While we're all eagerly awaiting the Disney+ reboot of Darkwing Duck, comic book publisher Dynamite Entertainment is giving fans something to hold us over: new stories starring the Masked Mallard.
Announced this week, Dynamite Entertainment will release an all-new Darkwing Duck comic series with the first issue debuting on January 4, 2023.
He is the terror that flaps in the night… He is the ferocious fowl who plucks the evil eye from the face of foul play. He is Darkwing Duck! By night he vigilantly defends his city of St. Canard from the dastardly, devilish demons who would wage wanton war with his trademark costume and gadgets, and lurks through the shadows, striking fear in the heart of the criminal underworld. By day he's known as the mild-mannered Drake Mallard, father to his adorable adopted daughter Gosalyn. Can Darkwing successfully juggle his two separate lives, all while looking incredibly cool and impossibly handsome? Readers will have to tune in on January 4 to find out!
The latest adventures of the titular superhero are penned by Amanda Deibert. The veteran writer has a diverse background spanning television, animation, and comics, including Netflix's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Wonder Woman, Star Wars, DC Super Hero Girls.
“Darkwing Duck was huge when I was a kid, and I am thrilled to help introduce the fun, humor, and action-packed mystery to a new generation!" said Deibert. "Let's get Dangerous!”
Joining Deibert is the incredibly talented Italian artist Carlo Cid Lauro who will be coloring the series himself. Jeff Eckleberry will handle the lettering.
Darkwing Duck #1 will launch in January with the first story, subtitled "F.O.W.L.," featuring a showdown between Darkwing and his dastardly arch nemesis Megavolt. The quick synopsis teases:
He's taken out everyone's phones, which is a pretty cataclysmic outcome for the citizens of St. Canard. Alongside his ally Launchpad McQuack and some unexpected help from Gosalyn, the squad will take on Megavolt. But the latest escapade makes Mallard question the entire superhero business and consider retiring. How long can he go without meting out justice?
“Fans of the original TV series are in for a total treat, because Amanda and Carlo are conjuring up a hilarious, thrill-filled adventure series that’s directly connected with the classic feel of the show, but 100% accessible for new readers!” boasted editor Nate Cosby.
The first issue will feature six distinct cover variations from talented industry veterans such as David Nakayama, Mirka Andolfo, and Lesley "Leirix" Li. George Kambadais, who illustrated Dynamite's Gargoyles title, has also jumped into the excitement with his own unique cover option as well.
Darkwing Duck #1 will release in January 2023 and will be available physically at local comic book retailers. Fans can also enjoy the series digitally through Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more.
The Darkwing Duck animated series ran for three seasons from 1991 to 1992 for a total of 91 episodes. A reboot is currently in development for Disney+.