We sent our favorite Tennessee hermit, Eric Powell, a couple interview questions via the Dark Horse carrier pigeon brigade. The questions were later returned to us in a non-descript, crumpled-up brown bag (C.O.D.), and we are now down three of our best birds. So long Mr. Howday, Argyle Red, and Taffy Jones . . . you are sorely missed!

Dark Horse: Why did you feel like the story of Chinatown needed to be told in a graphic novel rather than released first as a comics series?

Eric Powell: Because Goon is usually a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. To do something that was such a departure and to have any kind of emotional momentum in the story, it had to be something that could be read without interruption.

DH: In Chinatown, we get to find out what made the Goon so hard-which has to do with a run of hard luck with the ladies, among other things. Will he ever get a chance to hook up with someone cool, or is he one of those guys who only falls for the unattainable-type?

EP: Let's see how his life unfolds.



DH: Which character do you feel embodies your personality the most?

EP: Charlie Noodles.

DH: What comics are you currently reading?

EP: BPRD, and the Nexus reprints.

DH: Anyone special you'd like to work with?

EP: Alan Moore. I'd love to get a Goon cover from Richard Corben.

DH: If the Goon had his own cereal line, what type and flavor would it be?

EP: Grit-flavored grits.

DH: The Goon: Chinatown really brings your illustration to the next level. What did you find to be the biggest artistic challenge?

EP: The women. I'm much better at drawing ugly people.

DH: If you could never do another comic, what other profession could you see yourself doing?

EP: If I was better educated, a novelist. I'm a big film buff so I'd love to make films. But in reality if I wasn't doing comics I'd probably be working construction.

DH: Have you ever been to France or Orlando, Florida?

EP: Of course. What do I look like? A rube?

Cover to Goon #20


DH: Tell us about Goon Year in 2008?

EP: All Goon, all year. The series goes monthly with new colorist Dave Stewart, a new Fancy Pants edition is coming, and MySpace Dark Horse Presents will have an all-Goon issue in January.

DH: If you were making a Goon movie, where would you start the story?

EP: With sheep and a band saw.

DH: Speaking of movies, you were recently the subject in a controversial video documentary about the Goon: Chinatown. After several failed lawsuits you filed against the filmographer, do you have any comments about the way you were depicted?

EP: What is there really to say about unscrupulous liars?

DH: Who's your favorite hero? Why?

EP: Burt Reynolds. Because he's Burt Reynolds.

DH: When was the last time you were really scared? Why?

EP: Two words: broken condom.

DH: What was the last really great movie you saw?

EP: No Country for Old Men if you took the ending off.

DH: What the heck is up with Frankie's eyes? Does it have anything to do with his favorite trick?

EP: No. You're just one of those people that likes to pick out people's peculiarities, aren't you?

DH: Let's get down to more pressing matters. We understand your creative interests have diversified into cage fighting. Care to elaborate?

EP: When you become an über-famous comic book star, you start looking to diversify your wealth. I'm sponsoring a cage fighter. Yeah, he'll punch anyone in the face I tell him to. He'll punch your mother if she ticks me off.

Mr. Powell visits Armstong Martial Arts in Battleground, WA. Pictured are Eric Powell (foreground), his sponsored Cage Fighter, Ray Armstrong, and his test subject.