The city of St. Canard is home to a thousand criminals, but not one of them dares make a move, for this city has a shadowy guardian who hunts them like a phantom in the darkness. I am that guardian. I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the winged scourge that pecks at your nightmares! I am Darkwing Duck!
„
~ Darkwing's opening monologue in the episode "That Sinking Feeling".
“
Let's get dangerous!
„
~ Darkwing's famous catchphrase.
“
Suck gas evil-doer.
„
~ Darkwing when he prepares to use his gas gun.
Darkwing Duck (real name Drake Mallard) is the titular main protagonist of the 1991-1992 cartoon series of the same name and tries to protect his city from a number of villains. He is a parody of awesome heroes such as Batman, Green Hornet and The Shadow, but unlike the former Darkwing Duck, he has a strong desire for fame and attention, a desire he often has to combat in order to stay heroic. His adopted daughter named Gosalyn Mallard, his sidekicks, Launchpad McQuack, and sometimes, Honker Muddlefoot, and his girlfriend, Morgana, help him in many adventures. Darkwing Duck begins to learn what being a true hero is all about.
The original Darkwing Duck series had three episodes depicting different, seemingly contradictory origins for how Drake Mallard became Darkwing. Creator Tad Stones stated that these were done deliberately for the humor, and would've written more backstories had the series run longer. These entailed the following:
"Paraducks", the first episode to delve into Drake's backstory, relates how Darkwing himself, traveling back in time, was the inspiration for young Drake Mallard to dream of becoming a superhero one day.
"The Secret Origins of Darkwing Duck" relates a hyperbolic pseudo-Superman tale, which is implied to be somewhat of a tall tale.
And in "Clash Reunion", a teenaged Drake saves his high school from his classmate Elmo Sputterspark (the person who eventually became the villainous "Megavolt") and makes his debut as Darkwing Duck.
According to the comic book adaptation of "Darkly Dawns the Duck", Drake was a Junior Woodchuck in his youth, as he still makes use of his Junior Woodchucks Guidebook (the actual episode instead refers to it as a generic "boy scout handbook").
Powers and Abilities[]
Darkwing Duck is famed for using his gun (that shoots smokebombs & grapling hooks), and driving his motorcycle or airjet (both shaped like his head) like Batman.
On several different occasions, he is given different superpowers for certain parts of his adventures, including the following:
Super Strength (in "Planet of the Capes" & "The Incredible Bulk")
Super Speed (With the side effect of aging, in "Going Nowhere Fast")
Gosalyn is Darkwing Duck/Drake Mallard's adoptive daughter. They first meet in "Darkly Dawns the Duck: Part 1" where he saves her from Taurus Bulba's henchmen. He took her to his lair and explains who he is and Taurus Bulba wants to capture her. After taking care of her Darkwing interacts with her. In "Darkly Dawns the Duck: Part 2" after Gosalyn was saved, Darkwing revealed his true identity to her and adopted her. Darkwing/Drake does his best to raise her, however when he tried to be a better parent in the episodes like "Slaves to Fashion" and "Toys Czar Us" it doesn't works out. He is jealous of her sometimes, sometimes he's telling her to her clean her room despite the fact she's not doing it. Despite her mischievous behavior he still loves her and cares about her.
Launchpad is Darkwing's best friend and sidekick. When they first met, Launchpad revealed that he is his biggest fan and he offered him to be his sidekick, they were chasing Taurus Bulba's henchmen but they failed and Darkwing refused Launchpad's offer. However, after Launchpad saved Darkwing from prison, Darkwing acceted him as his sidekick and now he is helping him with his chores and crime fighting. In "Water Way to Go" Darkwing made Launchpad his partner (but it's not official since Launchpad keeps referring to himself as Darkwing's sidekick). In "A Duck by Any Other Name" Darkwing is upset and jelaous that St. Canard thinks that Launchpad is Darkwing, however Launchpad is trying to prove them that they are wrong. Darkwing doesn't likes Launchpad's stupidity but he likes his potential.
Darkwing/Drake doesn't seems to hate Honker since he's smarter and more mature than his parents and brother. He refused to go to his birthday party because he hates his parents. However he sees potential in him and he doesn't minds him being Gosalyn's best friend.
Megavolt is Darkwing's archenemy, they have a strong enemyship. In "Clash Reunion" he is the first supervillain Darkwing ever faced, Darkwing/Drake is shocked when he finds out that Megavolt was his classmate Elmo Sputterspark. Despite their differences, Megavolt has been teaming up with Darkwing in the episodes: "Twitching Channels", "Stressed to Kill", "Jail Bird", "Negaduck" and "The Frequency Fiends", but only in "Stressed to Kill" and "The Frequency Fiends" Megavolt didn't tricked Darkwing Duck. In "The Frequency Fiends", Darkwing told Megavolt that he is his archenemy which made Megavolt flattered.
Negaduck[]
Negaduck is Darkwing Duck's arch-nemesis, evil doppelgänger and evil counterpart. They have strong enemyship since Negaduck is a Darkwing Duck from alternate universe, however Darkwing is always able to spoil Negaduck's plans. Darkwing hates when Negaduck frames him by disguising as Darkwing Duck. His enemyship with Negaduck is the same as Megavolt's.
Bushroot[]
Coming Soon
Quackerjack[]
Coming Soon
Liquidator[]
Darkwing doesn't have a strong enemyship with Liquidator. The only he was facing only him was in his origin episode "Dry Hard", he pushed him into the chemicals that turned Bud Flud into The Liquidator.
Quotes[]
“
This is the city of St. Canard. Like any other major metropolis, it has its problems with the criminal element.
„
~ Darkwing Duck's first line
“
[To policeman] Another order of dastardly delinquents delivered on your doorstep, courtesy of Darkwing Duck! That's two words, not three; both D's capitalized. Here's my photo. If the papers need more glossies my number's on the card. [chuckles]
„
“
I thought this was the age of media glut! Where's the Action News van when you need them? ...and I spent all afternoon ironing this cape.
„
“
[gets smashed by his refrigerator in his kitchen obstacle course] I always forget the milk.
„
“
[watching Taurus Bulba's condor through binoculars] I know birds fly south for the winter, but this is the first one I've seen with luggage!
„
“
[Darkwing crashes through the roof of Launchpad's hanger]
Bruised, battered, but never defeated, Darkwing Duck springs back into action![pops his back] Clever of me to use my spine to break my fall like that.
„
“
[nervously] Um, wouldn't it be easier to catch the bad guys if we were flying the other way?
„
“
[whines] They got away...
„
“
"We"? "We" do nothing. I work alone.
„
“
Singing cowboys have sidekicks! I rely on me, nobody but me, got that?
„
“
[pulls away] Let me make this clear to you: I never want to see you again!
„
“
[Darkwing is trying to find a place besides his hideout for Gosalyn to stay.] Where's my phonebook? I'll just find you a hotel or something. [under breath] Maybe the animal shelter has an opening.
„
“
You wouldn't!
„
“
A desperate criminal is at large, and terror runs through the streets like a pair of cheap stockings! But it's hopeless! No one gets the drop on Dark-
„
“
Oh yeah? Well, how's this? [flips Gosalyn upside down] In a lightning move, Darkwing turns the tables--[Gosalyn starts tickling him.] -on the t-tiny t-terror...will you stop that! That's no fair tickling...
„
“
Because... there is nothing so terrifying to the criminal mind as the unknown... I am the thing that goes bump in the night! I am the neurosis that requires a five-hundred-dollar-an-hour shrink!
„
“
That's right. Not no one, not never.
„
“
Well, uh... maybe. Someday.
„
“
What is a Waddlemeyer Ramrod anyway?
„
“
What does that mean?
„
“
Looks like you two were close.
„
“
Unfortunately, Taurus Bulba doesn't know that. His men will be searching for you, you know. [chuckles] Although if they knew how much spirit you have, they'd probably run the other way.
„
“
Uh, sure...
„
“
Aw, you just need something to relax you. I know I have a large mallet around here somewhere.
„
“
[hearing Gosalyn's snore] This kid could wake Elvis...
„
“
[In Darkwing Tower, Darkwing pulls the Boy Scout handbook out from under his pillow]
„
“
Phew! Sure glad I saved this baby!
„
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the jailer who throws away the key! I AM-- [notices he is alone] feeling really stupid. Boy I hate it when I'm early. You'd think criminal masterminds would be more punctual.
„
“
I could have had a life, but no, I chose to be a clown in a mask and cape! All I need are floppy shoes and bozo nose!!!
„
“
Gos, before I met you I didn't have a life worth risking.
„
“
Oh, the bandages? Just a little kitchen accident. I always forget the milk.
„
“
Nobody can hurt Dark- uh, Drake Mallard. Besides, I've got to take care of myself, now that I've going to have an adopted daughter to worry about
„
“
I was soon to discover that the only thing more dangerous than a half-plant, half-duck is a half-plant, half-duck in love.
„
“
[wrapping himself in vines] We're creating the perfect disguise to catch Bushroot!
„
“
I see. Well, then, that explains this incredible itching sensation. AAAAAH!
„
“
You feel "so sorry" for that villainous vegetable? That, that.. flipped-out, felonious flora?!? I'M the one with the Swiss-cheese cape!
„
“
[waving weedwhacker, which suddenly sputters and dies] It slices! It DICES! It-- runs out of gas...
„
“
Have I ever told you the story of the little girl, the golf club, and the firing squad?
„
“
Sometimes, being a parent makes crimefighting seem easy!
„
“
Drake: Admission for two adults and two tiny terrorists.
„
“
Phew, if that's Gosalyn, I can't be in a land of giants. I've probably just been... shrunk... to the size... of a... bug. Bleah.
„
“
Oh, no, no. I'm not a robber.
„
“
No, don't! He's getting away! Gosalyyyyynnn!!!!
„
~ Darkwing being arrested by the cops as Taurus Bulba escapes
“
Correct. I am just some weirdo in a mask.
„
“
[squeaky voice] Launchpad, I've been shrunk!
„
“
[shrieks] I'VE! BEEN! SHRUNK!
„
“
There are no vampire potatoes. Scientists who turn themselves into plants, yes, but vampire potatoes? That's ridiculous!
„
“
Gooood, maybe they can understand the plot!
„
“
Forget it, Gosalyn, you're too young to explode.
„
“
Singed... but... triumphant.
„
“
Fortunately, we have a psychological advantage.
„
“
No, because Megavolt is afraid of me. I've sent him to the electric chair. Twice.
„
“
You- are not a well person!
„
“
He's using everything but the kitchen sink!
„
“
I stand corrected.
„
“
[walks out of blindingly bright room] Launchpad, will you please turn on the lights?
„
“
[crashes into a mannequin] Oh, I see.
„
“
Nothing. [swallows] Absolutely nothing.
„
“
Just one.
„
“
We prefer the term physically challenged.
„
“
[as Death Valley Duck] Surrender, Big Chief. You're surrounded by an army of twelve-thousand soldiers. [whispers] That's an old military ploy we call "lying".
„
“
Launchpad, are you reading my comic book?
„
“
Did Hemingway have this problem? No, because he didn't live next door to the Muddlefoots!
„
“
I'd love to stay and chew the fat, babe...
„
“
Your little game is over, you revolting revisionist! Give it back, so I can finish off the scene where I finish you off!
„
“
Sorry pal, this thing's reality-based. You don't stand a chance against me!
„
“
No way! Lemme see that. Where?
„
“
What?! What kind of crazy science fiction are you trying to write? In any case, you oughta be twenty times smaller!
„
“
Have it your way. I can beat you no matter what size shoe you wear.
„
“
Oh, good, saved by my faithful pet, Super Bunny! Wait a minute! Since when did I have a faithful pet named "Super Bunny"?
„
“
Never send a bunny to do a duck's job.
„
“
A hero does the undoable, risks the unriskable, and thinks the unthinkable!
„
“
If it's oil Steelbeak wants, it's oil he'll get.
„
“
Well, maybe a little manic-depressive on weekends... But I'm sane enough to know that a couple of heroes like us can overcome the likes of FOWL organization. Launchpad, let's get dangerous.
„
“
Launchpad, you saved my life!
„
“
...Is the luckiest sidekick in the world! 'Bye, Princess. Me and the boss have to be going. Launchpad, I underestimated you. As far as I'm concerned, we're colleagues, brothers in arms.
„
“
I sure do! From now on, we're one hundred percent equals. (pause) Now get the bags.
„
“
Need I remind you about the time with the peanut butter, the floor wax, and my VCR?
„
“
If you haven't noticed, I happen to be WORKING, here.
„
“
No, thank you; I'd rather the equipment remain in one piece.
„
“
(in Gosalyn's body): Bottom line, babes, I may be a size two petite, but I am still me!
„
“
[in Gosalyn's body] I never yell at you like that. [sees car on stairs and gasps] YOU'RE GROUNDED FOR LIFE AND YOUR ALLOWANCE IS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER--Yow!
„
~ Darkwing Duck scolding Gosalyn for crashing his car through through the roof
“
The city's on fire! It's the blaze of the century! Call the fire department! Call the police! Call my insurance company!
„
“
I am the pustulant blister that bursts in your boot!
„
~ (Darkwing Duck confronting Steelbeak and his FOWL Eggmen
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the hero that every culture in the world needs! I, am Darkwing Duck!
„
“
[gasps] The rubber chicken!
„
“
No test can tell you how to live your life! A man like you, a man like me, we boldly go, and daringly do! Our heads are in the clouds, and our eyes are on the stars! Fill up your eyes with those stars, man! With every fill-up you get a free sports bike. Your future's out there, I tell ya! It's callin' to ya! And the future doesn't leave recorded messages by the way; you've got to BE THERE when she rings!
„
~ Darkwing Duck's voice of reason
“
All set for our big night out, Morgana? Let's get... amorous.
„
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night--stand back, you might get some blood on ya--I am the single career man all women want to date, I am-- ouch! [surprised] Quackerjack?!
„
“
As a superhero, I'm a super zero. The world has seen the last of Darkwing Duck.
„
“
[transformed by Morgana] Ha! I'm back! It'll take more than two treacherous transgressors to taint the track record of Darkwiiiiing... Yak?!
„
“
Fe fi fo fum, I am the terror that flaps in the night, I am-- [a lightpost collapses on his head] ...Steggmutt!
„
“
Busy? Oh, no, no, no. I am standing with two dangerous criminals Liquidator and Bushroot and we are playing "Let's Pretend".
„
“
Nice try, Greensleeves--
„
“
[from beneath it] This is the second most painful moment of my life.
„
“
"Put out the Darkwing, put out the Darkwing".
„
“
Four, eight, 326, ha! Numbers don't scare me. Once I catch up to those confounded criminals, their conniving conspiracy will be kaput.
„
“
Negaduck! So you're behind all of this!
„
“
[in unison with Negaduck] Don't you believe it, J. Gander! This fiend is my arch nemesis, Negaduck!...Oh no, you don't! You're the lecherous liar known as Negaduck! ...I beg to differ! You're the erroneous executor of evil known as Negaduck! ...OOOOH!! Would you cut that out?!
„
“
Morgana?
„
“
Morgana, what are you doing here?
„
“
Uh, well... I... yesss, technically...
„
“
Aaah! [From the ground] You thought I'd never find you...!
„
“
No, I'm dirt. I'm worse than dirt. I'm lower than low. I am not the terror that flaps in the night. [sobbing] I am the self-centered boob who hands over the city at the drop of a dime. I'm a gipnoid, a slug, a spud-motherin' jackanape!
„
“
[in an old lady's voice] Flowers for Negaduck.
„
“
Did I say flowers? I meant skulls! [Negs licks his lips in delight] Skulls for Negaduck!
„
“
Did I say skulls? I meant...ANVIL! [slingshots massive anvil through door, into Negaduck] Awww. I dented my anvil. Yep yep yep. Now for the perfect disguise.
„
“
I am... ARACHNODUCK! [wiggles eyebrows] You heard right. Arachno. Duck.
„
“
[to his sixth arm] Number Six!!!
„
“
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
„
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night. I am the papercut that ruins your morning. [appears, with Gosalyn and Honker next to him] I am-- (Secretary: Let me guess, you're Daycare Duck), [whispers] Gosalyn, Honker, I thought I told you NEVER to follow me to work.
„
“
Just impressionable rollerskaters...I just rescued them from the burning...sidewalk.
„
“
Excuse me, bizarre-looking alien monstrosity...
„
“
Ugh! Why do the weird ones always fall for me?
„
“
YES! [realizes people are staring at him] We have noooo... bananas...
„
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the weirdo who sits next to you on the bus! I am...the Swan Prince?
„
“
The judge wants to reform Tuskernini, so I'm going to reform him...[pulls lever]...into a pancake. [piano falls on bed]
„
“
...maybe we should wait 'til he tries something. After all, I've got him right under my bill where I can keep my eye on him. He thinks I'm just some dimwitted fool--Ha!--but as Drake Mallard, I've got the perfect cover!
„
“
[slurring] By the way, I booby-trapped the door.
„
“
Not now, honey, Daddy's talking on Mr. Phone.
„
“
No, honey. We'll probably be smothered before that happens.
„
“
Gosalyn Mallard! You come out of there this instant! (Gosalyn: I'd be delighted to honor your wishes, Dad, but some fat oaf is standing on the grate!) Don't you talk to your father that way! You have some respect!
„
~ Drake Mallard scolding Gosalyn for her "fat oaf" comment
“
This good luck horseshoe should do the trick! Up, up, and away!
„
“
Howdy yourself, you pony pilferer! Now cease and desist at once, or you'll be really, really sorry.
„
“
Splat?
„
“
[aside to camera] And that surprises him?
„
“
Quick, LP, create a diversion!
„
“
No, that's too subtle...
„
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the cholesterol that clogs your arteries! I am Darkwing Duck!
„
~ Darkwing Duck confronting the Fearsome Five
“
Great. I leave for five minutes, and Gosalyn's rewired the whole house!
„
“
In the Negaverse, there's never been a Darkwing Duck to guard the city...[swallows] or a Drake Mallard to be a father. [hugs Negaverse-Gosalyn] For you, Gosalyn... I'll stay.
„
~ Darkwing Duck making the noble choice
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the parking meter that expires while you shop! I am Darkwing Duck!
„
~ Darkwing Duck facing Bud Flood later known as the Liquidator
“
...uh, all the better! Cases are so much easier when the bad guy offs himself like that.
„
“
Never mind the seafood, old pal! You just splooshed the bad guy!
„
“
Now, on my command... I hope this doesn't hurt... JUMP!"
„
~ Darkwing and Launchpad jump off a 96-storey building
“
[through teeth] It hurt.
„
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night!
„
~ Darkwing Duck facing a foe
“
I am the soap scum that lines your bathtub! I am--
„
~ Darkwing Duck facing The Liquidator
“
I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the hairball that clogs your drain! I am the original Mr. Fix-It! And you're in hot water, Licky. LP, steam his collar!
„
~ Darkwing Duck confronting pursuing The Liquidator
“
Okay, okay, okay, okay, FINE. So I'm a lousy plumber. So sue me already!
„
“
[On hearing there's a 1 million dollar reward for his capture] Impossible! That's ridiculous!...I'm worth 10 million at least!
„
“
Well, aside from sustaining massive internal injuries in a plane crash, and being chased by the army, the navy, and a troop of girl scouts, yeah, I'm, uh, just peachy.
„
“
I prefer the normal, tacky Muddlefoots
„
“
Gosalyn, I've told you before: it's a Christmas tradition to open your presents on Christmas morning.
„
“
Don't you dare!
„
“
It's tomorrow morning.
„
“
Gosalyn, you're not trying to open your presents, are you?
„
“
Hmm... Who would steal fruitcake?
„
“
Something tells me that some sinister force is sapping the season's spirit!
„
“
Aha! Bushroot! I should've known that you were really at the root of this riotous ruckus!
„
~ Darkwing Duck facing Bushroot
“
[Dazed] All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth...
„
“
Once again, our courageous Christmas crimefighter--that's me--searches for clues, ever-watchful for the corrupt Christmas criminal!
„
“
You'll need this to make your prison uniform, Bushroot!
„
“
It's no use, Negaduck! You may have trapped the whole entire Police department in lime jello, but you didn't trap me!
„
“
[gets smashed by anvil] I should have expected this from a cartoon studio.
„
“
Au Contraire Mon Fraire. that is what heroes do best
„
“
They can't even draw my beak right! Why, that beak's big enough to land fighter planes on!
„
“
I'm not going! I hate the Muddlefoots, and I hate their parties!
„
~ Drake Mallard refusing to go to Honker's birthday party.
“
Oh really? That's sure gonna surprise the heck out of Mom and Dad!
„
“
Megavolt, in this world, I have my own TV show! You're in it too!
„
“
Goodbye Morganna. I'm sorry we never got a chance to get together.
„
“
Wanna bet?
„
~ Darkwing Duck facing Negaduck
“
Gosalyn, get me out of here!
„
“
I hate the Muddlefoots
„
“
Grounded.
„
~ Darkwing Duck putting his foot down
“
You've been watching too many trashy horror movies.
„
“
Hey! I'm supposed to be your little honeywumpus!
„
“
[entering an anvil factory] Why couldn't it be a pillow factory, just this once?
„
“
Oh, what a day. I'm dead on my feet.
„
“
Launchpad, Gosalyn, what's wrong? Oh, what's the matter, sweetheart? Bad grades, sad movie, Launchpad cooked dinner?
„
“
Bushroot, you're the last person I expected to rescue me.
„
“
Yes, yes, you called?
„
“
Alright you muscle heads, where's Gosalyn?
„
~ Darkwing Duck facing Taurus Bulba's henchmen, Hoof and Mouth
“
Without who? What are you talking about?
„
“
Okay, a crackpot named Duane told me.
„
“
Gosalyn, honey, I'm right here, in the pink! Well, light pink, anyway.
„
“
Honker, SPIT IT OUT!!!!
„
“
Almost! If I yell any louder, I'll rupture something!
„
“
Something's happened to me. I don't know what, but I need your help.
„
“
Let's get one thing straight. I am not dead!
„
“
No ad-libbing!
„
“
No one's sure just why I flap. Half the police force think I'm a crook, and the other half hate my hat!
„
“
There must be a thousand islands there!
„
“
[dismayed] He drew on my map.
„
“
The jig is up, you jaded, jug-headed jack-in-the-box!
„
~ Darkwing Duck confronting Quackerjack
“
What would you say if I told you we were from 700 years in the future?
„
“
[laughs nervously] We're from Sweden.
„
“
I am the mighty Darkwing Duck, I pity the poor fool who stands in my way!
„
Trivia[]
According to Jim Cummings in his podcast, Darkwing Duck voice's is based on Daffy Duck's voice (to play as Drake Mallard/Darkwing Duck, he uses Daffy Duck's voice without the lisp).
Darkwing has been described as a cross between Batman and Donald Duck, but his costume and gas gun seem to be a reference to pulp fiction character The Shadow.
Many of the lines after "I am the terror that flaps in the night" were ad libbed by Jim Cummings. In fact, in the scripts, it was usually written, "It doesn't matter what I write, Jim's probably gonna come up with something funnier."
Unlike most superheroes, how Drake Mallard finances all his equipment was mostly unknown, as he appeared to lack any level of public persona prior to adopting Gosalyn, and does not have any known job. This is actually called out by viewers of the show during the episode "Twitching Channels", with a confused Darkwing unable to answer. However, in issue #3 of the Boom! comic, Darkwing mentions that he received a monthly stipend from S.H.U.S.H. In DuckTales (2017), the equipment is built by Gyro Gearloose and Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera.