Let me start off by saying I am extremely biased toward “The Goon,” not only because it is a great comic, but because its creator is a Tennessean (Eric Powell). We tend to stick to our own, and very proudly might I add. However, as my long voluptuous locks and extensive Iron Maiden collection might tell you, I am also extremely biased toward Metal. This makes Metalocalypse one of my favorite shows on television. Well... That, and Dethklok's childishly arrogant behavior coupled with the hilariously absurd situations they get into.
Needless to say, my extreme bias for each property means this should (hopefully) give me an unbiased look at the comic book one-shot, “Dethklok vs. The Goon.”
Story:
I would like to start with reviewing the plot, or rather, lack there of. If there was actually a story progression that connected each scene, the comic would probably be called Dr. Rockzo vs. Franky. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. It is, however, slightly disheartening that there isn't really a main plot to speak of. The closest thing we get feels more like set-ups for jokes than plot progressing elements. This makes the comic come off as primarily a Metalocalypse episode that happens to take place in the Goon's world, and less an equal meeting of both parties.
As per usual, Eric Powell's art has an amazing noir/horror feel (which is really quite a talent when you think about it). However, he then had to bring in the character designs of Dethklok, and they stick out like a sore thumb. If Powell was trying to design this as an art piece to sell, he would be ridiculed for the horrid clash or heralded as a genius for a new concept. The funny thing is, that it is... Well... Funny. Seeing the fairly simple cartoon design of Nathan Explosion (as he orders 30 beers), standing next to the dark form of the bartender just makes you chuckle. The conflicting art somehow adds another layer of humor to an already hilarious confrontation.
Unfortunately, there are a few Dethklok members that didn't translate so well. Namely, Pickles, Toki and Skwisgaar. Pickles being the worst. I think Powell is just so used to drawing details in his human figures, that he could not help but add definition to some of the “Metalocaplyse” designs, making them come off as much older than on the show. However, Powell's art method seems perfect for some of other “Metalocalypse” designs. You would almost think that Rockzo and Mordhaus belong in the “Goon-iverse.”
Humor: One word. Hil-freaking-arious. (Or is that three?)
Like I said about the plot, it felt more like it was just a series of joke set-ups, but these jokes are hilarious and it was well worth the sacrifice of story. There is something about the mixture of “The Goon's” comedic style and the “Metalocalypse” style that just meshes so well together. If they were a comedy duo, “Metalocalypse” would be a Heavy Metal comedian, and “The Goon” would be a face-pounding straight man.
My impression is, if this one-shot was the final exam in a college course, and it was broken into three parts of grading: Story, Art, and Humor, with Humor being weighted most of the grade, it would pass with flying colors.
Final Verdict: Metal!
It is always fun to see two of your favorite absurd worlds collide. Naturally, there are going be one or two things that may not translate well, but it tends to be even more impressive when you see the things that do, almost as if they were meant to be together. I would say the Goon and Dethklok were a match made in the bloody gangster-zombie depths of Metal Hell.
In conclusion...
Why should “The Goon” fans buy this comic: It will most likely be the only time you ever see the Goon have a thought bubble. Much less one that describes the hermaphroditic tendencies of his creator.
Why should “Metalocalypse” fans buy this comic: “My name is Franky and I do cocaine!”
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Your friendly neighborhood Falcon, John "
Falcon" Ayers
The Falcon's Nest Cover art from Dark Horse Comics, by Eric Powell.