Asterix the Gladiator (1962)

Asterix the Gladiator Review

Asterix the Gladiator is the fourth volume of the Asterix comic strip series that was written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It was published in 1962 and it is a terrific comic.

Asterix and Obelix must go to Rome to rescue Cacofonix, who has been kidnapped. First off, it was a phenomenal idea to have the annoying singer be the one who the duo has to rescue. This means that they all still care for him, though obviously not for his singing as judged by that hysterical ending where he is gagged and bound so as not to sing.

There are other comedic highlights in this story. One is the public bath sequence that was actually memorable and a lot of fun. The other is the gladiator section. This one is almost too goofy, but it works in the context of this series. Asterix is excellent here and quite memorable, but it is Obelix who steals the show with his penchant for fighting and his introduced catchphrase – “These Romans are crazy!” That line was so funny whenever it was repeated.

Even more could have been done here with the Roman setting, but for the most part the illustrations delivered in terms of memorable imagery and solid world building. Rome here felt very much lived-in. The streets and buildings were particularly gorgeous to look at. The dialogue is also excellent and so is the humor, though this is still not as hilarious as the first entry in the series, but it just might be the best story since that one.

Asterix the Gladiator is gorgeously illustrated and very memorable in its Roman setting, but it is the characters and the humor that are the best aspects of this particular comic. The standout is Obelix himself with fun catchphrases and memorable fight scenes.

My Rating – 4.6