Just being different doesn’t make a comic worthwhile. Being different and good does. Goon #39 avoids the typical arc narrative and satirizes the current state of comics by openly declaring in the first page that the issue will be pandering to all the current comic conventions so as to drum up sales and make excessive wads of cash because that’s why comics are created—to make money. Right? Ahem, IDW… The Goon and Franky don costumes and take on the roles of superheroes. Powell slams the cliché conventions of the crusader story and artwork in the most painfully funny manner. Why painful?--because I came to many realizations that I, too, was buying into some of the asinine formats of storytelling in the contemporary comic book world and thinking it grand. Like an excellent delivery from John Stewart that opens one’s eyes to the bullshit that one often chooses (or refuses) not to acknowledge, The Goon #39 lampoons everything from the origin story (and its constant retelling) to the “Immaculately detailed backgrounds traced from Vector Graphics software.”

I will not go into greater detail with any more of the explanations of the satire because I don’t want to be ‘that guy’ who retells a great joke poorly and sucks the essence out of it. Instead, I give this comic highest recommendations for purchase because it does for the industry what mythologies do for their cultures: Goon #39 chronicles that sad state of comic book storytelling and the shameful lows comics will stoop all in the name of sales.

Last issue had me close to tears with the origins of The Goon’s mother. This book has me laughing out loud because of its concise critiques. So many champion DC’s Animal Man for its ability to step outside the standard comic conventions. Take a deeper breath the next time you do because you will need to mention The Goon for doing the same.

Score: 4/5

Writer/Artist/Creator: Eric Powell Colors: Dave Stewart Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 4/25/12