The arguably most famous duck in the world turns 90 years old. We’re talking about Donald Duck. He made his first appearance even before World War II.
Key Points
- Donald Duck celebrates his proud 90th anniversary on June 9.
- The character was first shown on screen by Walt Disney in 1934.
- He was first mentioned in text in 1931.
- On June 9, the most popular duck in the world, Donald Duck, celebrates his 90th anniversary. His birthday refers to his first appearance on screen. He was actually first mentioned in the picture book “The Adventures of Mickey Mouse” in 1931.
While he was just mentioned as Mickey Mouse’s friend there, he made his first visual appearance on June 9, 1934, in the Walt Disney film “The Wise Little Hen.” It was only a supporting role, but in the short film of just over seven minutes, he was unmistakably Donald Duck: with a blue sailor jacket, no pants, and work-shy.
A little hen wants to grow corn and asks a pig named Peter Pig and the duck for help. However, both duck work, they have stomach pain, so their excuses. For Donald Duck, this film premiere was the beginning of his triumph around the world.
Donald Duck – the opposite of the perfect Mickey
Donald has always been the Disney character closest to the real-world worries of many people: chronically broke, unlucky, and always in conflict with humorless creditors and authorities.
In the very first comic book “The Butterfly of Columbus” (1967), he is convicted as an insurance fraudster. For nine weeks, four days, and three hours – an anti-Mickey. But always brave and selfless when it comes to saving his family or his beloved from danger.
An entire world was created around Donald. In his hometown, you’ll also find Mickey and Goofy. Interestingly, the place is called Duckburg, and ducks are in charge. Among them are Donald Duck, his rich uncle Scrooge McDuck, his quick-tempered fiancée Daisy, and the cheeky nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
Donald’s birthday is celebrated in special issues
Of course, Donald’s 90th birthday will not only be celebrated in Duckburg. With special issues of comic books, the German publisher Egmont Ehapa Media celebrates the duck in his round anniversary year. Highlights include a four-volume special edition of the comic book – all about Donald: as an uncle, nephew, fiancé, and his adventures as a friend with Fethry Duck and Gladstone Gander.
There will also be a special magazine with a gold-colored cover that sheds light on the 90 years of the duck superstar from his first film role. In this special issue – simply called “Donald” – comic authors and artists will also have their say.
The secret behind the missing pants
Munich comic artist Jan Gulbransson knows the duck well. He is one of the few German Disney cartoonists and has been writing Donald Duck comics for decades.
He loves “the anarchic” in him, he once said in an interview with dpa. Even Donald’s worst qualities – “the impulsive, choleric, easily angered” – benefit the artist. “He (Donald) turns off his brain then.
That’s certainly not a great quality – but it’s great for storytelling.” And why doesn’t the Disney duck wear pants?
The artist thinks this probably has a very practical reason. “Donald comes from animation, and pants hinder in animation. It’s also harder to draw because you have to pay attention to the folds.”
