(Click above to enlarge. Rough, preview lettering. Art by Daan Jippes. ©Walt Disney Company)
In February, Boom! Studios is publishing a totally new version of a Carl Barks’ plotted story. The story has a new title “Somewhere BEYOND Nowhere”; a new script (by me); and art by the great Daan Jippes. It’s 12 pages long.
Why did I want to do a new version–especially since I scripted the original 2000 version? Well, that’s a bit of a story in itself…
Well, the original version (“Somewhere IN Nowhere”)–although it certainly has its charms and some nice art by Pat Block–strayed quite a bit from Carl’s original plot. Interference from one of the managers of the Carl Barks Studio (not Carl himself) twisted what was intended to be a snappy 10-12 pager into a bloated 28-page adventure story. I was continually encouraged to make the story longer. More importantly, I was given some misinformation about plot changes that Carl supposedly wanted.
It was only after the story was drawn that I learned how much the story differed from what Carl actually wanted. As someone who admired Carl personally and professionally, I felt horrible about this. I really felt we should go back to Carl’s original synopsis and do it the way he wanted. Fortunately, my editors at Egmont agreed and I was delighted when Jippes agreed to draw it.
It took me a few years to work up the courage to script this story. I couldn’t afford to do it wrong–again. And I wanted to honor Carl’s intent and legacy. So I felt I had to do my very best.
I think it came out well. (Certainly, Jippes’ art is magnificent!) But you can judge for yourself.
Boom! Studios is publishing “Somewhere Beyond Nowhere” in Donald Duck and Friends #363. Advance orders from the Diamond Comics Previews catalog are available through your local comic shop. Here’s additional info about the comic:
http://www.boom-studios.com/donald-duck-and-friends-363.html
Oh, John, this is great news! The sample page is tantalizing and I can’t wait to get the comic. And once I do, fair warning: I’ll be hounding you for an autograph at some future CNW meeting!
Jeff
PS: Hope your foot is feeling better!
Thanks, Jeff. I’m looking forward to autographing it. Sorry I missed the CNW Christmas party. My foot is doing okay. The big test will be when I take the cast off in January.
Dear John,
Pardon my intrusion, I’m 78 and though being barely computer literate I’ve spent hours attempting to find your signature, to no avail.
A dear friend (84) was gifted a copy of a Donald Duck comic and he wonders if the name written atop the first page (Rootin’ Tootin’ Duck – 2 July 1990) might be yours?
Is there a sight that may have one or more of your signature examples that I might compare for him.
Thank you so much,
pat (Oregon)
Hi, Pat. I did indeed write “Rootin’ Tootin’ Duck” and I’ve signed various copies at conventions. So it’s almost certainly my signature. But let’s continue this discussion via e-mail. I’ll write to you. If you don’t receive the e-mail for some reason then you can let me know here.