‘The Goon Volume 1: Nothin’ But Misery’ – Eric Powell (Dark Horse)

Well, this post came round a little sooner than I’d originally planned but, when nothing else that you’re reading really hits the spot, sometimes you just have to revisit and old favourite. I’ve kind of given it away here but I think you already knew that I’m a big fan of this series? Yeah, you did. I’ve already mentioned it a couple of posts down ;o)

If you’re after an objective review then… This won’t be the place to find it, sorry. If you’re after me waffling on about how much I love ‘The Goon’ though, welcome to this post.

I’d normally copy and paste a bit of blurb here but we’re at a point in the run where the main plot is just beginning to emerge from a tangle of individual tales. For now then, lets just say that we’re looking at a book that kicks off with Fishy Pete, ends up with the Psychic Seal running his mouth (not for the last time) and finds time for some lascivious bird women and Father Christmas (not at the same time) as well. Oh yes, and a cannibal sheriff (from times past) who just won’t die.

And that is the best place to start I think. The ‘Labrazio’ plot is only just starting to take shape but you can already get a feel for where this story is going to take us. It’s brutal and already takes no prisoners, just like the Goon. No-one is safe, whether it’s the Goon fighting his own past, Buzzard letting revenge drive him into danger or even the zombie Lazlo having to take a particularly bloody message back to the Nameless Priest. It’s far too early to say that no-one is safe (lets get everyone introduced at least) but it’s not too early to start putting people through the wringer. We get a little insight into The Goon, a man who will fight a possessed Bog Lurk without breaking a sweat but dreams of ‘Chinatown’ will have him wake up screaming. He’s not just muscle, there’s already far more to him than that. Buzzard’s origin story though, that’s the highlight of this book. To watch everything you’ve built fall down around you and still not be able to die at the end of it… It’s left a mark on Buzzard but he keeps on putting one foot in front of the other, just like the Goon. This quiet heroism will become more of a theme as the series progresses.

And it’s also worth highlighting that while the artwork, over the course of the book, is becoming a lot more consistent in it’s approach, the ‘Buzzard Origin Tale’ is a real example of Powell flexing his muscles and showing us what he’s capable of. It really adds to that story.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. The world of the Goon has more than enough room for pulp tales that are equal parts horror and humour, tales that unsettle at the same time as you’re laughing. There’s plenty of that here and I’d be hard pressed to pick a favourite as it’s all good. I mean, I would say that but even so, read it and you’ll see what I mean.

I’m going to wind this post up here (long day ahead and all that) but if you haven’t guessed already, this re-read is already cheering me up and there’s more to come… ;o)