We recently told you all about Gargoyles, a new comics series from Dynamite continuing that beloved ’90s cartoon. But the publisher isn’t quite done stoking all that sweet nostalgia, as they’ve recently announced another such title, Darkwing Duck.
Written by Amanda Deibert (Wonder Woman, Star Wars) and drawn and colored by Carlo Cid Lauro (Horror Show), the comics series picks up right where the TV series ended. Here, we follow the dual life of Drake Mallard/Darkwing Duck as he protects the city of St. Canard alongside his adopted daughter Gosalyn and sidekick (and arguable better half), Lauchpad McQuack. Expect the same mix of touching family vibes, irreverent humor, and repurposed noir-ish action.
Issue #1 of Darkwing Duck doesn’t launch until January 2023. In the meantime, though, we asked Deibert a few questions via email, including her love for the TV series, her plans to expand the universe, and working with Cid Lauro.
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: What’s your elevator pitch for this “chapter” of Darkwing Duck? How does it connect back to the show itself?
Amanda Deibert: Darkwing Duck has a particularly shocking encounter with Megavolt that begins him questioning a lot about his life both as the father and private citizen, Drake Mallard, and the hero who flaps in the night. It’s a journey through protecting the city and battling villains and his own private life that we don’t see as much of in the series.
AIPT: Aside from some nostalgia, was there anything else that drew you to this project?
AD: I love the humor and parody aspect of Darkwing.
AIPT: What made the Darkwing Duck show so special? I recall it being extra weird and yet it also never pandered too much to its young audience.
AD: I think the lack of pandering is a lot of it, like you said. And also the mix of action and adventure with a heavy dose of comedy and parody. We get to have all the fun of superhero life, but never take it too seriously.
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: Dynamite’s got some other titles that were formerly kid’s shows, including Gargoyles. Why is it important or meaningful to revisit some of these in a new medium?
AD: I think it’s just so much fun to introduce a new generation of fans to something wonderful.
AIPT: How close did you try to stick to the overall tone/feel of the show versus doing your own thing story-wise?
AD: We’re sticking very close to the tone, but it will feel just a bit more modern. It’s not gonna be a 90s period piece, though I may sprinkle in a couple 90s jokes for those of us who were around for the first show.
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: Similarly, are you introducing anything new to this otherwise wild and wacky universe?
AD: There’s a sprinkling of new stuff, but most of the fan favorites will be there from the OG series.
AIPT: Aside from Darkwing himself, which of the many “supporting” characters did you take a shine to, and do they then get extra page time?
AD: Oh, so many! Gosalyn and Launchpad obviously have a huge part in this arc and my personal fav, Morgana Macawber will come into play in a big way. But yes, from villains to neighbors, so many of the supporting cast shows up to play.
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: You’ve written everything from He-Man to Star Wars and Wonder Woman. How much of those titles/projects helped shape what you’re doing here?
AD: With every project I learn something new about myself and about storytelling, so in that way I think it all helps with what I am doing. It’s not a conscious thing though.
AIPT: What was it like working with Carlo Cid Lauro?
AD: His work is just absolutely stunning! He perfectly captures the nostalgia but in a fresh and fun way that I think fans will delight in — I know I certainly do!
AIPT: Why should anyone pick up issue #1?
AD: It’s going to be a great time with a lot of your favorite characters, plenty of humor, and gorgeous art!
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.