The second Asterix book following Asterix the Gaul but not released into the English canon for a while - one supposes because the story isn't as strong. Nonetheless it sets up the tone of the series even more than its predecessor: Asterix and Obelix (carrying a menhir, a charming conceit) travel to Lutetia (present-day Paris) to buy a sickle for Getafix and uncover a sickle-racket. The colour and pictures are delightful, the drawing skilful, and there is some wit, particularly the ever-so-bored Frank Thring/Charles Laughton-like Roman ruler who turns out to be the top baddy (in a nice twist). But it seems a little on the thin side and gets repetitive - Asterix and Obelix looking for people, getting into fights, etc. Asterix uses the potion rather than his cunning and the satire isn't as sharp. Nonetheless, entertaining as always.
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