Asterix in Britain by Rene Goscinny

“Asterix in Britain” is the eighth volume in the Asterix comic book series, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It was first published in 1966 in French as “Astérix chez les Bretons.” The English translation, “Asterix in Britain,” was published in the same year.

In this adventure, Asterix and Obelix travel to Britain, which at the time of the story is under Roman occupation. They are tasked with delivering a barrel of their village’s magic potion to a friend, Anticlimax, who is leading the resistance against the Romans in Britain. However, upon arrival, they find that Anticlimax has been captured by the Romans, and they must rescue him.

The humor in “Asterix in Britain” often revolves around cultural stereotypes and puns, particularly those related to British culture and the English language. For example, the Britons are depicted as drinking warm beer and drinking hot water with a little bit of milk, a nod to stereotypes about British cuisine. Additionally, the Romans are portrayed as being baffled by the Britons’ customs, such as driving on the wrong side of the road (from their perspective).

Throughout the story, Asterix and Obelix encounter various characters, including the bumbling Roman legionnaires, British chieftains, and Druids. As they navigate the challenges of Roman occupation and resistance, they ultimately prevail with the help of their wit, strength, and the magic potion.

Like other Asterix adventures, “Asterix in Britain” is celebrated for its humor, clever wordplay, and colorful artwork. It remains a beloved classic in the Asterix series and is cherished by fans of all ages.