Sergio Aragones' the Groo Houndbook

For a long time I avoided this title, despite the fact that I enjoyed most of writer Mark Evanier's other books (with the exception of kiddie books like "Huckleberry Hound" and "Heathcliff"). But one month I wasn't going to be able to make in to my local comic book shop and I asked him to pull my usual books. Instead, he pulled one of every title, including Groo. I read that issue and was amazed how well it was written. You've got the obvious tale of a big, dumb adult, a story which appeals to children and fans of slapstick; but there was a secondary level of biting wit, a satiric look at "adult" foibles. Evanier and Sergio Aragones don't do this kind of thing every issue, but like Mark Twain said about the dancing bear, it's amazing that it does it at all. (If you're curious, this was issue 63, the "Real Estate" issue.) This is the eighth volume of the Marvel Epic series and reprints issues 29 though 32. For most fans of the book, this edition is notable for the first appearance of Groo's faithful companion, Rufferto. I, however, prefer the two satiric tales: "The Arms Deal" and "The Bankers of Avara." Even without the satire, however, Evanier and Aragones show an amazing ability to string a joke on and on without boring the audience. Because that's all this is, really; a single joke stretched ad infinitum: ("Groo is so dumb." "How dumb is he?"). But Aragones and Evanier keep finding new ways to spin it. For example, in the first story told here, Groo, a bumbling barbarian who causes unintentional destruction wherever he goes, has been hired to demolish a building. But knowing how stupid he is, his boss is nervous. "I'm afraid he'll accidentally BUILD something," he says. What Groo does instead, is both totally in character and totally unexpected. As I said, this is the eighth volume and although normally you wouldn't start a series without some familiarity with the characters from the first seven volumes, the premise is so simple (necessarily, since the series is aimed at children), that you can pick it up without trouble. If you intend to show this to small children, I would note that there is some violence (Groo loves a fray) but there is no gore or bloodshed. Although he frequently draws his swords, it's more like he beats his foes (and sometimes his friends) about the head and shoulders, as you see them later with bandages and black eyes.

Rufferto and Groo go together, well, like nothing has gone together before, and likely never will again. Why does a reasonably intelligent dog decided to take up with a mouth breathing barbarian named Groo? Here we can see why, as the famously loyal canine meets his serv.. err.. master. This is bad for very many people not named Groo or Rufferto.

I am a great fan of Sergio. I have his mini series Space Circus published by Dark Horse Comics. Too bad the Groo regular series is discontinued but fortunately Dark Horse reprinted some of the cool back issues. If I have enough money, I will probably get all the trade paperbacks. I managed to get this title only but it worths every kopins you paid for it. It is time to fray. Cheers.

Groo HoundbookAs should be obvious, this is where Groo the most feared barbarian in the world (feared by everyone who knows his name and face!) meets his trusty sidekick Ruferto, a dog smarter than he is. Fleeing a pampered life into the chaotic life that Groo brings about, Ruferto and his new companion encounter Pal and Drum, the schemers who cut an arms deal with Groo. Of course, they've never learned that the best deal to cut with Groo is to RUN FOR THE HILLS! Groo gets wealthy through no fault of his own and winds up penniless as usual.Note: the printing quality is generally okay to very good for the series, but this is generally a collection for Groo fans and comic book fans. The binding on some of my copies is broken (these are soft backs) and the print is now and then not the greatest. As a fan, I bought every collection I could, and enjoy them despite this! Not though for long-term pristine collectors though.

Sergio's work with MAD is famous. Yet this Groo Houndbook content a beautiful plot combined with our hero that can "manage" to destroy anything. This 9-12 yrs rated comic attracts me very much [20+], btw, this one's a very good book to be read and enjoy. Using rasterized color image is another attraction of this book in the abundance of advanced computer coloring comics.