In the world of literature, there exists a contention between the categories of best and favorite stories. Today I will share with the reading public, my favorite Mickey Mouse stories out of the oeuvre that I have read thus far. Undoubtedly, this list will change in the future as I devour more and more of the delightful goat cheese that are Mickey Mouse comics.
It is a top 10 list as all the best lists are. And unlike
some websites, I will NOT put my selections in a slideshow gallery.
10. Mickey Mouse, Super-Salesman
(Written by Merrill DeMaris. Art by Floyd Gottfredson)
We love Mickey for his triumphant ability to overcome any
situation. Despite his small stature, he has beaten down larger opponents and
toppled evil regimes. He is the quintessential American underdog. A status cherished in the USA existing largely due to America’s underdog condition against the mighty British
Empire.
In most Gottfredson tales, Mickey fights against
physical heavies. In this story, he must duel a cocky salesman who doesn’t do
his job yet remains at the top. The intro in the FG Library volume expertly
describes how in real life those types rarely receive earthly comeuppance, but
Mickey does. As someone who had to depart a prized job from his favorite
university this story has become even closer to my heart. There might not be
justice in the real world but in Mickey’s word, goodness and right win out.
9. Kali’s Nail
A spiritual sequel/homage to “Outwits,” this mouse tale
features everything a reader wants from Mickey and company. An engaging mystery
complete with a prototype Scooby Doo villain and Mickey actively searching for the
culprit? Put another tune on the record player and let’s dance! Scarpa keeps
the plot tight and humming. With an ending that references that another
Gottfredson saga “Bellhop Detective” you will quickly realize why Scarpa is
held in high regard as a heir of Gottfredson.
8. The Fire Eye of Atlantis
(Written and Drawn by Casty)
Much of the focus on Disney comics in America rests in the vaults of deceased creators. But in Italy, Disney comics are alive and thriving. Casty leads the charge for Mickey Mouse comics. Inspired by Gottfredson and Scarpa, Casty’s Mickey is an adventurous seeker with comedic timing engaging in timeless exploits. In “Fire Eye,” Mickey with friends Goofy and Eurasia Toft travel to Africa to search for the lost city of Atlantis. Along the way they discover a hidden civilization and duel a lieutenant of the Horde of the Violet Hare. Who has a sand submarine! The story features Mickey grinning while chucking a dynamite stick down the hatch. Need I say more?
7. The Seven Ghosts
(Written by Ted Osborne. Art by Floyd Gottfredson)
After returning from the Foreign Legion, Mickey discovers
that Mouseton has been haunted by the presence of ghosts! With the entire town in
an uproar, Mickey drags along Goofy and Donald to the haunted mansion to solve
the case.
Mickey’s character during the mid-1930s was incredibly
durable and nimble. He does the heavy lifting of carrying the plot and confronting
the villains while dealing with leading his well-meaning but dimmer friends.
6. The World to Come
The spiritual sequel to “The Atombrella and the Rhyming Man”
was my first non-Gottfredson comic. It immediately grabbed me with its twisting
plot and for its rare environment message that acknowledged the dangers of
playing almighty with science however how well-meaning the intentions are.
Minnie receives a nice starring role. A favorite scene is when she threatens
the Rhyming Man about how her boyfriend is big and strong. The final fight is
both small and large. Mickey and Minnie directly confront the Rhyming Man while
the air force takes on his robotic minions. Just a modern-day classic that
never fails to thrill me.
5. Editor-In-Grief
(Written by Ted Osborne. Art by Floyd Gottfredson)
A staple of the later Gottfredson stories and the Murry serials
portrayed Mickey as a suburbanite just trying to live a normal life, but crazy
adventures kept interrupting his leisure. This story from the 1930s has Mickey
attempting to settle down to please Minnie, but his attempts at peaceful living
(by running a newspaper) are foiled when he refuses to play protection money to
Pete’s gang. While the Mickey of those later stories wouldn’t display vital energy
in combating the new threat, this Mickey immediately bangs the drum of war and
takes down the whole racket. Despite the passed decades, this story looms more
and more important considering how news sources have grown more and more protective
of those in power.
4. Race to Death Valley
(Written by Walt Disney and Floyd Gottfredson. Art by
Floyd Gottfredson, Jack King, and Win Smith)
It is not the greatest written Mickey comic. In fact, Walt’s
sections while exciting could use a sharper script. Mickey’s character is still
in flux. But the kinetic energy and thrilling adventures are present. It is the
first MM comic that I ever read and for that reason it will always remain in my
personal favorite list. Filled with mystery and action-packed set pieces,
nearly every Disney comic is a descendant of “Race to Death Valley.” Something beautiful
and rare was being born with every daily strip. It all started with mice
racing to Death Valley.
3. Darkenblot
(Written by Casty. Art by Lorenzo Pastrovicchio)
An iconic hero requires equally worthy foes. The Phantom Blot
has been up to the task since his introduction in the 1930s. In “Darkenblot,”
he nearly pulls off a coup that fortunately for the city of Avantgarde, Mickey
happens to be stranded in its airport. When people ask me what I think Mickey’s
character to be, I think of these stories. Mickey is helpful, courageous, friendly,
understanding, and inquisitive. He pushes back when necessary and isn’t afraid
to voice controversial theories. And he throws in a few jabs at a fallen foe.
2. Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot
(Written by Merrill DeMaris. Art by Floyd Gottfredson)
In many regards, the Phantom Blot’s introductory story is
the quintessential Mickey Mouse tale. Filled with suspense, action,
death-defying stunts, the chilling caper about Mickey grappling with a phantom
theft has served as one of the cornerstones of Mickey Mouse comics. Scarpa famously
paid homage to the story’s structure in “Kali’s Nail.” The story launched one
of Mickey’s greatest enemies in the Phantom Blot. It is a testimony to the
strength of Mickey’s character: the determined detective that never gives up against
overwhelming odds.
1. Mickey Mouse Joins the Foreign Legion
(Written by Ted Osborne. Art by Floyd Gottfredson)
Some stories just grab your interest and remain embedded in
your heart and mind. “Foreign Legion” holds that role for me. From the very
beginning, Mickey’s character is tested. He is tortured for information that he
refuses to divulge despite the noose being fastened around his neck. He is sent
to trail Trigger Hawkes to retrieve government files. Using quick thinking, he follows
Hawkes into the Foreign Legion where he discovers Peg-Leg Pete has become a sergeant.
Outlasting near-death experiences, he foils the villains and brings home the
plans. The story concludes with Mickey sharing an adorable scene with Minnie.
As Frank Stejano wrote about the story, “proving that any man can be great in
the face of adversity if he trusts his potential and his beliefs.”
That is my list of favorite Mickey Mouse comics. List yours in the comment section below!
