It is always a pleasure to read the first book in any series - seeing how it all started. This first story in the Asterix series does not disappoint. It introduces most of true main characters and their quirks- how they are and mostly, why they are as they are. Also it emphasises early on that it is the sheer cunning and wit of Asterix, not merely his physical strength (thanks to the potion) that won the day. The level of detail in the illustrations is unparalleled. One of my all-time favourite comics.