A Wish for Wings That Work

Opus the Penguin, the main character of all three Breathed comic strips and a current Outland figure, serves as the focal point of the narrative. Opus is depressed since he can't fly because he's a penguin. When it's time to test the machine by leaping off a three-mile-high cliff, he orders and assembles a machine, but Opus decides to do something less risky and goes home to bake anchovy Christmas cookies. However, he does not give up on his quest and sends Santa Claus a Christmas wish for "wings that will go!" Santa is making his customary delivery on Christmas Eve when he loses his reindeer and plunges into a lake. Opus dives in and pulls Santa out with the help of his innate swimming abilities. A gaggle of ducks picks Opus up and launches him through the air as a token of appreciation for his heroic rescue.