Written by Jean-Yves Ferri
Art by Didier Conrad
Original title: Le Papyrus de César
Published by: Les Éditions Albert René
UK Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
Out: Now
The Book: Julius Caesar has finished writing the history of his campaigns in Gaul. His publisher, Libellus Blockbustus, forsees a huge success … but there’s a snag: the chapter about Caesar’s defeats by the indomitable Gauls of Armorica. Cut it, Blockbustus advises, and everyone will believe that Caesar conquered all Gaul. Or will they? Newsmonger and activist Confoundtheirpolitix takes the chapter to Asterix’s village. Can the Gauls make sure the truth is revealed?
Following in the footsteps of Goscinny and Uderzo, the thirty-sixth Asterix album by Ferri and Conrad is a Number Three New York Times bestselling title.
The Review: While Asterix fans in the main welcomed new adventures of Asterix from an all-new creative team in 2014 with the release of Asterix and the Picts, and the book was a massive success, some found the story a little “wanting”, hoping for more of the the classic Asterix they’d grown up with, packed with jokes that worked for all ages, satire and sagacity.
Well, Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad certainly deliver all that with Asterix and the Missing Scroll, bringing fans a truly wonderful adventure that’s packed with humour and pokes at modern media, too, along with a charming tip of the hat to the original creators, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo,
Not only do we get plenty of delicious barbs at the expense of modern publishing and tabloid journalism for adults – perfectly observed by writer Ferri – but there’s also the classic “quest” element of the story for younger readers as Asterix and company seek to preserve their story for future generations with the help of some bonkers druids. Hapless Romans trying to stop them prove a great source of humour throughout, while the finale perfectly echoes the healthy respect the rebellious Gauls have for their would-be conqueror, Julius Caesar, that was a vital part of earlier books.
With terrific art by Conrad throughout, Asterix and the Missing Scroll has deservedly earned plenty of plaudits for its humour and storytelling since its reales earlier this year. The book truly does mark what some have called a “return to form” for the long-established series that has sold in its millions since its humble debut in the French magazine Pilote, way back in 1959.
If you’ve got some Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket on your way to your local independent book shop, book tokens or an Amazon gift card, then add this brilliant title to your Must Buy list.
• There’s more information about Asterix and the Missing Scroll here on the official Asterix web site | Find Asterix and Obelix on Facebook
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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