Pete-Skull has turned Duckburg into a super-hero-less Wasteland. Only Old Donald Duck can turn the tide but he’s given up his battling’ days and prefers naps and Grandma’s apple pie over fighting villains. But when Mickey-Hawkeye comes knocking at the door with Goofy-Hulk at his side, Donald-Wolverine has to make a choice! Will a trip down memory lane change his mind to save the world or will the lure of the backyard hammock and a long nap keep him from popping his claws one last time? What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine is entertaining at times but feels like it only covers the surface.

Written by Luca Barbieri, What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine is a riff on the classic “Old Man Logan” story. Retired and trying to live a quiet life, Donald-Wolverine is forced back into one last mission. The comic is fine enough as far as the story as Donald, Mickey, and Goofy, go on a road trip to stop Pete. For the most part, the comic spends its time reminding us that Donald is grumpy. That’s… about it. For a celebration of 50 years, the comic doesn’t feel like much of a celebration overall.

Part of the issue is what you can see in the description above. Donald-Wolverine? Pete-Skull? Mickey-Hawkeye? Goofy-Hulk? That’s about how creative the comic is. It doesn’t surprise much at all, mine the original material, or really shocks. It couldn’t be Mickeye? Gulk? Donald also known as Duckverine? Make Pete-Skull’s name Pull instead and throw in some jokes with that. The comic feels like a short back-up story stretched out for an entire issue.

The art by Giada Perissinotto with color by Lucio Ruvidotti, and lettering by Laura Tartaglia is good. The character designs are kind of fun, particularly Mickey as Hawkeye. These are all things we’ve seen before though on the Disney/Marvel variant cover mash-ups that have come before. Overall, it looks like a Disney comic with some Marvel-ish designs. Not bad overall but, like the story itself, it doesn’t really use it’s concept well or enough.

What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine is a fun but forgettable read. It doesn’t go far enough with its concept, partially because it’s supposed to be all-ages which feels like it might be its limitation. What if…? and What the…? in general deliver an edgier experience than this one-shot. But, it has its moments and fans of Disney and Marvel will likely enjoy it.

Story: Luca Barbieri Art: Giada Perissinotto
Color: Lucio Ruvidotti Letterer: Laura Tartaglia
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle