Eric Powell (1) (1975–)

I don't read the Goon comics. I don't know anything about the existing story line, or the world that the Goon inhabits in general. But someone recommended this graphic novel, and I had it written down on a list of things to take a look at.

I found it at our local comic store, flipped about 4 pages into it, and decided to get it.

Here's the things about graphic novels. You're going to end up spending at least $20 - $30 dollars on one.

For me, they've got to appeal on two levels to justify spending that amount of money. They've got to tell a good story. A story that would stand on it's own if it were told in a conventional format. And it's got to be beautiful. The art work has to be good enough that I'm happy to just sit and look at the pictures. Art work that's good enough that if I ran across it, apart from the story, I'd stop and admire it.

I judge graphic novels more harshly than I do a single comic issue or a paperback book. I've read many many bad graphic novels, and only a handful of good ones. I think that the graphic novel has the potential to be an astounding story telling vehicle. It also has the potential to be nothing more than a bunch of comics bound in a hardcover selling for 30 bucks.

The Goon: Chinatown is everything I've hoped a graphic novel could be.

It is a complete and intriguing story told with both dialogue and beautiful artwork.

I didn't feel like I should have known more about the Goon character before picking this graphic novel up.

Everything you need to know is contained in the Graphic Novel.

I've read a few criticisms that say this story lacks the "feel" of previous Goon works. Specifically that it lacks
the comedy that The Goon usually has. But if you're new to the Goon, that's not really an issue.

If you're curious about graphic novels, if you want to see what a good graphic novel can do, I highly recommend this book.


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