Scooby Apocalypse #10

(DC Comics)

 

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the Scooby Doo gang has moved from de-masking monsters in the Mystery Machine to trying to fight against mutants in the badlands.

 

Creators: Keith Griffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Chris Batista, Rob Hunter, Marc Deering, Howard Porter, Hi-Fi

Genre: Superhero

Reader Appeal: Teens, Mature Teens

Publisher Rating: Teens

 

As a kid, I loved the show Scooby Doo. I’d call to vote for it when Cartoon Network held competitions between shows. I was an emotional wreck when Scooby lost. (Embarrassing, I know.) So, let’s just chalk it up to nostalgia as to why I was so happy to discover a copy of Scooby Apocalypse at the local comic book shop.

 

But I’m sad to say I’m not overly wowed but this title. Maybe it’s because my love of the classic crime-solving crew set my expectations too high. I assumed the comic I was holding in my hands was similar the kid’s TV show, but man oh man I was wrong!

 

Because of a well-intentioned experiment gone wrong, the same old gang finds themselves trying to discover a cure for a virus which is turning humans in mutant creatures. In this issue, Velma turns against her friends and is crowned queen of the mutants. After Velma holds Daphne in a hostage-and-torture situation, Fred, Shaggy and Scoob race to get to her before time runs out.

 

What I enjoyed most about this comic was the seeing the group of “meddling kids” mature into millennials, while keeping some of their trademark characteristics, too. Scooby and Shaggy are still best friends, Velma still has an intelligence that can’t be matched, and Fred is still pining away at Daphne, the token eye candy of the series. It almost felt like catching up with an old middle school friend when you’re home from college.

 

I was rather impressed by the design of this comic. The art was extremely detailed and the characters were strongly rendered. The layout of the panels and text flowed together in a way that was better connected than a lot of comics I’ve read.

 

Unfortunately, there’s a lot left to be desired. For the sake of time, I’ll stick to my number one issue: Velma. The typically bookish girl in a baggy sweater and big glasses turns into a borderline dominatrix. Her outfit’s comparable to a chainmail crop top with shoulder pads. Her bottoms are so skimpy that literally looks like she’s wearing two chainmail washcloths attached to a belt.

 

Parents: this comic is truly one for older teens. Don’t be fooled by what you remember from the Scooby Doo TV show. This is a very different story line that includes violence, death, and risqué outfits. I suggest if your child’s under 16, you should pick up the issue and glance over it first.  

 

Let's Talk About It

Use these questions to spark discussion among family members who are interested in this comic book:

 

• Why do you think Velma would turn her back on her friends?

• Have you ever felt betrayed by a friend? What did you do?

• If a close friend was in danger like Daphne, would you risk your life to save her?

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--LV

 

All product-related graphics in this article are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective publisher.