Disney Longbox Reviews: Uncle Scrooge #22
The Golden Birds
First Published In : Disney Anni D’Oro #5 (2009)
Country of Origin: Italy
First Time Published in North America
Our tale begins when Scrooge hears of an old legend by Admiral Byrd and his tale of the Golden Birds who live deep within a mountain in the Arctic. Scrooge believes there is no such thing until one day Bridgette gives him an old bird plush which contains a note from Byrd himself.
This note gave him the precise directions to the location of the fabled birds. Smelling adventure once again, Scrooge sets out to begin his latest escapade towards riches.
The next day, however, Scrooge finds out someone else is after the treasure. He suspects its Bridgette’s friend, the wannabe tycoon Jubal Pomp. Scrooge soon goes to recruit Donald but discovers that he is sick and insists that he cannot go on the adventure with him. Scrooge takes him anyways telling Donald that a change of scenery might be good for his cold. Donald leaves behind a note for the boys so they do not get worried.
Scrooge returns to the bin with Donald to ensure everything is safe and secure until the delivery man gives Scrooge an envelope. Scrooge opens it and discovers to his horror that Bridgette has already left with Pomp to go find the birds as a gift for Scrooge with Pomp getting a cut of the profits.
The two make it to the airport as they discover Huey, Dewey and Louie had stowed away on their plane, Scrooge appoints them as official assistant handymen to help out Donald’s cold during the trip to the Arctic.
The gang soon makes it to the volcano as they discover deep beneath it, there lies a natural deep-freeze steam lake as they soon descend onto the tiny island below.They soon discover Bridgette and Jubal who have been stranded themselves. Scrooge considers ditching them to go look for the birds theorizing that the two could have climbed out of the crater. He soon changes his mind and descends to pick the two up.
Will Scrooge be able to find the Golden Birds with the additional help ? Or will the birds give our gang some trouble along the way ? Read the full story to find out
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Here we have a unique case of a reworked version of a classic story by Scarpa that was previously scrapped in the late 1980s. This story holds the classic Scarpa charm with a bit of a updated touch when it comes to the writing and art. Luca Boschi does a wonderful job on art duties for this story replicating the Scarpa touch. This is a story I could easily see as an episode of Duck Tales, it has the drama, the humour and the moral at the end that would be perfect for an episode.
Going Medieval
First Published In : Anders And & Co. 39-40/2003
Country Of Origin: Denmark
First Time Published in North America
Donald walks up to the Money Bin to hear a terrifying scream coming from within as Scrooge explains that the jail let the Beagle Boys out early on good behaviour. Scrooge also informs Donald that the bin is falling apart due to its rotting infrastructure.
Weeks pass as Scrooge drops by with an update, he has ordered enough trucks to move his money to a new safer location. Donald wonders what it could be since past efforts to move the money never worked out. Scrooge tells Donald that he is moving the money into Fort Duckburg. The Beagle Boys spot them and begin plotting their newest scheme to steal his fortune.
Donald receives an invitation to the opening of the new bin, the boys ask him about the wager the two made earlier. Donald informs them that he would receive 100$ if the money is back in the bin within 90 days. Donald asks his uncle if he is relying on old security methods with the fort. Scrooge tells him he installed cameras and satellites all over the Fort to watch out for thieves. A blackout soon occurs as Scrooge finds a matchbox nearby to help them explore the Fort.
They soon discover that the phones are being jammed as the Fort soon falls under attack as they discover the Beagle Boys have brought over a few catapults to invoke damage onto the Fort. They soon discover that the Boys are masquerading the attack as a movie shoot, Scrooge fires some flares to try and get the attention of the police. The police soon arrives but fall for the ruse as they soon depart.
How will Scrooge get out of this one ? You will have to read the full story for yourself to find out
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This was a unique story in which the Beagle Boys almost got away with their plan by masquerading it as a movie. One element I liked was Scrooge and Donald’s bet since it showed Scrooge was confident that his latest plan would work but in the end it did not BUT he still won the bet because of how long the money had to be held away from the bin.
The art from Vicar is wonderful and unique. The writing for the story is top notch as usual as it gives me a Carl Barks vibe as the Beagle Boys have done crazier schemes in some of the classic stories.
Obedience
First Published In : Kalle Anka & C:o #12 (2012)
Country of Origin: Sweden
First Time Published in North America
The third story of this issue starts with Scrooge explaining to a new guard to avoid interacting with Magica DeSpell and all of her cunning tricks. The guard dosen’t buy it thinking she is a pretty lady but vows to do his job regardless.
Magica soon corners Scrooge hypnotizing him using her newest wand to make him give her his Number One Dime. Scrooge, against his will, snags the dime and gives it to Magica but soon swoops the wand from her once the spell breaks to make Magica give it back to him.
This soon leads to a battle of bickering orders between you two as this leads to comedic hijinks. Want to see what happens ? Read the rest of the story to find out
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This was a very wacky Uncle Scrooge story honestly, the way they find ways around following the orders is very comedic including injuring themselves to prevent the order from happening. This is a fun read for anyone who is a Magica DeSpell fan. My only complaint would be the art, some of Magica’s expressions are rather ugly and off-putting honestly.
CONCLUSION
This issue of Uncle Scrooge was full of comedy and some degrees of action. It contains all your favourite characters from Bridgette to Magica. These three stories will be a delight to anyone who is a Disney fan or even to kids getting into Disney comics for the first time.
CREDITS:
WRITERS: Romano Scarpa and Luca Boschi ( Story 1) Gorm Transgaard ( Story 2) Kai Vainiomäki ( Story 3)
ARTISTS: Luca Boschi ( Story 1) Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios ( Story 2) Carlos Mota ( Story 3)
EDITOR: SARAH GAYDOS
ARCHIVAL EDITOR: DAVID GERSTEIN
PUBLISHER: IDW PUBLISHING