Story code MOC 20-01 Ink Carl Barks Pages 22 | Story Carl Barks Date 1948 Layout 4 rows per page | |
"Darkest Africa" is a 22-page funny animal comic book short story written, drawn, and lettered by Carl Barks. It was first published in March of Comics #20 (1948). The story features Donald Duck, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Sir Gnatbugg-Mothley, and Professor McFiendy. The story has been reprinted many times. It has been criticized for its stereotypical depictions of Africans and the casual abuse of insects and animals.
Plot
At the urging of Sir Gnatbugg-Mothley, Donald and his nephews go to Africa in search of the world's rarest butterfly, Almostus Extinctus. Professor McFiendy is also searching for this butterfly and the two butterfly-hunting parties frequently encounter each other with disastrous results. When McFiendy finally captures the last specimen of the butterfly, the nephews find a nest of caterpillars which burst into dozens of Almostus Extinctus butterflies. The species is no longer the rarest of butterflies. Donald and the nephews return home disappointed.