Drakepad

Drakepad is the slash ship between Drake Mallard and Launchpad McQuack from the Darkwing Duck and DuckTales fandoms.

Canon
Darkwing Duck =

Darkly Dawns the Duck
While chasing down Taurus Bulba's men, Darkwing crashes through the roof of a plane hanger. He brushes himself off when he's suddenly attacked by a man named Launchpad. He accuses Darkwing of trying to mess with the planes in the hangar, but Darkwing insists that he's not a thief. Launchpad realizes that he's Darkwing Duck, much to Darkwing's surprise, and claims to be his biggest fan. He asks what Darkwing is doing there, and Darkwing starts to boast when he realizes that Launchpad is a pilot. He can use the plane to catch Bulba's men. Launchpad says that he's got something different in another hangar, but Darkwing says that there's no time, and that he'll give him his autograph if he hurries. Launchpad then hops into the plane, but ends up going backwards. He suggests that maybe he can be Darkwing's sidekick, but Darkwing is a little pre-occupied by the plane going facing the wrong direction. Launchpad apologizes and flips them around and they continue.

As they fly Darkwing spots the train car. He asks Launchpad to go lower and Launchpad says no problem, quickly flying down. Once in spot, Darkwing dizingly thanks him, which Launchpad is proud of. A Vulture then scoops Darkwing out of the plane and drops him. Launchpad then maneuvers the plane and Darkwing is able to grab on. The vulture still follows them and Launchpad yells to "DW" that he'll shake him off. Darkwing angrily corrects him as the plane falls to the ground.

Stuck on a telephone wire, Darwing laments that the bad guys got away. Launchpad can't argue that, and asks what they're going to do next. Darkwing says that they aren't going to do anything, since he works alone. Launchpad says that he could be his sidekick, but Darkwing only relies on himself. Launchpad begs to let him be his sidekick, but Darkwing doesn't want to see him again. Launchpad lets him go, but asks if Launchpad wants his phone number, much to Darkwings annoyance.

Launchpad finds a bike and starts to search for Darkwing and is able to find them. They get into a police line up that starts firing at them and quickly escape. Launchpad asks what he did to get them mad, but Darkwing doesn't know. Gosalyn finds a newspaper, revealing that he's being framed for robbing the train last night. Darkwing then decides to take drastic measures and he and Launchpad drive off a deck into the water. Launchpad comes up for air, but finds that Darkwing and Gosalyn are gone.

Launchpad finds Darkwings bike, and heads to jail to bail him out, only to accidentally break down the wall to his cell. Darkwing is happy to see him, and asks what he's doing there. Launchpad explains and Darkwing hops in the sidecar and the two head off. Drake explains that Bulba probably has Gosalyn and they need to find a way to get to his airship. Launchpad says that's not a problem, and takes him back to his bunker where he brings out a customized plane that he calls the "Thunderquack". Darkwing loves it, and Launchpad says that he's been working on it for a year. Darkwing says that they'll be able to take Bulba down and calls Launchpad his "sidekick". Launchpad then does a barrel roll in excitement.

They find Bulba's airship, and Darkwing says that they need to make and entry hole. Launchpad thinks that sounds dangerous, and Darkiwng says that they better get dangerous. Launchpad then fires a rocket on the airship and drops Darkwing inside.

As


 * -|DuckTales =

The Duck Knight Returns!
As Launchpad waits in line with Dewey to meet Jim Starling, Drake starts planning on what to say to Jim. Launchpad hears, and tells him to calm down. Jim's a regular guy. Launchpad's been to many of the signings, and one day hopes to meet him. Drake is confused as to why he's still waiting to talk to him if he's been to so many. Jim says that Launchpad is next, causing him to faint and land on top of Drake. Dewey says that that's why.

After being coerced by Jim Starling, Launchpad breaks into Drake's trailer. He tries to open the door, but can't, as starts yelling for help, and that he's trapped in a prison of guilt. Drake then busts the door open, and realizes that it's Launchpad. He becomes confused as to why Launchpad is in his trailer, and Launchpad unconvincingly tries to throw him off while locking the trailer door. The two then start to fight, Launchpad immediatly saying sorry after only one punch. Drake gets back up, and they continue, Launchpad saying that he's just trying to save the movie. Drake sarcastically says that holding him hostage is real heroic, and they continue their fight. Launchpad grabs on of the objects off of the make up counter, and Drake yells for him not to touch it. Launchpad see's that it's a vintage Darkwing shampoo and places it down gently, returning to the fight. Launchpad is about slam Drake over a box, but Drake yells that it's the complete run of the Darwking adventure comics. They back up slowly and collapse, when Launchpad realize that everything in the room is Darkwing merchandise. He notices the rare Darkwing action figure and asks if he can try it, which Drake insists.

The two end up playing with the several of the action figures, when Launcpad accidentally spills water on a Darkwing lunchbox. Drake freaks out and drops an iron on his foot, forcing himself to walk it off. Launchpad apologizes, and notices that the lunchbox is the same one he used to have as a kid. Drake says that it's not like his, and explains that he wasn't the coolest kid growing up, but found Darkwing Duck and how he never backed down inspiring. Drake knows that the movie isn't perfect, but he thinks he can make it better, and be the inspiration to another kid like him (and a cut of the toy sales would be nice). Launchpad says that Drake is a true fan, they can save the movie, and should tell Starling. Drake is unsure, since Starling want him not-alive, but Launchpad is determined, and tells him to grab his cape so that they can save Darkwing!

As Starling destroys the set, and is about to hit Launchpad, Drake appears as Darkwing over the rafters. Drawing fire away, the crew is able to escape, but Drake has to take cover behind some crates where he finds Launchpad. As the set burns, Launchpad says that they need to put it out. Drake tells him that he'll distract Starling, while Launchpad gets the rain machine on. They both pop out from behind the crates, and say Darwings catchphrase. Then both fanboy over how cool it all is for a few moments before putting their plan in motion.

As Drake distracts Starling, Starling notices the box of explosions under Drake and sets them off. Launchpad yells for him, but Drake is fine, if a bit burnt. He makes his way towards Starling, but Starling shoots at the rope holding the Piano, crashing it on him. Launchpad yells for him again, but Drake forces himself to go forward. As they fight, Launchpad is able to turn on the rain machine and stop the set from burning, but Starling gets the upper-hand on Drake. Launchpad suddenly lands in front of them and tells Starling to stop. He's not a villain, he's a her, his and Drake's hero. As Launchpad gives his speech, Drake and Starling both notice that Megavolts weapon is going haywire. They both try to warn him, but he can't hear them. They rush forward, and Drake starts to push Launchpad out of the way, when Starling pushes them out of the way, just as the weapon explodes, seemingly killing Starling in the process.

As Scrooge announces that he's shutting down the movie, Drake and Launchpad watch the rest of the fire get put out. Drake says that they still haven't found Starling, his big break is gone, his hero tried to kill him, and worst of all, he blew him up. Drake asks what he's going to do now, and Launchpad says he'll do what Darkwing always does. Get back up, and he hands Drake the Darkwing hat. He suggests that Drake could be Darkwing for real, but Drake is unsure, even if he is scrappy, brave and looks great in a cape. Launchpad points out that Gizmoduck does it, and Drake does know that he's better than Gizmoduck. Launchpad says that it's one thing to play a hero, and another to be one. He suggests doing it for Jim, which Drake considers for a moment but is still unsure. To him, it sounds like it could get, which Launchpad finishes with a "Dangerous". Encouraged, Drake makes his decision and puts on the Darkwing hat. Launchpad says that he's already got one fan, and pulls out a Darkwing poster, and a pen. Drake signs it "Drake Mallard", who Launchpad has never heard of, and the two leave the set together.

Moonvasion!
As Launchpad is trying to get the limo to start, he's suddenly attacked by moon people. Just when they're about to shoot, a purple smoak bomb drops on them and Drake arrives as Darkwing Duck. He tries to intimidate the moon people, but they just think he's some weirdo and move on. Launchpad gets out of the car is very happy that Drake saved him. Just then little bulb shows up and calls Launchpad to Scrooge, Drake tagging along.

Launchpad stumbles out of the car and see's Drake fighting three of the moon people. He is able to take out two of them, but the third is getting the upperhand. Launchpad see's and tackles the third moon person. Drake then collapses into his arms, and Launcpad asks if he's okay. Drake's just happy that they finally paid attention to him, and is a real hero. He momentarily forgets his name and asks who he is. Launchpad happily yells "Darkwing Duck", and drops Drake.

Darkwing Duck
Darkly Dawns the Duck
 * Launchpad calls Darkwing DW for the first time.
 * Launchpad says that he keeps a scrapbook of Darkwing newspaper appearances. It's not very big.
 * Darkwing calls for Launchpad as he swoops down to save Gosalyn.
 * Gosalyn and Launchpad both watch Darkwing get blown up.
 * Launchpad arrives to pick up Drake after he adopts Gosalyn.

The Duck Knight Rises!

 * Launchpad accidentally launches Jim onto Drake, and then faints on top of both of them.
 * Launchpad watches Drake in the Darkwing Duck remake trailer.
 * Launchpad doesn't get how Drake was uncool growing up.
 * Launchpad places his hand on Drake's shoulder.
 * Launchpad tells/yells at Dewey that Drake is a huge Darkwing fan, and the two can work together to help fix the movie.
 * Launchpad realizes that Starling is lying about Drake getting hurt.
 * Launchpad watches Drake and Starling set up for the final showdown.
 * Drake tells Starling that Launchpad is his biggest fan.
 * Drake and Launchpad walk towards the fire, but don't find anything.

Moonvasion!

 * Drake says that Launchpad can be his ears.
 * Launchpad says that they need a plan, and that Darkwing is the plan.
 * Drake sits in the passenger seat as Launchpad drives.
 * Drake asks Launchpad to slow down the car.

Fanon
The pairing has a mix of fans from both the original '91 series and the DuckTales reboot. The two halves of the fandom don't have any ire towards each other, and get along quite well. Reboot focused fans also take elements from the previous incarnation and place them in their fics and concepts, as well as hoping that some of them will make it into the reboot.

On AO3, Drakepad is the most written ship for both Drake and Launchpad. It is also the third most written ship in the DuckTales (1987) tag, the second most written in the DuckTales (Cartoon 2017)and the most written ship in the Darkwing Duck (Cartoon 1991), and Disney Duck Universe tags.

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * Darkwing Duck/Launchpad tag on FanFiction.Net
 * Drake Mallard/Launchpad tag on FanFiction.Net
 * Launchpad/Darkwing Duck tag on FanFiction.Net
 * Launchpad/Drake Mallard tag on FanFiction.Net
 * Launchpad/Drake Mallard tag on FanFiction.Net

TUMBLR

WIKIS
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Trivia

 * In The Duck Knight Returns!, Jim Starling calls Launchpad "sidekick" a reference to Launchpad being Drake's sidekick in the original series.
 * Launchpad's favorite color is purple, which is Darwing Duck's signature color.
 * Frank Angones confirmed on tumblr that Drake and Launchpad would have moments in season 3.
 * In The Trickening! a photo of Drake in "Darwing: First Darkness" can be seen on Launchpad's wall.
 * Launchpad wasn't a fan of the reboot film, but he most likely has it as a fan of Darkwing.

Variations

 * Mallard-McQuack Family refers to the ship between Drake, Launchpad and Gosalyn Mallard