Like its predecessors in Fantagraphics’ ongoing Disney Afternoon Adventures series, the latest entry isn’t entirely devoted to its title stars. Instead, the book features a collection of classic comic stories from across the Disney Afternoon cartoon roster, with Chip ‘n Dale accounting for roughly half of the content for this volume. The comics were all originally published between 1986-1998, and are collected here in book format for the first time since their initial printings in Disney Adventures magazine and other publications around the world.
Buy Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers: Scheme the Impossible DreamThe plucky chipmunks lead off the book with the titular tale, Scheme the Impossible Dream, as they set out with their sidekicks Gadget, Monty, and Zipper to track down a mysterious Egyptian artifact before it falls into the hands of the nefarious Fat Cat. As disturbing events occur along the way, the team gradually realizes that they’re falling victim to hypnosis that is tearing their partnership apart and engaging them in criminal activity. This changes their objective from treasure rescue to deprogramming, racing against time to save themselves before they become mindless slaves to Fat Cat.
Next up are two brief stories starring the Gummi Bears and Darkwing Duck before the book launches into its longest entry, the 52-page Rescue Rangers yarn, Who Will Rescue the Rescue Rangers? Here the gang face off against newly discovered rival organizations who also proclaim good-guy rescue objectives, including a ferocious swarm of wasps, some fearless frogs, and the gadget-obsessed Techno-Rats. All of the in-fighting amongst the rival groups leaves a big opportunity for a gang of evil cats to have their way, leading to an epic showdown as the heroes finally attempt to coordinate their efforts in time to thwart the felines.
After short appearances from Talespin, Ducktales, and Goof Troop, the chipmunks close out the book with another short story. All of the stories are mindless fun, delivered in charming, fairly consistent artwork crafted in the classic Disney house style. That consistency leaves little room for any true artistic standouts, with the work so interchangeable that it likely first appeared with the blanket creative credit of “Disney artists”. Thankfully, the original writers and artists are all properly identified and credited here, along with the source publication details for each of the stories.
The book is a blast for devotees of the old-school Disney Afternoon programming block, Disney cartoon aficionados in general, and all-ages comics fans. With wide character variety but special attention to the chipmunk stars, the book offers something for everyone. Presented in a sturdy hardcover format and acid-free matte paper, it’s built to last for generations to come, ensuring that these once-disposable magazine stories will stand the test of time.
