Bear comic books issue 1

Reprint Edition - 1928. Written by Thornton Burgess and Illustrated by Harrison Cady. Hardcover with dust jacket. Includes six B&W plates illustrated by Cady. 4.75" x 7", 120 pages, text.

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "The Sugar Bush!" By Chad Solomon and Christopher Meyer. Rabbit and Bear Paws is set in 18th Century colonized North America and follows the story of two mischievous Ojibwa brothers as they play pranks and have amazing adventures using a traditional Ojibwa medicine that transforms them into animals for a short time. The stories, based upon the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers (wisdom from the Anishinabek community), are rapidly gaining fans all over the world for their entertaining images of North American Native history and culture. This fresh and funny all ages comic is for the young and young at heart. Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 10 1/2-in., 32 pages, full color. Cover price $7.95.

1971 Quaker Oats Giveaway. Includes 3-D glasses. 20 pages, Full color.

1971 Quaker Oats Giveaway. Does not include 3-D glasses. 20 pages, Full color.

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

1st printing. Story and art by Trung Le Nguyen. Being a teenager is no fairy tale . . . but that doesnt mean you cant find a little magic. A high schoolers journey to recover from burnout leads to a surprising romance with a twist from the bestselling author of The Magic Fish. Angelica was the girl who could do it all—until suddenly, she couldnt. Burnout hit hard. Now, after some very low moments, shes ready to get her life back together, thanks to her friends, and one very surprising source of comfort. A bear. Peri is the mascot of the local theater. Hes been sending Angelica supportive messages from his social. Theyve become friends, and Angelica might even have . . . a crush? Determined to find the human behind the bear costume, Angelica gets an internship at the theater. She might never go back to being the girl who can do everything, but perhaps she is becoming the girl who can magically have it all. Hardcover, 6 1/4-in. x 8 1/2-in., 224 pages, full color. Age 12 and up Cover price $24.99.

5th Edition - 1st Printing. Written and illustrated by David Malki. Introduction by Ryan North. Collects the first 100 strips to appear on Wondermark.com as well as previously unpublished bonus material. Softcover, 7" x 8 5/8", 85 pages, B&W. Cover price $11.95.

1st printing.

Story and art by Kanen Totsu.

Welcome to Baby Bear's Bakery, a brand new patisserie run by a bear cub!

While Bear may be a fine baker, he is not much of a business animal, so he has plenty to learn about running a small business. Finances, customer service and even researching new products are all new to this cub. But he is more than willing to dig his paws into the world of entrepreneurship. Join Baby Bear as he grows his cake empire!

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 120 pages, 2C.

Cover price $15.95.

Add to cart VF 8.0 $21.00

Add to cart FN/VF 7.0 $16.00 View scans

1st printing. Barks Bear Book is a 7-in. x 10-in. trade paperback published by Editions Enfin, (circa 1990) but bears no copyright notice or publication. 33 Carl Barks comic book stories (non-Disney) are reprinted, all based on characters from the 1940's Warner cartoons. Barney Bear, Proky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Andy Panda, Happy Hound and Benny Burro. All stories are in black and white and are reproduced from comics rather than from original art. Reproduction quality is good enough not to distract from story reading enjoyment, but it could be better. This appears to be an unauthorized edition. Softcover, B&W. Cover price $40.00.

Written by Josh Blaylock, Ben Vu and Tony Ferguson. Art by John Bivens and Joe Song. Cover by Leah Smith and Tony Ferguson. Flip cover by Steve Seeley. Exclusive issue collecting previously released digital Battle Bears comics never before seen in print as well as a brand new story! 28 Pages, Full color.

Behr-Manning Division of Norton Co. Children's puzzle book Promo. Paper Cover 8 Pages Full Color.

1st printing. Story and art by Jamie Smart. A second bounty of carnage, profanity, and friendship hugs, as our furry tyke romps through a world filled with TV, idiots, and a certain homicidal cat. Demons squeezes the horror of "Bear: Silence," the love of "Bear: Heart," the frenzy of "Bear: Looshkin," and the world-weary "Bear B*stards," crashing towards the series twisting conclusion with "Bear: X." Five issues of crazed hell add to an extra issue's worth of exclusive Bear stories! Softcover, B&W. Cover price $14.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $10.00

1st printing.

Written by Ben Queen. Art and cover by Joe Todd-Stanton.

Bear is a guide dog for the blind, and he would do anything for his best friend and owner, Patrick. But when Bear suddenly loses his own vision, he worries that he has lost his purpose! Determined to protect Patrick at all costs, Bear sets out on a quest to regain his eyesight.

Along the way Bear will learn to tap into his other senses and begin to see the world from a new perspective that is at times more rich and colorful than the world he's always known.

Writer Ben Queen (Disney/Pixar's Cars 2 and Cars 3) draws inspiration from real life stories of how memory can influence how we recall our own surroundings, and artist Joe Todd-Stanton (A Mouse Called Julian) lovingly renders an unforgettable story of one dog's grand adventure from the wooded countryside to the heart of Manhattan where he encounters new friends and discovers his true calling.

Hardcover, 9 1/2-in. x 9 1/2-in., 160 pages, full color.

Cover price $24.99.

1st printing.

Story and art by Staffan Gnosspelius.

Bear, Staffan Gnosspelius's debut book, is a gorgeous visual meditation on depression.

In this deeply affecting, wordless picture book for adults, a bear is maddeningly afflicted with a cone that covers his head and that he is unable to take off. He furiously stomps and yells and tears at the cone, he implores the skies and fate for relief, he is drawn to dark and wild and scary places. The depths of his sadness feel like a defeat. It's a battle he wages until he's mentally and physically exhausted.

Then, one day, Bear hears notes of music, the humming of a friendly hare. The hare hovers nearby, concerned, sometimes driven away by Bear's frustration and anger, more often staying close and gently offering support.

Hardcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 80 pages, full color.

Cover price $19.95.

1st printing. Collects Bear (2003-2005) #1-5. Story and art by Jamie Smart. Holy nuts, giggle like a kidney! The trials of Bear are rammed together in a squeezy flush of tittering and "aughh, that's my leg!" Laugh at his misfortunes! Cheer his mortal foe Looshkin! Flick through the other rubbish! Bear: Immortal collects "Bear Hurts," "Bear Trips," "Bear B," "Bear Rawks," and "Bear Vengeance" in one fine lump of chuzz! This much fun usually involves prosecution! Softcover, 144 pages, B&W. Cover price $14.95.

2nd and later printings. Collects Bear (2003-2005) #1-5. Story and art by Jamie Smart. Holy nuts, giggle like a kidney! The trials of Bear are rammed together in a squeezy flush of tittering and "aughh, that's my leg!" Laugh at his misfortunes! Cheer his mortal foe Looshkin! Flick through the other rubbish! Bear: Immortal collects "Bear Hurts," "Bear Trips," "Bear B," "Bear Rawks," and "Bear Vengeance" in one fine lump of chuzz! This much fun usually involves prosecution! Softcover, 144 pages, B&W. Cover price $14.95.

Add to cart Fine $2.65

Add to cart Fine $2.65

Stories and art by Samuel J. Galentree. 24 pgs. B&W with color cover. Cover price $2.75.

Add to cart FN- 5.5 $6.60 View scans

First printing. Hardcover, 6 1/2-in. x 8-in., 24 pages, full color. All Ages

Add to cart Fine $3.49

1st printing. Story and art by Gareth Hinds. The Devil's Bargain: "To earn this reward, you must spend seven years without bathing, cutting your hair or nails, combing, shaving, brushing your teeth, changing your clothes, or sleeping in a bed. If you die before the seven years is up, you are mine. If you survive, limitless wealth is yours." Softcover, 80 pages, B&W. Cover price $5.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $2.50

1st printing. Story and art by Philippe Coudray. The out-of-this-world outlook of a down-to-earth bear! Benjamin Bear can always surprise his friends, whether it's by walking on his hands during a snowstorm or by using a tree as a parachute. His zany approach to life has earned him two Eisner Award nominations and bestseller status among kids everywhere. French star author Philippe Coudray continues to delight readers by bending the rules of common sense and breaking the laws of physics. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 32 pages, full color. Cover price $12.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $2.50

1st printing. By Philippe Coudray. Benjamin Bear walks on water, rides a square-wheeled bicycle, and wears a fishbowl helmet under the sea. Told in the form of one-page comic strips, each of Benjamin's adventures is a hilarious gag, a puzzle, a mini physics lesson, or sometimes all three! Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 32 pages, full color. Cover price $12.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $2.50

Add to cart Very Fine $2.50

2nd and later printings. By Philippe Coudray. Benjamin Bear walks on water, rides a square-wheeled bicycle, and wears a fishbowl helmet under the sea. Told in the form of one-page comic strips, each of Benjamin's adventures is a hilarious gag, a puzzle, a mini physics lesson, or sometimes all three! Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 32 pages, full color. Cover price $12.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $2.50

1st printing. Story and art by Philippe Coudray. The silly logic of a very serious bear! Benjamin Bear does everything in his own funny way, whether it's drying dishes on a rabbit's back or throwing a ball at a friend to make him play. In this series of gags starring a very loopy bear, Philippe Coudray creates a zany world that makes kids think and solve puzzles, drawing all readers into the game. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 32 pages, full color. All Ages Cover price $12.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $4.99

Add to cart Very Fine $3.99

Add to cart Very Fine $3.99

1st printing. Story and art by Philippe Coudray. The silly logic of a very serious bear! Benjamin Bear does everything in his own funny way, whether it's drying dishes on a rabbit's back or throwing a ball at a friend to make him play. In this series of gags starring a very loopy bear, Philippe Coudray creates a zany world that makes kids think and solve puzzles, drawing all readers into the game. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 32 pages, full color. All Ages Level 2 Reader. Cover price $4.99.

1st Printing. Berenstain Bears and the Bad Habit. Softcover, 8" x 8", 32 pages, full color. Cover price $1.95.

Add to cart Very Good $3.40

Story and art by Brian Kolm. Victor Grassroot is your average guy, with the exception of the horns…and the tail…and the hoofs. This unusual everyman is on a quest to save his uncle from an evil wizard, a quest that will take him to a brand new world…Beyond the Great Chimney. Come along as we follow Victor through a magical portal, beyond the Great Chimney to a world of new wonders. Along the way hell make new friends and enemies, and find out more about himself then he might like to know. 24 pages, B&W. Cover price $2.95.

1st printing.

The Big Damn Firefly & Serenity Trivia Boo is the ultimate fan's guide to Joss Whedon's critically acclaimed series Firefly and film sequel Serenity. Inside you will find over 1,000 questions that delve into the characters, actors, episodes, and behind-the-scenes moments. The questions highlight aspects of the show that casual viewers may have missed and the die-hard Browncoats will relish. And with an introduction from "Jaynestown" director Marita Grabiak, everyone is sure to learn something new!

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 186 pages, B&W.

Cover price $19.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $6.95

Add to cart Near Mint $6.95

1st printing.

Story and art by Philippe Coudray.

A series of vignettes on imagination, science, mathematics, and the life of our planet, shared from the perspective of a curious bear and his furry, forest-dwelling friends!

Bigby Bear lives peacefully in the lush mountains where he was born. Struggling to figure out nature and its elements, Bigby engages in silly experiments of all kinds. Accompanied by his loyal rabbit friend, he gives us the secret to living a happy, simple life: to follow your curiosity, and make friends along the way. A feel-good tale for all ages.

The first in Humanoids new All-Ages line BIG!

Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 104 pages, full color. All Ages

Cover price $14.95.

1st printing.

By Philip J. Riley and Gregory Wm. Mank .

In 1934, Universal Pictures released The Black Cat - the first teaming of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, and the darkest, most sinister horror classic in the studio's legendary canon. MagicImage Filmbooks takes you on a time travel trip back into the shadowy soundstage of this macabre milestone - the facts, the figures, the studio politics, the sinister inspirations, the demonic virtuosity of director Edgar G. Ulmer, the censorship troubles, the personal memories of the leading ladies, a sexual harassment saga almost as perverse as the film itself... and the complex, moving, ultimately tragic relationship of the film's two horror superstars.

Included are the pressbook, and many rare and striking photos.

Plus: "The BLACK CAT: Universal's Symphony of Horrors, The Film's Music" by Randall D. Larson.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 124 pages, B&W.

Cover price $29.95.

1st printing.

By Philip J. Riley and Gregory Wm. Mank .

In 1934, Universal Pictures released The Black Cat - the first teaming of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, and the darkest, most sinister horror classic in the studio's legendary canon. MagicImage Filmbooks takes you on a time travel trip back into the shadowy soundstage of this macabre milestone - the facts, the figures, the studio politics, the sinister inspirations, the demonic virtuosity of director Edgar G. Ulmer, the censorship troubles, the personal memories of the leading ladies, a sexual harassment saga almost as perverse as the film itself... and the complex, moving, ultimately tragic relationship of the film's two horror superstars.

Included are the pressbook, and many rare and striking photos.

Plus: "The BLACK CAT: Universal's Symphony of Horrors, The Film's Music" by Randall D. Larson.

Softcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 124 pages, B&W.

Cover price $19.95.

"Daily Herald Bobby Bear Book"

Add to cart Near Mint $2.50

Add to cart Near Mint $2.50

Add to cart Fine $7.70

1st printing. Story and art by Vicente Navarrete. An imaginative tale of repulsive proportions! All Mijo wants is a delicious snack to settle his rumbling panza. However, an epic sneeze forces a snot rocket like you've never seen out of his nose and onto his face. His Ma-Mee wants him to clean it off before he eats, but how can Mijo wipe off such a masterpiece? He wants to keep his beard, no matter how gross. He just needs to convince Ma-Mee as well, and show her just how handy his booger beard can be! Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 40 pages, full color. Cover price $12.99.

Add to cart VG/FN 5.0 $50.00 View scans

Promotional comic centered around the efficacy of bowhunting on elephants and other big game animals. Newsprint. 7" X 10". 8 pages. Full Color.

1st printing.

By Dean Owen. Introduction by Richard A. Ekstedt.

Everyone in the village of Badstein knows how to eliminate the vampire preying on its young daughters: find the coffin he sleeps in during the day and drive a wooden stake through his heart. But how can you find your quarry if you don't know who he is and your suspects are many? There's the Latour with the dark-complexion, who is given to wandering at night and sleeping during the day. There's the handsome Baron Meinster, who is supposedly traveling in the Orient but rumored to be hiding in his ancient chateau. Then, there's the stranger, Professor Van Helsing. The quarry could be anyone. Meanwhile, the victims multiply — all young females marked with the telltale sign of the vampire bites.

This is the first volume of The NightMare Series from noted film historian and author, Philip J. Riley. The purpose of the series is to preserve the 1950s and 1960s horror film movie tie-in novels that were printed on old crumbling pulp paper and to bring them back in this new format for a new century. These are the original novels by various authors, not the scripts as in the editor's Filmonster Series and the MagicImage Filmbook series.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 154 pages, Text Only.

Cover price $14.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Story and art by Salomey Doku. A tale as old as time refreshed for modern readers. Once upon a time, Brielle met Bear. And then they fell in love. But that's just the beginning. Fairytales have a way of twisting and swirling before you get to "happily ever after." And though modern-day Once Upon a Time University first-year, Brielle, is a dreamer, always with her nose in a book, her imagination can't help but run wild with potential romance. To her, Bear is perfect... until Brielle discovers a secret he's been hiding for a long time that just might shatter their fairytale love. Softcover, 6-in.x 9-in., 176 pages, full color. Cover price $17.99.

1st printing.

Written by Frankee White and Adam Markiewicz. Art by Adam Markiewicz. Cover by Melanie Darling.

It's not easy being a squire. It's even harder being the squire to a legendary knight errant. Selm knows the feeling of living in the shadow of a towering giant all too well, and it sucks. She aches for the chance to become her own person and stake her claim on the world. Upon entering Pulpwood Swamp, Selm is offered that chance and she takes a treacherous shortcut towards getting the power and strength that she wants... but sometimes shortcuts end up being the longest route.

Even if she can survive the onslaught of horrors, at the end of the trail of bodies will Selm still recognize herself?

Softcover, 112 pages, full color.

Cover price $19.99.

1st printing. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981) premiered on American television in September 1979. The story followed a twentieth century astronaut revived after 500 years of suspended animation to become Earth's greatest hero. Created by Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens, the new series starred Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, and Felix Silla. Gerard looked to the past to prepare for his future production. He hit on the idea of recycling artifacts into a less showy series that premiered to the delight of audiences. Join Buck and the galaxy's most beautiful women in a richly researched work that soars at light speed beyond other Buck Rogers books. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 326 pages, B&W. Cover price $24.95.

"Bundle Bear's Boat"

Add to cart Near Mint $6.95

Add to cart Near Mint $6.95

1st printing. Art and cover by CloudCo. From the cloud-dotted landscapes of Care-A-Lot to hugs with your best bear friends, get ready to zone out, zen in, and add some colorful brightness to your day! Color between the lines (or dont! We wont tell) with your favorite characters from the Care Bears universe. Softcover, 9-in. x 9-in., 80 pages, B&W. All Ages Cover price $9.99.

1st printing.

Written by Georgia Ball. Art by Lisa Moore. Cover by Melanie Gillman.

When bullying leads Jaden to lose interest in his class project with Natalie, it's the Care Bears to the rescue! They whisk Jayden and Natalie away to Care-A-Lot to reignite their excitement by finding the long-lost Passion Stone! But the stone can only be found at the end of the Puzzling Path, and they'll have to navigate all kinds of traps, tricks, puzzles, and riddles to make it to the end!

Softcover, 96 pages, full color. All Ages

Cover price $9.99.

1st printing. Written by Georgia Ball. Art and cover by Melanie Gillman. Come back to Care-a-Lot with the cuddly-soft Care Bears graphic novel! This group of huggable furry friends are on a caring mission to make happiness happen in our world and theirs, in a collection of fun-filled adventures of the heart. Softcover, 96 pages, full color. Cover price $9.99.

1st printing.

Releasing to coincide with Care Bears' 30th anniversary, Care Bears: Together Is Better! is the second mini-book featuring the cuddly characters from Care-a-Lot, this time sharing their heartwarming words on friendship. One of the world's most recognized and beloved children's properties, the Care Bears share the joys of this most special relationship through endearing text and adorable artwork that is sure to inspire smiles between friends!

Hardcover, 2 1/2-in. x 3-in., 128 pages, full color. Cover price $5.95.

1st printing. Collects Care Bears (2019 IDW) #1-3.

Written by Matthew Erman and Nadia Shammas. Art and cover by Agnes Garbowska.

Follow the adventures of best friends Good Luck Bear, Funshine Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, and Share Bear as they embark from their life in Care-A-Lot on a new adventure through the Silver Lining!

Spinning out of the new Boomerang cartoon! Welcome to the Silver Lining, a mystical realm full of mirth and magic! The Care Bears, along with their pals the Whiffles, protect this realm from the negative influence of the mischievous Bluster and his Bad Crowd!

Softcover, 72 pages, full color. All Ages

Cover price $9.99.

Add to cart Fine $5.99

1st printing. By Robert B. Parker. Hardcover, 176 pages, Text only.

First printing. Hardcover, 6 1/2-in. x 8-in., 24 pages, full color. All Ages Cover price $0.29.

1st printing. By Denise Noe. Married... with Children premiered on Fox TV in 1987 and updated the Don Ameche and Frances Langford radio comedy series, The Bickersons, and Jackie Gleason's TV classic, The Honeymooners, with a raunchy, cutting-edge slant that focused on a lovable yet laughable family headed by endearingly flawed Al, his housework-hating wife, sexy daughter, and randy son. Rediscover the exhilarating humor and intellectual excitement in Denise Noe's book. She delves behind-the-scenes with Michael Moye, Ron Leavitt, Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, David Faustino, David Garrison, Amanda Bearse, E. E. Bell, and Ritch Shydner. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 294 pages, B&W. Cover price $15.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $10.00

Add to cart Very Fine $9.49

Add to cart Very Fine $9.49

1st printing. Collects Cross to Bear (2021 Aftershock) #1-5.

Written by Marko Stojanovic. Art and cover by Sinisa Banovic.

Jack the Ripper was never caught because no one was looking for him in the Wild West...No one accept The Order. An organization made up of the descendants of Crusaders sworn to eradicate the unnatural, The Order will stop at nothing to fulfill the pledge their forefathers made, even if it means crossing the ocean or a line or two...

Writer Marko Stojanovi? (La Croix Sanglante, The OUTsider) and artist Siniša Banovi? (Vidocq, Zodiaque) share a tale as dark as The Order itself.

Softcover, 120 pages, full color.

Cover price $16.99.

1st printing.

Written by Laurie S. Sutton. Art and cover by Agnes Garbowska.

After investigating a blaring burglar alarm, Black Canary spots three baddies up to no good! Gorilla Grodd, Giganta, and Solomon Grundy are stealing high-tech parts for something sinister. The golden-haired hero tails the trio to their lair, and as they head out, she sneaks in. But it won't be easy foiling the villains' plot. Canary must dodge three tricky traps, destroy three mind-control machines, and take down three bearish brutes!

Can she get things just right to save the day?

Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 72 pages, Text (with full color illustrations). All Ages

Cover price $6.95.

Painted cover by Carl Barks. Stories and art by Carl Barks. An unusual item for the Carl Barks collector, printed to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Uncle Scrooge. The Uncle Scrooge Collectors International present a Guyana Stamp Book with the classic Carl Barks story Christrmas on Bear Mountain, with select panels forming actual postage stamps for the nation of Guyana. In "Christmas on Bear Mountain," the first-ever Uncle Scrooge story, Scrooge plans to surprise Donald and his nephews at his mountain cabin dressed as a bear, but real bears confuse the issue. Softcover, 9-in. x 7-in., 11 pages. Full Color.

1st printing.

Story and art by Carl Barks.

THE VERY FIRST SCROOGE STORY... PLUS WEST INDIAN, AUSTRALIAN AND VOLCANIAN ADVENTURES.

Scrooge McDuck is now such a fixture in the Disney universe that few remember Carl Barks had been writing and drawing Donald Duck stories for half a decade before he cooked up the miserly multiplujillionaire - for what he thought would be a one-time Christmas yarn involving Donald, the nephews, Scrooge in a bearskin, and (inevitably) a couple of real bears.

"Christmas on Bear Mountain" is one of Barks's funniest holiday stories and a true landmark in comics history, and offers a fascinating look at a roughedged, genuinely nasty character whom Barks would soon soften...Scrooge aside, there's plenty of fun to be had in this volume.

In "Volcano Valley" Donald and the Nephews end up stuck in Volcania, a south-of-the-border country inhabited by sombrero-wearing, siesta-addicted Volcanians. Other long-form adventures include the self-explanatory "Adventure Down Under," as well as one of Barks's most atmospheric thrillers, the West Indies-based "Ghost of the Grotto," which includes a lovely night-time sequence drawn in Barks's trademark silhouettes and a giant-octopus-vs.-hot-chili-peppers throwdown that climaxes in an explosive splash panel.

The book is rounded off with seven of Barks's hilarious 10-pagers, and as with the previous volumes, Walt Disney's Donald Duck: Christmas on Bear Mountain has been scanned from crisp vintage art and meticulously colored to match the original printing's warm, simple hues, and features abundant critical and historical notes penned by some of duckdom's finest experts.

Hardcover, 240 pages, full color.

Cover price $28.99.

2nd and later printings. Story and art by Carl Barks. THE VERY FIRST SCROOGE STORY... PLUS WEST INDIAN, AUSTRALIAN AND VOLCANIAN ADVENTURES. Scrooge McDuck is now such a fixture in the Disney universe that few remember Carl Barks had been writing and drawing Donald Duck stories for half a decade before he cooked up the miserly multiplujillionaire - for what he thought would be a one-time Christmas yarn involving Donald, the nephews, Scrooge in a bearskin, and (inevitably) a couple of real bears. "Christmas on Bear Mountain" is one of Barks's funniest holiday stories and a true landmark in comics history, and offers a fascinating look at a roughedged, genuinely nasty character whom Barks would soon soften...Scrooge aside, there's plenty of fun to be had in this volume. In "Volcano Valley" Donald and the Nephews end up stuck in Volcania, a south-of-the-border country inhabited by sombrero-wearing, siesta-addicted Volcanians. Other long-form adventures include the self-explanatory "Adventure Down Under," as well as one of Barks's most atmospheric thrillers, the West Indies-based "Ghost of the Grotto," which includes a lovely night-time sequence drawn in Barks's trademark silhouettes and a giant-octopus-vs.-hot-chili-peppers throwdown that climaxes in an explosive splash panel.

The book is rounded off with seven of Barks's hilarious 10-pagers, and as with the previous volumes, Walt Disney's Donald Duck: Christmas on Bear Mountain has been scanned from crisp vintage art and meticulously colored to match the original printing's warm, simple hues, and features abundant critical and historical notes penned by some of duckdom's finest experts. Hardcover, 240 pages, full color. Cover price $28.99.