Batman. Now, the writer of his latest series is mixing things up by veering away from Batman references in a much-needed overhaul. As a huge fan of Darkwing Duck, I couldn't be more thrilled about this refreshing direction for the character.

In an episode of the AIPT Comics podcast, Daniel Kibblesmith - the writer of Dynamite's Darkwing Duck relaunch, which will hit shelves this February - opens up about his take on the terror that flaps in the night. Specifically, Kibblesmith reveals that he won't be drawing inspiration from Batman the way many other Darkwing stories have in recent years.

Dynamite's re-imagining of Darkwing Duck will branch out from the usual Batman references to focus more on Drake Mallard himself, and I feel that Kibblesmith avoiding the temptation of callbacks is ultimately for the best.

Darkwing Duck Will No Longer Be Parodying Batman in His New Series

Batman Isn't Darkwing's Biggest Influence, & It's Time to Stop Pretending He Is

The similarities between The Dark Knight Returns comic, featuring cover art that pays homage to the prolific DC tale. However, Darkwing Duck constantly mirroring Batman's iconography suggests that he is nothing more than a parody, which Kibblesmith is ready to disprove.

Darkwing Duck's resemblance to Batman doesn't make him a clone of the Dark Knight. According to Kibblesmith, “Darkwing is not so much a riff on Batman as they are both riffs on the pulp hero." Darkwing Duck seems to copy Batman at a glance, but in actuality, he originates from the same pulp characters Batman is based on. Darkwing's signature costume can be traced back to Zorro and the Green Hornet, while both Batman and Darkwing inherit their nocturnal habits from the Phantom. Therefore, these vigilantes shouldn't be likened to each other as often as they are, hence why that trend is finally getting left behind.

Darkwing Duck and Batman Are More Different Than They Are Alike

Drake Mallard's Backstory Is a Major Deviation From Bruce Wayne's

I agree with Kibblesmith about Darkwing Duck not being as derivative of Batman as he is presumed to be, and there are other key differences that set the two characters apart. Their origin stories, for example, establish a firm divide between them. Bruce Wayne's origin is founded on profound loss, as the murder of his parents pushes him to avenge their deaths by ridding Gotham City of its criminal element as Batman. Drake Mallard, on the other hand, has no such tragedy that propels him into defending the streets of St. Canard. Kibblesmith describes Darkwing Duck's initial motivation as follows:

If you go back and watch the two-part pilot, it's very much the story of a guy who has become a superhero kind of for no reason. Like, he's become a superhero because he has a good heart, and he's assured of his own greatness. And this is a way that he can get those feelings out and, you know, demonstrate the greatness that he believes is in him.

Unlike Batman, Darkwing Duck lacks a strong inciting incident that shapes his mission from the start. He essentially becomes a crime-fighting vigilante on a whim to satisfy his ego. Of course, he develops a genuine motive later when he meets Gosalyn and Launchpad. Upon forming a family, he shifts gears and fights on their behalf, though never primarily for revenge as Batman does. high-tech gadgets at his disposal. Darkwing Duck and Batman might share a few traits, but they don't have much in common beneath the superficial.

Darkwing Duck Should Be His Own Hero, Separate From Batman's Legacy

With Batman Out of the Picture, D.W. Can Establish a Unique Identity

Despite my personal grievances, Darkwing Duck's clever nods to Batman aren't inherently bad. In fact, the stunning artwork has even caught my eye on multiple occasions. With that being said, Daniel Kibblesmith presents a solid argument against Darkwing comics relying too heavily on these references. The Batman homages are enjoyable, but as Kibblesmith explains, they aren't "necessary to telling a great Darkwing story". Simply put, Darkwing Duck has merits beyond the qualities that liken him to Batman, and it's about time a story explored his individual merits instead of suppressing him via endless comparisons.

As the debut of his next series approaches, longtime fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing Darkwing Duck at his best - without Batman holding him back.

Kibblesmith promises that his version of Darkwing Duck will mark a return to form rather than an attempt at pushing boundaries or mimicking Batman, and I believe that approach is the perfect way to reach those who struggle to understand him. What makes Darkwing Duck interesting isn't his connection to Batman, after all; his true appeal is his humor, his lovable ing cast, and his unwavering determination despite the slapstick injuries he endures. As the debut of his next series approaches, longtime fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing Darkwing Duck at his best - without Batman holding him back.

Darkwing Duck #1 will be available on February 19th, 2025 from Dynamite Entertainment!

Source: AIPT