NOS
News from the NOS•
The Dutch version of the weekly Donald Duck turns 70 today. The magazine is still popular. According to editor-in-chief Ferdi Felderhof, this is mainly due to recognizability, “but we are also keeping up with the times”.
“The figures and Duckburg haven’t changed much. Anyone who read the magazine twenty or thirty years ago still recognizes Donald Duck from his childhood,” Felderhof tells NOS Radio 1 Journaal.
At the same time, he also sees that the magazine is keeping up with the times. For example, the duck has an egg, his grandchildren are on social media, and the Beagle Boys try to rob Scrooge’s money warehouse in a drone story. “But she is still the same duck with the same bad luck and short temper,” says publisher Bas Schuddeboom.
The magazine is controlled by Disney and usually avoids controversy. However, some of the current discussions sometimes come to Duckburg. Felderhof: “Last year we had a story where everyone in Duckburg was nagging and hypersensitive. With a wink we make a story about something that can be seen in society.”
Diversity and inclusiveness also play a bigger role in stories than before. Felderhof: “Duckstad has become more diverse. As editors we thought: there are ducks, geese, cows and mice out there, so it’s already very diverse. But we often got the question from readers: why is everyone in Duckburg white?”
Colorful characters
In response, the creators have introduced more non-white characters. And according to the editor-in-chief, the weekly has become even more inclusive. For example, in 2019, after a reader’s appeal, a lesbian couple was seen and now there is also a character in a wheelchair who is having adventures.
“In the first stories he still played a role that he is in a wheelchair, but now he only takes part in all the adventures and his disability doesn’t get in the way. We also think it’s important to show it. Much appreciated by children who have disabilities themselves.”
According to the editor-in-chief, there are still many stories to tell. And publisher Schuddeboom also thinks there will be many more copies of the more than 3,700 Donald Duck comics that have already appeared. “Donald’s life offers so many opportunities for stories, so we’re not done yet.”
