Iznogoud 1; The Wicked Wiles Of Iznogoud

The Wicked Wiles Of Iznogoud is the first in the series of English translations of the twenty seven Iznogoud books, written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Jean Tabary. The Iznogoud series was originally published in French but the publisher Cinebooks is releasing the English language versions at a current rate of two per year.

1. Kissmet

In this story kissing a frog results in the appearance of a less than handsome prince, whilst the kisser changes into a frog. Iznogoud attempts to get the Caliph to kiss the frog and succeeds! However, the new Caliph is not what Iznogoud expects and a series of confusing kisses results in virtually everyone doing some time as a frog.

2. Mesmer-Eyezed

A stage hypnotist is hired to make the Caliph think he is a donkey; a spell which can only be undone by clapping. Much to Iznogouds disgust it turns out that washerwomen, mosquito-killers, children's games and a host of other activities produce clapping sounds. Iznogoud's building frustration makes me laugh in this tale.

3. The Occidental Philtre

A famous foreigner sells Iznogoud a magical Philtre which renders the drinker weightless and prone to floating away - but only if the brew is taken when piping hot. Getting the Caliph to drink it at the correct temperature proves tricky until exactly the wrong moment.

4. The Time Machine

An artist from future times mysteriously arrives in Baghdad thanks to a wooden time machine. Iznogoud commissions his own time machine which results in a series of comic interludes resulting in, of course, catastrophe for the Grand Vizier. I think this is one of the most amusing stories in this volume.

5. The Picnic

Iznogoud plans to take the Caliph on a picnic in the desert and then leave him to die of thirst. Unfortunately, a series of unlikely events means water is everywhere - swimming pools, water vendors, wine that has turned to water and the first rain in ten years. Funny!

6. Chop & Change

A magical cup allows drinkers to exchange bodies. This fact makes for a cartoon story of pure farce where virtually everybody ends up in a different body and as sure as sure can be, Iznogoud ends up suffering.

Iznogoud Book Collection
The Iznogoud series of books are a set of cartoon stories which take place in ancient Baghdad, revolving around the absurd plans of the evil Grand Vizier, Iznogoud, to do away with the reigning Caliph, Haroun Al Plassid, and become Caliph himself; these plans include trying to set up a skiing accident in the desert, rigging an election by using magic to influence voters, trying to get the Caliph lost on the road to nowhere and attempting to remove the Caliph using a time machine.