has been a treat since previously I've only read the physical copies. Buy it, you'll like it!

Loved these books as a kid. Some of the names given to certain characters are hilarious. Only con is that they changed the name of the druid in this version to Panoramix - rather than the original GetafixThe original translation may not have as accurate, but is far funnier as an adult

I bought it to complete my collection os Asterix books. Since it has three Asterix books combined, it’s convenient for those persons who want to make a collection of Asterix books.

Just as I remembered them

Perfekt zum Englisch lernen

J'aime beaucoup cette nouvelle édition d'Astérix en anglais américain