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The First Appearance of Donald Duck in Print — Anywhere in the World
This is where Donald Duck began. Before he ever reached the movie screen, Donald made his very first public appearance on the printed page — in this issue. Good Housekeeping, June 1934 carried a full-page Walt Disney feature for the Silly Symphony The Wise Little Hen on page 37.
This issue reached newsstands roughly one month before the cartoon's theatrical debut on June 9, 1934 — meaning Donald's appearance here predates even his film premiere. It is documented by rare-book and animation collectors as Donald Duck's true first appearance in print. In this earliest incarnation he's billed simply as "Duck," already in his unmistakable sailor suit — before his famous voice and hot temper were ever established.
A genuine landmark of 20th-century pop culture and Walt Disney history, and an increasingly hard-to-find issue.
Also in this issue: the recurring James Swinnerton "Canyon Kiddies" page, plus hundreds of original 1934 illustrations, advertisements, fiction and fashion — a wonderful window into the era.
Condition — honestly and fully described
- Exterior: Front and back covers show discoloration consistent with age, along with a few small scuffs. The back cover has a small tear, approximately 1/4 inch long, about two-thirds of the way down.
- Interior: Fine to Very Fine — the inside pages are exceptionally clean and bright, looking remarkably fresh for their age.
- The Donald Duck feature (page 37): Very Fine Plus — pristine and fully intact, as is most of the magazine's interior.
- Original and unrestored — never cleaned, trimmed, or restored. Exactly as a serious collector wants it.Other small blemishes as shown in photos. A very nice copy.
Please review all photos, which form part of the description — including a full image of the Donald Duck feature on page 37.
Shipping: Carefully packaged with rigid backing and moisture protection, shipped tracked and insured. Please note: ships tracked/insured — NOT Media Mail.