Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #734 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
📚 Genre
Comedy, Adventure, Surrealism, Classic Disney
🦸♂️ Main Characters
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Donald Duck – The short-tempered, determined protagonist often caught in misadventures.
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Argus McSwine – Donald’s greedy, villainous rival with a love for chaos.
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Mickey Mouse – The optimistic and quick-witted hero always ready to explore the unknown.
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Goofy – Lovably clumsy and kind-hearted, Goofy adds comic relief and unexpected insight.
✍️ Writer
The issue includes contributions from legendary Disney writers such as Bruno Sarda and others known for their ability to blend slapstick humor with heartfelt storytelling.
🎨 Artist
Illustrations in this issue are crafted by master Disney artists like Giorgio Cavazzano, known for his expressive, energetic lines that enhance both comedic timing and visual impact.
🧑💼 Editor Details
Edited by David Gerstein, a respected figure in Disney comics editing and archival restoration. His involvement ensures authenticity and narrative continuity with Disney's classic storytelling style.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: IDW Publishing
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Brand: Disney Comics (under IDW’s licensing)
📅 Release Year
2016
🌀 Brief Plot Summary
The issue features two standout tales:
"Roadhogs" 🚗💥
Donald Duck finds himself competing in a chaotic demolition derby against his long-time rival, Argus McSwine. Full of honking horns, smashed fenders, and pure slapstick fun, this story highlights Donald's resilience and hilarious misfortune as he strives to win the day in classic duck fashion.
"The Persistence of Mickey" 🎨🌀
In a wonderfully surreal adventure, Mickey Mouse, Donald, and Goofy stumble into a dreamlike world inspired by Salvador Dalí’s art—including direct references to Destino, the historic animated collaboration between Disney and Dalí. The trio navigates melting clocks, bending landscapes, and philosophical puzzles in a mind-bending visual feast that pays homage to surrealist art and Disney’s deeper creative ambitions.
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Destino-inspired segment is one of the most creative Disney comic tales in recent years, connecting comic storytelling with Disney's lesser-known artistic ventures.
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"Roadhogs" continues the long-standing feud between Donald and Argus McSwine, adding to their comedic legacy of one-upmanship and destruction.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Some fans interpret "The Persistence of Mickey" as a symbolic journey through Disney’s own artistic evolution—from mainstream cartoon comedy to experimental storytelling.
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The use of surrealist elements has led readers to theorize that the comic is a playful metaphor for the fluid nature of identity, particularly how Goofy, Mickey, and Donald perceive each other in unfamiliar realities.
🌟 Review Summary
Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #734 is a joyful collision of classic Disney mischief and high art inspiration. The "Roadhogs" story delivers pure comedic chaos with expressive artwork and sharp pacing. Meanwhile, "The Persistence of Mickey" stands out as a visually stunning and conceptually bold tale that ventures into artistic depth rarely seen in mainstream Disney comics. 🖼️🔥
The balance between slapstick action and surrealist storytelling makes this issue a memorable gem for both casual readers and longtime fans. A must-read for those who appreciate Disney’s versatility, from bumper-crunching derby madness to dreamlike landscapes of melting clocks. 🕰️💥🦆
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
