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frc-ambaradan · 3 years

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From this week TOPOLINO, "La Ballata di John D. Rockerduck" preview interview with the authors.

(English translation to follow for non-italian speakers' convenience only: Italians should just go and buy TOPOLINO :P)

THE ETERNAL RUNNER UP

In a week's time, we will turn the spotlight on the n.2 multibillionaire of Duckburg with “The Ballad of John D. Rockerduck”, a story that allows us to deepen the knowledge of a character that always animated Disney comics as the opponent and rival of Uncle $crooge. We talked about him with the authors, Marco Nucci and Maestro Giorgio Cavazzano.

INTERVIEW WITH MARCO NUCCI (WRITER)

Hi Marco! In seven days we get the ball rolling with "The Ballad of John D. Rockerduck": why did you choose this title?

«For a very simple reason: it sounded good! It was the first title that jumped into my mind, and I used it. Then I realized it was good. I like to think of this story as a sort of folktale, able of telling us about many things: about money, but also about ambitions and fears, about personal impulses. And also about strain, why not? Rockerduck will suddenly find himself placed in front of a mirror, as if it were the first time... and what he sees will trigger a series of unpredictable reactions and events.»

Sometimes you need to be a bit of a psychologist: how many sessions with Rockerduck did it take to create this "introspective" story?

«A few sessions and a chat with Alex Bertani (translator note: lead editor of Topolino), who suggested me to delve into the psychology of Rockerduck and gave me some hints about the hidden side of his character to bring out. So I conceived this story, it appeared from nowhere in front of my eyes, point by point, from beginning to end. I wanted this insight into Rockerduck to be told in a funny way and I hope I hit the target. Above all, I would like to thank Giorgio Cavazzano, who did a "Giorgio" job, that is, extraordinary in every part. He is the best artist in the world, full stop. Especially when it rains. I love the his rain, it makes me want to take up an umbrella.»

Given tha you have patiently listened to Rockerduck's confidences, how do you interpret his rivalry with Uncle $crooge? (Or does professional secret prevent you from talking about it?)

«It's part envy, part healthy greed and a part… spoilers, I can't say more. If one day we’re going to carry out the “week after interviews” I will be much more eloquent!»

Have you ever felt second best to someone like Rockerduck is?

«I'm second to almost everyone, in almost everything. I can hold my own with writing, and I admit I am an excellent cook and an all-rounder when it comes to cinema. Everything else it’s a Waterloo. But I don't care. Rivalries are a waste of time: they have the bad habit of just putting you in a bad mood. Indeed, very bad... John D. Rockerduck’s word!»

INTERVIEW WITH GIORGIO CAVAZZANO (ARTIST)

Hi Giorgio! What did you like about this story?

«I liked its originality and the situations thrilled me. When I read Marco Nucci's screenplay I found it interesting and funny, because it touched on aspects of three little-known characters. It was a difficult story to draw but in the end I felt gratified, so much so that I called Marco Nucci to tell him it was brilliant!»

What is the real "wealth" of this multibillionaire?

«Very often the added value comes from the negative side. If he didn’t exist, we’d have to invent him, also because he is the negative counterpart of $crooge, especially when it comes to business and finance. In this story, however, something changes... »

After drawing so many squabbles and challenges between McDuck and Rockerduck, what's your opinion on their rivalry?

«It's a fun rivalry. It could not be otherwise: Rockerduck is a lopsided character, his assistant Lusky is comical... they allow you to tell the rivalry with $crooge in a way that’s always amusing and never repetitive.»

Tell us the truth, how many bowlers did you make the "Rookie" swallow during the decades?

"Lots, he must have had indigestion! The reader always expects such an ending, but I always feel a bit sorry for him. Next time I'll serve him a Borsalino or a beret or a flat cap on a silver platter: I'm tired of drawing bowler hats!»

#john d. rockerduck #rockerduck #rockerduck 60th anniversary #topolino magazine #topolino 3438 #la ballata di john d. rockerduck #the ballad of john d. rockerduck #preview #interviews with the authors #marco nucci #giorgio cavazzano #italians don't be stingies if you wanna read the interview just go buy topolino

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