Disney LongBox Reviews: Disney Magic Kingdom Comics #2
PLUNKETT’S EMPORIUM
FIRST APPEARED IN ANDERS AND CO #21 ( 1992)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: DENMARK
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN UNCLE SCROOGE #269 FROM DISNEY COMICS FOR THE USA
Uncle Scrooge and the nephews are enjoying a day at Disneyland (In actuality, Euro Disneyland due to this comic being made to promote its opening) as the boys decides to split off to enjoy some of the rides. Scrooge,meanwhile,after seeing the Emporium decides to take a snooze as the shop reminded him of olden times.
We then cut back to his golden age memories as Scrooge used to work at an old Emporium along with future rival Flintheart Glomgold as the two of them compete to be the best worker at the shop. The owner soon enters the shop and announces that after 40 years, he has decided to retire and is willing to give his shop to both of the lads. But in the end, the two can not work together so the owner decides a little competition is in order. First one to come back with cinnamon (Thanks to an incident, there is a shortage of cinnamon in the region) will become sole owner of the shop.
Full of witty dialogue, quick action, twists and turns and wonderfully illustrated panels, Plunkett’s Emporium is surely a tale that is full of the Carl Barks essence that the Uncle Scrooge comics were known for. Well worth a read if you want to see who end up winning the Emporium.
MASTERING THE MATTERHORN
FIRST PUBLISHED IN VACATION TO DISNEYLAND AKA FOUR COLOR #1025 (1959)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
The second Carl Barks story in the Magic Kingdom Comics collection is a tale that was made to promote Disneyland’s first ever E ticket ride , the Matterhorn. The plot begins with Donald and the nephews making it to the colossal mountain with the intention of being the first ducks to reach the top.
From dangerous rams to the dastardly Beagle Boys being up to no good again, there’s lots in this tale to keep you wanting more. From the ever classic art to the witty writing from Barks. This tale is a Grade A classic and should be in anyone’s Disney comics collection.
MICKEY MOUSE’S INCREDIBLE DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE
FIRST PUBLISHED IN TOPOLINO #1152 (1985)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ITALY
FIRST TIME PUBLISHED IN NORTH AMERICA
The following tale might just be the one of the most metafictional tales that Disney has published as it deals with Mickey dealing with one of the biggest surprising encounters of his career. Read on to find out what it is
Mickey is off to Mouseton after enjoying a visit at Aunt Melinda’s farm as he brings home a suitcase of her rhubarb jam. Mickey decides to get away from the train’s crowd by hiding in one of the empty compartments. After dealing with a no-good low life, he finally arrives in town. But something is wrong.
Everyone in town is referring to Mickey as Fred and someone has robbed all the contents from his house. Just what is going on here ? After an encounter with Pete, it seems that he had agreed to commit a crime with the dubious pussycat. After getting locked up, Mickey gets out by simply pushing against the door as advised by Goofy of all people.
Mickey soon encounters his faker, tackling him and taking his mask off where the surprise is revealed, this wasn’t Mouseton all along, this was in fact ToonTown in Disneyland.
Fred spills the beans on Pete’s plans to thwart Disneyland’s upcoming 30th anniversary gala after he got the slip on Slim (the costume actor who was going to play Pete) as the two would rob the truck of all the park’s profits. Mickey and Fred now need to stop Pete and his dastardly plans before it is too late. Read the full story to find out how Mickey saves the day plus Disneyland.
WRITER’S NOTE: I love this joke since some of my friends are in fact the Princesses’ best friends at the parks. I’m sure they would have loved this joke.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This may be the end of Magic Kingdom Comics, but it was a fun ride seeing all of these amazing tales from the Disney parks all over the globe. While some parks were not covered, it shows that these promotional comics can be stunning and amazing with some rare gems and some well-known classics.
Disney Magic Kingdom Comics is a blast for all Disney Junkies, Disney Dorks or anyone who plain loves the Disney Parks. From the Matterhorn to the Country Bear Jamboree, you and your family will enjoy these various Disney theme park tales from the last 60 years.
CREDITS:
WRITERS: PAUL HALAS AND JACK SUTTER ( STORY 1) CARL BARKS ( STORY 2) ANGELO PALMAS ( STORY 3)
ARTISTS: VICAR ARRIAGADA RIOS (STORY 1) CARL BARKS ( STORY 2) GIORGIO CAVAZZANO ( STORY 3)
GUEST ENGLISH WRITERS: JOHN BLAIR MOORE ( STORY 1) JIM FANNING ( STORY 3)
EDITOR: SARAH GAYDOS
ARCHIVAL EDITOR: DAVID GERSTEIN
PUBLISHER: IDW
PRICE: 6.99$