DARKWING DUCK #8, from Dynamite Comics on 8/23/23, continues the race to find Launchpad’s stolen compass before Neptunia gets there first. Darkwing Duck may need some help on this one.
The Details
- Written by: Amanda Deibert
- Art by: Carlo Lauro
- Colors by: Carlo Lauro
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Leirix Li (cover A)
- Comic Rating: All Ages
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 23, 2023
Is DARKWING DUCK #8 Good?
DARKWING DUCK #8 sets Darkwing Duck, Goslyn, and Launchpad on a race to find Launchpad’s special compass, but to Darkwing Duck’s (DW’s) dismay, the team is going to need a little help in the form of Gizmoduck. Amanda Deibert’s latest entry in the series sends the Duck Who Flaps In The Night on a whimsical trip to the North Pole but also crafts an opportunity for readers to get to know one of DW’s most technically advanced allies.
When last we left DW and his fine-feathered friends, DW was perturbed by a museum exhibit that featured very little of his exploits. Neptunia arrived to gloat over her display and give DW some ribbing. When a mysterious attendee with an odd fixation for sidekicks stole Launchpad’s famous compass, DW and Neptunia tripped over each other to foil the crime, letting the thief get away. Now, the race is on to track down the thief in the icy North and recover the stolen compass, but will DW’s ego trip over another rival hero?
Although precious little is revealed about the thief or his intentions for the compass, it’s pretty clear Deibert is using this arc to spotlight other heroes DW has worked with in the past. First, Neptunia. Now, Gizmoduck. So, if you want to know more about the expanded collection of heroes surrounding DW, this arc is a good pick.
What’s great about this comic? DW’s adventure at the North Pole feels big and cinematic in the sense that he’s not simply fighting threats on the streets of St. Canard. You get gigantic ice mazes, polar bears, and abominable SnowDucks(?). Plus, this issue serves as a decent primer to get to know Gizmoduck through his competitive headbutting against DW and through his actions/powers/abilities.
What’s not so great about this comic? After two issues in the arc so far, there’s very little information about the compas thief, who he is, what he wants, or why he wants it. A primer for other heroes in DW’s universe is fine, but the plot has yet to take form or shape beyond a simple quest to find a stolen object.
How’s the art? Perfect. Carlo Lauro takes DW and friends to new locales with plenty of action, strange animals, and unusual opportunities for action. From previous issues, we know Lauro has the Disney style of DW down pat, but this issue highlights how creative an artist can be while sticking to the contractual guidelines.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our DARKWING DUCK #7 review to find out how and when Launchpad’s special compass was stolen.
We begin with Launchpad, DW, and Goslyn flying to the North Pole to find the thief who stole Launchpad’s special compass. Sadly, Launchpad keeps flying in circles… because he doesn’t have his special compass, so the group stops at a tropical island for help. Enter Gizmoduck.
The four reach their icy destination when they spot a gigantic ice maze guarded by two abominable Snow Ducks(?). During the fight to enter the gates of the maze, DW is knocked far away and forced to find his way back to his allies, one by one.
We conclude the issue with the creative use of tree branches, polar bears, and carving tunnels with heat.
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Final Thoughts
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DARKWING DUCK #8 commences the race to find Launchpad’s stolen compass before Neptunia, but DW needs a little help from Gizmoduck. The globe-trotting adventure feels expansive, and this issue serves as a good primer to get to know Gizmoduck, but the thief and his motivations are still a complete mystery.
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