'What do you mean, 'slow of mind'?': Groo is often called 'slow of mind', but it is usually much later in the story when he finally responds to it.(The in-joke here is that Daniel Chichester was editor of the comic book at the time.)

The con fell apart, but the phrase still sticks in Groo's head, and he says it from time to time when he cannot think of anything to say.

'I am the Prince of Chichester.': Granny Groo once made Groo memorize that phrase during one of her ill-fated scams.

(A letter from a fan once pointed out that since 'to err is human', the constantly-erring Groo must be the most human character ever created.)

'Did I err?': Groo's understatement when he surveys the destruction he has caused.

It was later revealed that the Sage's dog, whose name had long been a mystery, was called Mulch. The Marvel/Epic Comics editions had a long-running gag in the letter column, in which fans would ask Mark Evanier to define 'mulch' and he would oblige with the same dictionary definition in every issue.

Mulch: This agricultural process is often mentioned in casual conversation.

Whenever Groo comes across money, cheese dip is the first thing that comes to his mind.

The head of the minstrel's mandolin changes shape in every panel.

Almost every Groo story ends with a moral.

Mendicant: Groo becomes violently angry whenever someone calls him a mendicant, even though he doesn't know what it means.

Groo's adventures have resulted in these ' running gags' that have become staples for years.

The Witch of Kaan, an eccentric old hag who always has a potion ready for anybody who visits her.

Weaver and Scribe, a successful author and his amanuensis, who look suspiciously like GrooвЂ™s own Evanier and Sakai.

Taranto, a corrupt general who has had his plans for glory dashed by Groo several times, and is obsessed with killing the wanderer.

The Sage has known Groo since childhood and often tells his tales for all who are willing to listen. The Sage is never without his dog, Mulch. The Sage often attempts to give Groo sound advice, but Groo's stupidity often means that the advice only makes situations worse.

The Sage, a wise old man who is usually never far from Groo.

Groo can also safely board a ship in Rufferto's presence. In Rufferto's eyes, Groo is a hero and a tactical genius. Rufferto ran away from his life as a royal pet and endeared himself to Groo.

Rufferto, Groo's dog and only true friend.

Pipil Khan, a short and short-tempered conqueror who speaks like Elmer Fudd.

Their dealings with Groo have often left them in trouble with the people they were scamming. The diminutive Pal is always looking for easy money, but his hulking partner Drumm isn't very bright. The Minstrel seldom appeared in later issues, due to the difficulty of creating his dialogue - 'unless the Minstrel vanish / then Mark will go, and Sergio / can write this crap in Spanish.' He often likes to sing of Groo's deeds, but Groo seldom appreciates his unflattering descriptions of his bungling.

The Minstrel, a singing jester who speaks exclusively in rhyming sonnets.

However, her occasional reliance on her brother for aid has spelled disaster every time, and she despises him. While she greatly resembles her brother, the two of them are totally different: Grooella is a Queen.

Grativo the Wizard, who often punishes Arba and Dakarba for their failures.

Granny Groo often tries to use her grandson to aid her in her moneymaking schemes, but invariably ends up giving him a good spanking when he fails.

Granny Groo, Groo's gypsy grandmother.

However, she repeatedly turns down his idiotic advances. Chakaal is strong, noble, and wise, and Groo is madly in love with her.

Chakaal, a beautiful female warrior who is Groo's equal in swordplay.

He has often enlisted Groo as his 'lackey', and while Groo has succeeded in his quests time and again, Arcadio always gets the credit.

Arcadio, a handsome warrior, with an especially pronounced chin, who is considered the greatest hero of his time.

They have repeatedly been stripped of their powers because of him.

Arba and Dakarba, a mother/daughter pair of witches who have suffered much trying to take advantage of Groo.

Captain Ahax, who has, over time, become wise to Groo's effect on ships.

However, there is an assortment of recurring characters: In all of his travels, Groo has encountered literally thousands of characters. Groo loves these battles - or 'frays', as he calls them - and often charges into the melee with a cry of 'Now Groo does what Groo does best!' So great is his love for battle that Groo seldom bothers to consider which side he is fighting for, and goes on to slay soldiers from either side. Groo has slain entire armies on his own, with nothing more than his swords. The only thing that has kept Groo alive through all of his adventures is his excellent swordsmanship.

Groo the wanderer