86. The Goon

The Goon is the quintessential strongman and the most memorable character from the mind of writer/artist Eric Powell. A vehicle for Powell’s own ruminations on social issues, the comic industry or funny shit in general, The Goon often moves beyond slapstick into much more subversive territory. He’s quick to throw a punch and mumble a witty retort to his pint-sized companion, Franky, and he’s known broadly as the neighborhood rough houser and excessive drinker. Although he’s all of these things, many of The Goon’s stories, especially the heart-wrenching Chinatown tale, reveal a deeper side to the mountain of malice and muscle. The Goon mirrors his namesake: dark, cynical, and unwilling to pull punches. It’s a comic and a character that can make you laugh and think simultaneously — a combination that’s rare in any medium. — Darren Orf