Keno Don Hugo Rosa

Comic book writer & illustrator

Date of Birth:

29th of June 1951

Who is Don Rosa

Don Rosa is an American comic book writer and illustrator, best known for his work on Duck comics, particularly his stories featuring Scrooge McDuck and Donald Duck. Born on June 29, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky, Rosa grew up reading and enjoying Disney comics. He began his career in comics in the 1980s, but he gained widespread recognition in the 1990s for his work on Disney characters.

One of Rosa's most notable contributions to Disney comics is his 12-part series "The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck," which delves into the rich history of Scrooge McDuck's life, providing a detailed and cohesive narrative that became a fan favorite. Rosa's stories are known for their meticulous research, clever writing, and faithful adherence to the established Disney characters and universe.

Don Rosa has received numerous awards for his work in the field of comics, and he has had a significant impact on Disney comic book storytelling. Although he officially retired from producing new comic book work in 2008, his stories continue to be celebrated by fans of Disney comics around the world.

Timeline

29th of June 1951

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2008

Present

1951 – Birth of a Comic Genius

June 29, 1951: Keno Don Hugo Rosa is born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Grows up reading Carl Barks’ Disney comics, which greatly influence his future work.

1960s – Early Artistic Talent

As a child, he collects comics and begins drawing his own stories.
Becomes fascinated with storytelling, humor, and intricate details in comics.

College & First Comic Creations

Attends the University of Kentucky, earning a degree in Civil Engineering.
In 1971, creates The Pertwillaby Papers, an adventure comic strip for his university newspaper.
Later adapts The Pertwillaby Papers into Captain Kentucky, a superhero parody.

The Big Break with Disney Ducks

1986: Danish publisher Egmont seeks new Disney artists. Rosa, a lifelong Barks fan, submits The Son of the Sun, his first Scrooge McDuck story.
The Son of the Sun is published in 1987, marking the start of his career as a Disney Duck artist.
Quickly gains fame for his highly detailed artwork, humor, and deep respect for Carl Barks’ legacy.

The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck

1991-1993: Rosa writes and illustrates The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, a 12-part epic chronicling Scrooge’s life, inspired by Barks' hints about his past.
Wins the Will Eisner Award in 1995 for The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck.
Continues producing highly detailed Duck stories, including sequels to Barks’ classics.

Health Issues & Growing Frustration

Suffers from eye strain and hand problems due to the intense detail in his artwork.
Becomes increasingly frustrated with Disney’s business practices, particularly the lack of royalties for reprints of his work.

Retirement from Comics

Announces he is retiring from creating new comics, citing health issues and dissatisfaction with how publishers handle his work.
Continues attending comic conventions, meeting fans, and overseeing special editions of his stories.

The Legacy of Don Rosa

Remains one of the most beloved Disney Duck artists of all time.
His stories continue to be published worldwide, with The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck considered a masterpiece of comic storytelling.
Despite retirement, his influence on modern Duck comics and the fandom remains strong. He still tours the world attending conventions and signings.