Book Review: Asterix and The Normans by R. Goscinny et al.

Asterix and The Normans by Rene Goscinny et al.

After writing about the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the 1066 invasion of England from Normandy, here's another tale on the subject...

Another classic Asterix adventure happens when the Norse men, who don't know the meaning of fear, decide to fill out their education by learning about fear from the Gauls. Also, they've heard that fear gives you wings, so then they will be able to fly! They sail to Gaul and unfortunately land right by Asterix's home village, where they also don't know the meaning of fear. The only exception is Chief Vitalstatistix's teenage nephew Justforkix, who is visiting from Lutetia. The chief's brother wants his southern relatives to toughen up the lad. The boy is into music (he even likes Cacofonix's music?!?) and having a good time. The Norman invasion provides the perfect opportunity to toughen him up.

The comedy here is great. The Normans have a similar naming pattern to the Gauls. The Norman chief is called Timandahaf, while his compatriots have names like Nescaf and Fotograf. Vitalstatistix even makes fun of them for it. Another ongoing joke is Norman cuisine which is any type of meat in a cream sauce. The usual assortment of puns and sight gags are on display as well. A laughed a lot reading this book.