Darkwing Duck – Daring Duck of Mystery

For a while now I have been wanting to write an article about the mighty masked mallard, but I was not quite sure when the best time would be to do so. A fact that is rather tedious and perhaps done-head instance, after all writers have to be concise. But after hearing that this character lost his potential place in the latest installment of the popular game, Disney Infinity, in a poll- there was mixed emotions on my end – to Olaf, the snowman from Frozen. It made me realize it was a good time to talk this champion of right.

Before I divulge any deeper, I do want to say, and moreover note, that this is not a hate-filled post, as I do not hate Frozen, nor Olaf. That is by no means the intention of this post. But to be honest, it is a decision that I myself do disagree with, and naturally will be discussing.

As of now we are regularly receiving news about reboots of series, at the very least it feels that way. Because of this many beloved faces are working their way back into fans from the present and past’s hearts. By now you probably all know about the cult-classic series with the theme song that will never escape your mind known as DuckTales. Even though I do have extremely high regards and coin the series as one of my all-time favorites, there are other fantastic series from the same Disney Afternoon era that are brilliant as well.

One of them is Darkwing Duck.

Even after being off the air for so long fans still adore Darkwing and his tales and want to continue to get dangerous.

Back on September  6th, 1991 viewers were introduced to the series and the city of Saint Canard. Darkwing Duck, as one can assume, centers around the life of Darkwing Duck, a masked superhero who takes it upon himself to protect his city. But that is only half the story; when there is danger and mystery in the air he is on the case Darkwing is there, rest of the time he is simply Drake Mallard, a rather typical citizen who is attempting to raise his daughter, Gosalyn. Across the ninety-one episodes we get to see the various adventures Darkwing takes with Gosalyn, his loyal sidekick Launchpad McQuack, Morgana MacCawber a reformed witch that serves as Darkwing’s girlfriend and an additional array of memorial characters.

Darkwing is a mesh of adventure, action, and comedy within each episode, however the series was created as a parody to other superhero series, pulp adventure, and super-spy. Even though there are clear nods to other series that viewers might recognize, Darkwing does manage to stand on his own two webbed feet. Naturally there are quite a few factors that you can credit for this; the animation, voice acting by a stellar cast, the writing, and ect.

Depending on who you ask you might generate a different answer as to why that is and why it made such an impact even decades later. Incidentally enough I was recently asked what the thing was about Darkwing. In a way it is a strange and funny question as there is a lot of factors I can contribute to the argument.  How the series is able to take themselves seriously one moment and completely shatter the fourth wall without even blinking. That even as crazy some of the characters are and can be but are still able to be perceived as lovable. Despite having a large ego, and perhaps being the last person you would want to be a hero, Darkwing is the most capable person for the job. The quotes, or the shear amount of heart in the series. I feel like I will never quite be able to provide a solid, single answer as there is so much about the series that could be applied.

There are several things that I can seemingly talk about forever, Darkwing Duck is one of them. Some of my earliest memories involve Darkwing, Launchpad and Gosalyn. I grew-up with the likes of the terror that flaps in the night, and moreover, the series has been the only thing that has helped push me through some of the worst times. It truly is my security blanket, as a manner of speaking. The series defiantly means a lot, so you can image my level of discouragement upon learning that Darkwing had lost his chance to appear in Disney Infinity (at least for the time being).

As of now it has been twenty-four years since Darkwing’s pilot episode aired and there is still a great love of the series and characters. A love that made way for a return for Darkwing back in 2010 in comic form. The series by BOOM! Studios was short lived and only latest eighteen issues that ended the following year. After a period filled with only hope of Darkwing returning it was announced towards the end of October of 2014 that Darkwing would return in 2015, staring with a re-written omnibus collection that released towards the start of the year. The omnibus is the start of a brand-new line of comics coming out later this year.  And it is only because of the efforts from author Aaron Sparrow, artist James Silvani and their team that Darkwing has once again returned.

Once again, thank you.

If you have not ever heard of Darkwing I urge you do seek the series out, I do not think you will regret it. And if you love Darkwing make it known; purchase the DVDs and omnibus and make your voice heard on social media. Show the folks at Disney that Darkwing is deeply loved and lives on. Next year Darkwing turns twenty-five, and with any luck there will be a grand celebration of some sorts in store.

Join the conversation and share your love of the Disney Afternoon!