Uncle Scrooge #4 (1954)

Uncle Scrooge #4 Review

Uncle Scrooge #4 is a 1954 Disney comic book written and drawn by Carl Barks. It is one of the better Uncle Scrooge comics.

Scrooge, Donald and the nephews try to transport Scrooge’s fortune to a private island for safekeeping. The Beagle Boys strike. However, help is available on the island from the “Menehunes”, elf-like creatures who are visible when they don’t know anyone is looking. Yes, a lot happened in this story and not all of it worked, but at least the series was still at its most creative here, which was evident in great world building and wonderful characterization.

The ending was rushed and uninteresting, but The Beagle Boys posed genuine threat here and they were terrific villains throughout. These Hawaiian creatures were underutilized, but quite uniquely designed and very memorable. They added a solid fantastical element to the story. As for Scrooge, he is his reliable money-obsessed self here, but it was interesting seeing him in true panic mode. The other ducks were also solidly utilized. The overall plot is only okay, but the terrific characters and strong illustration work transcended it.

The fourth issue of Uncle Scrooge has an okay plot, but strong illustrations and great characterization. It’s a flawed, but mostly wonderful story.

My Rating – 3.9