What do you think?
Rate this book
The Goon Library Editions
The Goon, Tom 2
Tajemniczy gracz wkracza na przestępczą scenę miasta i bierze na cel przedsięwzięcia naszego głównego bohatera – przejmuje dostawy, likwiduje kontakty, nastawia wrogo dotychczasowych przyjaciół. Goon z całych sił stara się utrzymać kontrolę nad sytuacją, ale jego myśli zatruwają wspomnienia z przeszłości…
Zawiera zeszyty The Goon #9–18 i powieść graficzną Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker
Zawiera zeszyty The Goon #9–18 i powieść graficzną Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2016
2 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Eric Powell
504 books281 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 13, 2016
Absolutely brilliant stuff. Eric Powell succinctly describes The Goon as 'thirties noir mixed with monster / sci-fi ideas,' and that's pretty much it. But there's such great if crass humor, heart, and wonderful satire. And Eric Powell, in addition to writing, is an immensely talented artist, illustrating, inking, coloring, and oil painting his covers. Never have I loved both the story and artwork so completely.
"Dod bessus ebey unn!!"
In this Library Volume, we get more backstory on the Nameless Man, Momma Norton and especially The Goon. With other adventures about an old school football team, "chug head" zombie babies, mafia war, Dr. Hieronymous Alloy, A Christmas Carol, and other random not-as-good shorts by other writers and artists. Thomas Lennon's prose was actually pretty funny, just, well, prosaic.
"I don't remember my right name but I don't want to be a buzzard no more."
My favorite story is Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker, because it reveals the mystery behind that elusive Chinatown comment, Goon's scar, and expands Goon's tragic history. As Goon and Franky seem like only mean and foul-mouthed brawlers, they actually are down and out romantics whose violence is an inverse response to their heartbreak and necessary to their survival.
"AHH! He has gone INSANE with the CHICKEN EATING!"
If you're into The Goon, if you love and obsess and sweat over it deep into night, this is for you. Why do I enjoy it so much? It's unpredictability: you never know what's going to happen, but somehow Powell keeps the story grounded and well-plotted. It's just simply a fun adventurous story with twisted humor and genuine heart.
"No employer shall administer or condone the use of black magic, sorcery, or mysticism of any sort to mitigate union disputes! Rules is rules!"
September 10, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
First off, despite the amazing conclusion to this book coming in the form of the 'Chinatown' story, this collection didn't quite rise to the heights that the first one did to me. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't laugh as much during this one. Maybe it was the more straightforward style of storytelling. Maybe it was the fact that I knew what to expect somewhat, and that sheer sense of surprise and falling in love with something I wasn't so sure about was gone. Eric's art has improved here, if that is even possible. I remember him lamenting during the introduction to the first book that his early art was sub par. Self deprecation it may be, but if was him at his worst, than heaven helps the other artists out there. If it wasn't for the Chinatown story, then this would probably been four stars for me. But anyone who has read the Chinatown arc. The one that launched him into the upper echelon's of comic stardom can attest, it would have taken a heart as hard as stone not to bump it up to a five after such class. I have volume three sitting there, and I'll likely be cracking it out later today. Here's hoping it can take all the best bits from the first two and congeal them all together so it hits harder than one of Franky's 'knives to the eye'. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
First off, despite the amazing conclusion to this book coming in the form of the 'Chinatown' story, this collection didn't quite rise to the heights that the first one did to me. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't laugh as much during this one. Maybe it was the more straightforward style of storytelling. Maybe it was the fact that I knew what to expect somewhat, and that sheer sense of surprise and falling in love with something I wasn't so sure about was gone. Eric's art has improved here, if that is even possible. I remember him lamenting during the introduction to the first book that his early art was sub par. Self deprecation it may be, but if was him at his worst, than heaven helps the other artists out there. If it wasn't for the Chinatown story, then this would probably been four stars for me. But anyone who has read the Chinatown arc. The one that launched him into the upper echelon's of comic stardom can attest, it would have taken a heart as hard as stone not to bump it up to a five after such class. I have volume three sitting there, and I'll likely be cracking it out later today. Here's hoping it can take all the best bits from the first two and congeal them all together so it hits harder than one of Franky's 'knives to the eye'. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
September 1, 2019
A huge leap from Vol 1, Volume 2 of The Goon Library introduces us to characters old and new and builds a sturdy story around them. And finally the mystery of the Chinatown incident gets revealed here.
If you were hesitant to continue reading The Goon after finishing volume 1, then I assure you it gets so much better in Volume 2. And if volume 2 doesn't make a fan outta you, I don't know what will!
If you were hesitant to continue reading The Goon after finishing volume 1, then I assure you it gets so much better in Volume 2. And if volume 2 doesn't make a fan outta you, I don't know what will!
June 29, 2016
So far the best writing of the first three editions as we get the back story on the Goon and he became the defender of lonely street. Dark humor abounds but there are some heartfelt moments here as well.
June 6, 2025
The Goon Library Volume Two is a fantastic continuation of Eric Powell’s brilliant blend of horror, humour, and heart. Goon and Franky’s friendship remains the emotional core as a mysterious new figure begins tearing down Goon’s criminal empire piece by piece.
The standout story, Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker offers a deeper look into Goon’s past, revealing the origins of his scars and the heartbreak that shaped him. It’s a powerful, character-driven tale that elevates the entire volume.
Eric Powell has crafted something truly special, gritty, funny, tragic, and unforgettable. Also another special mention to the incredible artwork throughout this series.
The standout story, Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr. Wicker offers a deeper look into Goon’s past, revealing the origins of his scars and the heartbreak that shaped him. It’s a powerful, character-driven tale that elevates the entire volume.
Eric Powell has crafted something truly special, gritty, funny, tragic, and unforgettable. Also another special mention to the incredible artwork throughout this series.
August 5, 2016
Continuing in the footsteps of the previous volume, but taking a somewhat more serious tone. The final story was actually kind of heart-rending, which is not what I expected at all. The artwork continues to be beautiful, with muted colors for the most part, and excellent panel layouts
August 20, 2016
It's great going back to these stories, this time in collected format. I'm glad I waited for these library editions and didn't get the trades. However, holding these books do wear on your arms.
January 24, 2017
The Goon Library Edition Vol.2!!! Goon and the gang are back with their wacky adventures! The first part of the book is titled, Virtue and The Grim Consequences Thereof, where goon teams up again with Buzzard to mow down the zombies from Lonely Street. Next is Wicked Inclinations, where Dr. Hieronymous Alloy started to disintegrate, and went haywire. What really got me though, was the last part of the book, Chinatown. I know The Goon could go serious in some issues, but this went on for a whole book. It's about 2 points in Goon's life where a dame was involved. It shows his desperation to follow what his dead aunt said to him, yet he just keeps on being tossed back to the world of mafia. Yes, despite all the zombies, spanish-speaking-iguanas, and cannibalism, this is still a mafia/noir story. Chinatown also showed Franky's loyalty for his friend.
I really love this series cause you can't really expect what would happen next. Knife to the eye!
I really love this series cause you can't really expect what would happen next. Knife to the eye!
April 25, 2021
The first part revels in the endless goofiness and bizzare, being a great fun story. With occasional hints of greatness and even some real meaning (TM), but still mostly funny.
Than the Chinatown kicks in. Somehow, even in the confines of the Goon's "everything is complete nonsense" world, Powell manages to create a heart wrenching story that hits hard AND stays funny and fast.
Also, one important thing. I read the previous ones in standard size hardcovers and it was good. But this is the kind of book that really shines in oversized edition and the library one is a great fit. I immediately ordered all the other library editions, because well, I do need them. Even with the crazy postage to Europe, I just couldnt skip on this one. If you can pick, go for Library edition. While with most other books its an added benefit, here it lets you in on another dimension of Goon.
Than the Chinatown kicks in. Somehow, even in the confines of the Goon's "everything is complete nonsense" world, Powell manages to create a heart wrenching story that hits hard AND stays funny and fast.
Also, one important thing. I read the previous ones in standard size hardcovers and it was good. But this is the kind of book that really shines in oversized edition and the library one is a great fit. I immediately ordered all the other library editions, because well, I do need them. Even with the crazy postage to Europe, I just couldnt skip on this one. If you can pick, go for Library edition. While with most other books its an added benefit, here it lets you in on another dimension of Goon.
February 5, 2021
Konečne začínam chápať to pobláznenie Goonom, príbehy sú čoraz zaujímavejšie a taktiež vtipy mi pripadajú zábavnejšie. Library 2 už postúpila o hviezdu vyššie. Ako vianočný špeciál tu tentokrát máme Goonovskú verziu Vianočnej Koledy, ktorá disponuje skvelým výberom postáv a vskutku stručným a originálnym spracovaním Dickensovho románu. Časti zobrazujúce El Hombre de Lagarta ma okrem srania začínajú aj pekne nudiť. Verím, že v ďalšom volume sa už naozaj neobjaví. Taktiež Dr. Alloy mi pripadá ako vcelku nudná postava, ktorá zbytočne brzdí hlavnú linku príbehu. Buzzardovho návratu som sa chvalabohu dočkal a linka s Priestom je stále viac a viac zaujímavejšia. Novela z Chinatownu predstavuje už len čerešničku na torte, ktorá ma núti čítať ďalej.
May 11, 2025
(This review covers the complete series)
A chaotic blend of horror, comedy, and pulp action, the series follows a tough enforcer and his loudmouthed sidekick as they battle zombies, monsters, and mobsters in a broken, bizarre town. The tone swings from absurd slapstick to surprisingly sincere, sometimes within a single issue, while the art shifts effortlessly from exaggerated humour to atmospheric, painterly detail.
A chaotic blend of horror, comedy, and pulp action, the series follows a tough enforcer and his loudmouthed sidekick as they battle zombies, monsters, and mobsters in a broken, bizarre town. The tone swings from absurd slapstick to surprisingly sincere, sometimes within a single issue, while the art shifts effortlessly from exaggerated humour to atmospheric, painterly detail.
November 4, 2019
Przefajna rozpierducha z całym bagażem kulturowych odniesień w tle. O dziwo bawi. Mało tego - jestem pełen szacunku i podziwu jak ładnie róznicuje się tu kręskę w poszczególnych historiach i jak się żongluje konwencjami. PS. Nawet jesli nie twoja bajka, musisz dla "Chinatown". Poza tym to klasyka, którą naprawdę wypada znać
September 22, 2022
First two arcs are not the best but the chinatown arc saved the book.
February 21, 2017
A masterpiece is a masterpiece.
This comic is the reason you cant measure art as a skill lvl.
This comic is the reason you cant measure art as a skill lvl.
March 29, 2019
I started thinking this library volume wasn't as good as the first. I even put it down for a while (month) but then I reached the Chinatown story. I love the color shift depending on the time frame and the story was excellent noir. The few pages of young Goon looking in the mirror and the events that occurred afterward blew me away. A great example of no narration storytelling.
After a sluggish beginning, I'm not looking forward to the next library edition.
After a sluggish beginning, I'm not looking forward to the next library edition.
March 30, 2016
I can't get over how beautiful these library editions of THE GOON are. You really get to appreciate Eric Powell's gorgeous art so much more when it's in this over-sized format. As for the story in this edition, GOON continues to be a comic that will have you laugh your ass off and then tear your heart out.
July 28, 2016
Once again, The Goon delivers the laughs and the feels.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews