Fantagraphic Publishing is producing The Complete Carl Barks
Disney Library, a series of books that will collectiall of the comic book
Donald Duck
and Uncle Scrooge
stories written and drawn by Carl Barks. These were originally published
between 1942 and 1966. When the series is complete, it will comprise
approximately 6000 pages and an estimated 30 volumes.
The books are not being produced chronologically. As of this
writing, three volumes have been produced. A prior volume, “Uncle Scrooge: Only
a Poor Man,” was reviewed here. My interest in Barks’ work was sparked by a
podcast conversation with Luke Jaconetti, host of Earth Destruction Directive
and proprietor of the Hawkman-themed blog Being Carter Hall.
The stories in this volume range from three epic 32-page
stories, to a good number of 10-pagers, and well as a dozen or so single-page,
single-joke stories. Barks’ ability to tell entertaining stories over these
various lengths is a testament to the skill that he brought to the comics page.
Scripting and drawing are two distinct skills, and Barks’ ability to do both
gave him such control over the strip that he was able to really make these
works his own.
The 32-page stories are the highlights of this volume. They include
“A Christmas for Shacktown,” “The Golden Helmet,” and “The Gilded Man.” Each of
these weaves together multiple storylines, characters, and scenes to create epic-feeling
adventures.
These volumes include 20+ pages of story analysis and
biographies at the end. These items, written by professors, authors, and
historians, add a sense of artistic value to the funny proceedings.
Source: Westerville Library
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