David Gerstein's Virtual Inkwell

AS CONTRIBUTING RESEARCH HISTORIAN

Walt Disney Treasures—The Chronological Donald Vol. 4 (Walt Disney Home Video, 2008) collects Donald Duck short cartoons from 1951-1961 with various supplementary extras. I worked with series host/co-producer Leonard Maltin and EMC West producer Ted Nicolaou in developing "Donald Goes to Press," a documentary outlining the history of Donald Duck comics. Apart from suggesting themes that the doc could cover and providing narration via interview footage, I also chose and restored most comics images used in the featurette.

Walt Disney Treasures—The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (Walt Disney Home Video, 2007) collects Oswald short cartoons from 1927-1928 with various supplementary extras. I worked with Leonard Maltin and Walt Disney Pictures Director of Library Restoration and Preservation Theo Gluck to help locate and restore formerly lost or unavailable Oswald shorts, as well as better quality materials on films Disney already possessed.

AS COMMENTATOR

Walt Disney Treasures—More Silly Symphonies (Walt Disney Home Video, 2006) collects Silly Symphony short cartoons from 1929-1938 with various supplementary extras. I worked with Leonard Maltin and Sparkhill producer Bernadette Bowman during production of the extras, contributing audio commentary on the shorts Monkey Melodies (1930), Cannibal Capers (1930) and Bugs in Love (1932). I also provided Sparkhill with vintage comics and related documents from my personal collection, many of which were used in the DVD set's gallery features.

back to top

AS AUTHOR/EDITOR

Walt Disney's Hall of Fame: Dick Kinney and Al Hubbard (Egmont Serieforlaget Norway, 2008) collects Disney comics from 1950-1971 with accompanying script pages, character sketches, and essays, pairing my own work with guest pieces by Alberto Becattini and Jon Gisle. Aside from compiling the book's contents and tracking down archival sources, I also restored the rare story "A Cop's Policeman" to its original page layout.

Walt Disney Treasures—Uncle Scrooge: A Little Something Special (Gemstone Publishing, 2008) collects Disney comics from 1947-2006 with two accompanying in-depth essays. Available from amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and directly from the publisher, this is the second official comics tie-in to Walt Disney Home Video's ongoing Walt Disney Treasures DVD series.

Walt Disney Treasures—Disney Comics: 75 Years of Innovation (Gemstone Publishing, 2006) collects Disney comics from 1930-2004 with two accompanying in-depth essays. This earlier Treasures trade paperback is also available from amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or directly from the publisher.

Mickey and the Gang: Classic Stories in Verse (Gemstone Publishing, 2005) collects Good Housekeeping Disney cartoon adaptations from 1934-1944 with accompanying animation production art and my extensive commentary. This oversized coffee table book is available from amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or directly from the publisher in both paperback and limited edition hardback editions.
      · Read Mickey and the Gang's pages on Donald Duck's debut appearance and its Good Housekeeping adaptation. Text by David Gerstein, new color by Scott Rockwell, layout by Michael Kronenberg.

Donald Duck: 70 Years (Egmont Serieforlaget A/S, 2004) collects Disney comics from 1937-1994 with my decade-by-decade commentary. Versions of the book were published in Denmark, Norway and Sweden (pictured at right).

The Walt Disney Centennial Book (Egmont Serieforlaget A/S, 2001) collects Disney comics from 1930-present with my decade-by-decade commentary. My favorite edition is the Swedish one (pictured at left), incorporating an extra helping of annotations. Norwegian, Danish, and Bulgarian editions also exist.

70 Years With Mickey Mouse (Egmont Serieforlaget A/S, 1998) collects Disney comics from 1940-1998 with an original wraparound story by myself and artist Cesar Ferioli. Versions of the book were published in Denmark, Germany (pictured at left), Japan, Norway, and Sweden.

Nine Lives To Live: A Classic Felix Celebration (Fantagraphics, 1996) collects Otto Messmer Felix the Cat comics from 1923-1932 with my extensive commentary and appendices. The book is available from amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or directly from the publisher.

back to top

AS CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR/EDITOR

The Big Black Book of Donald Duck (Egmont Serieforlaget A/S, 2008) collects Disney comics from 1955-2007. While I wasn't involved in choosing most of the included stories, I did supply an extensive introduction and other accompanying text features. Versions of the book have been published in Denmark (pictured at right), Norway, and Sweden.

Animation Art: From Pencil To Pixel (Harper Design International, 2004) was edited by renowned cartoon researcher Jerry Beck. As one of Mr. Beck's contributing authors, I researched and wrote seventeen pages of text copy, including analyses of Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat, Woody Woodpecker, and the studios that created them.

Looney Tunes: The Ultimate Visual Guide (Dorling Kindersley, 2003) was written by Jerry Beck with several research associates, myself included. I wrote over 20 pages of text copy, including analyses of Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, the Tasmanian Devil, and the Three Bears. A condensed reprint of Visual Guide was sold in 2008 with Best Buy's Looney Tunes: Golden Collection, Vol. 6 special edition; this shortened version contained 14 pages of my work.

Black Images in the Comics (Fantagraphics, 2003) is by Swedish comics scholar Fredrik Strömberg. I was one of the book's two copyeditors, working on pages 22-109 (note: not pages 1-97, as incorrectly stated in the book's indicia). I myself authored individual pages discussing Warner Bros' Bosko, Walter Lantz's Li'l Eight Ball, MGM's Mammy Two-Shoes, and Disney's The Head.

back to top

AS ARCHIVAL EDITOR

Uncle Scrooge 347-386, Walt Disney's Comics and Stories 662-701 (both Gemstone Publishing), and other North American Disney comics included various vintage and foreign stories that I selected, often accompanied by my own historical text pieces. As Gemstone Publishing's Archival Editor, I researched—and helped Editor-In-Chief John Clark to acquire—
standout Disney comics material from around the world, often with the aid of research colleagues or by visiting the vaults and archives of other Disney licensees. From there I was intimately involved in the stories' translation, coloring and/or restoration once they were received in-house.
      See above for Gemstone book collections that I more fully project-managed.

Walt Disney's Christmas Jubilee Present (Egmont Serieforlaget Norway) is a series of annual classic reprint compilations. The oblong stocking-stuffer magazines feature vintage Disney stories and covers restored from archival sources—many published for the first time since the 1940s—together with my own introductory editorial pieces. I've had the pleasure of picking all the material that's gone into this series, and have personally restored and remounted some stories for the magazines' special oblong format.
      · Read "Chef Donald," a Donald Duck story formatted for Christmas Jubilee Present 6 (2006). Story by Daan Jippes; art by Michel Nadorp; translation by Harry Fluks; dialogue and remounting of art by David Gerstein.

AS STORY EDITOR

Donald Duck Adventures (Gemstone Publishing), Walt Disney's Jumbo Book (Egmont Serieforlaget A/S), and other American and international Disney comics regularly contain stories I edited for Denmark's Egmont Creative A/S between 1997 and 2004. The unit I supervised included writers such as Lars Jensen, Stefan Petrucha, and Sarah Kinney. In 2000, I worked intensively with Jensen and artist Flemming Andersen in a branded series workshop, creating the Donald and Fethry Duck science fiction feature "Tamers of Nonhuman Threats" ("TNT"), which continues to date. My unit also produced several thousand pages of traditional Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald, and Scrooge McDuck stories over the years.
      · Read the first 14 pages of "Blue Rain," the first "TNT" story. Plot and script by Lars Jensen; art by Flemming Andersen; color by Egmont; editing, American dialogue, and lettering by David Gerstein. Published domestically in Donald Duck Adventures 4 (2004).

AS WRITER

Walt Disney's Comics and Stories (Gemstone Publishing), 80 Jahre Micky Maus (Egmont Ehapa Verlag GmbH), and other American and international Disney comics include original stories I've written and/or rescripted for Gemstone and/or Egmont Creative A/S. The stories star such characters as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Brer Rabbit, and the Big Bad Wolf.
      · Read "History Re-Petes Itself," a Mickey Mouse story. Plot, script, dialogue, and lettering by David Gerstein; art by Romano Scarpa; editing by Byron Erickson; color by Susan Daigle-Leach. Published domestically in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories 654 (2005).

Comic Book Marketplace (Gemstone Publishing) has published several examples of my historical research. Most recently appearing is "Disney Comics: Back to Long Ago!", a feature article in CBM 103. The twenty-two page article analyses the development of Disney comics stories in multiple continents over a seventy-year span.
      · Read "Disney Comics: Back to Long Ago!" Text and archival contributions by David Gerstein; layout by Michael Kronenberg.

back to top

AT THE VIRTUAL INKWELL

Big Bad Wolf History and reference text on Disney's Big Bad Wolf and Three Little Pigs. Written in 2002 for use in publicity by European Disney comics publishers (see below for a German version).

Biryani recipes Just as it sounds, several recipes for my favorite Indian dish. Last updated in 1993.

The Cartoon Pop Music Page Learn the secret history behind the musical scores of early sound animated cartoons—by way of rare sheet music scans, RealVideo cartoon clips, and RealAudio samples from turn-of-the-century music hall comedians.

Charlie Chaplin: A World Wide Web Celebration A selection of lavishly illustrated essays on Chaplin's tramp character, private life, and political involvement. Last updated in 1996.

Fethry Duck A writers' guide to Donald's beatnik cousin. Written (with Lars Jensen) in 1999 and 2000 for internal use at Egmont Creative A/S.

Of Rocks and Socks: The Winkler Oswalds Walt Disney stopped making Oswald Rabbit cartoons in summer 1928. Walter Lantz picked up the torch in summer 1929. Who made the year of Oswald cartoons in between? Let Pietro Shakarian and myself enlighten you!

Van Beuren's Tom and Jerry Long before the cat and mouse, these two human ne'er-do-wells wreaked havoc in a series of classic cartoons. Co-managed by Pietro Shakarian.

back to top

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

The Classic Felix the Cat Page Take a look at classic comics by Otto Messmer, Felix's creator; browse the most complete Felix filmography to date, and enjoy classic Felix theme songs and music hall shanties. Co-managed by Pietro Shakarian.

German Disney character biographies Presented by European comics publisher Egmont Ehapa Verlag GmbH. Currently available are April, May and June (Dicky, Dacky und Ducky), Big Bad Wolf (Ede Wolf), Gladstone Gander (Gustav Gans), Gus Goose (Franz Gans), Jose Carioca, and Sylvester Shyster (Balduin Beutelschneider). German translation from my original texts by Ehapa's editors.

Floyd Gottfredson Discussion of the master Mickey Mouse cartoonist's life, art styles, and artistic development over a forty-year period. Part of Per Starback's Disney comics pages.

back to top

ANIMATION/CARTOONS

Animation Nation and the Animation Nation Bulletin Board constitute Charles Zembillas' ongoing web effort to organize intelligent animators toward more cost-effective and bureaucracy-free cartoon production.

Cartoon Brew and Cartoon Research Historian Jerry Beck's great web resources showcase commentary on animation past and present.

The Columbia Crow's Nest Pietro Shakarian's tribute to Columbia's (and UPA's) classic characters. Meet refined, cultured, easily-suckered Fauntleroy Fox, eternal wise guy Crawford S. Crow, and a cast of dozens.

The Disney Animated Shorts Encyclopedia and Disney Animation Forum Mice, ducks, goofs, and bad wolves get their due at this intricate site and associated message board.

Don Markstein's Toonopedia Mickey Mouse and Bucky Bug comics writer Don Markstein offers short, well-read biographies of more cartoon characters than you ever knew existed.

DuckFilm and DuckFilm Forum German index of Disney animated shorts and associated message board.

goldenagecartoons.com is not only a home to my Felix the Cat pages; it's also your one-stop source for many other legendary cartoon studio research points.

homestarrunner.com Rustic and filled with old-world cardboard charm, the Pizz serves up Strong Badian-style pizza at a price that won't leave a dent in your wallet!

Inkwell Images Ink provides Ray Pointer's uniquely high quality collections of Alice Comedies, Mutt and Jeff, Koko the Clown, Krazy Kat, and other classic silent cartoons on DVD.

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies and The Termite Terrace Trading Post What's up, doc? Here's the central web resource and message board for fans of Bugs, Porky, Sylvester and the gang.

Scrappyland Harry McCracken chronicles "The Screen's Lovable Mischief Kid" and his long-suffering playmates, Vontzy and Yippy.

shaneglines.net Spumco artist Shane Glines presents his good girl art and a rotating selection of classic cartoon and comic inspiration.

Song of the South.net History hasn't been kind to the live-action framing sequences of Disney's 1946 Song of the South, but the animated Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and Brer Rabbit remain some of cartoons' greatest characters.

Tom's Vintage Film Enjoy Police Dog, Farmer Al Falfa, Grouch Chaser and more in Tom Stathes' homebrewed silent cartoon DVD titles.

The Walter Lantz Cartune Encyclopedia Internet home for fans of the pre-Pixar Woody, Andy, and Buzz. Ha-ha-ha-HA-ha!

back to top

COMICS

Andeby Online (Duckburg Online) "Your source for ducks on the Internet" features discussion and reviews of the Norwegian Disney comics.

Comicforum's Disney-Comics Forum is the place for German discussion of Disney comics. Fans here idolize the Mickey Mouse comics of the 1980s—the type where Mickey is a genius detective. You have been warned.

DisneyBasen is Peter Friis Jeppesen's singlehanded attempt to review all Danish Disney comics and digests.

Comicforum's Fix und Foxi Forum discusses Rolf Kauka's teenage kid foxes and their irrepressible wolf pal Lupo.

Dansk Donaldist-Forening (RAP) is where you'll find Danish discussion of the present European Disney comics.

The Dubworks Jonathan Gray, comics Renaissance man (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mickey Mouse) and longtime personal friend, presents his solo creations: "Chip and Walter," "Time Trouble" and more.

I. N. D. U. C. K. S. The world's most complete index to international Disney comics is this ongoing project to which I contribute. COA features the best browsing system for searching the database files.

LTB Online features reviews of the Lustiges Taschenbuch, Germany's 256-page monthly Disney comics digest.

Oddball Comics and the Oddball Comics Message Board finds Hanna-Barbera pundit Scott Shaw poking fun at funnybooks' kitschiest and most ridiculous.

Papersera (The Duckburg Chronicle) is a guide and breaking-news source for Italian Disney comics.

Platypus Comix Meet Mulberry Sharona, fiendishly manipulative teenage tycoon. "Not everyone in a regal situation is an airheaded whiny stuck-up bimbo," she pontificates. "No, some of us are intelligent. Some of us pose an actual threat to you. Get me?"

back to top

COOKING

Delia Online collects numerous interesting British recipes, including rabbit pie, one of my all-time favorites.

germandeli.com offers ingredients I can find nowhere else outside of Europe, including super sausages and of course, Katjes Yogurt Gums.

The Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon presents wild game like you've never seen it—in great soups and main courses to die for. Especially if you're a boar.

Max Brenner Known only as "the chocolate restaurant" to my New York friends, Max Brenner provides a combination of extremely cute food and delicious, exotic wait staff... or was it the other way around? (Excuse the crudity, people. It's the hormones talking.)

McSweeney's Internet Tendency offers useful and funny reviews of new snack foods.

Scotch Ostrich Egg Some foods you just have to see to believe...

back to top

FAMILY AND FRIENDS' WEB SPACES

Alberto Becattini shares his interests and research works.

Harry Fluks offers a photo album of himself and his friends and Disney collector colleagues.

Ben Gerstein is more than "just" my brother—he's a devoted musician, poet, and scholar who richly understands the meaning of devoting one's life to one's art form. Would that we all could find ourselves so fully and completely. Love you, Benj.

Jonathan Gray, comics Renaissance man (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mickey Mouse), presents his solo creations: "Chip and Walter," "Time Trouble" and more at The Dubworks! (Easy, Snuffles. Big Mickey will protect you from the bad juju.)

Rune Meikle thrills us to some pulse-pounding, self-drawn and colored sights and sounds.

Yazann Romahi reveals his travels, his friends, and his explorations in finance.

Tarkan Daniel Rosenberg is one of my oldest friends. His extensive website features samples of his fascinating and thought-provoking photography, as well as the superb webzine IntraFlaneur.

Magnus Tait shares webspace at his father Charles Tait's photography site.

back to top

THE MUSIC HALL

The UCSB Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project is ever-growing, with literally thousands of one-time hits now available for download.

back to top