Drakepad

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

Canon
Darkwing Duck =

Season 1
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.

BEAUTY AND THE BEET

Inside the Dean's office, Launchpad and Darkwing cover the windows and doors cover the windows and door in wood to keep Bushroot out. Once finished, Launchpad asks how they're supposed to get out, when a large tree bursts through the wall. It pushes the dean's desk so that Launchpad and Darkwing are pinned behind it before going after the dean. Darkwing is able to vault over the desk and attack the tree, but it quickly grabs him and throws him at Launchpad. Darkwing is able to distract the tree so that the dean gets away, and Bushroot sends the tree at them. Darkwing gets down from the building and starts to fight Bushroot who quickly runs away. Darkwing yells to Launchpad to follow him, but Launchpad was tied up by the plants. Darkwing is quickly grabbed as well, and the tree starts to attack. Luckily Darkwing was wearing his buzz saw cufflinks and they're able to escape. Launchpad says that they need to hurry, and both hop in the ratchatcher to follow. He ends up escaping, but Launchpad finds the hole that he escaped through and suggests he was "getting back to his roots". Darkwing sarcastically calls him very funny.

GETTING ANTSY

As Darkwing takes a moment to rest, Launchpad joins him and asks if he wants to stop for a burger. Darkwing asks how he can still be hungry, after eating all night, but Launchpad points out that you burn calories fighting crime. Darkwing gives in and the two head to hamburger hippo.

After eating, the two start to head home when Launchpad tells him to stop. Darkwing assumes that it's a new crisis, but Launchpad just left his scarf at Hamburger Hippo. Launchpad roles his eyes, but turns the ratchatcher around to head back, only to find the building has disappeared. Darkwing asks if Launchpad knows what this means, and Launchpad gueses that he's gonna need a new scarf.

Launchpad starts to search for his to go bag as Darkwing tries to figure out what's going on. They then both see the burger moving on its own, but Darkwing points out that it's just ants. Launchpad is still annoyed that they're taking his burger, but they're able to keep it out of his hands. Darkwing doesn't think Launchpad should feel bad, since ants can lift ten times their weight, but Launchpad says that anyone can lift ten times an ants weight. Darkwing decides there's nothing else they can gather from the crime scene, but Launchpad wants to go after his burger. Darkwing scolds him for being so focused on it, and decides that they need to disappear as the sun comes up.

After Darkwing gets shrunk, he ends up landing on Honker's glasses, and after getting mistaked for a bug, Gosalyn and Launchpad realize that it's him. Launchpad holds him up to his ear, where he yells that he's been shrunk, but Launchpad could have told him that. Darkwing lands on Launchpad's beak and tells Launchpad the golf course owners plan. They need to get dangerous.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING SPUD

Darking and Launchpad arrive on the scene, and are able to quickly incapacitate Bushroot. Bushroot then uses his pollen to get away as the two end up sneezing. The two then hop on the ratchatcher and start to chase. Launchpad thinks of shortcut that Darkwing takes, only they end up running into a hamburger hippo. Darkwing points out that it wasn't correct, but Launchpad says that it would have been if the restaraunt hadn't been built there.

As the two walk Launchpad yells at Darkwing to slow down so that he can keep up. Darkwing tells him to keep up, unless Launchpad knows anymore shotcuts. Launchpad then notices a truck coming, and suggests trying to get a ride. He sticks out his arm to try and grab a ride, but Darkwing says that he needs to be more assertive and walks out in front of the truck. The truck runs him over but stops, and the driver steps out to pull him out from other. Launchpad says that worked real well, and they're able to get a lift.

Gosalyn assumes that there's a vampire in the bushes, but Drake thinks it's just the wind. He tells Launchpad to take a look, but Launchpad doesn't want to. Darkwing then insists and Launchpad goes ahead, only to get attacked by the vampire potato. He returns, now under mind control and Darkwing asks if there was anything there. Launchpad just eats an entire bag of potato chips, which Darkwing takes as a no.

Launchpad is broken from the vampire's mind control and calls for Darkwing. He finds him and Gosalyn, and tells them that he found the vampire and that it mind controlled him. Darkwing assures him that everything is taken care of.

THE APES OF WRATH

As Drake is packing his suitcase he's yelling "no, no, no" over and over again. Launchpad asks if he's referring to finding the missing ape lady, but Drake is just referring to getting all the stuff to fit in his suitcase. He attempts to close the case, but ends up getting thrown back and stuck in the wall.

While searching the banana plantation, Launchpad asks how Darkwing was able to get Gosalyn to sleep so easily. Darkwing says that the secret to parenting is letting your child know who's in charge, and offering money doesn't hurt either. Darkwing hears some crates topple over and says that it must be the gorillas, Launchpad offering termites as another solution.

As the two follow the gorilla's tracks, Darkwings stuff starts to get taken. Launchpad notices and is about to tells Darkwing when he's suddenly taken as well. Darkwing asks what he was about to say, when he realizes that Launchpad is gone. And that he's surrounded by gorilla's.

The gorilla's lead him and Launchpad away, who suggests that they may have to fight their way out. Darkwing says there's no need, and it's best to keep their heads. He then yells at the leader gorilla to tell him where Gosalyn is only for them to throw him at Launchpad. Launchpad thinks that the gorilla is challenging him, which Darkwing quickly accepts. Launchpad covers his eyes to look away as Darkwing is thrown through several trees. Darkwing says that he needs to use something bigger and Launchpad watches as he attempts to run over the gorilla with a tree.

As Darkwing is trying to figure out a plan, one of the gorillas offers Launchpad some primate punch. Launchpad turns down the offer, given that has the side effect of blowing people up. Darkwing then gets an idea, and jumps on top of Launchpad. Hugging him and calling him a genius and that he had just given him a great idea. Launchpad thanks him, and asks what the idea is.

DIRTY MONEY

After making Gryzli angry and agreeing to take the case, Darkwing and Launchpad leave the bank. Launchpad thinks that Darkwing is taking too many chances by teasing Gryzli, but Darkwing wants to forget him and thinks that he's an idiot. He'll always be top duck to J. Gander. The two then hop in the ratchatcher and speed off to figure out the case.

After Darkwings test, he brags that Gryzli couldn't take him out given how he is made of steal and impervious to pain, as Launchpad wheels him through the halls in a wheelchair. He pets him on the shoulder, causing Darkwing to yell and jump in pain. He tries to brush it off and says that they should get on with the case, but Launchpad points out that they need to fill out some forms before leaving SHUSH HQ. Darkwing thinks they're worse that the obstacle course, but Launchpad points out that they're just the forms to get permission for the forms to leave.

Once assigned to the mission, Darkwing is upset that they're put on stakeout at a bank. He wants to be running the mission, but Launchpad finds it kind of relaxing. Just then, a woman in a cleaner truck drives up and starts filling the bank with cleaning supplies. Darkwing says that it's Amonia Pine, and Launchpad asks who that is. Darkwing explains that she was a cleaning lady till an accident made her obsessed with cleaning who works for FOWL. Darkwing say that it's time to move, but Launchpad points out that they're supposed to call HQ first. Darkwing doesn't want to spend the rest of the night filling out forms and sees it as a their chance to save Gander. They're then hit with Pine's bubble gun that sends Darkwings gas back at them. It hits Launchpad and he falls asleep as Darkwing catches him. She then uses the gun to envelop them in a bubble that sends them away.

Darkwing tries to wake Launchpad and ends up slapping him to do so. Launchpad asks how they got up there, and Darkwing says that they are trapped. They're only hope is that the bubble won't pop before reaching the river. Launchpad thinks it's pretty strong, just as it pops and the two start falling towards the ground. Darkwing tells Launchpad to grab onto him and uses his cape to try and slow them down. Launchpad says that they're too heavy, and Darkwing tries to steer for the river before his cape rips. They fall on some power lines that bounce them back into the air and fall onto a pile of tires. Launchpad is fine, but Darkwing ends up getting stuck in a pipe. Launchpad wants to say something, but Darkwing doesn't want to hear a word, just to get out. Launchpad suggests consulting a chiropractor or at least a plumber, much to Darkwings annoyance.

After Gryzli kicks them out of SHUSH, Darkwing and Launchpad wallow at the top of the bridge hideout. Darkwing insists that it was always a pain to help them, but Launchpad says that they didn't even get a proper goodbye. Darkwing would walk away if Gander wasn't in danger, but doesn't know where to start. He then notices that there is money on Launchpads bill, and is attached to his handkerchief from the ink. Darkwing asks where he got it, and Launchpad found it at the dumb after their landing. Darkwing decides that's their first stop.

They find Pine's hideout and find her about to kill Gander. Darkwing decides it's time for his standard entrance, and asks for the smoke bomb. Just as they're about to dive down, Gryzli handcuffs them together and arrests them. He is then quickly captured by Pine and they grab his key to let themselves free. They sneak in, but Pine sets her very large vacuum on them. Darkwing is able to use his grappling hook to keep him from being sucked in a grabs Launchpad's hand to keep the same from happening to him. The rope ends up snapping and they're sucked into the vacuum. They get stuck to the back wall as the SHUSH manual hits Darkwing in the face. Launchpad says that it won't be any help, but Darkwing says that for once it will, and starts using the pages to block the vents. The vacuum then blows up and they escape. Darkwing tells Launchpad to get Gander while he fights Pine.

DUCK BLIND

Darkwing and Launchpad spy on Megavolt, who Launchpad calls a wacko. Darkwing has faced him before, and Launchpad asks why he thinks that he's behind the blackout. Darkwing explains that Megavolt likes to do so, and tells Launchpad to stay where he is, in case Megavolt attempts to escape. Darkwing confronts him, but almost falls off the building. Launchpad then tries to grab him, but is blasted back as he makes his way down the stairs. Darkwing climbs back to the roof and grabs Launchpad as they chase after Megavolt.

Darkwing says that they have an advantage, and Launchpad asks if it's because they're sane while he's not. Darkwing clarifies that it's because Megavolt is afraid of him, and the two rush into the next room. Darkwing then ducks as a bunch of knives fly over his head and pin Launchpad to the door. Darkwing suggests that Launchpad hang back, and Launchpad doesn't think that will be a problem.

Launchpad finds Darkwing again, who asks him to turn on the lights. Launchpad point out that they're on as Darkwing walks straight into a mannequin. Darkwing then realizes that Megavolt had blinded him.


 * -|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 Season 1
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.

Beauty and the Beet
 * Launchpad apologizes for putting his laundry list in Darkwings files.
 * Launchpad joins Darkwing at the university.
 * Launchpad says that without Darkwing they would have been gonners.
 * Darkwing tells Launchpad that they need to take out Bushroot.
 * Launchpad removes the vines from Darkwing and ties his mouth shut so that he'll listen to the doctor. Twice.
 * Launchpad compliments Darkwings crash.
 * Launchpad thanks Darkwing for saving them from the ferocious plant.
 * Darkwing is offended that Launchpad fell asleep during his story.

Getting Antsy
 * Darkwing suggests that he replace Launchpad as his sidekick.
 * Launchpad asks Darkwing to pick up the tab.
 * Drake rolls his eyes at Launchpad buys more food.
 * Launchpad ends up covering Drake entirely in sand.
 * Launchpad suggests that Drake take a nap while he watches Honker and Gosalyn.
 * Darkwing tries to get Launchpads attention after he gets shrunk.
 * Darkwing flies to Launchpad but is hit away.
 * Darkwing tries to warn Launchpad about the shrinkray.
 * Gosalyn and Launchpad both yell no, when Darkwing is shrunk even smaller.

The Apes of Wrath
 * Darkwing asks where Launchpad left the plane.
 * Launchpad tells the gorillas that Darkwing has had enough punch for both of them.
 * Launchpad helps Darkwing stands back up.
 * Darkwing says that Launchpad would be proud of his crash.
 * Darkwing slips on the banana peel that Launchpad threw aside.

Dirty Money
 * Darkwing glares at Launchpad for coughing during his intro.
 * Launchpad thinks that the obstacle course is overly dangerous, but Darkwing thinks its nothing against his skills in the field.
 * Launchpad points out where the crocodile almost got Darkwing.
 * Launchpad helps Darkwing into his next uniform.
 * Launchpad wishes Darkwing good luck.

Duck Blind
 * Launchpad tells Gosalyn about Darkwings blindness.
 * Launchpad becomes Darkwings eyes so he can fight Megavolt.

DuckTales Season 2
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.

Quotes
"So long pal, you were the best sidekick I ever worked with. Take good care of Gosalyn."

- Dead Duck

Behind the Scenes
"Frank Angones once said to me, ‘Tad, there is no Darkwing without Gosalyn and Launchpad’. He said, ‘Everybody knows it’s about the family of a father, a daughter, and a Launchpad’. So how they’ll arrange that to happen and how it’ll be different and changed and the dynamics...y’know, as I tell people, they’re doing the show for the 21st century, we did the one for the last century. It is new thinking, new types of storytelling, and every time they run something past me, I say ‘It’s awesome’. I’ve never been a guy who says ‘No, it has to be done just like the old one’. Because, then it’s like, why don’t you just watch the old one again? It’s a modern take."

- Tad Stone

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
 * on
 * on

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