Review: The Goon #1

Who says you can“t go home again? With Goon #1 Eric Powell is set to relaunch his infamous series just as it turns twenty years old. This makes a number of returns as not only does Â Goon and Franky return to the unfriendly confines of Lonely Street the title is also back with Albatross Funnybooks. Keeping a title that is two decades old fresh while still appeasing longtime fans is not an easy task. So far though it appears Goon“s longevity is as strong as always. Â

Part of what makes The Goon works so well for such a long period of time is how timeless it is as a property. It is like taking a hard-nosed mobster tale with a mixture of Dick Tracey and a sprinkle of old school monster horror. This could be taking place today, fifty years ago, or anywhere in between. Â Not that this is a self-serious issue, far from it. Powell packs this issue with a tremendous amount of humor from beginning to end. Those that enjoy their comics to have a little bit of everything will be pleased with that this offers.

Considering this is a relaunch the question is does this, in fact, work for both new and old readers. Powell is able to strike that balance of making this approachable without feeling redundant. It is clear that Goon, Franky, and Roscoe have lived lives full of adventures that are still remembered to this day. Their adventures may be on hold for now as they return to their own stomping ground that is not exactly how they left it. Powell frames the story to be character first instead of trying to force in a massive plot. This is about setting the stage and re-familiarizing everyone with this world, and what better way to do that then go to your favorite pub.

That is perhaps the one downfall is that their trip to the Norton“s does read like a forced highlight reel to try to quickly catch everyone as quick as possible. All the dialog is snappy and fun, but there is a good amount to keep up within a short period of time. Once Goon and Franky begin looking for a new home with the help of Horace Snickelits Realtor of the Damned who is all about the death curse This too gives us a nice lay of the land without being purposeless, and to show that Goon“s return is not a welcome one for many. Many of his past enemies are lining up to take their shot. So far though Goon is taking it with stride and a few well-placed punches to the face.

Powell“s art design keeps the pace consistent and moving. He utilizes a number of larger panels so the story keeps moving and characters plenty of room to breathe.. There is so much depth at times that images appear nearly three-dimensional. The character designs are as fantastic as always. Each and every character that appears has so much detail and personality to their design. It is a world populated with people and creatures that all look like they have a compelling story to tell, and this is the type of series that will give them the time to tell it. Powell also gets assistance from Rachael Cohen on colors. Muted colors tend to dominate to book so those moments that are punctuated with color pop off the page, like when Horace Snickelits shows up in his suit that looks like he made it from a discarded sofa from the seventies. As indicated Powell uses ever inch of this book to tell his story.

Final Thoughts:

The Goon #1 celebrates the two-decade-long legacy for this series by beginning a new with a return to what was. This is not an issue that will wow you with its plot, but by putting the focus on the characters and this world we are able to see what exactly sets this world apart. Fun, funny, and full of life this is a relaunch will satisfy both new and old.

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Writer/Artist: Eric Powell
Colorist: Rachael Cohen
Editor: Tracy Marsh
Publisher: Albatross Funnybooks

Author Profile

Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.