Since he first bungled his way into the comics scene fifteen years ago, Sergio Aragonés errant barbarian Groo has drawn all sorts of attention to himself with his unbelievably destructive antics. All the while, his faithful canine companion has relegated himself to a supporting role, helping Groo beat (and bite) the baddies and occasionally starring on a back-cover funny. Come April, the tables will turn for Rufferto, as the artful Aragonés and his prose-slinging accomplice Mark Evanier turn the spotlight on the mutt for an adventure Groo fans won't soon forget.

Over the years, Groo and Rufferto have racked up their fair share of enemies and antagonists, and of all potential problem-makers, the wizard Anakrony, Master of the Chronological Sciences, is probably the most unpredictable. And nobody--especially the stupid barbarian Groo -- could predict the ridiculous turn of events that will separate the loyal Rufferto from his doting master and challenge their warrior bond with a distance so great, it might never be breached.

"From the moment he first set paw in a Groo story, Rufferto has stolen the comic--admittedly, petty larceny," Evanier confessed. "Over the years, his role has grown to the point where this new mini-series is officially titled not Groo but Groo and Rufferto. If this keeps up, we can eventually get rid of the stupid barbarian all together, change the mutt's name to Snoopy and pass the whole book off as a piece of Peanuts merchandise."

Groo and Rufferto, but mostly Rufferto, will be barging their way into comics shops April 26, in a new trade paperback collecting the hit four-issue series of the same name. This 112-page anachronistic romp will set you back $9.95, but what a small price to pay to see Rufferto go where no barbarian's dog has gone before...