Eric Powell has carved quite a niche for himself in the comic book industry over the past decade with the success of his series “The Goon,” but his new series, “Chimichanga,” may be the thing that puts him over the top for good. While “The Goon” is an amazing character that allows Powell to delve into the crime-noir and sci-fi lore, “Chimichanga” has a different kind of feel to it that could end up garnering the mad scientist another Eisner Award.

As tough as the Goon is, our little bearded friend is adorable, yet she, yes she, rocks a Guy Fawkes-esque beard and isn’t scared to share her opinions on anything. Feeling like a combination of the Goon’s sidekick, Frankie, and Powell’s need to stretch his writing muscles, this character is something special. In spite of her loquacious manner and physical problems however, she has an innocence and candor that can only be found in small children.

Finding depth in hilarity and over-the-top writing is nothing new for Powell, but the way the first issue is laid out will put a smile on your face in a much different way than anything you’ve seen in “The Goon.”

Add in a monster that thinks she’s its mother, a circus troupe and a wicked witch, and you have a great first issue of a potentially intriguing comic book my friends.

Maintaining the nice and steady flow that most of Powell’s stories have, the first issue is super quick read, and leaves you wanting more, as it seems the witch, [who scarily looks a bit too much like the nameless priest] has some sinister plans up her sleeve.

As far as the art is concerned, black and white doesn’t take anything away from the story and adds to the motifs of the past that Powell attaches most of his work to. Feeling like a combination of Sunday cartoon strip and an episode of “The Little Rascals,” “Chimichanga” looks similar to “The Goon,” but has enough of its own style to be considered completely original and prove how talented Powell is.

With a fun story, eclectic art and plenty of room to develop and an already alluring and fun cast of characters, you can’t do much better than the first issue of “Chimichanga.”

The real test will be where Powell takes this story from here.

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