I enjoyed the story very much, with its critic to wokeness and flower power, and there’s also many winks to the original comics by Uderzo & Goscinny. But the last Panoramix frame is a bit of an anticlimax and kills part of the previous efforts to fight Viceversus hypocrisy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley and Papercutz, for this ARC.

Normally I only read and review novels, but when I saw this one, my inner child rose and screamed:”I want to read it!!” “Okay, okay, you don't have to yell at me!” So, here I am reviewing something completely different.

Asterix and Obelix…I grew up with them and enjoyed it every time again.
As always the Romans are trying to infiltrate in the Gavlish Village, the village of Asterix and Obelix and the only village that isn't under Roman control. All our beloved village people are back and gosh….they still make me laugh. This time a Roman ‘lifestyle coach’ named Viceversus infiltrates and convinces the village to change their lifestyle completely and think positively. I don't have to tell you that Asterix and Obelix will interfere. The interference isn't without consequences and soon our heroes, together with Vitalstatistix (the chief) are on their way to Lutetia. I'm not going to tell you why as it will just spoil the comic.

Let’s be honest…the Asterix and Obelix comics are always about the same thing, with some small changes in the storyline, but who cares….it’s Asterix and Obelix. I did have a laugh at the ‘positivity guru’ as it reminds me of a lot of young people (not in a bad way).
If you love Asterix and Obelix, this will be a nice read. The Asterix and Obelix comics are a must-have for kids and I really recommend this one 😄.

Asterix has a new writer for the 40th album. It wasn’t a return to my childhood enjoyment of these comics, but it was amusing enough. Viceversus, a Roman philosopher, brings his method of positive thinking to the small Gaulish village, causing a bit of havoc among the villagers and the nearby garrison. Of course, Asterix isn’t taken with his nonsense, and when the time comes, he’s able to step in.

This was a fun, if a rather simple and straightforward story. Old favourites, like the pirates, make an appearance. Illustrations are still good.

(I received this book from the editor and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
I have always been reading Asterix comic books. No, that is not a grammatical mistake, I do remember reading Asterix and Cleopatra as soon as I learnt how to read and have been doing so all these years (rereading my favourites, most of the time).
Overall, quality has declined since the passing of first Goscinny and then Uderzo; however, I must say that Didier Conrad’s art is very good and highly praised. His love for these characters can be seen in every movement, every gesture.
On the other hand, this is Fabcaro’s first Asterix, and therefore I think his use of the characters and setting will get more natural and genuine in a second or third volume. For now, this 40th volume of the series, Asterix and the White Iris, kind of feels like a kind of modernized Obelix & co., where the critique is not towards capitalism but the excessive use of positivism.
Sadly, where Obelix & co. did a (in my opinion) fantastic job, Asterix and the White Iris struggles to show the characters in their natural “habitat” and the reiteration of the criticism feels forced.
I will continue to read Asterix, of course, and I am looking forward to seeing Fabcaro’s evolution. He just needs to find a theme that allows him to show his whole potential.

I last read and enjoyed an Asterix comic years ago — and this, while a bit more politically correct, still has the same fun factor. The characters I loved, Asterix and Obelisk, are back, surrounded by others with similarly clever names. The story follows a similar hero’s path: the massive Roman army is too stupid (or lazy) to defeat our underdogs, who simply won’t knuckle under and win against insurmountable odds. Much mayhem along the way. This volume is thoroughly enjoyable, well drawn and with a fun story. (You don’t need to have read prior stories — all is explained in the early panels.)

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

I have loved Asterix comics for many years. I love the clever wordplay with the names, the adventures, the character of people who won't give in to the Romans.
Obviously, these aren't the original people making the new comics, but it's the same people and the same general spirit. There is an adventure with someone trying to trick our feisty favorites. Asterix and Obelisk, as usual, never even realize what's really going on. The modern aspects include food vendors trying to sell healthier versions, totally confusing everyone.
If you love Asterix too, read this so you can visit this world again. Thanks to NetGalley for making it available to me

I hadn't read a new Asterix volume in ages and I really enjoyed the experience. The nostalgia factor definitely played a part in my enjoyment, but as always I also appreciated the timeless humour and the social commentary. Would recommend!

Another fun Asterix book! If you’re not familiar with Asterix, you can still read this as it gives a good overview of the characters. Asterix is always a fun time!