Destroyer Duck

Destroyer Duck is a comic book character and series created by Steve Gerber, published by Eclipse Comics starting in 1982. The title was a satire of the comics industry, particularly Marvel Comics, with which Gerber had a contentious relationship after disputes over creator's rights and ownership of the character Howard the Duck.

The series features a duck superhero, Destroyer Duck, who possesses superhuman strength and abilities granted by a ray from a dying scientist, Dr. Erik Eears. Dr. Eears hoped Destroyer Duck would avenge his death, caused by the Apex Corporation, a thinly veiled stand-in for Marvel.

Destroyer Duck fought a variety of bizarre and satirical villains, many of whom parodied popular comic book characters and tropes. The comic served as a platform for Gerber to express his frustration with the corporate practices he perceived as exploitative towards creators. It was known for its sharp wit, fourth-wall breaking humor, and pointed social commentary.

The initial series ran for 22 issues. It was notable for being one of the first creator-owned comics to offer a percentage of profits back to the creator, a direct result of Gerber's advocacy for creator's rights.

Later, Destroyer Duck has made occasional appearances in other comics and media, often as a guest character or in cameo roles.