MICHAEL GILBERT

Michael Gilbert is a versatile writer and comic book artist who used to work for Disney's until he moved to Egmont. He has written numerous stories starring Donald Duck, Uncle Scrooge and Mickey Mouse over the years. Michael has also drawn Batman, The Spirit, and Superman just to name a few.

I'm happy to share the few personal memories I have of Carl. I actually only met him twice. The first time was in '93 or so in Salem, Oregon, our state capital, when Carl was getting some award. My wife Janet and I both write Disney comics for Egmont and since we live about an hour away (in Eugene), we drove over in hopes of meeting the comic legend. His two managers granted us a couple of minutes with Carl before his speech. "The Duck Man" was very charming, and it was a thrill to shake his hand.
Years passed, and though we'd have loved to get together again with Carl, his two managers discouraged it. We later learned that they had instructed those close to Carl to keep us - and any other Disney creators ­ away. They jealously guarded their lucrative access to Carl. Matter of fact, fellow Disney artist Bill Van Horn once drove down to Grant's Pass to visit Carl. The two were working on a story together and Bill wanted to work out some plot points. Even then, the managers refused to let the artists talk in private. Sad.

Luckily for us, Carl and his managers eventually had a parting of the ways. When we heard the news Janet and I wrote directly to Carl, who graciously invited us to visit. In 1997 we made the three-hour drive to his new home in Grant's Pass. Happily, Carl was just as delightful the second time. During our three hour visit we found Carl to be enthusiastic, funny and sharp as a tack. He proudly showed us his art, studio, and various collections of his work. Equally impressive was his genuine interest in our own work. Needless to say, our visit was a pure delight, and we'll treasure those memories forever.

A couple of years passed. We called again, hoping for another visit. This time a caretaker informed us that Carl was too sick for company. He passed away shortly after, at age 99. It was sad, but not unexpected. We saw Carl for the last time at his funeral, surrounded by some of his dearest friends, family and admirers.

Those are a few of my memories of Carl.

The author and one of his comics

This contribution is made specially for this website. © Michael Gilbert