Happy 50th birthday, Howard the Duck! Marvel has a present for you!

In 1973, in a little comic called Adventure into Fear #19, writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik introduced Marvel (and the world) to an unforgettable addition to their crackling catalogue of characters. Now, 50 years later, the House of Ideas is celebrating that addition with a special tribute. This fall, Howard the Duck returns to comic shelves, and he's bringing friends.

In what appears to be a riff on the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" trope, Howard will join a cosmic watcher (but not, you know that one) in a journey through what his life might have been. Here's Marrvel's official description of the one shot:

"Meet Howard. He’s a hard-boiled P.I. with problems by the duckload. But a cosmic, all-seeing friend(?) known as the Peeper(!) is giving him a chance to see what his life COULD be! The joys he COULD have! All the ways his life COULD suck way less than it does now! In other words: 'Whaugh If?'"

To tell the Howard's foray into un-existed existences, Marvel's bringing back folks that have had serious impacts on his life, as well; as some new blood that are sure to do the same. Most notably, they've got Chip Zdarsky writing the character once more, joined again by Joe Quinones.

Fans will recall Zdarsky's & Quinones's legendary 2015 run on the character, which helped make them household names and bring Howard back to the comic reading public.

Joining the pair in telling the tail (er, tale) are Daniel Kibblesmith, Merritt K, Annie Wu & more, with Ed McGuinnes providing the cover. Howard the Duck, the one-shot, comes to comic book stores for Howard's golden anniversary, November 2023.

What's that? You don't know that much about Howard the Duck? Well, lucky for you, Popverse has a guide to get you informed.