Between Books - Mickey's Walt Disney World Adventure

Mickey Mouse has a big job. But can he lead the parade without his hat? As a hat dude…I am officially tense.

Mickey’s Walt Disney World Adventure by Cathy Hapka with illustrations by the Disney Storybook Art Team is a hide and seek adventure through the Magic Kingdom. Mickey and Minnie are enjoying a bi,g magical day at the park. Mickey is excited to lead the parade that evening. But he can’t find his drum major hat, an essential part of his uniform to march through the Magic Kingdom. In order ot find it, the duo speed run the park. They see attractions in all of the Magic Kingdom’s lands, bump into friends like Donald and Goofy, and gather clues to the hat’s location. We tour the entire Kingdom and seek an answer to the question, can Mickey find his hat?

I have to admit. Mickey’s Walt Disney World Adventure for a young children’s book, has a lot more words than I expected. I can see how this is a rewarding challenge for a new reader. The illustrations are tied to the action described, are colorful, and engaging. Hapka also gives us a story full of drama, because can Mickey find his most important possession, a hat? I really did feel worried that the parade could be cancelled. And I’m not four!

I do think this Little Golden Book can fill two separate purposes. For a child who has not been in the Magic Kingdom Park before, it does give them a colorful preview of what’s to come, sets some expectations, while still not spoiling any key moments. It can also be used for a child and their family to help remember their memories of their recent visits. It’s a fun and tense way to prepare and recall a future visit.

Mickey’s Walt Disney World Adventure by Cathy Hapka, with illustrations by the Disney Storybook Art Team is a more challenging book than I expected. I was surprised by the number of words on the page, and I can see how it can be a challenge to a reader who’s mastered another Little Golden Book. And as an adult, I was challenged by the drama and tension that was created.

Maybe kids and I get stressed out by the fear of a cancelled parade!  

 

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Cap's Comics - What If…? Donald Duck Became The Mighty Thor

Lorenzo Pastrovicchio Cover

This summer we have been graced with Marvel comics that celebrated Disney classic characters with them taking the roles of Thanos and Wolverine. But summer has to end! Let’s end it with one last adventure.

“What If…? Donald Duck Became The Mighty Thor” with plot by Steve Behling, script by Riccardo Secchi, and art by Giada Perissinotto gives us one more look at the 90-year-old duck taking up the mantle of a Marvel hero. In this one-shot comic, Donald Duck takes his nephews on a Norwegian vacation to an ancient archaeological Viking site so they can earn their Junior Woodchuck medal for Ancient Viking Relic Explorers. While scrounging for priceless Viking heirlooms, the Earth is invaded by the Stone Ducks of Saturn who land on this ancient site. Donald seeking shelter from the danger finds an old wooden cane which when knocked grants a worthy one, wow Donald look at you, the power of the ancient Norse God Thor. Equipped with these new abilities, the Mighty Donald is the only hero who can save us all! 

Phil Noto Donald Duck Thor Cover

Of the three Disney specials we got this summer, this one is the most all-ages and maybe a little bit more kid-focused than the rest. There is a little less inside adult humor to me, with this offering being more of a kids-friendly brawl and fight story. The biggest Easter Egg for adults is the story’s heavy parallels to the original Journey into Mystery #83 story “The Mighty Thor and the Stone Men from Saturn” which was Stan Lee’s, Larry Lieber’s, and Jack Kirby’s debut of their Norse hero in 1962. The story in many cases is beat-for-beat of the original Marvel classic. And maybe this is why it seems more kid-friendly, with it being a very 1960s plot at a time when comics were more kid-focused. I do like the changes, with movie star Korg’s Stone Men being turned into Stone Ducks, which fit the story well.

Donald Duck is a good uncle and a horrible archeologist! 

Peach Momoko Cover

Perissinotto has given us art for two of these stories now. The art here is very approachable and inviting. One of the changes you will notice here is the writing duties shared. The plot was provided by Behling who has written a handful of young reader books for Disney, many using Stitch. The script, just like you would see in a movie with the frame-by-frame and line-by-line framework for the artist, was developed by Secchi. Secchi does not have many comic credits, but he has written Disney classic characters with an issue of Disney Hero Squad: Ultrahumans served up to readers over a decade ago at Boom! Studios. It’s not uncommon to see plot and script duties separated. One of my favorite examples is DC’s Justice League International. But much of the vigorous debate in the Marvel world is that often Stan Lee provided plots while his artists like Jack Kirby really did the scripting at various levels of detail. Which at times, did not make it clear who was responsible for what among the old masters. Overall, the team does a nice job, as I think kids would appreciate this story which may seem familiar if they have seen any of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, I do wonder if the inclusion of an editor’s letter and some concept development pages in the end hint they may have been a little short in story? 

Walter Simonson Cover

“What If…? Donald Duck Became The Mighty Thor” with plot by Steve Behling, script by Riccardo Secchi, and art by Giada Perissinotto reminds us that summer always comes to an end! I have as a Disney and Marvel fan gotten a chuckle out of these one-shot comics. I have appreciated how on different levels there is something here for kids and adults, much like this issue. 

Skottie Young Cover

Turning the last page…wait, Minnie becomes Captain Marvel in November! Yes, please!

Caps Comics - What If...? Donald Duck Became Wolverine

Regular Giada Perissinotto Cover

Shared birthday parties…I’m not a fan. Someone gets less attention than they should! In sharing a party between 90-year-old Donald Duck and the 50-year-old Wolverine, who will get less love. 

 Phil Noto Donald Duck Wolverine Cover

“What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine” is a fun mashup of Donald Duck and Wolverine written by Luca Barbieri with art by Giada Perissanotto. The story is pretty simple all-ages Marvel fun. Pete-Skull has taken control of Duckburg, including Uncle Scrooge’s Money Bin. There’s only one hero who can save us from this evil. Sleeping on Grandma Duck’s Farm is that duck hero…Donald-Wolverine. Another hero comes to the farm to recruit the reluctant angry clawed duck. The duo, then trio, go on a voyage to face Pete-Skull, where we discover Wolverine-Duck’s real superpower.

Peach Momoko Cover

Alright, I had to hide some secrets. Perissanotto’s art gives us some really fun Marvel-Disney crossovers. It’s too giddy joy to spill the beans on these images. The combo of Disney characters and Marvel costuming is just fun. I will reveal, that there is a wonderful splash page of Donald in Wolverine variant costumes that is super fun and I would love to frame on my wall. Donald’s feathers/hair is just so on-model for Wolverine and makes me giggle whenever he is in the frame. These images are more fun than the Disney 100 variant covers, which always were on the wrong comic. 

Ron Lim  Cover

This is written for Marvel fans. The story elements to me are a Marvel tale with Donald’s world and supporting cast tipping the hat to Marvel and not the other way around. I think the biggest gap among the cameos is no Watcher. “The What If…?” brand is really led by the Watcher, and we need an introduction from the Watcher to really setup the story and the world we are visiting within the multiverse. Oh geez, if only Donald-Wolverine had appeared in Deadpool & Wolverine with his perfectly styled feathers that would have made this all over-the-top. 

Skottie Young Variant Cover

“What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine” is Luca Barbieri’s first Marvel comic. He is an Italian writer who we should not be shocked to see wrote a few issues of Topolino, you know Mickey Mouse, and Wizards of Mickey. This is also Perissanotto’s first Marvel comic, though Perissanotto has provided Marvel variant covers. We should not be shocked that Perissanotto is also Italian and shares in the deep Mickey Mouse Italian comics tradition. I think it is brilliant that with this batch of recent Mice and Ducks Marvel is leaning into the Italian expertise instead of grabbing American Marvel artists and writers, other than Jason Aaron. 

D23 Variant Comic Set

“What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine” is an all-ages comic that is fun for kids and adult Marvel fans. I have enjoyed this recent wave of Marvel Disney comics and love there is more to come. It sounds like collectors are also enjoying these waves, with variant covers fetching big money on eBay. We also know that in the party between a Duck and the Canuck…the Duck wins as this is a Duck party from page one.

Cap's Comics - Walt Disney Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: A Matter of Some Gravity

I love comic books.  but I have honestly stayed away from the core Disney characters in comic form.  I really do want to be into this books, I just never have dipped the toe in.  I want to know more about Disney Legends like Carl Barks, but his work is a Disney blind spot for me.  So instead of going all in, I started with something free!

Walt Disney Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: A Matter of Some Gravity reprints Don Rosa 1996 Duck story now reprinted by Fantagraphics Books for Free Comic Book Day 2014.  The main story features Uncle Scrooge and Donald attempting to reclaim Scrooge's Number One Dime from the sorceress Magica De Spell.  But the chase is a challenge as De Spell has placed a hex on the duck duo which reorients their gravity.  Rosa tells the story with the top half the page showing gravity from De Spell's and the reader's view.  While the bottom half is drawn from the view of Donald and Scrooge.  The second story, "Sign of the Triple Distelfink"from 1998 features Donald's cousin Gladstone, who is a very lucky duck.  But his luck always changes on his birthday to bad!  Gladstone attempts to escape his luck while Donald plans a prank on his fortunate cousin.  The issue ends with an interview of Don Rosa discussing his history with the Ducks. The back cover is a Gladstone pinup or from Donald's view a "Obnoxious Cousin Dart Target."  

I will admit I did like this comic.  But it is not my typical fare.  The pages all had more panels than one finds in a superhero comic which really gives the comic more story for the page.  In short, it is dense and you get your money's worth, in this case free!  I also found the story punny.  I could imagine Rosa attempting to work out gags like old Disney shorts story men.  And the use of the gravity flip flop provides plenty of gag fodder.  But most of all the gravity angle creates a really smart story that is delivered in an interesting way.  It is easy to see how the story was nominated for an Eisner Award, that is Will not Michael!  The Gladstone story is also amusing though it does bring out the worst in Donald.  It is easy to see how both kids and adults would like these tales.  I did like the interview with Rosa since I did not have experience with his writing and it helped me realize that he was a dedicated duck man.

Free Comic Book Day you have helped me come one step closer to eliminating a Disney blind spot.  You have turned my world sideways, or maybe Magica De Spell did.  I really enjoyed Walt Disney Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: A Matter of Some Gravity and hope that there is another Fab Five inspired comic next year.  

Walt's Windows - The New Spirit

One of the highlights for me in David Lesjak's Service with Character: The Disney Studio & World War II is the discussion of the 1942 short "The New Spirit" produced for the U.S. Department of Treasury.  The goal for the film was to encourage the 15 million new taxpayers to pay their income taxes, seriously you could not prosecute them all if they did not pay! 

One can see how this short would have cut into Disney short bookings.  It really is humorous and over 70 years later Donald is still a star.

Man I wish my taxes were that easy.  Did you notice that along with living in Hollywood as an actor that Donald Duck has adopted his nephews?

It is a little unsettling to me to see Disney animation being used to depict guns, battleships and bombers.  But it does make a point, your taxes pay for the war effort.  And I cannot get "Taxes to Sink the Axis" out of my mind.

Honestly, I do feel like this short was a success, despite the fact that it resulted in little profit for the Walt Disney Studios.  It is funny, well animated, has star power and shows how Disney supported the war effort during World War II. 

Walt's Windows - Clarence Nash On What's My Line

When I stumbled on the video of Walt Disney on What's My Line it was recommended that I watch a video of Donald Duck on the same program.  This excerpt from December 12, 1954, honestly had me in stitches.

I honestly cannot think of any video where I have actually seen Clarence "Ducky" Nash at work.  And I loved this, especially since the guests have such a hard time pinning down what Mr. Nash did for a living.  And of course, you have to stay for the end to see him voicing his famous counterpart Donald Duck.

Between Books - Art Afterpieces

Clearly to Ward Kimball nothing was sacred.

In his book Art Afterpieces, Kimball completes classic works of art. For example, in Kimball’s revised version of William M. Harnett’s After the Hunt, Kimball adds Donald Duck to the hunter’s bounty. To the familiar Blue Boy he adds a jazzy goatee and sunglasses. And in Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, God lights up Adam’s cigarette. The point of the book is not necessarily to be funny. In fact Walt Kelly in his foreword recounts Kimball’s statement that if others found his artwork funny, he has failed in his task. Kimball himself recounts a story from his childhood in which he looked to complete a classic painting. And that is what Kimball has done, added to classical art in a way that matches the late Disney legend’s personality.

Art Afterpieces is a short book, and you likely can find one of two editions for a few bucks. I am not an art guy, so I was able to run through the book in around 20 minutes. I did chuckle a few times, especially when Kimball added Disney images to the artwork. So I guess I missed the point! I would likely suggest this book to fans of Ward Kimball as it helps show off his cracked view of the world. A reading of the book helps give you insight into the mind of the very quirky Kimball, and may lead you to want more (cough cough where’s the bio). But for the casual Disney fan, this is probably not something that would be enjoyable.

I just wonder how the late Kimball got some of these images past (cough cough) Disney legal!


For more on Ward Kimball see:
Between Books - Walt Disney's Nine Old Men: The Flipbooks
Between Books - Who's Afraid of the Song of the South 
Walt's Windows - Kimball's Engines
Walt's Windows - Ward and Groucho 

 
  

Between Books - Disney Dossiers

Jafar was based on another Disney animated villain.

Huey, Dewey and Louie are related to a prominent duck who is not Donald or Scrooge.

Lucifer the Cat in Cinderella had a real life model linked to a Disney legend.

These facts and more can all be found in Jeff Kurtti’s Disney Dossiers: Files of Character From the Walt Disney Studios.  Each page is designed to look like an open file folder containing personal records, pictures and random notes that would be useful to a Walt Disney animator or story man.  The characters covered are not exhaustive but detail the background on all major characters from Mickey Mouse to the animated features of 2006.  Some files include two page narratives discussing the character while others may only have two sentences.  Other pieces of information found in the descriptions include filmography, relationships, works well with lists, does not work well lists and summaries of key supporting characters or foils.  Some characters share pages, while other major characters like Mickey Mouse receive a multipage spread.

This is a fun book but not an exhaustive one.  The details provided on characters vary and some credit lists are selected only.  But the character selection is well done, with even The Reluctant Dragon being covered.  The facts that Kurtti provides do provide some ah ha moments for even the more knowledgeable reader.  The real fun of the volume is the pictures which include concept art showing us versions of the familiar characters that did not make the screen.  And it is fun to pretend that one is flipping through the confidential files of Walt Disney Animation.

Jeff Kurtti’s Disney Dossiers: Files of Character From the Walt Disney Studios provides a fun reading experience, and one that can be revisited to provide light entertainment.  It may not be deep enough for hardcore Disney researchers, but it would provide enjoyment to children wanting to know more about characters or casual readers.  And for both children and adults the images will likely be pleasing.  It is a nice addition to a Between Books library, but not as essential as some of Kurtti’s other works.