Asterix The Legionary (1967)
Asterix The Legionary Review
Asterix the Legionary is the tenth volume of the Asterix comic strip series that was written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It was published in 1967 and it is one of the best entries in the entire series.
Obelix is in love with a beautiful woman, but she is already engaged. Her boyfriend was conscripted into the Roman army, so it is up to Asterix and Obelix to go and save him. The reason why this comic is the best one after ‘Asterix and Cleopatra’ up until this point lies in its humor, which is among the best so far. Every little joke here is superbly set up to the point that it all paid off in spades and I was having a laugh throughout.
The highlight is easily that sequence where Asterix is angered at the incompetent bureaucracy. It functions as a mini-story of its own and it was not just gloriously executed, but also extra funny due to its relatable nature. Everybody who has experienced this incompetence will undoubtedly find themselves in Asterix’s anger here. Asterix himself has rarely been better than he was in this story as his every scene is very memorable and funny. It was also interesting seeing him sit out the banquet and not just Cacofonix, which was quite original.
The other standout is Obelix, who actually falls in love here. Panacea isn’t well developed at all, but she is memorable for her more human and realistic drawing, which effortlessly set her apart from the other villagers. Obelix’s infatuation with her was unexpected, but very entertaining throughout. The added love interest shook things up considerably for this story and in a delightful way.
The eclectic team that they acquaint themselves with in the army is international in nature and they are basically all Easter Eggs, being effectively personalities from all the previous travelogue comics in this series. That was a great touch. The Egyptian tourist is the comedic highlight. I wished for more emphasis on the Romans and Caesar himself. The final battle in Africa was also rushed and not as interesting, but otherwise the story here is outstanding and wonderfully humor-oriented. The drawings are meticulously detailed, colorful and polished while the dialogue is witty and sophisticated throughout.
