This is the fourth Asterix adventure. Odius Asparagus, the Prefect of Gaul, is going on leave to Rome and wants to take a present for Caesar. "I have a brilliant idea! Why not take Caesar one of the invincible Gauls?"
The least intimidating of the indomitable Gauls is Cacofonix the bard so he is the one kidnapped and taken to Rome. Asterix and Obelix are hot on their heels though to try and get their bard back. While in Rome they find out that Caesar wants to throw him to the lions at the next games in Circus Maximus, and "only condemned men, lions and gladiators get into the circus," so they train to be gladiators.
The book features fights galore, at which Obelix collects helmets of the people (mainly Romans) he beats as part of a competition with Asterix. The pirates also feature for the first time in the Asterix series.
The story involves a kidnapping, just like the previous adventure Asterix and the Goths did, but this doesn't detract from the story here. The strong, well-defined characters make for some really good jokes, including plenty at the expense of the bard and his bad singing. This is another excellent Asterix story.
Amazon UK link: Asterix the Gladiator
Publication date: First published 1964
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