McDUCK
OLD CASTLE WITH SCROOGE Painting by Carl Barks (CB OIL 36) illustrating “The Old Castle’s Secret.” Created in 1972; first published in American The Fine Art of Walt Disney’s Donald Duck one-shot book, 1981. Image courtesy The Walt Disney Company Italia.
8
9
10
A Closer Look at “The Old Castle’s Secret” by Rich Kreiner “The Old Castle’s Secret” represents only Scrooge McDuck’s second appearance. Carl Barks’ still-new creation had been introduced six months prior, in 1947’s “Christmas on Bear Mountain.” There, Scrooge instigated the plot by testing Donald’s bravery; but he was more a supporting player than a co-star. And as a flinty miser, he was much beholden to his namesake, Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
conducts the majority of his business while remaining unseen. This includes most of the comedic action — all that conking, bonking, and booting. The shadow skeleton, however striking, is initially glimpsed in retreat, passively withdrawing with his prize. This form, appearing unexpectedly, selectively, and to terrific dramatic and visual effect, resorts to menace only as the climax ratchets up to highest gear.
“Old Castle’s Secret” cover art by Marco Rota for Italian Zio Paperone 70, 1995.
But even more crucial to conveying anxiety without inducing it, Barks takes pains to demonstrate to readers, regardless of their own level of empathy or steeliness of nerve, that the Ducks are themselves really scared during the story, particularly the elders. Why, they’re sweating bullets and passing out from fright even before they leave the safety of Scrooge’s mansion! Such demonstrations of fear serve to make later acts of courage and heroism seem all the more brave. As the plot gains momentum, the narrative adopts more of the structure and trappings of a mystery. Coincidences invite scrutiny, especially on the part of nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Nuggets of new information become clues. As a straightforward detective story, though, it’s less of a whodunit (there being only one lone viable suspect) than a howdunit — how to account for the ghost in both its invisible and skeletal guises. Outside the castle’s walls, mortal derring-do, ingenuity, and enterprise gain the upper hand, insuring that any notion of a supernatural entity will be forced into the clear light of day and the muck of the moor.
Cover by Carl Barks for Donald Duck Four Color 189, 1948. Color by Bill Pearson and Digikore Studios.
In “The Old Castle’s Secret,” Barks fortifies Scrooge, fleshing him out for future stardom by broadening his range and enriching his personality. Even though Donald has proven perfectly capable of getting into wild adventures all by himself, Scrooge reprises his role as instigator, this time as a full partner in the action. This refines a model for so many classic tales to come, utilizing Scrooge as the fast-track facilitator for whisking the Duck clan to every corner of the globe — and beyond, in some cases — with perils to match. Yet Barks was always diligently mindful of the tender sensibilities of his youngest readers. The opening pages of “The Old Castle’s Secret” are a purposeful yet note-perfect prologue for the machinations to follow. A cozy, domestic familiarity contrasts sharply with the exoticism of the Scottish estate. One of the challenges Barks set for himself in “The Old Castle’s Secret” was to create a ghost story that would be spooky without traumatizing the susceptible. He succeeds through several means. First, he establishes early on that the ghost is invisible, thereby dampening the anxiety of any potential graphic horror. Accordingly, Scottie’s ominous remark, “[The ghost] may be standing behind you right now!” is unsettling without being terrifying. The castle’s “ghost”
“Dubious Doings at Dismal Downs”: painting by Carl Barks (CB OIL 132) first published in The Carl Barks Library of Walt Disney’s Donald Duck set II, 1986. Image courtesy The Walt Disney Company Italia.
41
SAILING THE SPANISH MAIN Painting by Carl Barks (CB OIL 124) first published as an American Disney lithograph print by Another Rainbow Publishing, 1982. Image courtesy The Walt Disney Company Italia.
42
43