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Rating: 
Summary: Good for a start...
Review: Eric Powell's "The Goon" didn't appeal to me at first. Yet again, we had another monstrous hero who fights monsters, and it was made worse by the fact that his appearance was VERY similar to Eddie Campbell's Bacchus. At the recommendation of several fanatical comic shop owners, I checked it out. They claimed that, if I liked Hellboy, I'd like this. Well, the story is certainly not as fleshed-out or detailed as Hellboy, but I can say that I enjoyed it. It's full of humor, both overt and subtle (and the random advertisements are superb). Powell provides enough background info on the Goon so that he's not just another pointless hero. Even though this is a collection of individual stories, there is a thread running through them, and hopefully Powell will expand more on this in the future. The Goon is just getting into the swing of things, so I can give him some slack. The artwork is definitely entertaining and very well-executed - Powell's superb technical skills are highlighted in a section featuring the origin of a supporting character, the Buzzard, who will hopefully play a larger role in future stories. Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing a Buzzard solo comic. In conclusion, I'm looking forward to more of the Goon, just to see what Eric Powell can do.
Rating: 
Summary: A hilarious melding
Review: OK, "high concept review": What if you took the old E.C. horror comics, and mixed it up with old E.C. MAD comics -- tossing a few old E.C. "Two-Fisted Tales" in with the mix? Well, that's THE GOON -- both in its sensibilities, its subject matter, and its lush style of artwork. I picked this up after many recommendations from many people (both friends and critics). And while it took me a few pages to get into it -- and to realize that what was going to draw me in was the humor. Any comic that can get me to laugh convulsively more than 10 times throughout its length has my vote, and my filthy lucre. If you like your horror straight up, I doubt this will do it for you; but if your looking for comedy tinged with gore -- you're in for a treat.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Check Out Without The Goon
Review: This is funny, funny stuff. In fact, go back and insert at least one more funny for me while I explain the genius of Eric Powell. The Goon is a ne'er do well who oft does well who, with his pal Franky, run the local mob while fighting off the local zombie horde. There's the plot, but certainly not the draw for "The Goon." This stuff is hilarious and yet, there are moments, like when Goon meets Buzzard, that it becomes clear funny and meaningful are not mutually exclusive. I don't care what you're buying here, make sure and add The Goon to the list. Read it yourself, give it to a friend, make sure you're spending over $25 and getting the free shipping -- whatever. But don't cheat yourself out of a laugh-out-loud treat by leaving The Goon behind.
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