Asterix and the Roman Agent
| Industry | Comic book publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
| Products | Comic book |
Asterix and the Roman Agent (, "Discord") represents the fifteenth installment in the Asterix comic series, crafted by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. Its initial publication was serialized in Pilote magazine, spanning issues 531 to 552 in 1970, with an English translation released in 1972.
Plot summary
Tensions escalate between dictator Julius Caesar and the diminished Roman Senate due to the Gaulish village's persistent defiance against Roman domination. The villagers maintain their resistance through the exclusive use of their secret Magic Potion, known solely to the druid Getafix.
During a strategic meeting, Caesar is counseled to create internal strife among the Gauls. He discovers Tortuous Convolvulus, a notorious agitator imprisoned for inciting turmoil even among lions. Impressed by his disruptive reputation, Caesar dispatches him to infiltrate the Gauls. On his journey, Convolvulus instigates quarrels aboard his ship and cunningly manipulates attacking pirates into destroying their own vessel.
In the village, preparations are underway for Chief Vitalstatistix's birthday celebration, despite complaints from his wife, Impedimenta, regarding unwelcome gifts. Convolvulus settles in the adjacent Roman camp, gathering intelligence on the villagers. He presents Asterix with a valuable vase, dubbing him "most important," which stirs jealousy in Vitalstatistix. Subsequently, rumors circulate that Asterix has disclosed Getafix's potion secret to the Romans, heightening suspicion and casting a shadow over the birthday festivities.
Leading the distrust are blacksmith Fulliautomatix, elder Geriatrix, and their spouses. Fulliautomatix and Unhygienix conduct surveillance on the Romans and observe a counterfeit potion being handed out. When discovered, Convolvulus orchestrates a commotion causing the Gauls to retreat. Mistakenly believing they now possess the magic potion, the Romans consume the fake concoction. Growing wary of Asterix and Getafix, the villagers announce their voluntary exile alongside Obelix to unmask Convolvulus and restore mutual trust.
Facing Convolvulus, they threaten departure that would leave their village exposed. Persuaded by this threat, Roman commander Centurion Platypus launches an attack. Meanwhile, the Gauls expose the ineffectiveness of the counterfeit potion. Convolvulus informs Platypus, who orders an assault; however, Getafix then produces the authentic Magic Potion. After consuming it, the villagers overpower four Roman garrisons. Asterix and Vitalstatistix express gratitude to Convolvulus for honoring his word by returning the vase given to Asterix—thereby deceiving Platypus into blaming him for their defeat. Convolvulus is sent back to Rome but is expected to escape due to his disruptive tendencies.
Upon returning to the village, Vitalstatistix apologizes to Asterix and consents to hold another birthday celebration. To affirm solidarity, Asterix rides on Obelix's shield mimicking Vitalstatistix’s style, sparking a friendly rivalry over heroism. The narrative concludes with a harmonious village feast commemorating Vitalstatistix’s birthday.
In other languages
- Brazilian Portuguese:
- Catalan:
- Croatian: (Divide and Rule)
- Czech:
- Danish: (Louse in the Fur Coat)
- Dutch:
- Finnish: (Asterix and the Sower of Arguments)
- German: (The Asterix Controversy)
- Greek:
- Hebrew:
- Hindi: ()
- Indonesian:
- Irish:
- Italian:
- Latin:
- Norwegian: (Fire in the Rosy Camp)
- Polish:
- Pontic Greek:
- Portuguese:
- Spanish:
- Serbian: / (Divide and Rule)
- Swedish:
- Turkish:
Reception
Screenwriter Russell T Davies described it as "the greatest book ever created."