Darkwing Duck #1 is many things. It’s a prequel to the beloved animated series, which finds Drake Mallard trying to balance writing his biography, crime fighting, and taking care of his adopted daughter, Gosalyn. But it’s also the first new Darkwing Duck story in years, meaning it has to somehow stand out to longtime fans and potentially draw in new ones. Thanks to the creative team of Danbiel Kibblesmith, Ted Brandt, and Ro Stein, it definitely succeeds in both regards.
Kibblesmith strikes story gold with his approach to Darkwing Duck #1. The idea of Drake wanting to write his own autobiography is pitch perfect; of course he wants to make himself look like a big hero, and of course he wouldn’t be satisfied until he found the perfect arch enemy. But he also keeps the perfect balance of action, including the fights between Darkwing and electrically charged villain Megavolt, and humor – a moment where Darkwing tries to figure out where Megavolt will strike next is interrupted by a group of scientists talking about the big carnival in town. Guess where the finale takes place?
Brandt and Stein also bring the hilariously chaotic energy of a Darkwing Duck episode into Darkwing Duck #1. The facial expressions are over the top but hilarious; when Darkwing first approaches Megavolt, he’s clouded in smoke and glares menacingly. But when Megavolt says he doesn’t remember Darkwing, Darkwing drops the act and starts blustering in disbelief. It’s only one-upped by a moment with Gosalyn that had me cackling. And of course, Launchpad McQuack remains his loveable, gullible self.
The issue also starts off with a comic-styled sequence that pays homage to Batman: Year One in its own hilarious way – seeing as this story arc is literally called Darkwing Duck: Year One, it makes sense. While it still has that hilarious, over-the-top energy, what separates the opening from the rest of the issue is a subtle cross-hatching in certain parts of the art. This happens to be one of the biggest clues that this isn’t really something that happened to Darkwing, but it also feels like an old-school comic which is fitting given Darkwing’s pulp influences.
Dynamite Entertainment
The color art from Dearbhla Kelly helps separate fact from fiction, as most of the issue is rendered in brighter tones compared to those first few pages, which makes great work of the shadows to conceal Darkwing until he makes his “grand entrance”. Purple remains one of the most consistent colors throughout, whether it’s Darkwing’s signature costume or his smoke bombs, and provides a nice contrast to Megavolt’s bright yellow jumpsuit and bluish-white lightning bolts. Fabio Amelia goes just as big with his lettering, often ending or beginning word bubbles with some massive exclamations.
Darkwing Duck #1 is a chaotically entertaining, colorfully illustrated ride, which means it’s a perfect fit for Darkwing Duck. As someone who’s been missing Darkwing since the DuckTales reboot ended, I’m glad this creative team gets what makes Darkwing such a fun character and I highly recommend all readers pick this book up if they get the chance.
You must be logged in to post a comment.