The Goon #34 cover image

The Goon comic book makes a welcomed return this week.  Created by Eric Powell, The Goon follows the adventures of the title character, a kind of gangster/thug with a penchant for manhandling supernatural foes.

The Goon #34 begins with the Goon and his pal, Franky, putting a beat down a band of “sparkly vampires” (a swipe at the Twilight book series and film franchise).  The bulk of the story has the children of the McGreg Home for Illegitimate, Wayward, and Possibly Homicidal Youth seeking out the Goon’s help in dealing with a monstrous new member of their brood.  But to get the Goon’s help, they will have to get him in a condition that may take him out of condition for the big fight.

THE LOWDOWN:  One doesn’t have to read more than a few pages to see why The Goon is so beloved by its fans and followers.  This is only the second time I’ve read this comic book and I think it’s a delight.  Except for its price point, The Goon, in particularly this 34th issue, is the perfect comic book, not only for new readers, but also for people already reading comic books.  It’s a self-contained story, and a damn good read, with Powell’s gorgeous art – a cartoony style that captures the feel of pulp fiction horror and Saturday morning cartoons.  The Goon represents that magical something about comic books that first captured our hearts and wedded us to this medium.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of comic books should want to try The Goon.

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