Here is a list of characters from Groo the Wanderer.
open/close all folders
Groo
- "What do you mean, slow of mind?"
A wandering barbarian hero who's become a legend in his own time... for all the wrong reasons.
- Amazon Chaser: While he'll occasionally show appreciation for courtesans and harem girls, the only woman he's ever shown pursuing romantically is Chakaal.
- Barbarian Hero: Well... He tries to be.
- Barbarian Longhair: While his hair is thin and stripy, it still falls under this.
- Blood Knight: Groo lives for battle, and while he generally won't kill innocent people on purpose, he'll occasionally get carried away, and might end up killing both enemies, allies and employers in his enthusiasm. The Sage even begins one story this way:Sage: One evening, as Groo was regaling stories of past battles with friends he hadn't already killed by accident...
- Determinator: This is what truly sets Groo apart from the other heroes of his age, once he takes on a mission, he will finish it, no matter what, he will travel across the world in search of the most minute object, and slay the greatest of beasts (not that he wouldn't have anyway), just to succeed. Groo's main skill isn't his battle prowess, it's his stubborness.
- The Dreaded: He's just as feared by random bystanders as he is by the bad guys because of all the collateral damage he causes.
- Dumb Muscle: He's strong and a skilled fighter, but to say he's slow of mind would be an understatement.
- Early-Installment Weirdness: Groo was stupid in the Eclipse run, but not to the level he is now. He also had Pragmatic Hero tendencies, as seen in the Groo Special in the Eclipse run. (Both versions were still ultimately good people.)
- Even Bad Men Love Their Mamas: Well he's not so much bad as oblivious but Groo's mother truly loved her son and tried her best to bring out his nobler traits.
- Extreme Omnivore: Groo is not only a Big Eater, he'll happily eat nearly anything without complaint, even scraps Rufferto turns up his nose to; lizards, carrion, bugs and grubs, even the gruel and swill served to prisoners and slaves. He's even known to eat rocks on occasion, albeit not knowing what they were, since they'd been mixed into his food.Groo: Tough but satisfying...
- The Fool: Groo is probably the biggest example of them all. Barely capable of feeding himself, Groo brings bad luck wherever he goes and has a bad habit of decimating whole towns and cities, often as a result of trying to help the local residents. Nearly every comic ends with him being chased by an angry mob while he tries to figure out why.
- Hidden Depths: Groo can make some pretty decent non-violent plans when properly motivated, or confronted with obstacles even he can't take down by brute force; it's just that these plans tend to backfire or bite him in the ass later, so he prefers relying entirely on his sword skill.
- Learning to read led to a (very minor) boost in Groo's intellect, which allowed him to articulate something he hadn't been able to grasp before; what he wants out of life other than fighting and cheese dip - a place where he properly belongs.
- Identical Stranger: To Emperor Sakisama, to the point that the only real difference was that Sakisama's hair was neater. Humorously, neither of them ever saw much resemblance in eachother, even when Sakisama's chancellor proposed that they change places on the battlefield.Chancellor: Do you notice anything?Sakisama: Not really, other than that he's more handsome than I expected.
- Katanas Are Just Better: With anything even vaguely swordlike, he's a human wrecking ball (he once dominated a tavern brawl that swelled into a city-destroying riot with a big stick), but with his twin katanas, he is a whirlwind of death that armies (yes, armies plural) cannot touch.
- Kindhearted Simpleton: He may be a massive buffoon who often makes situations worse with his foolishness, but he's never truly mean and he tries to see the best in everyone.
- Living Legend: His legend has already reached the far corners of the Earth, as much as he might wish it hadn't.
- Never Learned to Read: For at least 108 issues (8 in the Eclipse run and 100 in the Marvel run) Groo didn't know how to read... until the 100th Marvel issue.
- Never My Fault: He almost never remembers his previous screwups, so whenever he realizes he messed up bad, he often responds with some variation of "like you've never made a single mistake". Rufferto usually backs him up.
- Origin Story: His childhood has been shown in brief flashbacks, but the only real origin story (For awhile) is the story where he got his iconic swords, during his tenure as Sakisama's double, and his former life as a soldier under Fukishama.
- Then we learn aspect of his life in aptly name book 'The Life of Groo' where it was revealed that before he was born, Groo father badmouth a wizard who gave this curse.Battu: No, I am not going to turn you to a pig! Instead, your first-born male child shall be born without the ability to think! To endure the pangs of a fool for an heir... that is a fine ongoing punishment for your thoughts.
- Though later in the book the Sage think the curse is only partially the problem since Groo father thought Sage advice of taking care of the problem (I.E show it love and understanding) meant getting rid of the kid.
Sage (Thinking): Hmm... the curse may not be the only reason for the boy's lack of intellect... some of it in his blood.
- Then we learn aspect of his life in aptly name book 'The Life of Groo' where it was revealed that before he was born, Groo father badmouth a wizard who gave this curse.
- Powerful, but Incompetent: That's Groo to a tee: he's strong enough to take down entire armies, but has the approximate intelligence of a toothpick. Disaster ensues every time.
- Prince and Pauper: Sort of, Sakisama never actually took Groo's role, even when Groo took his on the battlefield. Groo spent all the non-fighting time in the palace dungeon, which he was completely fine with, because he got to fight, lead an army into battle, and got all the cheese dip he wanted, even if Sakisama got all the glory.
- Stout Strength: He's heavyset, and his legs are rather thin, but his arms are very thick and he's incredibly strong.
- Trademark Favorite Food: Cheese dip, to the point that it became a Memetic Mutation.
- One-Man Army: With two swords in his hands, he can fight against armies, regardless of sides.
- Walking Disaster Area: There's a reason why one of his catchphrases is, "Did I err?".
Rufferto
- "He loves me!"
Originally a pampered pet belonging to a wealthy noblewoman, Rufferto eventually left his boring, easy life behind, and found himself as the new companion of Groo.
- Berserk Button: Cannot stand Groo crush on Chakaal to the point he will make sure Groo doesn't find her again.
- Canine Companion: Becomes one to Groo after Groo stops seeing him as a potential meal.
- Loyal Animal Companion: Proven himself time and again to be this to Groo.
- Noble Fugitive: Rufferto left his life as a royal pet to be the loyal comrade of Groo, which causes him to have a bounty for two separate reasons; the queen wants her pet back, while the king wants the valuable collar around Rufferto's neck back.
- Talking Animal: Downplayed; he's sapient and can talk to other animals and the readers, but not humans. Played straight twice - in one story where a magic wish turned him human, and another where a magic elixir partially returned him to his human form, allowing him to talk to Groo directly. Groo never realized the human was Rufferto in the first case, and in the second, he thought he imagined it.
- Undying Loyalty: Is completely heartbroken on the few occasions when it seems Groo is gone for good, and would rather perish himself than live without his master.
- What the Hell, Hero?: The only time Rufferto's faith in Groo falters is during the "Magic Talisman" arc when Groo uses the talisman to wish away the Ministrel's ability to rhyme after getting fed up with all the insulting song he made about Groo. Rufferto's disappointed glare is so piercing that Groo eventually sets out to find the talisman again just to undo the wish.
Chakaal
- "Hear me Groo! I fight only when my sword is needed to right an injustice or to preserve the freedom of life!"
A legendary heroine and warrior woman who's carved a name for herself in a dangerous and chauvanistic world.
- Abhorrent Admirer: Groo is one towards her, she doesn't hate him like most people, but she's not the least bit romantically interested in him.
- Amazonian Beauty: Noticeably taller than most of the cast, has a warrior physique and long legs.
- Loved by All: Chakaal's legend is deservedly great, and she is hailed as a great hero wherever she goes.
- Only Sane Man: Compare to most of the main cast she's this.
- Statuesque Stunner: The tallest of the characters and can kick your ass.
- We Help the Helpless: Unlike Groo (who mostly does it for the fighting) or Arcadio (just for glory) she genuinely just wants to help people.
Sage
A wandering sage and wise man, who's also one of Groo's oldest friends.
- Barefoot Sage: Granted, since almost all of the setting's characters are barefoot.
- Cloudcuckoolander: Not bad compared to others, but still gave advice to an albino queen that she needed more sun; it ended as well as you would have expected. There was also his idea of building a wall to keep Groo out. He did not take into account why that would cause more problems when word spread around. Especially bad since Groo wasn't even in the area at the time.
- Nature Hero: A proponent of environmentalism and conservation, millenia before the modern world.
- Only Sane Man: One of the few people with any common sense around. Not that his advice is infallible by any means, they can even backfire, and he's far from flawless himself, but he is often one of the few who can see obvious solutions, or predict impending problems.
- Proverbial Wisdom: Almost every single sentence he says is followed by a proverb or saying of some kind. Many are truly wise, while some are worthy of Groo himself.
Taranto
- Catchphrase: "Groo, do you not remember me? Your old friend Taranto?"
- Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: He will backstab anyone if it means he gets a profit.
- Easily Forgiven: Taranto has attempted to have Groo killed on several occasions. The bighearted fool always forgives him, possibly because of forgetting the exact details of previous encounters. The only time this backfires is in the 100th issue.
- Gonk: Long nose and chin with only one eye.
- Spider Motif Character: Downplayed, the only arachnid motif he has is the spider on his helmet and his name sounding like "tarantula".
- Unexplained Recovery: Survived several situations that should have been fatal, especially during the Pacific Comics run.
Arcadio
- Everyone Loves Blondes: Everyone adores him even though he's a jerk.
- Fake Ultimate Hero: Downplayed, Arcadio actually has performed a lot of heroic deeds, but nowhere close to what Groo has done in his travels. But he fits the image of your standard fantasy hero more, so he gets far more credit. There's also the fact that he doesn't leave a trail of destruction and ruined lives in his wake.
- Glory Seeker: He is a powerful hero in his own right, being able to slay a thousand dragons, but he is incredibly vain and only helps people so he can become more famous.
- Hero of Another Story: We only see glimpses of his quests, usually whenever Groo screws them up for him.
- Heroic Build: Yet another advantage he has over the short and portly Groo.
- Lantern Jaw of Justice: As seen in the pic.
Minstrel
- Big Damn Reunion: Has one with his daughter.
- Bullying a Dragon: Zigzagged. He usually makes a living telling tale of Groo's exploits, this had lead to instances where people enjoyed his story, to being thrown into the dungeon cause he accidentally was telling the exact incident to people whom Groo 'helped. That said, there's also a story where he dealt with a boorish brute who claims he could beat Groo by saying said wanderer was just entering the tavern. He got a whole tavern to himself for the night.
- Pet the Dog: in 'Death of Groo The Wanderer'. he admits he's glad that Groo turns out to be alive
. - Rhymes on a Dime: He probably didn't always had this but when he started looking for his family he begun to only speak in rhymes.
- Shapeshifting: Not him, his lute, specifically the tip at the end of his lute◊
- Wandering Minstrel: And quite proud of it.
Grooella
- God Save Us from the Queen!: Has a nasty temper and treats her subjects poorly.
- Red Right Hand: An extremely downplayed example is her hair. Originally it was blonde and straight but due to an incident with Groo and an accidental reenactment of Jefferson 'Kite experiment', a mama dragon and an accidental potion toss causes it to become the singe mess shown in the pic.
- Strong Family Resemblance: To her brother Groo, much to her eternal chagrin.
Pipil Khan
The tyrannical ruler of a large, Mongol-style empire, now on his deathbed with only one thing keeping him alive; his burning hatred of Groo, the warrior who has ruined his plans of conquest time and time again.
- Berserk Button: The mere thought of Groo is enough to send him into despondent rage, he only clings to life in the hopes of seeing Groo dead first.
- The Caligula: Was not a good ruler by any means, with everyone living in fear of his whims, even his own family. He had his own wife executed because she was taller than him!
- Entertainingly Wrong: Believes that Groo must be a monstrously powerful warrior with demonic powers since he's singlehandedly massacred thousands of Khan's men.
- Elmuh Fudd Syndwome: Has a very notable lisp, which makes him look even more inept and pathetic than he already is.
- Klingon Promotion: Specifically never named an heir (instead making a will that the empire be dissolved if he died without one) to avoid this, guessing correctly that any one of his sons would happily kill him and take the throne if made the heir.
- On One Condition: On his deathbed, he tells his sons that he'll hand over the throne to the one of them who can kill Groo before he dies.
- Strong Empire, Shriveled Emperor: Amassed a mighty empire in his day which he ruled with an iron fist, but old age and stress over his failed conquests have left him near death.
- The Unfavorite: Treats his youngest son with utter contempt, which is ironic, because that son is the spitting image of him, if with a thinner moustache.
- Unknown Rival: Groo didn't even know he existed until Khan's vendetta brought them face-to-face for the first time, all his destruction of Khan's plans being completely incidental to whatever Groo was up to at the moment.
Captain Ahax
An unscrupulous sea captain who's life began to be plagued by misfortune when he encountered Groo for the first time.
- Characterization Marches On: In the Eclipse run (specifically issue 5) he runs a pirate ship with forced labor (specifically the 'shanghaiing' tactic). Nowadays he mostly runs a merchant ship.
- Insurance Fraud: In one story, he attempts to use Groo's tendency to sink any ship he boards to commit insurance fraud, lending far more than the cargo was worth. And of course, this was the one time Groo didn't sink the ship, plunging Ahax into insurmountable debt. And right afterwards, Groo sunk the ship anyway, once it didn't matter anymore.
- Laser-Guided Karma: His suffering would almost be uncomfortable if he wasn't such a dick who brings most of his misfortune on himself.
- Nervous Wreck: Becomes a gibbering wreck as soon as Groo comes into the picture, wondering not how Groo will sink a ship, but when.
- Punny Name: give space between a and h and you get A Hax.
Arba and Dakarba
A pair of evil witches that usually strive to regain their power but usually failed due to Groo.
- Animal Motifs: Bats for Arba.
- Fat and Skinny: Arba the skinny to Dakarba fat.
- Gag Nose: Dakarba has one.
- Hot Witch: Arba is tall, beautiful and wears a very revealing dress.
- Punny Name: Slight change to Abra and Kadabra, a reference to their magic.
- Robe and Wizard Hat: Dakarba with her witches hat and robe (Though the hat is decorated with skulls), Arba has more of a Lady of Black Magic dress.
- Statuesque Stunner: Arba.
Pal and Drumm
A pair of Con-men that usually try to use Groo for there schemes.
- The Exile: Pal is this due to the 'Queen of Onovid' banishing him for running crooked games.
- Smart Jerk and Nice Moron: Nice is pushing it, but Drumm is certainly less slimy than his associate.
- Happily Adopted: Err... happily adopter as Drumm now has a daughter thanks to the events of 'Friends and Foes'.
Kayli
The Minstrel daughter
- Conveniently an Orphan: Averted. She spent her travels trying to reunite with her missing father. Luckily both of them, she succeeded.
- Hair of Gold, Heart of Gold: Has blonde hair and is arguably one of the nicer characters.
