Back Issues: "The Goon: Chinatown" (2007)

- by Ninja Ross, 25 June 2014

Eric Powell’s “The Goon” is a classic comedy horror series that has been stabbing comic book nerds in the eye since the mid 1990’s, offering crude comedy and an old school horror atmosphere. And nobody else can draw poop like Eric Powell. Nobody.

While the Goon and his best friend Franky normally spend their time transporting illegal goods, beating on the competition or just slapping around some Slack Jaws, things occasionally get a bit dark.

Even the funniest funny books can have a serious side and the Goon has one of the most tragic back stories in the world of comic books (Screw Spider-Man’s uncle, man). This story is revealed in the 2009 original graphic novel “Chinatown and the Mystery of Mr Wicker.”

The book opens with a black page, a faded Chinese dragon and the phrase “THIS AIN’T FUNNY.” It sure ain’t.

The first part of the book shows us glimpses of Goon’s past; from being caught with a stolen toy gun by his Aunt to his first encounter with Chinese crime boss Xiang Yao, where he also comes across an old friend named Isabella, who is “employed” by Yao.

Meanwhile, back in the present, Goon is trying to fix things with a beautiful young woman named Mirna. Having a... not handsome face, The Goon is very suspicious when someone like Mirna gets close. He can’t help but believe he’s being used. Naturally, Mirna takes this badly, accusing Goon of believing her to be shallow.

Mirna and Goon.

As if problems with love weren’t enough, there’s also a new thug in town who calls himself Mr Wicker. He’s a big, tough wicker man who can set himself on fire. How can you compete with that?!? The Goon certainly can’t at this point and he takes a nasty beating for his efforts.

After dragging himself to Franky’s place, Goon comes find his best friend missing and nothing left but a mysterious book with faded letting on the cover. 

With this mystery keeping the Goon occupied in the present, focus is returned to his past and his relationship with Isabella.

The Goon and Isabella. Click on each to enlarge.

After finding out that she’s being abused by Xiang Yao, he gives up control of the docks in order to free her. For the Goon, this starts a whirlwind romance with a woman he’s loved since first laying eyes on her in his youth. For Franky, however, things get rough.

While the Goon is out on dinner dates and taking in the scenery with his new gal, Franky is left trying to keep their remaining territory secure on his own. Needless to say, they part ways. Goon tries to make a new life with Isabella while Franky is left to try and keep the business together.

Things only get worse from here, folks. From the identity of Mr Wicker to how Goon lost Isabella and gained his scars. This really ain’t funny.

While the conclusion of the mystery of Mr Wicker is pretty darn sad, it’s the end of his relationship with Isabella that is truly tragic. The situation itself is sad enough, but the whole thing is made worse by five incredibly well done pages.

Franky.

Five silent splash pages set this story apart from every other Goon story, and the regular comedic series can get a bit dark at times. Heck these pages set this book apart from a lot of the big, dramatic titles out there. I’d post these pages, or at least talk about them in more detail but the more I say about them, the less impact they’ll have when you read it... I’m also probably over hyping them...

But this book isn’t just expertly written, oh no! It’s also gorgeous! Eric Powell’s art has pretty much always been excellent, but his work here outshines everything he released previously. Powell has a bit of a cartoony style, especially when it comes to characters like Franky, and it’s used fantastically here, along with dark, grimy watercolours. Add to that the gloomy story and you have one of the best miserable funny books around.

And, since we’re talking about The Goon, we have an excuse to bring up the movie that’s in the works. Here’s a video to remind you. Just because. 

And now you leave to buy the book! Whoosh! Look at you go!

Tagged: comics, Back Issues.

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