Eric Powell’s “The Goon,†you know, the comic famous for its brute, bad-ass star and his loyal sidekick that stabs his foes in the eye, isn’t exactly known for its sappy moments.
Because of that, many hardcore fans of the series weren’t too enthralled when they found out Powell was dedicating a series of issues to the anti-hero’s past, which would of course explain not only the scar on his face, but the scar festering on his heart.
Sensitivity in a comic book known for over the top boneheaded-ness and zombie killing?
You got to be kidding me-never work.
Think again pals.
In spite of those original sentiments however, “The Goon: Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker†is without a doubt Powell’s magnum opus and a piece of work that shows that he’s much more than a guy that can write fart and zombie jokes- it shows he has a heart as big as his sense of humor.
Getting deep into a character the likes of the Goon is no easy task, considering his tough guy persona has made him a fan favorite in the industry over the last decade. As seen before in the case of characters the likes of Superman and Spider-Man, even the smallest retooling could hurt the series and push fans away. Powell, obviously aware of this, manages to never stray away from the things that have made this series special, such as brutality, hilarity and wit, but adds elements of tragedy and sensitivity into the tale, making it one of the most well-rounded trades of all time. Regardless of how long it takes to read,“The Goon: Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker,†which could be as little as a half hour full through, you’ll remember every single page.
The writing is that good.
However, it wouldn’t be a Goon comic without Powell’s signature art style, which amalgamates sci-fi and crime-noir comics of the past with his bizarre imagination. Just like the writing, Powell’s art work is stepped up an extra notch, resulting in not only top-tier action scenes, but easily one of the most emotionally captivating set of splash pages in the industry today. If you’ve ever felt for a comic book character at some point in your life, expect to experience something similar, as the Goon’s plight from grace is as sorrowful as it is tragic.
Combining comedic writing and eclectic art was what got Powell to the dance in the comic book industry in the first place, but the multi-faceted, deep and engaging writing and sultry art showcased in this trade will guarantee he never has to look far for a partner on the dance floor, if he ever wants one.
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