From issue 60 of Dragon (April 1982), back in the days when TSR didn't worry so much about copyright and trademark violation.As you can see, Donald is a bad-ass. He'd definitely beat the tar out of Mickey, who didn't even rate an entry. Heck, he's just as invulnerable to death as Wolverine, so I bet he'd be able to put up a good fight against him.
Funny! Donald is way more awesome than that Mickey fellow...
ReplyDeleteBring the pain. Mickey's a chump.
ReplyDeleteIn before What If... Donald Duck Battled Conan Battled Wolverine
He looks like he's got a bit of Popeye in him as well.
ReplyDeleteI would have guessed Chaotic Neutral myself.
ReplyDeleteDude, they worried about THEIR trademarks.
ReplyDeleteIt's only a pain in the ass when its someone else's trademarks, duh.
IIRC, the Bugs Bunny entry would blow Asmodeus away.
ReplyDelete(I believe that such listings might be safe from infringement issues under the heading of parody, but I could be dead wrong.)
Love the pipe.. too bad we're all so sensitive now.
ReplyDeleteHumor aside, it's interesting to compare Moldvay's description of Donald with the later classic Toon rules that debuted in 1984...
ReplyDeleteHa! I win.
ReplyDeleteWell, now I'm just dying to see the Wile E. Coyote entry.
ReplyDeleteYou should see his Runequest stats...
ReplyDeleteI miss the print edition of Dragon...
ReplyDeleteCool.
ReplyDeleteA shame this was the 70s or 80s, and thus Mickey had suffered from 20 years of having his edges pounded out the better to make a corporate mascot, and Runaway Brain, Kingdom Hearts, and Epic Mickey were all years away from revitalizing him.
Leave Mickey alone! He's a subtle guy -- remember he started off as a rogue-ish character and then even became a sorceror's apprentice....
ReplyDelete... say, you don't think perhaps he's secretly a very powerful character? I mean he has a magical kingdom after all...
I can't believe you found this...damn Mickey vs Donald comment..did they do one for all the Disney characters, 'cuz I didn't even mention Goofy yet (I can't imagine what class he'd be?)
ReplyDeleteIt should be noted that April 1982 is around the same time that TSR sent The Space Gamer a cease and desist letter commanding TSG to stop referring to Beholders -- even in parody.
ReplyDeleteGary's TSR was as vigilant as any incarnation of the company in protecting copyright and trademark, just look at the Arneson saga and the creation of "advanced and basic D&D" for evidence.
@Christian Lindke said... What is good for the goose...
ReplyDeleteYup, but, for me it speaks of the remarkable playfulness of early RPGs that any manner of beast be it bird or fowl may venture across the gaming table.
One of the things that subsquent editions and some games simply forgot that gaming was there to have fun. Not merely roll the dice but to surprise and partake in common storytelling. And, if it involves subverting an American archetype - so be it. James, you ought to read The Political Economy of Mickey Mouse...written by a Chilean Maoist in the aftermath of 1973.
Obviously a refugee from Sartar, and given his temper probably a member of a Death Rune cult.
ReplyDeleteObviously a refugee from Sartar, and given his temper probably a member of a Death Rune cult.
ReplyDeleteIf any Disney character is Humakti Rune Lord, it's Donald.
I miss the print edition of Dragon...
ReplyDeleteI do too, in principle, but, truth be told, the Dragon I used to enjoy reading has been gone a long, long time.
It should be noted that April 1982 is around the same time that TSR sent The Space Gamer a cease and desist letter commanding TSG to stop referring to Beholders -- even in parody.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this -- not that I am surprised in the least. TSR never took kindly to humor at their expense.
James, you ought to read The Political Economy of Mickey Mouse...written by a Chilean Maoist in the aftermath of 1973.
ReplyDeleteI'll add it to the reading list :)