Astérix

   No doubt the most famous French cartoon character, first created in 1959 by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. Asterix, a small but determined Gaul, first appeared in the French comic Pilote, and the first of the popular albums came out in 1961. Over 30 albums have been published, and several films made; Asterix books have been translated into over 100 languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. Set in Roman times, the albums tell of the adventures of Asterix and Obelix , a joyous Laurel-and-Hardy type pair of heroes who lead the resistance of the ultimate Gaulish village that refuses to bow to the Roman occupier. The stories can be read on many levels, are witty and full of inuendo, and thus appeal to readers of all ages.