Nouveau2dcomics's musings and thoughts - Mickey and beyond

[nouveau2dcomics]

Well, I've bitten the bullet and started my collection of the Fantagraphics library. First up, the first six volumes of "Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse" by Floyd Gottfredson. It's my intention to go through each story and give my thoughts on each and I'm delighted to see there is an introduction and essays at the beginning of each volume. Love when older things are put in context and folks who love the material are asked to say a few words.

Expect an update by sometime tomorrow.

[bats]

There are few places better to start than the one you chose.

Though as a new reader, it's worth knowing that the first volume of the Gottfredson library starts with the second story, while the first one is located at the back of the book as bonus material, so that book is best read by jumping to the back of it first.

[nouveau2dcomics]

Jun 7, 2024 23:46:16 GMT bats said:

There are few places better to start than the one you chose.

Though as a new reader, it's worth knowing that the first volume of the Gottfredson library starts with the second story, while the first one is located at the back of the book as bonus material, so that book is best read by jumping to the back of it first.

I appreciate the info.

I noticed that when I looked over the table of contents, but I rather just read the book front to back. I'm keeping chronology in mind, believe you me. 


Mickey Mouse in Death Valley (1930) 

-Definitely a comic of it's time. I feel like my dearly departed grandparents and great-aunts and uncles would get these references and zingers better than me. 

-Such a small detail, but it's very cute that a little bird followed Mickey to talk to the sheriff and pantomimes his actions.

-Despite Mickey and Minnie being depicted as "actual" mice before, most notably in "When The Cat's Away", it's still odd to see them doing something so quintessentially mouse-like as eating cheese.

-Hank comes through as the MVP

-I guess Uncle Mortimer had little else going on so he figured he'd pool all his resources into arresting a crooked lawyer. Wonder what business he has out east.

[Mesterius]

It's also worth noting that many of the introductory essays for the specific stories include spoilers. I would recommend reading them AFTER you have read the actual comics.

[djnyr]

Jun 8, 2024 15:10:36 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

Jun 7, 2024 23:46:16 GMT bats said:

Mickey Mouse in Death Valley (1930) 



-I guess Uncle Mortimer had else going on so he figured he'd pool all his resources into arresting a crooked lawyer. Wonder what business he has out east.

Yes, Death Valley is a lot of fun, but it's clear that the plot was being made up on a completely ad hoc basis all the way along--the ultimate revelation by Uncle Mortimer makes absolutely no sense when you go back and look at the early strips; he had enough knowledge to expose Shyster as soon as the lawyer kidnapped Minnie at the old mansion, making the whole Western trip unnecessary. On a much smaller plot-hole level, notice how the two bounty hunters that set out after Mickey disappear from the story after their introductory strip; I've always wondered what the story behind that false start was--did Gottfredson just forget them, or did Walt tell him to drop them, as they'd just overcomplicate things? 

[nouveau2dcomics]

Jun 8, 2024 21:50:34 GMT djnyr said:

Jun 8, 2024 15:10:36 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

Mickey Mouse in Death Valley (1930) 



-I guess Uncle Mortimer had else going on so he figured he'd pool all his resources into arresting a crooked lawyer. Wonder what business he has out east.

Yes, Death Valley is a lot of fun, but it's clear that the plot was being made up on a completely ad hoc basis all the way along--the ultimate revelation by Uncle Mortimer makes absolutely no sense when you go back and look at the early strips; he had enough knowledge to expose Shyster as soon as the lawyer kidnapped Minnie at the old mansion, making the whole Western trip unnecessary. On a much smaller plot-hole level, notice how the two bounty hunters that set out after Mickey disappear from the story after their introductory strip; I've always wondered what the story behind that false start was--did Gottfredson just forget them, or did Walt tell him to drop them, as they'd just overcomplicate things? 

Oh yeah, you can tell there was some trading of hands throughout the serial's run. Walt had the good bones of a story, but things started to pick up when Gottfredson started getting his toes wet. Stuck an okay landing I'd say, certainly never boring. And good gosh you're right! I totally forgot all about those two bounty hunters that were set up as an extra threat. Huh. I feel like they would overcomplicate things as it was pretty close to the end there; only a few more weeks at the time. It was probably paramount that they wrap all the threads of Shyster/Pete and the Sheriff, plus The Fox's grand reveal.

[Spectrus]

Jun 8, 2024 21:37:17 GMT Mesterius said:

It's also worth noting that many of the introductory essays for the specific stories include spoilers. I would recommend reading them AFTER you have read the actual comics.

I agree with that.

For what it's worth, I've finally got the two Sunday books so now I have a complete set of the German Gottfredson Library (which is mostly a direct translation of the Fantagraphics edition). Very happy!

[bats]

Jun 9, 2024 0:49:07 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

Oh yeah, you can tell there was some trading of hands throughout the serial's run. Walt had the good bones of a story, but things started to pick up when Gottfredson started getting his toes wet.

Absolutely. Had you read the first story first you'd realized even further just how much Gottfredson added to the strip.

[nouveau2dcomics]

Jun 11, 2024 22:05:29 GMT bats said:

Jun 9, 2024 0:49:07 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

Oh yeah, you can tell there was some trading of hands throughout the serial's run. Walt had the good bones of a story, but things started to pick up when Gottfredson started getting his toes wet.

Absolutely. Had you read the first story first you'd realized even further just how much Gottfredson added to the strip.

I'm aware the first strips are a bit shaky with Walt being the writer and Ub and Win being the artists. I've read a bit about Mickey's comic history courtesy of that Taschen tome, so I know what to expect when I reach the chronological first serial, "Lost on a Desert Island". Even if I read them out of order, I think I will be able to discern the rise in quality.

Mr. Slicker and the Egg Robbers (1930)

-Good way to show a little continuity and a good gag in general, with Mickey being a little clumsy. Trading in those cowboy boots for his old clodhoppers would definitely take an adjustment period. 

-The sentience of four-legged animals in Mickey's world never ceases to amuse me. That's why the pig purposely getting in the way of that guy's putt had me smirk. His pose is so sassy.

-I like the extension of the usual cast of background suspects. In the cartoons, you're more likely to see pigs, goats, cows, mules, cats and dogs. But here we see other mice, apes, wolfish looking baddies and even some squirrels.

-Very morbid seeing Mickey trying to off himself, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't get my first good laugh out of him contemplating throwing an anvil tethered to himself into a lake, only to question a fish of the water's temperature. The fish replies that it's cold and Mickey replies, "guess I'd better wait till tomorrow then!" and chucks the anvil and rope into the lake without a moment's hesitation.

-Genuinely heart warming to see Minnie's father, Marcus, not just be worried about the farm failing, but also show concern about having enough money to pay for Minnie's college prospects. I wonder what she would major in?

-Ah, Uncle Mortimer's business out east was hunting for salami. Hope he makes a heck of a sandwich.

-So this is the infamous Butch? Seems like a conman with the heart of a marshmallow.

-Minnie's been through the wringer in this one, but sure go ahead Mickey, raise that blood pressure

[nouveau2dcomics]

Back for more!

Mickey Mouse Music (1930-1931)

-Not a lot to say about these next three as they're short continuities, but they ooze with charm. Can see funnies from 90+ years ago influence what I see in the paper today.

-Very cute image of Mickey and the cat sitting in the rain under his "piccolo" case. Can almost hear the rainfall and dulcet tones.

-Huh, so eating a ukulele AND sheet music turns one goat into a crank organ (Steamboat Willie), but the other into a corpse. Solid gag.

The Picnic (1931)

-Dog big.

Traffic Troubles (1931)

-Phew, who know Horace was such a daredevil?

-This Pete-type policeman may be upset about this gag, but it really got me.

-That meter reads $17.36, but adjusted for inflation, it'd be $323.89!


Okay, next big serial...


Mickey Mouse Vs. Kat Nipp (1931)

-I feel like I should have more to say about this one, but I just don't.

-There's an argument to be made that Kat Nipp was just minding his own business and moved into a town that didn't seem too crowded during the Depression. Mickey at first only wanted a peek of this self-proclaimed tough guy, but then it just turns into badgering. I know Mickey is just being a little rascal and Kat Nipp is happy to keep him occupied, but I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the guy as he's run out of town.

[nouveau2dcomics]

Mickey Mouse, Boxing Champion (1931)

-Ah, a mister Taliaferro enters the ring as our new inker.

-Something really amusing about Mickey commenting on how he bets Minnie thinks he's forgotten all about her. Only for the story to do exactly that after she introduces Mickey to Ruffhouse.

-"The Daily Explosion" is a fantastic name for a newspaper.

-Ruffhouse may be a lazy lout, but at least he's entertaining to watch. The clumsiness is one thing, but his laissez-faire attitude towards the whole bout also adds to it.

-Ha! Mickey's taking an even more extreme approach to "motivating" his peer than he did with Donald in "Symphony Hour".

-Well gosh Horace, you must've broken your leg right before heading into the building because I saw you and Clarabelle moseying in.

-I am just as happy as Mickey to see Butch again.

-Hey Minnie, nice of the story to remember you.

High Society (1931)
-Buh-whuh? Mickey you want Butch to be thrown back in the slammer? He saved your rear!

-Ah, I shouldn't have worried. Leave it to Mickey to see the good in a person...I hope this doesn't horribly backfire.

-To quote Will Smith, "He's a little confused, but he got the spirit".

-  Gottfredson could've just had Butch stay in one pose, with minor expression changes, but he went the extra mile turning Butch's body language into a gag with that piano

-Another Mickey & Butch adventure? I'm ecstatic and the circus should be a great venue for mischief

[Ramapith]

Jun 25, 2024 22:18:24 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

-I am just as happy as Mickey to see Butch again.

Did you notice Butch's new outfit of striped sweater and cap? It's the one he wears in modern comics, of course, but there's actually more to it than that.

At the time of FGL Vol. 1's preparation, our scholars' team didn't know yet—but this costume was related to the spring 1931 touring stage show, Mickey Mouse Idea, which incredibly featured Butch as Mickey's sidekick. It also gave him his full name of "Bozo Butch," never used in the strip, which is why we missed him: most accounts of the show call him only Bozo.



Mickey, Minnie, and Butch kind of lost something in this early transformation to costume form...

[mousemaestro]

Jun 26, 2024 1:44:08 GMT Ramapith said:

Jun 25, 2024 22:18:24 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

-I am just as happy as Mickey to see Butch again.

Did you notice Butch's new outfit of striped sweater and cap? It's the one he wears in modern comics, of course, but there's actually more to it than that.

At the time of FGL Vol. 1's preparation, our scholars' team didn't know yet—but this costume was related to the spring 1931 touring stage show, Mickey Mouse Idea, which incredibly featured Butch as Mickey's sidekick. It also gave him his full name of "Bozo Butch," never used in the strip, which is why we missed him: most accounts of the show call him only Bozo.



Mickey, Minnie, and Butch kind of lost something in this early transformation to costume form...

The Mickey costume looks like a near-perfect duplication of the first Mickey plushes or are my eyes deceiving me? 

The container of cheese showcases the more animalistic features of Mickey's earliest works. 

[nouveau2dcomics]

Jun 26, 2024 1:44:08 GMT Ramapith said:

Jun 25, 2024 22:18:24 GMT nouveau2dcomics said:

-I am just as happy as Mickey to see Butch again.

Did you notice Butch's new outfit of striped sweater and cap? It's the one he wears in modern comics, of course, but there's actually more to it than that.

At the time of FGL Vol. 1's preparation, our scholars' team didn't know yet—but this costume was related to the spring 1931 touring stage show, Mickey Mouse Idea, which incredibly featured Butch as Mickey's sidekick. It also gave him his full name of "Bozo Butch," never used in the strip, which is why we missed him: most accounts of the show call him only Bozo.



Mickey, Minnie, and Butch kind of lost something in this early transformation to costume form...

I did notice that, but I hadn't put two and two together about how the play may have had a link to the currently running arc in the comic strip. I remember reading about the play in the Taschen book and finding the pictures amusing, early Mickey/Minnie costumes are always fun to look at; somehow less terrifying then the 50's Disneyland costumes. Butch's is actually pretty cute. That must've been quite an "ah-ha!" moment when the mystery of "Bozo" was solved.

Don't know whose idea it was to christen Butch with the extra moniker. I assume Fanny and Marco had writers that they entrusted to come up with the script, but they probably still approved it   

[nouveau2dcomics]

Circus Roustabout (1931)
-Again, smaller continuities, so less to say

-Butch seems to be taking on a smaller role this time around

-Hmmm, seems to me a good way to "get rid of" Mickey would be to throw him off the property. Oh, the manger meant that literally

-Not much of an ice chest if it's got a hole in the top. If anything the manager should be thanking him for pointing that out

-Ambrose Bones, skeleton man of the circus. Such a frightening name for a string bean of a character

-Guess Butch is just working with this circus I guess?

Pluto the Pup (1931)
-Pluto seems like just any old dog we've seen in the strip prior, until the July 13th entry where he acquires his collar and correct coloring


Next big serial...

Mickey Mouse and the Ransom Plot (1931)
-If one's looking for the best of both destinations, the beach and the mountains, may I suggest the lake squirreled away in the hills?

-Right on Mickey! He knows what I'm talking about! Compromise

-I wonder whose decision it was to refer to Horace by his last name? Probably the only of Mickey's pals I've seen this happen with. Clarabelle sometimes calls him by his full name, but only when she's super exasperated with him

-Ah, okay there's a simple "Horace" from Mickey on the August 11th entry

-Well if two grown women can fit in there, then I think poor Pluto could too! I like the gag of them still having their shoes on

-For once I agree with Clarabelle! Never swim in a lake after a heavy rainfall, especially if you live near a fam. That's just begging for a case of E. coli

-Another simple "Horace" from Clarabelle on the August 18th entry...okay I'll stop

-Pluto just brought back one of the most adorable depictions of a porcupine I've ever seen

-It wouldn't be an early 30's Mickey adventure if music didn't solve at least one problem

-Even with the historical explanation at the beginning, it's hard to not feel your eyes wanting to roll back into your skull. Romanticization and xenophobia combine to form one heck of a depiction

-Never really thought of there being an age gap between Mickey/Minnie and Horace/Clarabelle, but that's what this serial has been suggesting. Guess I'm more used to their 00's-10's depictions where they are more or less depicted as peers in the same age group. Though I guess 1990's "Prince and the Pauper" had Horace playing a stuffy, old tutor to rascally Prince Mickey

-Clarabelle may have a big mouth and be a bit fussy Horace, but she sure looked more than capable of doing something with that cleaver in one hand and the knife in the other

-Things I thought I'd never witness: Minnie going to town on one of her kidnappers ears