WHAT IF…? DONALD DUCK BECAME WOLVERINE #1 / Script by LUCA BARBIERI / Art by GIADA PERISSINOTTO / Colors by LUCIO RUVIDOTTI / Letters by LAURA TARTAGLIA / Published by MARVEL COMICS

In the wacky and wonderful world of comics, there’s no shortage of bizarre and delightful crossovers, but Marvel and Disney’s collaboration, What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine takes the cake. This issue merges the feathery antics of Donald Duck with the ferocious tenacity of Wolverine, resulting in an entertaining blend of humor and heroism. Let’s dive into this wild mash-up and see what’s what – without giving away too much, of course.

The premise of this one-shot is as simple as it is absurd: what if Donald Duck, the classic Disney character known for his quick temper and signature quack, somehow inherited the adamantium claws and regenerative powers of Wolverine? The answer is an uproarious adventure that manages to pay homage to both characters while crafting a story that’s fun for all ages.

Penned by Luca Barbieri, the story kicks off in Duckburg, where the sinister shadow of Pete-Skull (a delightful villainous twist on Pete) looms over the city. With all the heroes incapacitated, it falls upon Donald-Wolverine to save the day. From the very start, Barbieri nails the essence of both Donald and Wolverine, blending their personalities into a character that’s both hilarious and heroic.

One of the highlights of the issue is the flashback sequences, which showcase various iterations of Donald-Wolverine throughout different adventures. These vignettes are a fantastic way to explore the character’s interactions with other Marvel heroes, from Mickey-Hawkeye to Goofy-Hulk. Each flashback is a clever nod to classic comic book moments, reimagined through the lens of this unusual amalgamation.

The simplicity of the naming conventions is a breath of fresh air. There’s no guessing at who is playing whom, making it easy for readers of all ages to follow along. Donald-Wolverine is exactly what you’d expect – a grumpy, claw-wielding duck who’s always ready for action. The supporting cast, including familiar faces with Marvel-inspired twists, adds layers of humor and charm to the story.

Giada Perissinotto’s artwork is vibrant and dynamic, perfectly capturing the zany energy of the story. The action sequences are particularly impressive, with fluid motion and detailed expressions that bring the characters to life. Whether it’s Donald-Wolverine slashing through Pete-Skull’s minions or Goofy-Hulk’s comedic rampages, each panel is packed with visual gags and nods to both Disney and Marvel lore.

The flashback sequences are where Perissinotto’s art truly shines. Each one is rendered in a slightly different style to match the era and context of the scene, showing off the versatility and creativity of the artist. These segments are not just fun to read but also a visual treat, as they play with various comic book aesthetics while maintaining a cohesive overall look.

Not all of the visual elements hit the mark, however. The lettering by Laua Tartaglia, while generally effective, falls short in certain areas. The “handwritten” elements, like signs and scribbles such as “Pete Rules” on Cap’s shield, feel out of place and detract from the otherwise polished visuals. These elements tend to pull the reader away from the immersive experience, reminding us that we’re reading a comic rather than living in its world. The issue is a little heavy on exposition, however, this is understandable given the need to compress decades of would-be history into the story.

The tone of the comic is delightfully irreverent. It’s clear that Barbieri and the creative team are having a blast with the concept, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The humor is sharp and well-timed, balancing slapstick comedy with witty dialogue. Despite the absurd premise, the story maintains a heartwarming undercurrent, celebrating themes of heroism, friendship, and the power of perseverance – hallmarks of both Donald Duck and Wolverine narratives.

The flashbacks not only provide laughs but also delve into the different facets of Donald-Wolverine’s character. They highlight his growth and the relationships he’s built with other heroes, making him more than just a comedic figure. This blend of humor and heart makes the comic accessible to a wide audience, from young readers enjoying Donald’s antics to older fans appreciating the Marvel references and deeper themes.

What If…? Donald Duck Bcame Wolverine is a fun crossover that leverages the strengths of both characters to create something wholly unique and entertaining. The straightforward naming conventions, engaging flashbacks, and dynamic artwork make it a joy to read. While the lettering leaves something to be desired, it doesn’t overshadow the overall fun and creativity of the issue. Even though Wolverine is a popular character for readers of all ages, the content had to be scaled down to a yonder audience, which may place it just out of range for most mature readers.

As a standalone comic, it succeeds in delivering an entertaining story that’s both silly and sincere. As a mash-up, it pays respect to the legacy of both Donald Duck and Wolverine, blending their words in a way that feels natural and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of Disney, Marvel, or just fun comics, this issue is worth the read.

What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere!