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Astérix #34
Asterix: Asterix and Obelix's Birthday: The Golden Book: Album 34
A collection of 12 new stories - all linked by the theme of Asterix's anniversary celebration.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2009
29 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
René Goscinny
2,058 books1,246 followersRené Goscinny (1926 - 1977) was a French author, editor and humorist, who is best known for the comic book
Asterix
, which he created with illustrator Albert Uderzo, and for his work on the comic series Lucky Luke with Morris (considered the series' golden age).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 31, 2018
It's the 50th Anniversary of Asterix and Obelix, so they get their own Birthday Book! What would our heroes be like in the year 1 AD? It's amusing to find out, but let's face it, the perpetual 50 BC they are stuck in is more fun, so let's return there after out glimpse of the future...
How old are our heroes, anyway? Why aren't they married? What should they get as Birthday Gifts? How many characters from previous adventures will show up to celebrate? How will Caesar try to ruin the party? How many artistic styles and famous paintings can Uderzo parody (amazingly well)? Just how surreal can one Asterix book get???
This has to be the most bonkers Asterix book of them all - by some considerable stretch! Best appreciated by those most familiar with the entire history of the village of Indomitable Gauls still holding out against the invaders...
How old are our heroes, anyway? Why aren't they married? What should they get as Birthday Gifts? How many characters from previous adventures will show up to celebrate? How will Caesar try to ruin the party? How many artistic styles and famous paintings can Uderzo parody (amazingly well)? Just how surreal can one Asterix book get???
This has to be the most bonkers Asterix book of them all - by some considerable stretch! Best appreciated by those most familiar with the entire history of the village of Indomitable Gauls still holding out against the invaders...
April 14, 2010
Long before movies like Shrek or Finding Nemo offered multilayered humour and storylines to entertain children and adults alike, there was Asterix; a vibrant French comic strip that could provoke belly-laughs with its satire and slapstick, while weaving in thoughtful commentary on history, politics, and culture. The fun-filled adventures of a pint-sized Gaul and his friends, with meaning beneath the merriment.
Fifty years on from Asterix’s debut in Pilote magazine, this 34th Asterix ‘album’ (only the sixth in the last 20 years) was released as part of the jubilee celebrations. However, those anticipating a brand-new Asterix adventure will be a touch disappointed; this is more a homage to the beloved characters, and the fantastic series. Twelve birthday-related ‘short stories’ show various villagers and guests proposing different ways to celebrate the birthday; everything from Cacofonix’s parodies of famous album covers, to Cleopatra forcing Caesar to provide a gift.
It’s fun, but The Golden Book will make you smile rather than laugh out loud; the humour not really matching the layers and high standards of yesteryear (RIP Rene Goscinny) or the continued vibrancy and brilliance of Uderzo’s illustrations. Recommended for longtime Asterix fans and collectors, rather than those wanting the best introduction to the mirth, mischief and magic of the indomitable Gauls.
Fifty years on from Asterix’s debut in Pilote magazine, this 34th Asterix ‘album’ (only the sixth in the last 20 years) was released as part of the jubilee celebrations. However, those anticipating a brand-new Asterix adventure will be a touch disappointed; this is more a homage to the beloved characters, and the fantastic series. Twelve birthday-related ‘short stories’ show various villagers and guests proposing different ways to celebrate the birthday; everything from Cacofonix’s parodies of famous album covers, to Cleopatra forcing Caesar to provide a gift.
It’s fun, but The Golden Book will make you smile rather than laugh out loud; the humour not really matching the layers and high standards of yesteryear (RIP Rene Goscinny) or the continued vibrancy and brilliance of Uderzo’s illustrations. Recommended for longtime Asterix fans and collectors, rather than those wanting the best introduction to the mirth, mischief and magic of the indomitable Gauls.
September 4, 2020
Αν εξαιρέσεις κάποια σημεία που το παρατραβούσε (όπως ο ταξιδιωτικός οδηγός)), ένα πολύ ευχάριστο ανάγνωσμα.
January 23, 2026
Apetece-me chorar com aquilo que aconteceu aos Astérix ali depois do Obélix e Companhia.
June 28, 2017
it's fun to find the books that i missed in this series;
the anachronistic art works are truly divine
will read the 2015 (...missing scroll) installment soon
the anachronistic art works are truly divine
will read the 2015 (...missing scroll) installment soon
June 28, 2023
2/5
El último cómic de Uderzo es una patata. Con motivo del 50 aniversario, el dibujante escribió una especie de homenaje a sus personajes más famosos y a los que les debe su éxito como autor. No obstante, el álbum no tiene mucha chicha, no está muy bien cohesionado, es un tanto caótico y la trama es simplona. Sabe a despedida de una etapa en solitario que empezó asombrosamente bien, pero que terminó, sobre todo en los últimos tres números, fatal. Tengo ganas de leer al nuevo dúo, de quienes no he leído ninguno todavía. No pueden ser peor que estos cómics tardíos de Uderzo...
El último cómic de Uderzo es una patata. Con motivo del 50 aniversario, el dibujante escribió una especie de homenaje a sus personajes más famosos y a los que les debe su éxito como autor. No obstante, el álbum no tiene mucha chicha, no está muy bien cohesionado, es un tanto caótico y la trama es simplona. Sabe a despedida de una etapa en solitario que empezó asombrosamente bien, pero que terminó, sobre todo en los últimos tres números, fatal. Tengo ganas de leer al nuevo dúo, de quienes no he leído ninguno todavía. No pueden ser peor que estos cómics tardíos de Uderzo...
April 6, 2024
"Złota księga" została stworzona z okazji pięćdziesięciolecia powstania komiksów o naszej dwójce Gallów i ich niezwyciężonej wiosce. Oboje mają urodziny tego samego dnia, więc to świetna okazja, żeby wioska mogła zrobić coś specjalnego. Przy okazji pojawiają się bohaterowie, którzy przewinęli się przez inne komiksy, sporo wspomnień, a i nie zabrakło wizji obu Gallów, wyglądających jak staruszkowie oraz bawiący swoje wnuki.
Jak zawsze bawiłam się rewelacyjnie.
Jak zawsze bawiłam się rewelacyjnie.
December 10, 2018
Dette er først og fremst trist. Betre enn den førre, utan at det seier så mykje. Gler meg i grunnen til dei nye bøkene av nye forfattarar.
August 8, 2021
Sosillo con varios gags de una página o así.
Recupera a los personajes clásicos y algunas bromas de los cómics de Uderzo y Gosciny.
Recupera a los personajes clásicos y algunas bromas de los cómics de Uderzo y Gosciny.
November 3, 2024
Another collection of shorts - enjoyed :)
January 21, 2025
Geweldig! Zeker de bedachte andere versies van Asterix & Obelix.
February 6, 2017
alle gekheid op een stokie dat ist en nie anders.
September 16, 2020
Beautiful bunch of short stories commemorating Asterix and obelix birthday!
November 12, 2025
This volume is supposed to celebrate the legacy of Asterix, although it tends to recycle quite a few drawings from the previous Asterix stories. Plus, the arrangement of this book is confusing. Of course, after Asterix & Obelix's Birthday: The Golden Book (number 34), Uderzo quits the comics and a new crew takes over, probably not living up to the classic standards.
March 5, 2022
En spretig liten historia som centreras kring Asterix och Obelix födelsedag men utan att riktigt komma någonstans eller berätta ett riktigt äventyr. Kanse det vekaste av de album jag läst hittils.
May 15, 2022
This album starts out with what could have been a very good story idea - what would the village of indomitable Gauls be like if they'd all aged 50 years? However that promising and appropriate concept gets ditched after a couple of pages, and we are taken into a book full of indulgent and padded references to characters and stories past. Cacofonix's album covers were funny, but that was about it. The occasion demanded much better than this weak effort.
December 4, 2023
Originally released in 2009 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our indomitable Gaulish friends, this is a special, slightly longer book which serves more as a commemorative edition than a typical adventure. What story there is, centres around the boys receiving birthday presents from many old friends and enemies. It's done in a way that encompasses a number of different artistic styles and concepts which makes it somewhat interesting, but perhaps more as an oddity than anything else.
December 20, 2023
El último álbum que me faltaba por leer. Una mezcla de cosas cortas, algunas buenas otras no tanto, en linea a como fueron los álbumes finales de Uderzo en solitario.
El cierre de una época.
Después de este número, nuevos autores y guionistas vienen. Larga vida a los galos y a los romanos que están majaretas.
El cierre de una época.
Después de este número, nuevos autores y guionistas vienen. Larga vida a los galos y a los romanos que están majaretas.
December 19, 2024
It's a book for collectors and people who have read the previous books.
That said, the illustrations parodying great art pieces are amazing! There are some nice shorts as well.
However, many parts of this volume are missing the humor that made Asterix famous. Some parts are straight-up boring.
It is worth for die-hard fans.
That said, the illustrations parodying great art pieces are amazing! There are some nice shorts as well.
However, many parts of this volume are missing the humor that made Asterix famous. Some parts are straight-up boring.
It is worth for die-hard fans.
August 4, 2014
Um livro que procura sintetizar algumas das ideias por detrás dos personagens com 50 anos de história. A forma como o faz é através de fragmentos de ideias, momentos, com recurso a diferentes técnicas de ilustração. Difícil extrair sentido de tanta fragmentação, quando nem a própria estética ajuda.
March 6, 2021
The 50th Anniversary of Asterix and Obelix calls for a celebration / recap of the series so far. No real plot, not much fun other than reimagining famous paintings, records, fashions, etc. as interpreted by Asterix and Obelix. For hardcore fans who have read everything else.
May 13, 2024
Vraiment pas mon préféré. Le pire que j’ai lu jusqu’à maintenant. De nombreux clins-d’œil sympathiques pour les 50 ans de la série, ce qui est bien, mais le tout forme un album, désordonné, loin de ce que les Astérix font de mieux et même un peu ennuyeux.
February 26, 2015
usually I LOVE asterix but this one didn't have a plot to follow and that irked me to no end. It just skipped around a lot!
August 12, 2012
Une oeuvre propagandaire pour la gloire d'Uderzo. À éviter.
A self-congratulatory book, a thin excuse for Uderzo's ego trip. Avoid unless you're a die-hard Astérix fan.
A self-congratulatory book, a thin excuse for Uderzo's ego trip. Avoid unless you're a die-hard Astérix fan.
October 18, 2017
Not interesting. Not a true Asterix book.
June 24, 2023
Asterix and Obelix’s Birthday: The Golden Book is the 34th volume of the Asterix comic strip series that was written and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It was published in 2009 and it was a flawed experiment.
This book isn’t really a full Asterix story. In fact, it’s more of a compilation of previously unpublished stories with some new stuff added in for good measure, all of this done to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Asterix back in 2009. The idea was a sound one and the series really deserved this kind of celebration, but the execution was frustratingly middling.
The first story set in the future had some great potential, but unfortunately this was quickly squashed as the story was discarded and they quickly moved away from it. It’s a shame as the older Asterix and Obelix angle could have been a lot of fun. The part about Obelix learning how to read was actually quite sweet and so much fun. Getafix was terrific in this section.
The main storyline of this volume worked to a degree. The two sharing the same birthday still feels odd, but at least the inclusion of Caesar and Cleopatra was a wonderful one and he was particularly amusing here. There is one sequence at the end where Getafix tricks the Romans by poisoning them and that was by far the funniest moment in this story.
But other than that great scene, I did not find it necessary to have this overarching story to tie things up as it failed to do that and it just felt forced to somehow make what is a compilation volume a coherent story. There is also an effort here to bring back all the side characters in previous books, but most of them failed to make a bigger impact. Just seeing them wasn’t enough for me personally.
These characters made some proposals for the future. Most of these sections were overlong with too many panels proposing the same thing in too much detail. The amusement park and the museum parts were the most interesting ones, but overall these parts significantly slowed down the momentum of the story. The illustrations here were also a mixed bag with the paintings being creepy and disconnected from the more cartoony style of the series. There is some clever dialogue throughout, but not enough to make this story worth reading.
Asterix and Obelix’s Birthday: The Golden Book is a compilation book that has some amusing sections and solid dialogue, but for the most part it was badly paced, oddly structured and far from memorable.
This book isn’t really a full Asterix story. In fact, it’s more of a compilation of previously unpublished stories with some new stuff added in for good measure, all of this done to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Asterix back in 2009. The idea was a sound one and the series really deserved this kind of celebration, but the execution was frustratingly middling.
The first story set in the future had some great potential, but unfortunately this was quickly squashed as the story was discarded and they quickly moved away from it. It’s a shame as the older Asterix and Obelix angle could have been a lot of fun. The part about Obelix learning how to read was actually quite sweet and so much fun. Getafix was terrific in this section.
The main storyline of this volume worked to a degree. The two sharing the same birthday still feels odd, but at least the inclusion of Caesar and Cleopatra was a wonderful one and he was particularly amusing here. There is one sequence at the end where Getafix tricks the Romans by poisoning them and that was by far the funniest moment in this story.
But other than that great scene, I did not find it necessary to have this overarching story to tie things up as it failed to do that and it just felt forced to somehow make what is a compilation volume a coherent story. There is also an effort here to bring back all the side characters in previous books, but most of them failed to make a bigger impact. Just seeing them wasn’t enough for me personally.
These characters made some proposals for the future. Most of these sections were overlong with too many panels proposing the same thing in too much detail. The amusement park and the museum parts were the most interesting ones, but overall these parts significantly slowed down the momentum of the story. The illustrations here were also a mixed bag with the paintings being creepy and disconnected from the more cartoony style of the series. There is some clever dialogue throughout, but not enough to make this story worth reading.
Asterix and Obelix’s Birthday: The Golden Book is a compilation book that has some amusing sections and solid dialogue, but for the most part it was badly paced, oddly structured and far from memorable.
September 4, 2018
This Asterix story celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the first publication of an Asterix story in 1959. Rene Goscinny died in November 1977, but material that he had developed prior to his death has been included in this story.
The story starts with a look at what Asterix and Obelix would be like if they actually aged and were in their retirement years. It's a comic nightmare that soon ends as a dream sequence. Their Gaulish village sends Asterix and Obelix off on a boar hunt. Meanwhile, the villagers plan a birthday party for the two. Different people come up with different presents, including Laurensolivius's film treatment of their lives!
The book is an entertaining tribute to the pair of adventurers but not a great adventure in and of itself. There's a lot of mock art, like a statue of Obelix as Rodin's The Thinker and one of the village ladies as Mona Lisa, an interesting and different thing for an Asterix comic.
Recommended for Asterix fans--you need to have a little background to appreciate this.
The story starts with a look at what Asterix and Obelix would be like if they actually aged and were in their retirement years. It's a comic nightmare that soon ends as a dream sequence. Their Gaulish village sends Asterix and Obelix off on a boar hunt. Meanwhile, the villagers plan a birthday party for the two. Different people come up with different presents, including Laurensolivius's film treatment of their lives!
The book is an entertaining tribute to the pair of adventurers but not a great adventure in and of itself. There's a lot of mock art, like a statue of Obelix as Rodin's The Thinker and one of the village ladies as Mona Lisa, an interesting and different thing for an Asterix comic.
Recommended for Asterix fans--you need to have a little background to appreciate this.
October 31, 2019
(PT) Um álbum comemorativo dos 50 anos de Asterix e Obelix, desenhado e escrito exclusivamente por Uderzo. Essencialmente, Asterix e Obelix fazem anos no mesmo dia, e os seus amigos, quer os da Armórica, quer os que vivem fora dela, decidem mandar os parabéns através de prendas e uma festa. Até Júlio César os ai congratular - obrigado por Cleopatra - e mesmo aí, ele não deixa de pensar em conquistar o reduto que falta para afirmar que têm a Gália na mão...
Muito do que se vê no álbum são inéditos escritos por René Goscigny antes de morrer inesperadamente em novembro de 1977, que são aproveitados por Uderzo, mas outros foram pensado num contexto de "e se", e começa logo com eles, cinquenta anos depois, já velhos e com filhos e netos, a contar as aventuras do passado. Depois, outras coisas como a evolução de ambos na história - especialmente Obelix - bem como a relutância das mulheres na história de os fazer casar e ter filhos, pois afinal de contas, são os solteirões da aldeia.
Em suma, é um tributo a personagens fantásticas que marcaram toda uma geração.
Muito do que se vê no álbum são inéditos escritos por René Goscigny antes de morrer inesperadamente em novembro de 1977, que são aproveitados por Uderzo, mas outros foram pensado num contexto de "e se", e começa logo com eles, cinquenta anos depois, já velhos e com filhos e netos, a contar as aventuras do passado. Depois, outras coisas como a evolução de ambos na história - especialmente Obelix - bem como a relutância das mulheres na história de os fazer casar e ter filhos, pois afinal de contas, são os solteirões da aldeia.
Em suma, é um tributo a personagens fantásticas que marcaram toda uma geração.
July 27, 2021
2009 = First or sixth* printing = £10.99 = in UK only
I cannot refer to this as an "Asterix Adventure". Thus it should not be in the regular numbered order- it should be known amongst the film adaptations and children's books.
This is one long "birthday party" for the duo and it's really boring. Especially the nerdy brochures within. If I didn't enjoy all the characters and references of adventures within so much I would have disliked this. I even was glad it ended because it was like one long sales pitch to be fans of the series and I already am. Firmly. So, if you're not a confirmed fan of the series- I would skip this
It's the worst of all the books that I have read which include the film adaptations and children's book types that bring the number of titles that I have read above forty.
*There is no "regular printing line" anywhere so I ->assume<- that it's a first unless the six stars in that area denote the number. But since printers "erase" numbers instead of add them I think that I am safe in my assumption.
I cannot refer to this as an "Asterix Adventure". Thus it should not be in the regular numbered order- it should be known amongst the film adaptations and children's books.
This is one long "birthday party" for the duo and it's really boring. Especially the nerdy brochures within. If I didn't enjoy all the characters and references of adventures within so much I would have disliked this. I even was glad it ended because it was like one long sales pitch to be fans of the series and I already am. Firmly. So, if you're not a confirmed fan of the series- I would skip this
It's the worst of all the books that I have read which include the film adaptations and children's book types that bring the number of titles that I have read above forty.
*There is no "regular printing line" anywhere so I ->assume<- that it's a first unless the six stars in that area denote the number. But since printers "erase" numbers instead of add them I think that I am safe in my assumption.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews