Eric Tiberius Duckman, the main protagonist of the namesake TV show “Duckman”, boasts the voice talents of Jason Alexander.
Notably, Alexander also voiced characters like Philip Stuckey in “Pretty Woman,” Henry Grace in “Criminal Minds,” Zutho in “The Legend of Tarzan,” Catbert in “Dilbert,” and Abis Mal in “Aladdin: The Return of Jafar” and the “Aladdin” TV series. Additionally, he portrayed the iconic George Costanza in “Seinfeld.”
Eric Tiberius Duckman also known as Duckman
When you think of animated ducks, perhaps names like Daffy or Donald come to mind.
But somewhere in the mix is a lesser-known but equally riveting duck: Eric Duckman. Breaking away from the lovable, funny character trope, Duckman is the gritty, often cynical, and always hilarious private detective from the 90s cartoon series, “Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man”.
With his scraggly appearance and unmistakable glasses, he’s a refreshing deviation from the stereotypical animated duck.
Parents
- Mr. Duckman (Legal father/ Stepfather)
- Ivana Duckman (mother)
- Red Crocker (biological father)
- Grandma-ma (mother-in-law)
Navigating the World of Crime
This yellow duck character isn’t just about solving crimes; he’s a single father trying to raise his three kids in a world that doesn’t quite understand him.
His constant struggle to balance family life with his unpredictable career makes for some seriously entertaining episodes.
Every close call with a dangerous villain is interspersed with personal family blunders, creating a chaotic blend that resonates with anyone who has ever tried to juggle multiple responsibilities.
A Glimpse into 90s Nostalgia
Nestled in the golden era of 90s animation, “Duckman” was more than just a show; it was a time capsule.
With the grunge music backdrop, slacker aesthetics, and quintessential 90s pop culture references, it transports viewers back to a time when animation was experimenting, breaking boundaries, and pushing envelopes.
Duckman’s sarcastic remarks, his love for sleazy movies, and his disdain for “the system” were all ingredients that made him the epitome of 90s subculture.
Duckman and Cornfed Pig
Cornfed stands as Duckman’s highly skilled and fiercely loyal partner, counterbalancing Duckman’s ineptitude. The two bonded in the 1970s during high school but drifted apart post-graduation.
After the death of Beatrice’s first husband, Richard, with whom Duckman had an affair, Duckman sought her everywhere, oblivious to her being at home.
During his search at a New York airport, Duckman bumped into Cornfed, then a baggage handler. Cornfed, heading that way for another job, suggested checking Beatrice’s home and drove Duckman there.
Their paths crossed again when both were pursuing detective licenses. At a bakery, Cornfed shielded Duckman from a shooter, taking bullets for him and saving him from further harm. Recognizing Cornfed’s loyalty and bravery, Duckman offered him a partnership.
Fluffy and Uranus
Duckman is constantly irritated by his secretaries’ excessive cheeriness and political correctness. In many episodes, he “kills” them out of frustration, but their stuffed composition makes them resilient.
They face peril for even minor acts, like mere kindness or vacation requests.
While “Aged Heat 2: Women in Heat” sees Duckman arrested for their supposed murder, in “Forbidden Fruit,” they stand up to him, bluntly telling him, “Get the f&%k out, Mr. Duckman!
Beatrice Hufnagel-Duckman
While working as a photographer, Duckman met Beatrice in a small farming town. He was there to photograph covered bridges, and after a mishap involving his car and a cow, Beatrice, unaware of her marriage to Richard, helped him.
With Richard out of town, Duckman and Beatrice instantly connected, unknowingly starting an affair. When Duckman discovered Richard was Beatrice’s husband, he detailed their affair.
The shock, given Richard’s heart condition, proved fatal. Beatrice later admitted she never loved Richard, and after some drama, she and Duckman reunited.
Soon after, Duckman learned he’d fathered her child. They quickly married. It’s believed they wed post the birth of their son, Ajax, due to some timeline inconsistencies involving her previous pregnancies.
They moved to the city about five years before twins Charles and Mambo were born. Beatrice’s death came a decade later, with vague details of the intervening years.
Duckman and Bernice
Duckman and his sister-in-law Bernice share a contentious relationship, with Bernice often showing an abrasive and demanding side. While they occasionally hint at mutual respect or affection, their dynamics are mostly tumultuous.
Following Beatrice’s death, Bernice moved in to help with her nephews and assumed control of the household—changing routines, diets, and even evicting Duckman from the master bedroom.
This dominance led the sons, especially Charles and Mambo, to disrespect Duckman. Both have a wedding photo: Duckman’s version has Bernice’s face torn out, and hers, Duckman’s.
Ajax Duckman
Duckman’s eldest son, Ajax, has a deep bond with his father, feeling more connected to him than any other family member. In turn, Duckman views Ajax as the sole family member he genuinely relates to. However, Duckman’s self-centeredness often hinders quality time with Ajax.
Yet, Duckman fiercely protects Ajax, demonstrated in episodes like “Ride the High School” and “It’s the Thing of the Principal,” where he tries to shield Ajax from becoming the Vice Principal’s child groom. Duckman struggles to see Ajax in distress.
Charles and Mambo Duckman
Duckman’s youngest sons, Charles and Mambo, love him but frequently mock and belittle him. They often display apathy and sometimes seem to betray him.
Duckman grapples with doubts about their affection. Despite this dynamic, Duckman fiercely guards them, occasionally disappointing them, even forgetting Mambo’s name and missing pivotal events like birthdays and tuba recitals.
Given the twins’ sharp intellect, they tend to condescend to those less intelligent, including Duckman. Yet, they value Duckman’s insight in certain areas like romance and the imperfection/perfection paradox. Charles and Mambo urge Duckman to evolve into better role model. They yearn to respect and admire him but often feel he falls short.
King Chicken
Since high school, Duckman and King Chicken have been at odds. Duckman, originally the less popular one, redirected bullies from himself to King Chicken.
This behavior drove King Chicken to vow isolation upon Duckman, mirroring his own high school experience. As adults, King Chicken remains Duckman’s primary foe, constantly hatching schemes, often involving kidnapping or disguises.
In “Cock Tales for Four”, they nearly reconcile but quickly drift apart again. Notably, a peculiar sexual tension exists between them. Duckman sometimes perceives King Chicken’s actions as flirtatious, even when they’re not.
In one episode, after King Chicken reveals a female alien disguise, Duckman jokingly questions the potential for intimacy. By the episode’s end, they nearly share a passionate moment, only to reveal everything as a dream of Leonard Nimoy.
The Duckman Video Game
In May 1997, the point-and-click adventure computer game, “Duckman: The Graphic Adventures of a Private Dick,” debuted for Microsoft Windows. The game portrays Duckman as a renowned detective on the verge of starring in his own television series.
However, an imposter, a more heroic version of Duckman, tries to take over his life. Players aim to help Duckman oust this imposter and restore his rightful position. Developers had planned a PlayStation port for release in early 1997 but cancelled it.
The Quack That Echoes
The series, featuring 70 episodes, aired from 1994 to 1997 on the USA Network and reran on Comedy Central from 2000 to 2006.
In Spain, it was shown on Canal+ in the 90s and later on Cartoon Network. The UK broadcasted it on Sky 1 and BBC Two, while Canada showcased it on MTV2 and Teletoon.
Initially helmed by Peck, Reno, and Osborn and produced with Paramount Network Television, Klasky Csupo took care of the animation. Concurrently, they were also behind Nickelodeon’s Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. Later, David Misch and Michael Markowitz oversaw the series.
Everett Peck, the creator, remained involved throughout, as did producer Gene Laufenberg. Scott Wilk and Todd Yvega crafted the show’s music, and the first season also included pieces from the late Frank Zappa’s catalog.
Developed by
- Jeff Reno
- Ron Osborn
- Gábor Csupó
- Arlene Klasky
- Everett Peck
Starring
- Jason Alexander
- Gregg Berger
- Nancy Travis
- Dana Hill
- Pat Musick
- E. G. Daily
- Dweezil Zappa
Duckman’s Best Rant (complete)
