Westfield: For those who have never read The Goon before, what can you tell them about the book?

Eric Powell: I hate describing The Goon. I cringe a little every time someone asks me to. The book is about a street thug trying to keep a gang of zombies out of his town... and it's a comedy. Sounds like a pretty lackluster concept but it's just one of those books you have to read to get. It's crazy, fun, and packed with big monster action.

Westfield: Who are the main characters in the book?

Powell: The Goon, his pal Franky.

Westfield: Could you tell us a bit more about who The Goon and Franky are?

Powell: The Goon is a street thug who grew up in a carnival being raised by his aunt. When his aunt was murdered trying to protect him, having nowhere else to go, he turns to a life of crime at the age of thirteen. Franky is his smart mouth pal that helps in his less than reputable exploits.

Westfield: How did the move to Dark Horse come about?

Powell: I had done some work with Dark Horse in the past on some Buffy and Star Wars stuff. Dave Land and Scott Allie were really digging the stuff I was putting out through Albatross and luckily got it picked up.

Westfield: What can people look forward to story wise in upcoming issues of The Goon?

Powell: Deformed cursed grave diggers, mad scientist with giant robots, invaders from space, a story from Goon and Franky's childhood, and of course lots and lots of zombies.

Westfield: Why did you decide to change from a black and white book to color? Does this change how you approach the art in the book?

Powell: No. I had actually considered keeping the book gray because I like the old horror movie feel it gave it. But most store owners are more willing to carry a color book, so it really wasn't that hard of a decision. The book will be bimonthly so I can color it, so fans can expect more of the same. No changes to the book creatively.

Westfield: Dark Horse is also issuing a Goon collection. What can you tell us about that?

Powell: It's taking all of the Albatross issues and the Dark Horse Presents I did a few years ago and collecting them in color. I'm really exited about it. It's got some great pinups by Guy Davis, Mike Oeming, and Kyle Hotz. It also has a very flattering intro by William Stout. I'm still amazed that he wrote the intro.

Westfield: The Goon is a mix of horror and comedy. Who, or what, are your influences for the book?

Powell: Lots of different stuff. I think I've always liked the two genres so much it just came natural to do a black comedy. When VCR's were a new thing and the only place you could rent tapes was out of the back of the local Dairy Queen, my sister and I always got one thing, a scary movie and a funny movie. Every Friday night it was always one scary, one funny.

Westfield: Do you have any other upcoming projects you'd like to mention?

Powell: I'm painting covers to the Arkham Asylum: Living Hell mini-series for DC, and I have a story that I wrote, drew, and colored coming out in Hellboy: Weird Tales #2. I'm really proud of it.

Westfield: Any closing comments?

Powell: Please buy The Goon. I need the money.