Fantagraphics’ Disney Originals line continues its streak of beautifully produced, all-ages adventures with Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: This Looks Like a Job for Duck Avenger!, out this week. The collection features four stories that blend slapstick comedy, light superhero action, and richly detailed world-building. Presented in an oversized format that celebrates the art on every page, this volume positions Donald Duck not just as a hapless every-duck, but as a gadget-wielding, well-intentioned (and often overwhelmed) superhero.
The book opens with one of the longest tales in the anthology, and it’s a ton of fun from start to finish. Scrooge, desperate to edge his way onto the cover of Flaunt It magazine for the umpteenth time, strong-arms Donald into either paying rent or helping him reclaim the #1 richest spot. Donald’s attempt to cheat the system leads him to Gyro Gearloose, who hands him the brilliantly absurd B.R.A.I.N.F.O.G. gun, a device that can convince anyone of anything after shooting them with a puff of pink smoke. Donald quickly shows it probably shouldn’t be in his hands, turning a postman into a pianist, so Gyro uses it on Donald to compel him to “get a real job.” We’re treated to a laugh-out-loud montage of Donald failing miserably at every occupation imaginable.
When the Duck Avenger persona finally comes out, Donald’s mission is clear: convince rival millionaire Rockerduck to donate to Scrooge. The scene where the hidden gun reappears may feel slightly roundabout, but the detour gives the story room for large-scale action and goofy security-fighting hijinks. As an opener, it’s physical comedy at its best—packed with pratfalls, gadgets, and bravado.
The second tale leans into comedic competition, sending Donald—once again disguised as Duck Avenger—to audition as the butter spokesperson for a local company. He’s not the only masked “hero” vying for the job, and their shady intentions send Donald on an outdoor chase full of delightful contraptions: spring-launch pads, oversized nets, wind sails, and more. A classic duck character makes a surprise appearance, adding a twist worthy of vintage Disney comics.
Fantagraphics
Story three takes a more contained approach, placing Donald in a museum security job that quickly goes sideways. When burglars strike, the story becomes a showcase for clever visual gags involving abstract paintings, sculptures, and art installations. It’s a compact tale, but it features clean, readable action and some of the most entertaining fight choreography in the book.
The final story brings the Duck Avenger back into full superhero mode, though it starts with Donald taking a job at a fan factory beside a candy plant whose newest product accidentally turns customers into… cool-air zombies. It also puts Donald out of work, a familiar theme in all of these stories. With Gyro providing a last-minute antidote, Donald launches into a colorfully chaotic infiltration of the Kandiez factory—complete with spring shoes, explosions, and a twist ending that unmasks some familiar culprits.
Across all four adventures, one of the standout artistic touches is the opening splash panel each story uses to establish its setting. These establishing shots—filled with bustling crowds, architecture, and small visual jokes—make the world feel vibrant and lived-in. The art throughout is consistently strong: detailed, expressive, and attentive to background activity, with a Zootopia-like energy where anthropomorphic animals populate every corner.
This oversized format makes a noticeable difference. The layouts, environments, and character expressions feel luxurious at this scale, inviting readers to linger on each page. The world-building is robust enough that you could easily imagine these adventures adapted into a feature-length animated film, with Donald as the reluctant, resourceful, and endearingly flawed hero.
There are also a few back-matter extras, including biographies of the creators Nicolas Pothier, Luc “Batme” Collin, David Gerstein, and Dana Collins. There are also sketches and covers for each story.
This Looks Like a Job for Duck Avenger! is a delightful entry in Fantagraphics’ Disney Originals line—funny, action-packed, visually rich, and entirely kid-friendly while still offering enough charm for older readers. Given the 2024 Donald Duck entry, they’re on a roll. It’s a celebration of Donald Duck as both underdog and hero, filled with inventive gadgets, lively environments, and classic Disney mischief.
If you’ve ever wanted to see Donald stumble, soar, and save the day—all while complaining loudly—this collection delivers exactly that.
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