Uncle Scrooge #36 Review

Money for Nothing and Your Ducks for Free

Writer: Carl Barks, Carl Fallberg, Thad Komorowski
Artist: Marco Rota, Daan Jippes
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: July 11, 2018
Cover Price: $3.99
Review by: Pauly P

Is Scrooge McDuck always sharper than the sharpies? In "Treasure Above the Clouds," he's battling with playboy plutocrat John D. Rockerduck for ownership of an awesome Incan treasure-but in "Peril of the Black Forest," Scrooge fights his own nephews for possession of Duckburg's woodlands!


First off, will the richest (and irritatingly frugal) duck in Ducksburg use his secret treasure map to get a haul of Incan gold? Or will His mortal nemesis John D. Rockerduck beat him to it? Second, will Scrooge ever learn that you can’t put a price on fresh air and nature? Probably not, but let’s have a look! 

It’s a quiet night Uncle Scrooge is spending with his crank record player (it takes electricity to run a TV, you know) when Donald, Huey, Dewey and Louie popover with a battery-powered TV and snacks. While watching ‘untamed world’ Grumpy old Uncle Scrooge sees a particular pattern matching a map sewn into the lining of an old jacket he picked up in Peru while looking for the Fabled Treasure Above The Clouds!  

What’s a grumpy, rich duck and his family to do? Take a train away to the Andes to find the treasure, of course! Their luck is cut short when one of Rockerducks stooges oversees the Scrooges leaving and it’s an all-out race to the Andes to find the treasure. 

They do find it- and after blimps, jets, and pet condors and several double crosses by wily Rockerduck Scrooge recovers the treasure... but not all is as good as it seems when the government of Peru informs Scrooge of an old law that states any treasure from the ancient empire belongs to Peru. Shucks! But Scrooge might learn the true value of riches when he receives proper recognition for his work. Never mind being able to share an ancient treasure with the general public. Riches for all!

Bits and Pieces:

This is a reprint from Italian Almanacco Topolino 233, 1976. Its a fun, silly story in a world that features zero continuity from issue to issue. The art and colors are great, and the artist is able to get a surprising amount of expression in the face of several ducks. Fun!

7.5/10