The Goon

The Goon is one of independent comics' most beloved cult figures, a hulking brawler of mysterious divine origin who carved out his own corner of a monster-infested underworld through sheer force of will and an iron fist. Published by Dark Horse Comics, the character blends hardboiled crime noir with outrageous supernatural horror and razor-sharp dark comedy, creating a tone unlike anything else on the shelf. His real name remains unknown, adding to the air of myth surrounding him — a man who might be more than a man, possessed of godlike strength and endurance, yet firmly planted in a world of grimy streets and graveyard politics.

The Goon made his first appearance in Dreamwalker #0 in 1998, a debut that now stands as a genuine grail for dedicated collectors of independent comics. Created by Eric Powell, the character was initially self-published before finding a home at Avatar Press and eventually Dark Horse, where he reached his widest audience. That original Dreamwalker #0 is notoriously scarce and commands serious attention at auction, making it one of the more exciting hunts in the back-issue market for fans of creator-owned work. The Dark Horse era relaunched the series with renewed energy and introduced the Goon's world to a generation of readers who would go on to champion Powell's work for decades.

Throughout his ongoing series, the Goon has anchored a number of celebrated story arcs that showcase Powell's range as both writer and artist. Storylines delving into the origin of the Zombie Priest, the Goon's tragic backstory, and the sprawling criminal ecosystem of his unnamed city gave the books unexpected emotional depth. These arcs demonstrated that beneath the monster-punching spectacle was a genuinely human story about loyalty, loss, and the cost of power. The series earned multiple Eisner Awards, cementing its status as a landmark achievement in independent comics.

For collectors, The Goon represents exactly the kind of creator-driven gem that defines the best of the independent comics market. Early issues from all three publishers carry real scarcity and demand, while the Dark Horse run offers a deep, rewarding back-issue hunt filled with variant covers, one-shots, and crossover specials. With a long-in-development animated film keeping fan enthusiasm alive, now is an ideal time to build a complete Goon collection before demand pushes key issues even further out of reach.