Asterix at the Roman Agent by René Goscinny

“Asterix at the Roman Agent” (French: “Le Devin”) is a comic book in the Asterix series, created by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. The book was originally published in 1970 in French and has been translated into various languages. It is the nineteenth volume in the iconic series, which follows the adventures of the Gaulish warrior Asterix and his friend Obelix as they resist Roman occupation with the help of a magic potion that grants superhuman strength.

In “Asterix at the Roman Agent,” the story revolves around the arrival of a soothsayer named Prolix in the Gaulish village. Prolix claims to have the power to predict the future, and his seemingly accurate prophecies make him popular among the villagers. However, Chief Vitalstatistix becomes suspicious and asks Asterix and Obelix to investigate Prolix’s true intentions.

The duo discovers that Prolix is actually a spy working for the Roman Empire, specifically for a centurion named Caius Obtus. Prolix uses his predictions to manipulate the villagers and gather information for the Romans. Asterix and Obelix must devise a plan to expose Prolix and thwart the Roman agent’s schemes.

As with other Asterix books, “Asterix at the Roman Agent” combines humor, historical references, and wordplay to create an entertaining and engaging story. The series is celebrated for its witty dialogue, playful puns, and satirical commentary on various aspects of ancient and modern society.

René Goscinny’s clever writing and Albert Uderzo’s distinctive artwork have made the Asterix series a beloved classic in the world of comics and graphic novels. “Asterix at the Roman Agent” continues the tradition of delivering humorous adventures while highlighting the indomitable spirit of the Gauls in their resistance against the Roman conquerors.