Dynamite Comics might solve a mystery or rewrite history with brand new tales of derring-do bad and good luck tales this November. Not pony tales or cotton tales…no, DuckTales! Woo-oo!

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing the illustrator of the highly anticipated new DuckTales comic series by Dynamite Comics…Tommaso Ronda.

DuckTalks: What are some of your fandoms (what are you a fan of)?

Tommaso: I am definitely a comic book fan (shocker!). To be more specific, lately I have been going crazy for Daniel Warren Johnson and Chris Samnee comics, I would also put Lorenzo De Felici in this trio of favorite artists/authors. I like horror novels, fantasy, science fiction… ok actually almost everything that screams “nerd”.

DuckTalks: How did you get into the comic industry?

Tommaso: When I was 36 I decided to change my life and try to be an illustrator, not a very wise choice, I realize, but that’s how it went. I enrolled in a comics school and about eight years ago I started working as an illustrator, for several children’s books, mainly for Geronimo Stilton. A couple of years ago I started collaborating with the Arancia Studio, first as an inker, as a background artist and then as a complete illustrator.

DuckTalks: What other Disney comics have you worked on?

Tommaso: I’ve been working on an episode of a series that I don’t think has been announced yet, so Ducktales will be my debut, and that terrifies me quite a bit…

DuckTalks: We always hear how legendary and popular the Disney Duck comics are in Italy. How does it feel that you are now illustrating the DuckTales comic series for Dynamite? 

Tommaso: Here in Italy, Topolino (Mickey Mouse) magazine is an institution, I know people who have rooms dedicated only to containing those comics. That’s why when I got the job for Ducktales I couldn’t believe it. I also found out about it almost a year ago, so on one hand I had the chance to study and adapt to the idea, on the other hand the expectations have risen to unthinkable levels! Luckily the guys at Arcania Studio are giving me incredible support.

DuckTalks: What research did you have to do on DuckTales for the new comic series?

Tommaso: Since this Ducktales is a comic that develops on two different timelines, I had to study two different approaches. The original series is definitely the main source, but I read a lot of Barks and Don Rosa for the flashback parts. It’s not the worst job to read comics and watch cartoons.

I’m having a lot of fun mixing these suggestions and filtering them through my sensitivity. I hope it shows!

DuckTalks: Who is your favorite DuckTales character?

Tommaso: Launchpad McQuack, of course. Crashing in style is my philosophy of life. And he’s an enthusiast, how can you not love him?

DuckTalks: Are you more of a blue coat Scrooge or red coat Scrooge?

Tommaso: Red coat for imprinting reasons. But we’ll talk about it in a year, after I’ve colored ten thousand blue coats.

DuckTalks: Scrooge McDuck’s world definitely has a nice collection of villains. Who is your favorite Duckburg villain?

Tommaso: Flintheart Glomgold is my favorite by far, because in the end he’s just trying to be like Scrooge, his only fault is not having his talent, he’s a bit like the Salieri of the Duck world.

DuckTalks: What is your favorite classic DuckTales episode?

Tommaso: I have to say that I don’t remember them all, even though I watched many of them again for this project, but the one I remember with the most pleasure is the episode where Gizmoduck appears. When I saw it as a kid I couldn’t believe that in a Disney cartoon they had referred RoboCop, an ultraviolent film (which by the way is one of my favorite films). This short circuit marked me and even today I still find it crazy and fantastic. By the way, Gizmoduck here in Italy is called RoboPap.

DuckTalks: Do you ever get the DuckTales theme song stuck in your head?

Tommaso: Every time I start drawing! And sometimes I start certain dreams with that theme song. Ok I’m a little obsessed.

DuckTalks: Are you a fan of the DuckTales (2017) animated series?

Tommaso: Yes, of course, I like it a lot. It took me a while to fully appreciate it, perhaps because of the particular drawing style, but now I have to say that both my son and I enjoy it willingly.

DuckTalks: You can only pick one: Racecars, Lasers, or Aeroplanes?

Tommaso: Are you kidding? Lasers. Although I guess the ideal would be a flying car that shoots lasers.

DuckTalks: Do you have a favorite cover of Dynamite Comics DuckTales #1?

Tommaso: I love Ivan Bigarella’s cover, besides being a friend I respect him a lot as an artist, for me it’s an honor to start my American adventure with such an important calling card. And I’ve already seen some of the next covers: spectacular.

DuckTalks: Have you ever tried to dive into a pool of money?

Tommaso: Who didn’t?

DuckTalks: Thanks for geeking out about DuckTales with us. We look forward to diving into the Dynamite Comics DuckTales comic series and Woo-ooing more about your art in November.

Here are some preview pages by Tommaso Ronda for Dynamite Comics DuckTales #1. DuckTales #1 arrives in comic book shops on November 6th with covers by Ivan Bigarella, Francesco Tomaselli, Carlo Lauro, and Alan Quah. I am going to need one of each. Make sure to preorder DuckTales #1 at your local comic book shop and let them know to add the Dynamite Comics DuckTales series to your pull list.