The Goon in Rough Stuff collects the first three comics Eric Powell did featuring The Goon . This is the Rough Stuff: Milking-it-for-all-its-worth-edition, which also has some comic strips and other artwork at the end. It’s a fun look into the beginning of this five time Eisner Award winner and a bit of an origin story.
The Goon is the enforcer for the gangster kingpin Labrazio. Not only does he have to take on regular thugs, but the town is overrun with zombies, who are led by the zombie priest and his henchman Lazlo, there are hillbilly werewolves, killer rats as big as St. Bernards and more. With his pal Franky, they fight their way through the town, trying to keep the Labrazio empire in line. Just hanging out at Norton’s Pub can bring a pack of trouble in the form of a 15 foot zombie monkey. Jeez, all they wanted was a cheeseburger and a few beers.
The G-men come to town, trying to take down Labrazio and they enlist the help of the zombie priest and his hordes. They capture the Goon and try to get him to talk. He does, up to a point, spinning a story of his beginnings. After his daddy left and his momma ran off with a beatnik chicken farmer, Goon stayed with his aunt Kizzie, a strongwoman in the carnival. He gained his strength and toughness helping her work on her moves. One day Labrazio came to the carnival to call in a favor; he need a place to hide. When the G-Men came for him, aunt Kizzie got caught in the crossfire. Since the Goon had no one, Labrazio took him in. Or not. You’ll have to read for yourself.
This is a hilarious, irreverent, quirky, violent ride and I am digging every minute of it. Long Live The Goon!!
