Review: Asterix and the Great Crossing

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Asterix and the Great Crossing Asterix and the Great Crossing by René Goscinny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remember when I said that Asterix stories are most engaging when they are out exploring new civilizations, in a globe trotting adventures? Well, in that sense, 'Asterix and the Great Crossing' is a return to great form for the series.

Chief Vitalstatistix is in a foul, er foul-er mood. His shield bearers are out sick and the culprit is Unhygenix's unique brand of odorous marine produce. You can't blame the chief. One would question the business acumen of someone who prefers to import fish all the way from Lutetia, when he has a frigging ocean right in his backyard.

Anyways, the chief orders the duo to go out at sea and catch some fresh produce. The paid set out in Geriatrix's old boat, praying to Belenos. But the healing god doesn't appear that benevolent, as soon the pair, plus Dogmatix, find themselves in violent waters, and moving hopelessly further from land.

After encountering our favorite band of pirates, and as usual blinding them dry (sans the ship breaking this time around), they soon find themselves in the new world, hilariously trying to acquaint themselves with a queer group of ehm 'Romans'.

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Featuring special for this episode, the infamous Asterix & Obelix mime theatre!

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Then they encounter a shipful of Vikings, set out to find the Vinlands, and mistake the duo for inhabitants of said new world. They take them back to the Viking village. You can imagine what would transpire, when a group of battle junkie unfearing Vikings, go up against the duo enhanced with the magical potion. Yeah, things go much as expected.

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The duo return home with a boatload of fish, none the wiser of being the pioneers to set foot in the Americas. You know, just another day in the village.

On a related note, I should really start taking notice of these little Latin snippets from the Romans and the Pirates, which have no business of being so profound. Seriously!

Donec eris felix, multos numerabis amicos; tempora si fuerint nubila, solus eris , literally translated, means As long as you are happy you will have many friends, but if times are cloudy (in bad luck), you will find yourself alone. ( Ovid , Tristia I, 9.5)

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Ira furor brevis est: anger is a brief madness

We unlocked a new civilization this time around, and you know what that means:

Huntingseassen
Herendethelessen
Steptoanssen
Haraldwilssen
Nogoodreasson
Odiuscomparissen
Catastrofix


I'm recommending it for the fun globe trotting adventure, and giving it a solid , 5 out of 5

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