“O Ντάργκουινκ Ντακ ο απίθανος εργάζεται σκληρά, γυρνά μες στο σκοτάδι και πάνω απ’ τη γη πετά…”

Don’t worry—Mass Movement hasn’t been possessed by the Great Old Ones (working on it). That’s just the Greek opening theme of Darkwing Duck, the beloved ’90s animated series.

The show first aired in Greece around 1994, though yours truly was too young to remember its original broadcast, but luckily, reruns exist, and I devoured them. It always reminded me of Disney’s Phantom Duck comics, which I read obsessively, so when His Most Gracious Excellence, Lord T (aka my editor), bestowed upon me the chance to review a Darkwing Duck comic, I was thrilled.

Written by Daniel Kibblesmith, this comic blends comedy and noir, much like the original show. Sometimes it sticks the landing; other times, not so much. Jokes about unreliable narrators might soar over younger readers’ heads, but adults will have a blast. Also, a Batman: Year One reference? Chef’s kiss.

The first issue introduces the main characters to the audience, although some additional in-story exposition could help new readers get their bearings, but hey, it’s early days.

One thing that stood out for me, was Darkwing’s obsessive search for his nemesis has an almost existential undercurrent. Or maybe I’ve just read too much Camus in an attempt to impress my girlfriend. Either way, it feels like there’s something deeper lurking beneath the slapstick and bubbling just under the surface.

The art by Ted Brandt and Ro Stein feels lighter than it was in the cartoon, possibly because much of the action takes place in well-lit interiors rather than shadowy city streets and the colors by Dearbhla Kelly complement the vibrant art, giving it a more polished, modern feel, while Fabio Amelia’s letters are clean and easy to follow.

Are you still wondering whether you want to read it or not?  Don’t. I mean, it’s Darkwing Duck. It’s fun, it’s nostalgic, and it’s absolutely worth checking out. Let’s get dangerous, Georgios Vee

 

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