How to become even richer? – review of the comic book “Kaczogród Carl Barks vol. 4: Philosopher’s Stone and other stories from 1955-1956”

Legends are the key to success

One hundred and fifty-two years is a bit long, however. Fortunately, I have a volume of Carl Barks’ works written in the period 1955-1956 in my hands. Donald’s uncle was almost ninety at the time (or seventy-five, according to one shot), so the treasure hunt was certainly not so tiresome for him. It is known that the Scrooge loves his money, therefore in his free time he tries to multiply them. And what could be more profitable than playing the stock market or investing? Of course, the search for mythical treasures, organized after a bargain cost-cutting.

And so the very first story shows us how myths become reality. Philosopher’s Stone , as its title sounds, tells about a legendary substance that can give eternal life or turn things into gold. Of course, the old drake is interested in the latter, but he must be careful, everything has a price. In my opinion, the Golden Fleece is no less interesting , showing us the struggles of the duck family with the dragon and harpies, as well as the problem of clothing, which is in some way solved by the fabric previously found by Jason.

More conventional methods of earning

Of course, the search for mythical treasures is not enough. Sometimes the Scrooge decides to earn money near his treasury. In the volume I review, we can also find many one-page or several-page stories about how McKwacz sets up a clay shop around the corner, tries to get rich on a watch inherited by his ancestor, or saves on an ingenious drinking of coffee.

The stories about the richest duck in the world do not constitute the entire volume discussed by me. The book also includes many funny stories about McKwacz’s nephew, who has to struggle with the role of uncle-guardian and fight the strange love of Hyzio, Dyz and Zyz for dirt. In addition, he tries his strength in various competitions, and also undertakes work as a social insurer. All this has been colored with the brilliant line of the master of Disney comics, Carl Barks. At first glance, we may have the impression that the illustrations are drawn with a straight line characteristic of comic books from the 1950s, highlighted with many colors. Well, it’s worth keeping your eye on the pictures a little longer. to see that the facial expressions of each duckbill are original and express more than a thousand words.

Economical summary words

Like every volume in the Kaczogród series , this one also has short problem articles presenting the author’s inspiration and references to legends. We will find explanations about specific myths, as well as a short, illustrated glossary of legendary heroes from the duck universe.

Many of the stories that we have the opportunity to read in this interesting series of Egmont appear for the first time on our Polish market. It is worth adding, however, that these stories are witty, extraordinary, for readers of all ages. The world presented by the American creator of the duck world is timeless and enchants both old and new readers with its diversity.