Four Color #79

In "Mickey Mouse and the Riddle of the Red Hat," a playful misunderstanding over a bright red hat sets off a whirlwind of mistaken identities and sudden danger. When Mickey laughs at Minnie’s new hat, he accidentally confuses a passing girl with Minnie—leading to a "diamond ring" that’s actually a priceless ruby—and soon after, Minnie is taken by Black Pete, a shadowy figure tied to the mystery. Written by Eleanor Packer and illustrated by Carl Barks, this 1945 adventure from Dell’s Four Color series blends humor and suspense, with Barks’ dynamic art and the vibrant colors of the Western Publishing Production Shop bringing the caper to life. The cover, by Carl Buettner, captures the moment of confusion with sharp, expressive lines.