Darkwing Duck: The Tale of an Underrated Cartoon

I am the writer who types in the night. I am the Speedwagon to your Joestar. I am living in the past! Ahem, sorry that isn’t my name, but it is an accurate representation of my current state of mind. Darkwing Duck is in my top 3 animated cartoon shows of all time and it might even be number one if I give it some more thought. Darkwing Duck was Disney’s first true satire show; it was a show that had its foundation based on a parody of old spy and golden age heroes from television: The Green Hornet, The Shadow, Batman (terror that flaps in the night, you get it) and many more. It ran for 3 seasons technically, but most of the episodes were never aired. The show was full of comedy, action, morality, and surprisingly sharp jokes, including breaking the 4th wall. It also had the most kick ass after school jam theme song ever and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise. Well maybe not anyone, like I wouldn’t fight Dwayne the Rock Johnson, you know. (Editor’s note: None of us in the Editing Room would want to catch that L either.)

So what made this show so great? The characters were a major factor. The show introduced us to Drake Mallard (whose name is a parody of Kent Allard, who is the alter ego of the Shadow) who is a normal everyday duck by day and the crime fighting Darkwing Duck by night. It also introduces Launchpad McQuack who jumped ship from Ducktales and Gosalyn who is adopted by Darkwing and lives with him. The show quickly branches out into the ducktastic universe wi…