23. OBELIX (Asterix)

More fun than lead character Asterix, almost as cute as his pet Dogmatix, and the comic engine for the entire series, Obelix is arguably the best reason to love the French – yes, right up there with the wine, the cheeses, and Gérard Depardieu (who, not coincidentally, has also played him onscreen). The menhir-delivery man takes a childlike glee in beating up hordes of Romans – something he considers a right rather than a duty – and is blasé about the super-strength gained when he fell into a cauldron of magic potion when he was a little boy. His inability to look beyond the moment – he leaves such ponderings to Asterix or his smart, tree-obsessed dog Dogmatix – and tendency to fall in love with unattainable women make him one of the cutest characters on the list. Even if he could beat up your whole family without breaking a sweat.

Trademarks: Pleasantly plump (don't call him fat), red moustache and beard, often carries a menhir, invincible and super-strong with a perchant for beating up Romans.

On Screen: In a very successful series of European productions, Depardieu has donned a fat suit to play him. In cartoon form, he's been voiced by Brad Garrett among others.

Did You Know?: There's a Parc Asterix just outside Paris, where you can go on Asterix and Obelix-themed rides. We recommend the Menhir Express.

Buy Omnibus 1: Asterix the Gaul, Asterix and the Golden Sickle, Asterix and the Goths now on Amazon