The Ultimate Donald Duck Chronicle: A Peek into the Life of the Waddling Icon
Increasing Excellence of Donald
By Sabine Oelmann | Facebook | Twitter | WhatsApp | Email | Print | Copy Link
Ah, Donald Duck! He's more than just a children's cartoon character. He's an icon that transcends age. And if you're still a bit of a kid at heart, well, he's for you too. Taschen's latest publication, "Donald Duck - The Ultimate Chronicle," dives deep into the life of the so-called clumsy duck, celebrating his timeless appeal as a symbol for generations.
Take a step back into memories of yesteryears, as you revisit Duckburg and catch up with the Duck family. Leading the pack is none other than Donald Duck himself. He's Uncle Scrooge McDuck's hapless nephew, a character we all remember sorting his seemingly endless fortune in his basement with a shovel.
Donald and his little friends Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and his beloved Daisy have always captured our hearts, even though the latter occasionally flirted with Lucky Rabbit Roger Rabbit. Though Daisy was six years his junior, she always knew where her heart belonged at the end of the day — with Donald.
Entertainment: The Ongoing Fascination with Donald Duck
People still hold on to their love for these characters by treasuring their old comic books like hidden treasures or dressing up as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, or Daisy for carnivals. The enduring charm of these stories and the everlasting appeal of the characters contribute to their ongoing popularity.
Have you ever wondered why people named their children Donald (or Mickey, for that matter)? Well, the name is so intertwined with these iconic cartoon figures that it's become a unique moniker outside the Disney universe. One individual, in particular, accumulated wealth similar to Uncle Scrooge, but with a reputation just as questionable. Thankfully, we're here to celebrate Donald, the duck, not the controversial figure in headlines today.
The Magnificent Tomme
With 300 unpublished images, "Donald Duck - The Ultimate Chronicle" is an impressive collection almost too big to fit on your coffee table. Author, curator, and lecturer Daniel Kothenschulte reviewed seven million pictures at Disney in the United States to compile this substantial book. Each text stands alone as a monograph, offering a deep dive into Donald's life story.
Since 1934, Donald Duck has made a lasting impact, appearing in more films than any other Disney character. This comprehensive chronicle showcases rare sketches, original editions, behind-the-scenes photos, enchanting collectibles, unfinished film projects, and unpublished works by Carl Barks, the renowned cartoonist, comic artist, and painter, who many consider as a mirror to society through the decades.
Entertainment: Return of the King of Horror Films
It seems nothing is as successful as success itself, but with Donald Duck, the opposite rings true. His openness about his weaknesses has always resonated with us, distinguishing him from today's headline-grabbing Donald (you know who we're talking about). This book offers a refreshing escape, allowing us to rediscover Donald Duck's beloved past and appreciate his impact on our lives.
After honoring Mickey Mouse, Taschen unveils the career of Mickey's only worthy rival for the title of most popular Disney figure in this chronicle. Beginning with his debut in the short film "The Wise Little Hen" in the "Silly Symphony" series on June 9, 1934, the book documents Donald's over 170 animated films, comic and television adventures, and appearances in theme parks.
The Everyman's Hero
Carl Barks once said, "Donald is everything, he is everyone. He makes the same mistakes we do." Indeed, Donald Duck resonates with us because he's relatable, approachable, and not perfect. Although he often faces misfortune, he always manages to bounce back, surrounded by his family, friends, and a roof over his head, promising a happy ending.
To bring this story to life, the authors drew from Disney's extensive archives, revealing rare concept drawings, storyboards, background art, animation and comic drawings, and historical photos. We get a glimpse of the work of all the artists who have shaped Donald's world, with a special tribute paid to the legendary comic storyteller Carl Barks.
Entertainment: Half a Century in Germany
Outside of the superhero genre, Donald Duck is the most printed comic character in history, having appeared in films and television shows more frequently than any other Disney character. Since the 1950s, Duckburg has become a truly international village, with a new generation of international artists joining their American counterparts.
This captivating volume not only traces Donald's journey but also reminisces about a simpler, less cynical time when people called their children Donald (or Mickey) and believed, for just a bit longer, that the world could be saved by a waddling duck with an odds-defying attitude.
About the Authors
- Daniel Kothenschulte is an author, curator, and lecturer in film and art history. He gained a particular soft spot for animated films at the age of three during a screening of "The Jungle Book." He currently works as a film critic for the Frankfurter Rundschau and has taught at various universities. He is the author of "Hollywood in the 1930s" and "The Walt Disney Film Archives."
- David Gerstein is an independent animation and comic historian, author, and publisher who has collaborated closely with the Walt Disney Company and its licensees. His publications include "Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: The Don Rosa Library" and the "Floyd Gottfredson Library of Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse."
- J.B. Kaufman is an author and film historian known for his numerous publications and lectures on Disney animated films, American silent films, and similar topics. His books include "The Fairest One of All: The Making of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "South of the Border with Disney," and "Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic." Together with Russell Merritt, he produced the award-winning book "Walt in Wonderland: The Silent Films of Walt Disney."**
So, let's all sit down, ice cream sandwiches in hand, flip through this grand book, and meet the original Donald, the one we all fell in love with — before the world got a little too complicated for a waddling duck to save it.
Sources:
- [1] ntv.de, "(Deutsch) Donald Duck – The Ultimate Chronicle," October 15, 2020.
- [2] Wall, Brian. "90 Years of Donald Duck: Celebrating the Birthday of a Cultural Icon," The Disney Blog, June 11, 2024.
- [3] Kothenschulte, Daniel. "Donald Duck: The Ultimate Chronicle," Taschen.com, June 10, 2021.
- Other notable figures whose names have been influenced by pop-culture include individuals with the surname 'Donald', much like the legendary character.
- This book, 'Donald Duck - The Ultimate Chronicle', boasts an impressive collection of 300 unpublished images, featuring works by cartoonist Carl Barks, whose reflective art has been regarded as mirrors of society over the decades.
- The ongoing fascination with Donald Duck stretches beyond children and includes celebrities, with many dressing up as the character for various events, such as carnivals.
- Including: duck, celebrities, pop-culture, Donald (name), entertainment, and storyboards (specifically, those related to Donald Duck), witness a unique and enduring appeal in the form of reenactments, nostalgic item collection, and naming practices, setting the character apart from the crowds.
