The full name of an unsung hero of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been officially confirmed, as the Howard the Duck anniversary special reveals the character’s legal name to be: Howard Duckson. Though his true role in the battle at the climax of Avengers: Endgame is known only to a few, Howard has nevertheless proved to be one of Marvel’s most enduring, and amusing characters.
Howard the Duck #1 features short, “What If”-style stories from several standout comic book creators – including writers such as Chip Zdarsky, Daniel Kibblesmith, and Jason Loo, as well as art by Annie Wu and Derek Charm, along with many more. The issue opens by proclaiming, “Meet Howard Duckson (yes, that is his real name, check the Wikis!)“
For over fifty years, Howard has been an integral, if often overlooked part of the Marvel Universe – including its cinematic counterpart. The anniversary special reflects on some missed opportunities from over the years, depicting the paths not traveled by Mr. Duckson.
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Howard The Duck’s Full Name Isn’t Exactly A Surprise
Howard the Duck is one of Marvel’s most memorable non-superhero figures. Just several years after his introduction in 1973’s Adventure into Fear #19 – written by Steve Gerber, with art by Val Mayerik – the talking Duck’s break-our popularity was evident enough to warrent his own solo series. Long before the MCU reigned supreme at the box office, 1986’s Howard the Duck was the first theatrically released Marvel film of the modern era. 2023’s Howard the Duck anniversary special is a love-letter to the character, though it stops short of validating him as the true hero of Endame’s final battle.
Over the years, Howard the Duck has introduced some of Marvel’s wildest characters canon, and provided many of the publisher’s stand-out comedic moments. The fiftieth anniversary special celebrates the character in three short stories, alternatively making him Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy, a member of the X-Men, and the President of the United States, in a direct follow-up to a joke from the original Howard series. However, most enduring of all is the issue’s unequivocable confirmation of Howard’s full surname, Duckson.
Yes, Howard The Duck Really Is In The Avengers: Endgame Final Battle
The battle at the of Avengers: Endgame is far too vast for every individual participant to be catalogued, but attentive viewers quickly identified Howard the Duck among the many heroes charging into the fight at the end of the movie. Howard confidently wields an imposing looking weapon, and unhesitatingly keeps up with the rest of the MCU’s heroes. This cameo presents a ripe opportunity for a future tie-in comic – or perhaps a future MCU Howard the Duck film will open with his previously unseen actions in the battle, proving definitively that Howard Duckson played a more major role than it previously appeared.
Howard the Duck #1 (2023) is available now from Marvel Comics.
