I have been very vocal in the past about my love of the Disney comics by Carl Barks and Don Rosa, and how few other writers and artists live up to their work. One comic that was mentioned as being worthy was The Hansa Hazard which read like a classic Barks tale, and now it is time to talk about another one that is worthy of Rosa from the same creators. The Substitute Santa of Strathbungo is a comic that acts as a side story to the seminal work that is The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck and is arguably up to the quality of that series.
The Substitute Santa of Strathbungo takes a look at Scrooge’s childhood in Scotland selling peat, only to find a reliable purchaser is suddenly unable to afford it. This buyer is an orphanage for young girls and after befriending one of the young wards, Scrooge decides to infiltrate and see what is really going on. What follows feels like a classic Uncle Scrooge comic as told in the form of a story to his nephews, that hits all the series high notes.
Don Rosa’s work had a certain formula to it, where he not only created a follow up to a Barks tale but also wove in new details that felt organic while telling a fantastic story in its own right. The same is done here by Knut Nærum and Tormod Løkling, and their excellent writing, while Arild Midthun provides art that evokes Rosa’s style. There is a reverence for Barks and Rosa in Scandinavia and this Norwegian story proves that with this love letter and while no spoilers will be given, there are elements that feel straight out of Barks and Rosa’s storytelling styles.
Historical details such as Christmas celebrations having been banned for a time in Scotland are mentioned, and the clash between Scottish culture with English culture is depicted well. The villain may not be the best, but the supporting characters are well thought out and it would not be bad for some to be followed up on in future stories. The best part is that this story just feels like a proper side story to The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck that has been missing till now and is finally here.
The comic was reprinted in Uncle Scrooge #21 from IDW Publishing and in Uncle Scrooge: The Tyrant of the Tides and reading it is perfect for the holidays.