Continuing with the somber, yet emotionally engaging and tragic motif that was prevalent in the last trade, Eric Powell’s “The Goon: A Place of Heartache and Grief†is another fine example of why Powell has an Eisner Award on his mantle.
For those who prefer to stick with Marvel and DC for their doses of comic book goodness, The Goon is a perfect example of what you’re missing. Simultaneously hilarious, enigmatic and heart-felt, Powell is one of the best in the business and doesn’t need to work at a big company to prove it.
Keeping fans of his toilet humor/zombie massacring happy while continuing to make the Goon as real a character can be when living on Lonely Street, Powell again is rock solid in both his writing approach and artistic interpretation.
Trying to get the town back in shape proves to be a tough job for the Goon this time around and even when things look to be going for the better, unexpected loss stings the big lug and sends him into a frenzy that he can’t control. Seeing the Goon cry again after the emotional breakdown in the last trade, “Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker,†is a huge moment in the series and goes even further in cementing Powell’s ability to paint a realistic picture with his words. At the same time, Frankie is up to his old tricks, battling sexual tension and memories of past sexual tension, providing an ample supply of comic relief and asides to keep the trade lighthearted and hilarious when they need to be.
That, combined with the appearance of a few new foes and the reappearance of a few old ones make this trade a must own for fans of the series.
Stellar writing aside, the look and feel of “The Goon†is a huge selling point, as no other comic book currently out possesses its visual style. Between Powell’s pencils and vibrant and multidimensional coloring by Dave Stewart, this trade simply jumps off the page. After reading through this volume, you’ll wonder why no one has taken the liberty of developing an adult-themed Goon cartoon.
While it may not be the landmark vision that “Chinatown†was, this trade continues to build the Goon story up and entice readers with exactly what they want, intelligently written toilet humor, unexpected drama and art that tells a story all by itself.
After reading, you’ll ever wonder to yourself: “What’s going to happen next?â€
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