Walt Disney’s Vacation Parade (Gemstone)

Donald Duck expects to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature when he and his three nephews go camping in a beautiful forest preserve. Although Heuy, Dewey and Louie are understandably suspicious of any vacation that requires rising at four AM to catch trout for breakfast, they oblige their uncle.

When Donald decides that snapping a picture of a stately buck would be a prize-winning photograph, the vacation becomes even more work than they expected. All this and a forest fire make this Carl Barks story genuinely funny as well as dramatic.

The collection of timeless Disney stories from Gemstone Publishing reprints the contents of the original Vacation Parade from 1950 which also includes the first Mickey Mouse story ever drawn for comic books, “Mickey Mouse and the Monster Whale.” Two Gyro Gearloose stories, one from 1959 and the other from 1960, round out this enjoyable collection of vacation-themed tales.

— George Haberberger

Vacation Parade reprints three tales from the original 1950 issue: the outstanding “Vacation Time” by Carl Barks; artist Paul Murry’s first Mickey Mouse story, “The Monster Whale”; and “Camp Counselor” by Barks. Filling out the squarebound book are two Gyro Gearloose stories, both drawn by Barks, one written by him.

“Vacation Time” is one of the best Donald Duck stories Barks ever did. The opening scenes of Donald and the nephews exchanging the dangers of the city for the dangers of nature are hilarious. The superb melding of comedy and adventure continues throughout the 33-page story. The art is among the most exciting ever produced by Barks in his legendary career. It’s a tale you’ll reread often.

The other stories have their merits. Mickey’s mystery telegraphs its ending but is still great fun. “Camp Counselor” is an amusing Donald vs. nephews match. The contrast between Gyro’s scientific knowledge and Grandma Duck’s homegrown wisdom is delightful. Even Gyro’s visit to Gus Goose’s dream world has its moments, despite its heavy-handed moral. This is a comic book to treasure.

— Tony Isabella

Jump to issue:

#1

Cover: $8.95

W: Carl Barks · A: Carl Barks, Paul Murry

ca. 2004

1 copy for $12.00
#2

Cover: $8.95

W: Carl Barks, Gail Renard, Vic Lockman, Tony Isabella · A: Carl Barks, Al Hubbard, José Maria Manrique, Harvey Eisenberg, Tony Strobl, John Liggera, Bill Wright, Don Rosa

ca. 2005

2 copies from $11.98