The latest comic book collaboration between Marvel and its parent company Disney will feature Donald Duck wielding Mjolnir, as he becomes Thor, in the latest issue of “What If?…” The latest in a series of stories depicting Donald embodying Marvel’s greatest heroes, this issue will explore what it would be like if the iconic cartoon character received an Asgardian upgrade.

Marvel & Disney: What If…? Donald Duck Became Thor #1 will call back to the classic 1960s origin of Marvel’s take on the legendary Thor, remixing the character’s debut story with one of Disney’s most beloved creations.

The series of “What If…?” issues utilizing Disney characters in the context of the Marvel Universe is the natural extension of the two companies’ relationship, and the appeal of the mash-up is undeniable, especially as a way for comic book readers across generations to find common ground.

Donald Duck Proves He’s Worthy In The Latest “Disney & Marvel: What If…?”

Covers By Peach Momoko, Phil Noto, Lorenzo Pastrovicchio, & Walt Simonson

According to Marvel’s official synopsis for its latest crossover with Disney:

MARVEL & DISNEY: WHAT IF…? DONALD DUCK BECAME THOR #1 is inspired by Thor’s legendary first Marvel Comics appearance: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Larry Lieber’s Journey Into Mystery #83. Crafted by a team of acclaimed Disney comic creators — writers Steve Behling and Riccardo Secchi and artist Lorenzo Pastrovicchio — MARVEL & DISNEY: WHAT IF…? DONALD DUCK BECAME THOR #1 puts a quack-tastic twist on this foundational comic story as pop culture’s most iconic duck wields Thor’s hammer in an epic battle against alien invaders!

The mash-up is certain to be amusing for readers of all ages; for young Disney fans, Donald Duck will provide them with the perfect point of connection to discover the wide world of Marvel Comics. For long-time Thor fans, the fun will come from discovering exactly how Thor’s classic origin will be reinterpreted in the form “pop culture’s most iconic duck.“ For Marvel, the one-shot is a fun extension of the exciting things the company has been doing with Thor lately.

From the deep meditation on storytelling and mythology in Al Ewing’s Immortal Thor, to the satirical reimagining of the character in Roxxon Presents: Thor, Marvel has effectively used the character in a variety of ways over the past several years. While Donald Duck as any Marvel character is bound to be funny, Thor rightfully topped the list in terms of the most obvious powers to bestow upon him. Beyond that, the issue is set to be rich with references to classic Marvel lore. As Editor Mark Paniccia teased:

“When we saw the designs for the Stone Ducks of Saturn and The Destroyer we literally laughed out loud. I can honestly say I never thought I’d see something like this in my career. I gotta pinch myself to make sure it’s not a dream.”

Expect More “Disney & Marvel” Collaborations To Come

Donald Duck Tours The Marvel Universe

Marvel & Disney: What If…? Donald Duck Became Thor #1 is the latest installment in this collaborative series to be announced, but it is likely not the last. According to the press release for the issue:

Later this month, the highly anticipated Uncle Scrooge and the Infinity Dime #1 hits stands, marking a historic collaboration between Marvel Comics and Disney storytelling! Following that landmark issue, the Marvel mythos continues to be infused with Disney magic in new What If…? one-shots. Following July’s Marvel & Disney: What If…? Donald Duck Became Wolverine #1, Donald Duck embarks on another Marvel Comics adventure in September’s MARVEL & DISNEY: WHAT IF…? DONALD DUCK BECAME THOR #1!

As noted, readers should expect “the Marvel mythos” will “[continue] to be infused with Disney magic” beyond just these three issues. While this initial foray of classic Disney cartoon characters into Marvel territory is very duck-centric, it is only a matter of time before other familiar faces from the Disneyverse make their way into the pages of Marvel Comics.

It remains to be determined what characters Disney and Marvel will remix and match together next, but the door is now wide open to the numerous possibilities. For now, Donald Duck’s whirlwind tour of the Marvel Universe will find him proving to be the latest, most unexpected hero deemed worthy of lifting Mjolnir. The hammer is one of Marvel’s most recognizable weapons, and the potential for mayhem and hilarity when it falls into the hands of Donald Duck makes his transformation into Thor a surprise contender for one of the most anticipated releases of the year.