Book excerpt: We find “Asterix in Switzerland” as the indomitable Gaulish warrior yodels in the Alps, has plenty of holey cheese, and stumbles upon Helvetica. Then, the villagers are tempted with “The Mansion of the Gods” with all the modern luxuries of Rome when a new housing development threatens to urbanize (and Romanize) their humble tribe. Finally, it is a true Roman circus as Obelix and Asterix head to Rome to get a key ingredient to the Chieftain’s soup, Caesar’s Laurel Wreath. What will become of “Asterix and the Laurel Wreath” and will Rome ever be the same? These three classic graphic novels are newly translated especially for an American audience. Includes a new afterword by Alexander Simmons providing historical and cultural context for Asterix, both in 50 B.C. and in the time the classic comics were made addressing various racial depictions