Disney-comics digest #807.

[James E. Smith III]

Dear Don:

Well, just read "The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck" part 11. What can 
I say, but congrats, Don, on a well-written and throughly enjoyable 
story. This may have been Scrooge's "darkest" story as he finally morally 
stumbles after his long and until this point morale career. 

My one criticism is that ever after Scrooge's "repentance" he still has a 
great deal to answer for. Chasing others off their land, and in the way 
he did it, is obviously something he must atone for. 

Even in the Barks story where Donald must "pay" for Scrooge's sin, 
Scrooge seems to get off very lightly for his indiscretion. This might be 
something to draw back on in future stories (maybe). 

I love the ending which the little Donald and the circle of light he's 
in.  It's a perfect intro for the two and it certainly foreshadows the 
coming protagonist/antagonist relationship between the two. Still, there 
is something very tender between the two, and it may be that link to 
Hortense that does it. 

In a strange way, I see this story taking on a Dickensian parallel. Just 
as Ebenezer Scrooge turned bitter after his sister's death and the loss 
of his family, so too, is this happening to Scrooge McDuck. 

Don, I can hardly wait for the Christmas story, and I hope it ties 
everything up with a sentimental, yet positive ending.  From you earlier 
letter, I know you compared the difference between Donald, the happy 
failure, and Scrooge, the not-so happy success. Barks' ending to a "Poor 
Old Man" is referred heavily, and while there is some truth to Scrooge 
learning to be happy with what he has, I don't believe that is the whole 
story. While Scrooge may seem to be on the surface, this crusty, bitter 
old duck; the readers know that there is much more to him than that hard 
shelled exterior. It may never be in your power to do so, but if there 
ever was a "last" Scrooge McDuck story, it would give me great 
satisfaction to know that he would recouncile with Goldie, or even the 
memories of his beloved lost family. 

Just a thought that I know everybody is going "yuck" at. 


One last question Don: How many Duck stories have you written that 
haven't been published in the states yet? 

James Smith III
Williston ND