The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck

[Orion]

The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck - the collected comic book series that I have relieved and enjoyed again and again after a reread every few years. Also, of my favorite recommendations to anyone that really appreciates comic books and brilliant storytelling.

Also, a comic that chokes me up at times.

This is the story of Scrooge McDuck, from his humble beginnings earning his first dime, to his near ending..coming to the final conclusion of his long, interesting life. In between, are his own multiple trials and tribulations..dealing with dishonest scoundrels, family separation, romantic entanglement, succumbing to his personal darkness. There is much humor in between, and moments of epic badassery (dont fuck with Scrooge McDuck!), and some surprises (we find where his nephew Donald probably got his fiery temper from and stubbornness from). The book is revealing and emotionally invoking.

Don Rosa is amazing, and the top of his game here as one of my favorite storytellers. His art and writing feels very alive with incredible detail, emotion, color. Enjoying his work means to fall into his rich world of historical relativity, fantastic travel adventures, and talking ducks. He puts a lot of care and detail into his work, much of it derived from decades of Duck comics made great by Carl Barks (as explained in additional notes and an awesome family tree). This particular work is his masterpiece.

This book is getting harder to find and not currently cheap. The recent Boom! hardcover reprints (in two parts) are out of print and commanding high prices on the resale market (Don Rosa was anger over lack of royalties and severed ties with the company). The older Gladstone/Gemstone complete edition is even harder to find (company out of business, royalty problems with Disney as well). Still, very worthwhile and a must for every comic book connoisseur.