Destroyer Duck (1982) 1

The cover is misleading, but today really is National Waiting for the Barbarians Day.

Waiting for the Barbarians Day doesn’t seem to have much going for it beyond the mystery of how it originated and exactly what it is. The non-holiday appears to have been given its own day, Nov. 4, of each year. It’s a book and a movie, though the day doesn’t seem to share any common interest beyond its name.

It only holds interest here so we can unleash Groo the Wanderer as an emcee.

Destroyer Duck (1982) 1

Our man of the hour is (very) loosely based on the sword and sorcery heroes of the pulps and second-feature drive-in runs. Groo may have been dropped – several times – at birth. His stupidity is matched only by his naivety.

And, blood lust.

He is a sword-for-hire earning money to keep him in cheese dip.

Groo originated in the Eclipse Comics anthology book Destroyer Duck. His father is Sergio Aragones, one of the original Mad (Magazine) Men. Aragones plotted and drew the adventures of the loin-clothed barbarian, but the dialog was written by Mark Evanier.

The character’s first solo book was published by Pacific Comics beginning in 1982. Due to the company’s money problems, only eight issues were released. A one-shot of additional material was released by Eclipse after Pacific folded.

Groo immigrated to Marvel Comics Epic line of comic books. Aaragones was able to negotiate a contract allowing him to retain the rights to the title. Groo would wander for 120 issues until finding a home at Image Comics in 1994.

He would then transfer to Dark Horse Comics in 1998. Rather than begin an ongoing series, Groo was released in mini-series and collections.

So, go celebrate Waiting for the Barbarians Day with that special someone. If you find out just what the day is, let us know.