Groo: Gods Against Groo

Groo the Wanderer

by Sergio Aragonés, Mark Evanier, Carrie Strachan (Illustrator)

The bumbling barbarian Groo has made quite a name for himself, traveling the land cleaving a path of destruction and cheese dip.

He is either so greatly feared or favored wherever he goes, Groo’s earthly reputation causes a Groo diety to arise in the heavens! While Earthbound Groo hungers, his Divine Groo alter ego unleashes chaos! Plus, Sergio’s legendary back cover Rufferto strips return!

From the hilarious mind and skillful pen of Sergio Aragonés, with scripts by Mark Evanier, colors by Carrie Strachan, and lettering by Stan Sakai ( Usagi Yojimbo )!

This series concludes an epic storyline that began in Fray of the Gods and continued in Play of the Gods .

Collects Gods Against Groo #1–#4.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

116 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Sergio Aragonés Domenech is a cartoonist and writer best known for his contributions to Mad Magazine and creator of the comic book Groo the Wanderer.

Reviews

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the two volumes that precede this one, but as with any Groo title, it seems perfectly readible. I enjoyed Groo becoming a god, and now creating havoc on two planes of existence.

Look, I'm not here for the story or writing, which is fine, but for Aragones' hyper detailed artwork, and he delivers as he always does.

3.5 stars

(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Groo the Wanderer throughout its Marvel run in the 80s/90s and have always enjoyed Aragonés wildly detailed art style. I got an early release copy of this trade paperback and was excited to see how much the comic has evolved over the years. Turns out, not much. The jokes are literally the same as they were 25+ years ago. I guess, the Minstrel's daughter is a new character? I still love the art. Aragonés is at his best when he leaning in to his cartooning talent and creating wordless sight gags and there's not much of that here. Nevertheless, it's nice to see Groo printed with high quality materials rather than my old beat up newsprint books, but the catch phrase/sitcom level writing could use a bump in quality.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I first discovered this series when I was 12... way back in 1992, I have loved it. Which is WEIRD since I'm not real a fan of medieval fantasy. But it approached it from a very comic perspective. (You take me for the fool I am!) and told stories that on the surface were about knights and dragons and what not but even at that age, I knew were talking about the world around us.

And there was something just so lovable about how dumb Groo is.

As for this arcs story... yeah. Hilarious look at religion and politics and the fleeting memory of people in the 24 hour news cycle. Plus, as always 1000% more cheese dip than any other comic on the market. Even, ironically enough, those put out to market cheese dip.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid Groo mini-series (though really it completes the 12-issue "Gods" maxi-series), if not among the very best in the character's 40-year history. Coming on the heels of the very so-so "Groo Meets Tarzan" crossover, it was nice to get back to traditional Groo. Also, it's always fun to have Taranto, Captain Ahax, Sage, and the Minstrel (and Kayli) running around, avoiding and causing further problems. This was also one of the more "modern" Groo tales, where Aragones and Evanier add some commentary/observations about the nature of religious belief and the dynamic between gods and those who believe in particular deities. It's not the deepest sort of philosophical humor you'll come across, but it does add some welcome depth to an otherwise light, comic adventure.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the trilogy, and I just did not think it delivered as well as I wanted it to. The storyline with the bard does not seem to really go anywhere. Neither did the
Sage or Ahax or whoever else was tossed in here. I wanted more. I don’t expect much character growth in Groo stories, But usually there is a little bit more cleverness going on.

I am not sure I understand what the religious allegory was that Sergio was trying to develop. If the gods are forgotten about they disappear, but at the same time, anything that is worshipped finds a place in the realm of the gods.

[Geordie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, the Groo books are fun and witty, with a lot of simple but vibrant and clever art.

Sadly, while I loved the humor in Groo back when I was a kid, it now feels like 90% of the jokes have already been used before. I'd still recommend Groo to anyone, just, this comic collection is (unlike a lot of old Groo comics) right in the middle of an ongoing story, so, it's a less than ideal for someone to start up the series.

[Jim Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this without realizing that it was the third volume of a three volume series. At first I thought the writing was just lazy and horrible, then realized I'd missed 2/3 of the story already. My mistake.

It's Groo. It's not great, but it's fun to read. Is it worth it to me to go back and buy the previous two volumes? Probably not. Did I enjoy reading it? For the most part.

[Solitairerose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groo is as close to a sure thing as there is in comics. Sergio's cartooning is a national treasure, Groo is a simple character that fits in all sorts of stories, and the situations and dialogue is always funny. A comics mainstay and this story is complex, funny, and well worth the read.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groo is the best barbarian, hands down.

[Timo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aragonés is the best, his art is so good. And the story is silly as always and the god bits were less annoying this time.
Fun times.

[Jipi Perreault · Rating 3 out of 5]

Groo never lets you down (especially if chease dip is involved).

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please marvel or dark horse do complete groo omnibus or compendium or library editions, just get it all collected

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

That sinking feeling....

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergio Aragones has done it again.
The bumbling barbarian strikes again.
Great art and story line.