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The Goon #6
The Goon, Volume 6: Chinatown and The Mystery of Mr. Wicker
Dark Horse is very proud to present the first original graphic novel from Eisner Award-winning creator Eric Powell. Powell has been sowing the seeds of Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker for years in his bimonthly series The Goon, and salivating fans may now feast their eyes on the Goon's formative backstory of love, loss, and extortion - a lengthy tale that demanded to be told in this uninterrupted format. Spiritual leader of Tennessee and hero to the Great Unwashed, Powell escaped catastrophic death and mother-shaming scandal to bring this work to fruition. He's a sensitive man in insensitive times. But be This book ain't funny.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published December 4, 2007
2 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Eric Powell
370 books282 followersEric Powell has contributed work on such comics titles as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Hellboy: Weird Tales, Star Wars Tales, The Incredible Hulk, Black Panther, The Avengers, The Hood, MAD Magazine, Devil Dinosaur, Swamp Thing, the Avengers, She-Hulk, the Simpsons, Arkham Asylum: Living Hell and Action Comics.
Although eking out a meager living in the comics field since 1995, Eric didn't find true success until he launched his critically acclaimed dark comedy series The Goon. The Goon was subsequently picked up by Dark Horse Comics and boasts a diehard cult following.
Although eking out a meager living in the comics field since 1995, Eric didn't find true success until he launched his critically acclaimed dark comedy series The Goon. The Goon was subsequently picked up by Dark Horse Comics and boasts a diehard cult following.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 25, 2024
The epic graphic novel that's been foreshadowed the whole series. We learn how Goon got the iconic mark across his face, why he's a lonely heartbroken bastard, and how he descends into a life of crime.
It's pretty great stuff, especially Powell's artwork and use of color.
If I'm being more critical, I found at times it takes itself too seriously. This is a Goon book after all! But it's a serious story and provides gravitas to the character. Goon has always blurred the line between serious and goofy, here it leans into the serious.
It's pretty great stuff, especially Powell's artwork and use of color.
If I'm being more critical, I found at times it takes itself too seriously. This is a Goon book after all! But it's a serious story and provides gravitas to the character. Goon has always blurred the line between serious and goofy, here it leans into the serious.
February 23, 2025
A kook into the Goons past.
September 19, 2011
The Goon's past is explored in this book focusing on his first love, Isabella, and how it changed him. In the present, he's sorting out his relationship with a nightclub singer, Mirna, while battling a mysterious new enemy called "Mr Wicker".
The book seeks to add depth to the character of the Goon and give him a more fleshed-out personality to explain his emotional distance. Powell not only handles Goon's relationship with Isabella perfectly with just the right amount of subtlety but also adds resonance to Goon's relationship with Franky.
Powell's artwork has also never been better. Beautifully painted images on nearly every page leap out at you and make you pause and look closer.
This is the best Goon book Powell's produced yet as he goes for a more sober tone to his usually funny approach to storytelling. The more thoughtful treatment works brilliantly in this book and it's easy to see why it won two Eisner Awards in 2008. Great stuff.
The book seeks to add depth to the character of the Goon and give him a more fleshed-out personality to explain his emotional distance. Powell not only handles Goon's relationship with Isabella perfectly with just the right amount of subtlety but also adds resonance to Goon's relationship with Franky.
Powell's artwork has also never been better. Beautifully painted images on nearly every page leap out at you and make you pause and look closer.
This is the best Goon book Powell's produced yet as he goes for a more sober tone to his usually funny approach to storytelling. The more thoughtful treatment works brilliantly in this book and it's easy to see why it won two Eisner Awards in 2008. Great stuff.
April 4, 2020
(4,6 z 5 za (zatím) nejlepšího Goona)
Kdysi jsem kdesi koupil, nevím přesně proč zrovna tuhle šestou knihu Goona. Předtím jsem čet první dva v českém vydání, ale k tomuhle se dostal až teď anglickým re-readem. V tom porovnání musím ocenit český překlad, který je velmi čtivý, byť Goon a Frankie trochu ztrácí na svém originálním "přízvuku". To ale nic nemění na tom, že tohle je skvělý díl. Dlouho jsem se těšil až Powell odhalí často zmiňovanou historii s čínskou čtvrtí. A právě tady se to stane. A to při zachování aktuální dějové linie, jako vzpomínková paralela.
A to je první, co chci vyzdvihnout. Časové přechody jsou zde udělané skvěle, plynule, citlivě a jasně a hlavně mají smysl. To je věc, kterou prostě spoustu autorů nezvládá a stejně jim nic nebrání poskakovat v čase jako pingl v přeplněné restauraci.
Druhá věc je příběh a vyprávění - Powell umí humory i je obecně skvělý vypravěč. A tady oboje dotahuje zase o kus dál. Příběh je tu smutný a temný, což je po předchozích pěti (šesti) dílech trochu nezvyk. Ale je to svěží vítr a hlavně - je to naprosto skvělé. A i ten humor, ač velmi nenápadně a přirozeně, si tam našel cestu. V menší a naprosto nerušivé míře.
Vizuální stránka je jako vždy perfektní, a navíc tady jde ještě o kousek dál aby seděla k náladě.
Powell dokazuje svého génia komiksového tvůrce na všech frontách.
Kdysi jsem kdesi koupil, nevím přesně proč zrovna tuhle šestou knihu Goona. Předtím jsem čet první dva v českém vydání, ale k tomuhle se dostal až teď anglickým re-readem. V tom porovnání musím ocenit český překlad, který je velmi čtivý, byť Goon a Frankie trochu ztrácí na svém originálním "přízvuku". To ale nic nemění na tom, že tohle je skvělý díl. Dlouho jsem se těšil až Powell odhalí často zmiňovanou historii s čínskou čtvrtí. A právě tady se to stane. A to při zachování aktuální dějové linie, jako vzpomínková paralela.
A to je první, co chci vyzdvihnout. Časové přechody jsou zde udělané skvěle, plynule, citlivě a jasně a hlavně mají smysl. To je věc, kterou prostě spoustu autorů nezvládá a stejně jim nic nebrání poskakovat v čase jako pingl v přeplněné restauraci.
Druhá věc je příběh a vyprávění - Powell umí humory i je obecně skvělý vypravěč. A tady oboje dotahuje zase o kus dál. Příběh je tu smutný a temný, což je po předchozích pěti (šesti) dílech trochu nezvyk. Ale je to svěží vítr a hlavně - je to naprosto skvělé. A i ten humor, ač velmi nenápadně a přirozeně, si tam našel cestu. V menší a naprosto nerušivé míře.
Vizuální stránka je jako vždy perfektní, a navíc tady jde ještě o kousek dál aby seděla k náladě.
Powell dokazuje svého génia komiksového tvůrce na všech frontách.
November 6, 2010
Tragic but not a huge leap for the already screwed-and-making-the-most-of-it hero. Great story, incredible art and as always a creative stretch or one of the best one-man shows in comics today.
September 27, 2015
The Goon is a very compelling noir(ish) comic series, starting as dark comedy and morphing over the run of several dozen issues into a far grittier and grimmer style.
Initially featuring parodies of White Wolf's vampires, talking chainsaws and a psychic seal who cannot keep his big mouth shut, later stories get darker and darker, with fewer and fewer flashes of comedy. It begins with near cartoonish violence and evolves to more realistic and, sometimes, even disturbing images.
This particular story was originally published as a hard cover with the stark warning at the front "This ain't funny"
There is one sequence, wordless and just showing Goon experiencing the absolute heartbreak of losing everything he cared about, morphing from childlike crying to incredible rage
Keeping in mind that Goon is a criminal and most, if not all, of his associates equally so, the loss of his chance for redemption taken away is heartbreaking
But it ends on a "happy" note. Goon's friendship with Frankie is saved. Stretched taut by Goon's desire to leave and be happy with the one woman who loved him, Isabella, Frankie was left to try and maintain their gang's turf and, without Goon's menacing presence, an ultimately futile one. In the end, with Goon's one true love lost, Frankie forgives Goon, like it never happened because 'pals stick together
One caveat: Don't read this book first. For the best intro, start with Volume 2, My Murderous Childhood. This will help establish the bond between Goon and Frankie (Volume 0 and 1 are the lighter stuff. I love them but Goon gets truly good when it gets dark)
Initially featuring parodies of White Wolf's vampires, talking chainsaws and a psychic seal who cannot keep his big mouth shut, later stories get darker and darker, with fewer and fewer flashes of comedy. It begins with near cartoonish violence and evolves to more realistic and, sometimes, even disturbing images.
This particular story was originally published as a hard cover with the stark warning at the front "This ain't funny"
There is one sequence, wordless and just showing Goon experiencing the absolute heartbreak of losing everything he cared about, morphing from childlike crying to incredible rage
Keeping in mind that Goon is a criminal and most, if not all, of his associates equally so, the loss of his chance for redemption taken away is heartbreaking
But it ends on a "happy" note. Goon's friendship with Frankie is saved. Stretched taut by Goon's desire to leave and be happy with the one woman who loved him, Isabella, Frankie was left to try and maintain their gang's turf and, without Goon's menacing presence, an ultimately futile one. In the end, with Goon's one true love lost, Frankie forgives Goon, like it never happened because 'pals stick together
One caveat: Don't read this book first. For the best intro, start with Volume 2, My Murderous Childhood. This will help establish the bond between Goon and Frankie (Volume 0 and 1 are the lighter stuff. I love them but Goon gets truly good when it gets dark)
May 14, 2020
This book was sometimes marketed as one you can try if you want just to taste the series, and don't need to know anything about it. But i think it's a mistake. When you read Goon from the start, you get this little teasers about Chinatown now and there, but now you are finally able to see whole picture. It works just great, whole tone of the book is more serious. Present events reminds Goon his past and slowly unravels sad noir story, but also story about Goon's and Frank's friendship. Hope this line will somehow continue in following volumes.
August 2, 2010
I was really not expecting what I got when I read this, which was a story that resonated with me on a really personal/emotional level. Violence and monsters and weird characters sure, but more than that, the story of the sacrifices we make for the people we love and how sometimes all the love in the world isn't enough to make things work out the way you want them to.
October 29, 2017
Flips back and forth between past and present as we explore the conflicts of The Goon's life - his tenderness and viciousness, and ability to be completely undone by a dame.
March 16, 2025
I guessed last volume that this one would be rough. Well, i didn't expect it to open with "This ain't funny." And that was fair warning.
This was a pretty depressing issue, led up to in every volume so far. Eric Powell does an excellent job of turning his crude humoured crime comedy into a serious drama. The story was well written and almost made me weep, but the main standout for me was the art. We're very interstingly and visually told what time period were in depending on colour tone. The modern story is told in sepia while the past is ghostly red and white, it's told extremely well. I'm excited to finish the series, I just hope we can hit this height again. Great work.
Also Goons backstory is depressing as I thought, but i didn't expect a dragon to have done the damage.it almost seemed like he'd do it to himself, but I guess in a way he kind of did.
This was a pretty depressing issue, led up to in every volume so far. Eric Powell does an excellent job of turning his crude humoured crime comedy into a serious drama. The story was well written and almost made me weep, but the main standout for me was the art. We're very interstingly and visually told what time period were in depending on colour tone. The modern story is told in sepia while the past is ghostly red and white, it's told extremely well. I'm excited to finish the series, I just hope we can hit this height again. Great work.
Also Goons backstory is depressing as I thought, but i didn't expect a dragon to have done the damage.it almost seemed like he'd do it to himself, but I guess in a way he kind of did.
September 29, 2022
"THIS AIN'T FUNNY." holy shit it really ain't. it really really ain't. I have never felt this pure self-loathing emenating so strongly from a protagonist before. it's actually so fucking tragic. Franky is the only thing holding this guy together. thank God for Franky. we stan Franky.
March 9, 2013
So these past few hours I've looked at the comics I got from the Kickstarter Bundle and this collection was one of them.
As an initial exposure to the "On The Waterfront" Noir world of The Goon this (along with about 4 selected issues) was amazing. Some are crazy funny, some are deadly serious. Despite the differences in tone, though, they all mesh together surprisingly well.
Enough about how I came to this book (the last of the bundle that I read) ... let's talk about Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker.
For the uninitiated, The Goon is a big hulk of a man that's all muscle (well, not dumb, but definitely more muscle than mind in general). He'll be diplomatic and try for a peaceable solution ... unless it comes to zombies - this particular book lacks the "slackjaws" - when he'll fight first and ask questions if he thinks it'll do any good. Due to his violent job - a hired goon for unions, a vigilante against others creepin' on the territory, a big fighter - he's a scarred brute with a bit of a smart mouth and a pistol-happy sidekick.
This book is all about how he got his scars - including those on his heart.
Sentimental as that sounds, Eric Powell does a very nice job of transitioning between two timelines; paralleling a modern story with the memories of The Goon. There are not nearly enough origin pieces in this to fully call it an Origin Story, but this is pretty close to what drives The Goon. There is a lot less humor in this particular volume, and the supernatural elements veer further away from horror than in other comics, but even so feels like a great introduction to the characters. It's easy to get lost in the caring of these people and feeling the emotional strings get tugged. For a story that ends as violently as this does, that's incredibly powerful and makes Powell one of the masters of using violence to help make points.
In short, pick this up and spend an hour or two in this world. It's a quick jaunt in, but one that will leave you shuddering with excitement for more. Could this have had even more story thrown into it, sure. I was hoping for a lot more regarding Goon's first days in the carnival, but when the only complaint is "this was too short..." you just have to suck it up and start reading the other volumes that exist.
I truly hope that The Goon movie does get made if only to help introduce more people to this fun, violent, moving series. Until then, buy a copy of this and make everyone who comes over to your place read it.
As an initial exposure to the "On The Waterfront" Noir world of The Goon this (along with about 4 selected issues) was amazing. Some are crazy funny, some are deadly serious. Despite the differences in tone, though, they all mesh together surprisingly well.
Enough about how I came to this book (the last of the bundle that I read) ... let's talk about Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker.
For the uninitiated, The Goon is a big hulk of a man that's all muscle (well, not dumb, but definitely more muscle than mind in general). He'll be diplomatic and try for a peaceable solution ... unless it comes to zombies - this particular book lacks the "slackjaws" - when he'll fight first and ask questions if he thinks it'll do any good. Due to his violent job - a hired goon for unions, a vigilante against others creepin' on the territory, a big fighter - he's a scarred brute with a bit of a smart mouth and a pistol-happy sidekick.
This book is all about how he got his scars - including those on his heart.
Sentimental as that sounds, Eric Powell does a very nice job of transitioning between two timelines; paralleling a modern story with the memories of The Goon. There are not nearly enough origin pieces in this to fully call it an Origin Story, but this is pretty close to what drives The Goon. There is a lot less humor in this particular volume, and the supernatural elements veer further away from horror than in other comics, but even so feels like a great introduction to the characters. It's easy to get lost in the caring of these people and feeling the emotional strings get tugged. For a story that ends as violently as this does, that's incredibly powerful and makes Powell one of the masters of using violence to help make points.
In short, pick this up and spend an hour or two in this world. It's a quick jaunt in, but one that will leave you shuddering with excitement for more. Could this have had even more story thrown into it, sure. I was hoping for a lot more regarding Goon's first days in the carnival, but when the only complaint is "this was too short..." you just have to suck it up and start reading the other volumes that exist.
I truly hope that The Goon movie does get made if only to help introduce more people to this fun, violent, moving series. Until then, buy a copy of this and make everyone who comes over to your place read it.
December 19, 2015
I had never read a Goon book but I had heard so many great things about this series over the year I felt I should give it a try. Let me start by saying I was blown away by the art. Powell's style is so perfect for the tone of this book. I am still not 100% clear on what the Goon is or who his friend with the Orphan Annie pupil-less eyes is all about (are they super-humans? or just brutishly strong and nasty? I do understand that is because I am jumping in on the 6th volume) but even with these gaps in my Goon-knowledgeI could still enjoy this story which is a nice mix of noir fiction and super natural magic thrown in. I guess the Goon is kind of a criminal mob boss and in this story we flash back to his childhood (seems like that story was unfinished) and then his early adulthood and finally present day and his encounter with the Wicker man who is trying to tear down the Goon's crime empire. The story isn't exactly memorable but it was a fun adventure. My major complaint is that the three stories don't seem connected in any way. That felt like a missed opportunity and hurt the overall graphic novel (which is a stand alone book and not a collection of different comics like most graphic novels).
This didn't exactly compel me to want to search out more Goon books - I didn't find his character that interesting (just an overly strong brute with a heart of gold) but I was impressed with the art and I did enjoy the book. Maybe I'll read one more volume before passing judgment on the series.
This didn't exactly compel me to want to search out more Goon books - I didn't find his character that interesting (just an overly strong brute with a heart of gold) but I was impressed with the art and I did enjoy the book. Maybe I'll read one more volume before passing judgment on the series.
July 22, 2012
Finally Powell gives the reader a peak into the Goon's mysterious past with a woman who ruined him for love. Using juxtaposition of the past with the present, the reader sees history repeat itself, leaving the Goon just as bewildered the second time as the first. At least he can still count on Franky to stand by him in times like these.
March 16, 2016
Absolutely brilliant!! Gorgeous artwork, full of energy, pathos, and mystery. Very deep entry in the Goon series. Very violent, very sad, and very well-done. The characters do some horrible things, and they do some heroic things. Oh, did I mention the artwork! Facial expressions, poses, angles, and shadings to die for, which perfectly convey the emotions of the story. Wow.
Read
August 24, 2023Opening with the bald admission "This Ain't Funny", this is serious noir bar a couple of monsters and a zombie cameo - all regret, resentment and heartbreak that can never be healed. I respect Powell's insistence on going where the muse leads him but, as with Scott Walker or David Sylvian, that doesn't necessarily mean I enjoy following.
January 1, 2021
A damsel in distress causes the Goon to reflect on his past, at the same time, the Goon faces an enemy capable of transforming himself into a dragon.
This is probably the best Goon volume so far, with strong character development and an intriguing plot, a must read for the long time fans.
This is probably the best Goon volume so far, with strong character development and an intriguing plot, a must read for the long time fans.
December 30, 2015
This was the story that needed to happen. It wasn't funny, but dark pasts rarely are.
May 7, 2022
Fantastic art, very mediocre writing.
January 5, 2023
Possibly my mistake reading this without any foreknowledge of what I was getting myself into. I didn't expect the supernatural elements, for example.
Arresting, stunning art. I appreciated the visual distinction (the style differences) between past and present. Unfortunately, I found this art extremely static, utterly lacking the dynamism I hope for in a graphic novel. A few vivid, impactful moments were exceptions.
More than that, this story simply wasn't suited to my tastes. Oh well.
Arresting, stunning art. I appreciated the visual distinction (the style differences) between past and present. Unfortunately, I found this art extremely static, utterly lacking the dynamism I hope for in a graphic novel. A few vivid, impactful moments were exceptions.
More than that, this story simply wasn't suited to my tastes. Oh well.
August 17, 2024
The Goon gets serious in his first OGN. Powell's been waiting to do this story for awhile. It's about why he's something of a curmudgeon and how he got those scars on his face. Not much humor to be found in this installment which is atypical. Powell somehow managed to step up his artistic game. (His art was already fantastic.) He uses some different techniques to show you when the story is taking place and it all looks so deliciously good.
April 5, 2025
Pretty cool to see Powell flex and show that he could do a solid, serious noir story if he wanted to. Something to be desired in the writing (especially in regards to the female characters, a consistent Powell problem), but the art is mind blowing. Love how much Powell challenges himself with different styles and mediums throughout the series. Each volume is beautiful in it's own unique way.
July 5, 2025
Review is for 15 volumes binged over three days
I don't know how I missed this during it's initial run, but - small favors - now I got to enjoy it with no waiting.
For such a long run there is surprisingly little difference in quality, occasionally dipping to excellent from exceptional and dragging - as most tales do - when it moves away from the episodic and into an ongoing tale.
I don't know how I missed this during it's initial run, but - small favors - now I got to enjoy it with no waiting.
For such a long run there is surprisingly little difference in quality, occasionally dipping to excellent from exceptional and dragging - as most tales do - when it moves away from the episodic and into an ongoing tale.
January 31, 2017
This was probably my least favorite of the Goon comics. It wasn't funny, just kinda dreary and that made the brutality different somehow. In Mr. Powell's' defense the first page says in huge letters "This Ain't Funny"
September 26, 2018
Read for the Book Riot "Read Harder 2018" challenge: a comic book (graphic novel) not published by DC, Marvel or Image. (Would also count towards "Read a comic written and drawn by the same author", but am reading "Sweet Tooth, vol. 1 Deluxe Edition" by Jeff Lemire for that next).
February 27, 2021
Powell si vyzkoušel vyloženě vážný díl a celkem se mu to podařilo. Pěkně to dotváří obraz toho, proč je Goon takový jaký je, a jak silný je jeho vztah s Frankym. Dobrá je i kresba/malba, která je taky odlišná od goonovského standardu.
May 30, 2017
Urcite lepsie nez predosly diel, a aj sa tu celkom orientujem. Zaciatky su mi stale ukryte zahadou.
September 12, 2019
One of the best goon stories by far. Great artwork as always, story pace is extremely fluid and adds depth to the character. Must read for any fans of the series.
March 13, 2024
Great art.
August 12, 2024
This was completely different in tone from the rest of the series, but really grounded Goon as a character and acted as the catalyst for the overall tone change in the rest of the series. A little fast paced, but overall I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews