Written by: Jan Cruse (Story 1), Bruno Sarda (Story 2), Frank Jonker & Paul Hoogma (Story 3)
Art by: Bas Heymans (Story 1), Andrea Freccero (Story 2), Maximino Tortajada Aguila (Story 3)
Publisher: IDW
There hasn’t been a single comic this year that comforts me like the Uncle Scrooge series. Whilst reading and admiring its tales, I can’t help but smile and remember those moments as a child when Ducktales was on and feeling that overwhelming sense of belonging. It is witty and professional throughout, all whilst retaining the essence of Disney and what it stands for: love, family and happiness. Uncle Scrooge #2 is familiar—not much of a stretch from the first issue but it is still something fun to pass an hour or two; there is plenty to take away from it and brighten your day in the process.
There are three stories all unrelated but each with its own charm. The first is an adventure called ‘Shiver Me Timbers’ and follows Scrooge, Donald and his nephews as they come across a haunted ship called ‘The Hawkmouth’ and a chest full of treasure. There is a subtle humour that fills the pages and Jan Cruse writes it with ease. Bas Heymans fills the panels with a multitude of bold colour that makes these characters come alive. It is a pleasure on the eye and never dips throughout. The story is never meant to be anything but fun and Jan takes the reader on an exciting journey that wants you to laugh over and over again, all whilst embracing the fond memories you have of these guys from your childhood.
Again, the second story is a page long but enjoyable nonetheless—albeit a little short. If I had any problem with Uncle Scrooge #2, it would be these ‘second stories’ they choose to put in. I’d be just as happy with two but, it is a trivial objection and one that has no bearing on the overall connection I had with it.
The third story is called ‘Meteor Rights’ and it is the weakest part of the issue. I found myself wanting to read but wanting to reach the end more. The idea that the meteor incites feeling of love and friendship seemed pretty rushed and before you get a chance to explore the discovery, it’s over and we’re back to squabbles over money and greed once more. It isn’t a bad story but I didn’t really click with it. That isn’t to say the artwork didn’t help its appeal. Every single frame is so detailed; only a true talent could perfect the direction featured in the third story and Maximino Tortajada Aguila works wonders to help sooth your eyes with its flamboyancy.
Uncle Scrooge #2 delivers on the most part and I loved reading it. I’ve always found the character of Scrooge appealing and the writers continue to make him relevant to children and grown-ups alike; there are many times when you feel the jokes are aimed at the adult—or the big kid in all of us and it is clearly on purpose. It would be great to introduce some other characters from Scrooge’s life like Launchpad at a later date too. Needless to say, Uncle Scrooge #2 is well worth the money and another great entry into its current run.
