With a screen credit in director James Gunn's "Guardians Of The Galaxy" reportedly given to Marvel's "Howard The Duck" creators, writer Steve Gerber and illustrator Val Mayerik, Sneak Peek the origins of the cigar-smoking, three-foot-tall anthropomorphic duck, previously adapted to the big screen by Lucasfilm and currently in development @ Disney for further opportunities:
In the 1970's, Disney originally threatened Marvel with legal action due to Howard's satiric resemblance to 'Donald Duck', forcing Marvel to redesign the character.
Howard's near-constant companion and occasional girlfriend is former art model and Cleveland native 'Beverly Switzler'. Howard found himself on Earth due to a shift in the 'Cosmic Axis' from a world similar to Earth.
"Howard the Duck" debuted in Marvel's "Adventure into Fear" #19 in 1973, and by 1976 was given his own title. George Lucas then produced a live-action version in 1986, with music by John Barry.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Howard The Duck"...
