Review: The Goon #40

There is no other comic book on the shelves that has outstanding, consistent unique storytelling, brilliant and funny satire, and distinct artwork.  If you ever get down on the experience of reading comic books and feel that there’s nothing new out there, just pick up a copy of Goon.

Issue 40 takes a step back to the time when moonshine was the preferred drink.  We start with a Hank Williams, Jr. clone reminding us of the quaint, good ol’ days of prohibition.  “Prohibition, or the End of Sexy Times” has Goon and Frankie taking advantage of their still.  In order to distribute their wares, the duo soups up a roadster.  That speed gains them a faster delivery and the ire of the other local moonshiners, The Boyle Family.

“The Devil’s Race” goes down between Goon and Randall, and the loser goes to Hell. The final chapter, “Hooch Monkey,” pays tribute to Rat Fink and his creator, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth.

With nods to everything from The Road Warrior to The Dukes of Hazard, Goon #40 elaborately lampoons the American fascination with booze, muscle cars, and bootlegging.  Powell throws in great twists and turns that will have you chuckling.  As if his writing wasn’t excellent, his artwork is equally exemplary.  Each panel of a Goon comic could be framed and appreciated as a museum quality piece of art.

This is one of those comics that you pay the cover price and then want to pay more because of how well the comic is done.  Powell does this nearly every month.  Most comic companies will have countless titles and not have the success Powell does.  And he varies the themes of the issues.  Two issues ago I was getting choked up in an origin story.  Last issue satirized the gimmicks in the comic book industry.

Powell has talent.  He’s sharing it, and we reap the benefits of what he can do.  Please reward him for his work by checking out the book. Comics like The Goon will make other comics better by providing a great example.

Score: 5/5

Writer/Artist: Eric Powell

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 7/25/12