Fear and misery plague the nameless town on the edge of Horse-Eater’s Wood. An ancient curse is drawing the most powerful and vile creatures to the town with only one hope for protection -- the Goon. But when it draws an enemy thought long gone, even the Goon's lifelong foe, the Zombie Priest, is subjugated to this power’s evil will. Collects The Goon Volumes 7–9 of Eric Powell’s Eisner Award winning series with bonus material.
Eric 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.
(Zero spoiler review) 4.75 Holy Moly, this is the best one so far. Omnibus 1 sucked me in with its off kilter humour and amazing visuals. Omnibus two dialled back the humour, whilst introducing some more contemplative, even sentimental moods, as well as an series defining story in the Chinatown arc. And then omnibus three had to go and roll the best bits of the first two into one incredible volume. The emotion hits harder. The art is artsier. The jokes are jokier. (The Emma the mule bit had me in absolute stitches). This is independent content at its absolute best. Chances are if you are reading a review for the third omnibus, than you already have some idea whether this series is for you or not, although on the off chance you have little to no idea what the goon is about, then stop reading right here and go and pick yourself up a copy of this series. It really is one of the gemiest of hidden gems within the wider comics medium. Go and get it, before Franky gives you the ol knife in the eye. 4.75/5
This volume feels very much like it's leaning harder on a continuing storyline which isn't bad. Plenty of funny stuff but I feel like there's more focus on action and emotions for the most part, both of which are great. Having read some Will Eisner stuff it's clearer how much Eric Powell echoes his skills. The panel transitions, the pulpy action, lush full page spreads/important moments, consistently fun and engaging... some problematic moments. (All of which Powell adds his personality and unique style to the mix.) 4.5 stars, this series is kind of just a masterpiece
Collects The Goon Volume 7-9. The story arc that continues a lot of the themes introduced in Chinatown but now in present day. I found it to be quite messy and the story didn't hook me. Still great artwork and The Goon is a blast to spend some time with. Overall I find The Goon works better when it leans towards being silly and not worrying about worldbuilding.
Even more of the pulpy gruesome horror noir mixed in with hilarity. This time around several people from the Goon's past come back to give him trouble and the Goon is not having it! This volume kicks up a notch with a solid story line and we learn of the sadness that is living behind the Goon's eyes.
Maybe I should take a break from this. The series is still interesting and bonkers crazy and wonderfully illustrated and totally weird, but it’s a little same-y too. I guess that’s part of the point.
This volume has some great moments, some more laugh out loud parts, and as much absurdity as you can handle.
This continues the darker turn in The Goon since volume 6 when we saw how the Goon was scarred. Labrazio's back somehow and has created his own Legion of Doom. It's still an interesting story with fantastic art. I just like when there's a better mix of humor and horror.