Groo the Wanderer #2

Groo the Wanderer #2 was published in 1985 by Epic Comics, an imprint of Marvel Comics, following the series' transition from Pacific Comics. Created by Sergio Aragonés, the character of Groo was designed as a satirical take on the sword-and-sorcery genre, contrasting the typical stoic, hyper-competent barbarian archetype with a protagonist who is famously dense and destructive. Aragonés, already a fixture at Mad magazine, utilized the character to poke fun at the tropes of adventure comics through slapstick humor and intricate, detailed background gags.

The art style is quintessential Aragonés, characterized by fluid, expressive lines and a lack of traditional panel rigidity, which allows for dynamic action sequences. Upon its release, the series was well-received for its consistent wit and the unique collaborative dynamic between Aragonés and his longtime letterer and collaborator Stan Sakai. Issue #2 solidified the series' identity, establishing the recurring themes of Groo's unintended chaos and his eternal search for a good meal, which helped the title maintain a dedicated cult following for decades.