Review; Scooby Apocalypse #1

Review by Paul Fiander

​Scooby Apocalypse #1
Written by Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis
Art by Howard Porter and Hi-Fi
Lettered by Nick J. Napolitano
Published on 25th May 2016 by DC Comics

When it comes to famous cartoon canines there is a top list of around five and Scooby Doo must be near if not at the top of that list. His mix of humour and the Scooby gang endlessly entertained me as a child and I even have affection for the live action Movie (I know there were more but I said affection not desire to watch any more). So from a place of nostalgia it was a bit of a shock when DC decided to give a host of Hanna and Barbera characters a makeover giving us more of the Dooster and the gang.

Now first things first this is not a recreation of the classic Scooby Doo story. It is a mystery of kind with over the top characters and monsters but it is nowhere near as goofball as the original. Instead it has become more of a straight story with larger than life characters. This new tone may not suit all especially those looking for the true nostalgic effect but this is a new vision for the story and a first issue that wets the appetite for the series.

The story by J.M. DeMatteis (JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK) and Keith Giffen (JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001) sees Daphne and Fred trying to find a source who wants to let them in on a secret. This is especially important to a rather harsh Daphne as she is seeing her TV career fail before her eyes. Her interactions with Fred show her as the dominant party and this new angle is refreshing and helps set the tone for the rest of the issue. From there we get to meet Velma, Shaggy and of Scooby in due course as the strands of a conspiracy are laid out before us.

The seriousness of the comic comes through in the art by Howard Porter (SUPERMAN, JLA), the characters are hard edged and the usual cartoon softness is nowhere to be seen. His character models are very easy to distinguish and you will have no trouble recognising who is who. The one issue at points is the dialogue can impinge on the panel. This sia wordy book and does dump a tonne of exposition on you. My hope is with this out of the way future issues will get down to the business of the gang investigating and running away. Though we will have to wait to see if this is the case.

Overall this is a solid first issue it sets up the world and the issues and is more of a tease of what is to come. Don’t go in expecting a carbon copy of the show and you will not be disappointed.