I Reads You: Derek Fridolfs

Showing posts with label Derek Fridolfs. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #127

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #127

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Scott Neely

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott Neely

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dog Tag”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 opens with “Dog Tag,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma enjoying a night of “Laser Tag.” However, what Shaggy calls the “Freaky Fright Stalker” is taking the fun out of the game. Can the gang solve this mystery?

As usual, the second story, “Con Games,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #25 (cover date: November 2012).] The story finds Mystery Inc. attending “MonsterCon.” It's packed with authors, filmmakers, sci-fi fans, and cosplayers. The con's organizer, Woody K. Wackerstein, is certainly happy about the turnout. But when the “Phantom of the Con” makes his regularly scheduled appearance, the apparition threatens to put an end to the convention fun.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 has as its theme fandom and fan gatherings. “Dog Tag” is set in a “Laser Tag” entertainment center, and although people have been playing it since the 1980s, “Laser Tag” remains popular. The monster in the story visually references the alien, “Predator” that first appeared in the 1978 film, Predator, and also appeared as recently as the Hulu original film, the Emmy-nominated, Prey (2022).

I enjoy stories set in the world of science fiction and comic book conventions. I still fondly remember author Sharyn McCrumb's 1988 satirical novel, Bimbos of the Death Sun, which is set at a science fiction convention. This issue's second story is set set at a con, and features a number of pop culture references. Woody K. Wakerstein, the organizer of “MonsterCon,” is a substitute for Forest J. Ackerman, an author and magazine editor. Ackerman was also one of the founders of science fiction fandom. Another substitute character is “Walt Palace,” who is based on director William Castle (1960s 13 Ghosts), who is known for his B-movie horror flicks for which he used gimmicks to promote.

The best thing about this issue is that it features the art of two of the best Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Walter Carzon and Scott Neely. Each artist's illustrations also features gloriously shimmering bright coloring from Silvana Brys and Heroic Age, respectively.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 is a good issue, much better than the previous one, #126. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Dear DC Super-Villains” by Michael Northrop, Gustavo Duarte, Cris Peter, and Wes Abbott.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, September 10, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #126

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #126

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Brittany Holzherr (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Ages 8+

“Girls Night Ouch!”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 opens with “Girls Night Ouch!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma making some plans. Not everyone has the same plans for this evening. Scooby and Shaggy have an all-you-can-eat buffet to attend, and Fred is going to investigate a haunted kitchen.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Velma are going to a local bookstore for a release party for the second book in the popular, teenage vampire romance book series, “Once Bitten.” The series' author, Steven Majors, is going to read from “Twice Bitten,” the new book, but his appearance is nothing compared to a surprise appearance. It seems that the book series' star, the vampire Danté, has arrived and is tearing the bookstore apart. Can Daphne and Velma solve this mystery alone?

As usual, the second story, “Ghost Writers,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #76 (cover date: February 2017).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a haunted library. Paige the librarian wants to know why the ghosts of Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare are haunting her library. Now, Scooby and the gang have to discover what these literary ghosts want.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 has as its theme literary hauntings. The new story is set in a book event at a local book store, and of course, there is an obvious reference to author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight book series. Readers familiar with Twilight will enjoy the references to the book and to its fans and – dare I say it – its devoted, cult-like following.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 is not a particularly good issue compared to recent issues. Still, it's a fun read. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

C+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Metropolis Grove” by Drew Brockington.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Thursday, September 28, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #123

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #123

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Robert Pope

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott McRae

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Candace Schinzler-Bell

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Adam Ansari (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Ages 8+

“Swede and Sour”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #123 opens with “Swede and Sour,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending Coolsville's very own Swedish festival, “Välkommen.”

However, a “draugr,” an undead creature from Scandinavian sagas and folktales, is also attending the festival. This draugr, which appears as an undead, reanimated Viking, is ruining the festival. Can Shaggy and Scooby solve this case with the help of a smelly fish dish?

As usual, the second story, “A Midsummer Night's Scream,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #49 (cover date: November 2014).] The story finds Mystery Inc. attending the “Shakespeare Outdoors” festival's production of William Shakespeare's beloved play, “A Midnight Summer's Dream.”

Now, some of the play's most famous characters have come to life and are raising magical havoc. Can Mystery Inc. solve the mystery and Shaggy's donkey head?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #123 has as a theme summer festivals. “Swede and Sour” is a surprise. Valerio Chiola's pliable compositions give this kooky story a sense of motion, so Derek Fridolfs' story results in an odd treat. Still, I don't think this “draugr” was played to the hilt.

“A Midsummer Night's Scream,” the reprint story, is this issue's better story. Sholly Fisch is one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book writers (as is Fridolfs). This Shakespearean riff is beginning to end kooky. It is one of the most unexpected Scooby-Doo comic book stories I've ever read, and it offers the best “bad guys” I think I've ever come across in this series.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #123 is a fun read and also an exceptional issue. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Fann Club: Batman Squad” by Jim Benton.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Thursday, August 17, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #122

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #122

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope

INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae

COLORS: Sylvana Brys; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Sylvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Ages 8+

“The Key of Eeek”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #122 opens with “The Key of Eeek,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Concerto in C Minor?”

Why, you ask? This piano recital is being performed by the top students at a local piano school, and Daphne is one of those top students. However, the mythological being, “Pan,” has decided to crash the recital. Can Mystery Inc. solve this mystery before the entire recital is canceled?

As usual, the second story, “Monsters of Rock,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #33 (cover date: July 2013).] The story finds Mystery Inc. attending a concert by the glam-rock band, “Smooch” (a substitute for the real-life band, “Kiss”).

However, everyone's good time is ruined when the ghost of “Johnny B. Badd” crashes the concert. So why is the spirit of a classic singer from the early day of rock 'n' roll haunting Smooch? Hopefully, Mystery Inc. can solve this mystery before the haunting ruins Smooch's tour.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #122 features the theme of “haunted public musical performances.” It offers a new story, “The Key of Eeek,” that presents another side of one of the character, Daphne. Over the last three decades, various Scooby-Doo films and television series have expanded on the character of Daphne, making her smarter, more intelligent, and more well-founded than the early TV series did. So, while this story isn't great, I like what it presents. Besides, it is drawn by Randy Elliot, one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists.

Two years after “Monsters of Rock” was first published (2013), the members of the classic line-up of the band, Kiss, were the costars of the direct-to-DVD animated film, Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery (2015). Kiss also appeared in the Season Two episode of “What's New, Scooby-Doo?” (“A Scooby-Doo Halloween” – October 24, 2003, Episode #6). In “Monsters of Rock,” Smooch pales in comparison to the real Kiss, but the fictional band is a nice substitute.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #122 is a fun read. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B-

★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Superman of Smallville” by Art Baltazar and Franco.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Thursday, May 25, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #120

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #120

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

ART: Valerio Chiola; Scott Neely

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2023)

Ages 8+

“Djinn-Kies!”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 opens with “Djinn-Kies!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Antiques Auction.” Velma has even brought a Van Dinkenstein family heirloom, a vase, for appraisal. However, a thieving Djinn (a magical spirit from Arabian and Islamic mythology) keeps arriving in a cloud of smoke and stealing antiques. Can the gang solve this mystery before everything valuable gets stolen?

The second story, “Give Me a Ring” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #30 (cover date: April 2013).] The story finds Mystery Inc. called to New Orleans.

It seems that two of the world's great archaeologists, Lewis Clark and Stanley Livingston, have discovered the legendary “ancient ring” that belonged to the “voodoo queen,” Marie LeFaux. Hundreds of years ago, Marie used the ring to turn people into zombies. Lewis tells the gang that Stanley was turned into a zombie after he placed the ring on his finger. Can the gang solve the mystery of the new zombie and the cursed ring? Can Shaggy and Scooby survive the spicy Cajun food?

If Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 has a theme, it is that the two stories involve some of my favorite fantasy beings/creatures. So the theme is “for Leroy's pleasure.” The title “Djinn-Kies” is a play on Velma's favorite exclamation, “Jinkies!” Besides that, the story features a delightful mix of an antique-stealing Djinn, family heirlooms, and a secret armoire. It is also produced by Derek Fridolfs and Valerio Chiola, two of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book creators.

As a Louisiana native, I like having “Give Me a Ring” set in a cartoon version of New Orleans. Zombies, voodoo, Dixieland jazz, and a playful nod to spicy Louisiana food: I think these would make the perfect elements for a Scooby-Doo straight-to-DVD movie. Oh, and “Give Me a Ring” is produced by Sholly Fisch and Scott Neely, Scooby-Doo favorites of mine.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 is simply a fun read. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #120 and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and Nubia: Princess of the Amazons” by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale and Victoria Ying.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #119

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #119

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

ART: Randy Elliot; Dave Alvarez

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Candace Schinzler-Bell

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Aniz Ansari & Jessica Chen (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs and Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Ages 8+

“Centaur Attention”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #119 opens with “Centaur Attention,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma arriving at the “Coolsville Equestrian Center.” There, Daphne and her horse, Daisy, are participants in the “Coolsville Equestrian Meet.” However, a monstrous centaur is determined to ruin the event. Can the gang stop the creature in time to save the event?

The second story, “Knight Mare” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dave Alvarez. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #52 (cover date: February 2015).] The story finds Mystery Inc. attending the “Renaissance Faire.” Everyone is having fun until a ghost, “The Scarlet Knight,” arrives to ruin the event. What's the story behind this ghostly knight, and will Shaggy and Scooby once again be coerced into being the bait for a trap to catch the the Scarlet Knight?

If Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #119 has a theme, it involves riding horses and ghostly villains that want to stop fun events from occurring. Both stories, the new and the reprint, feature Scooby-Doo comics creators that are among my favorites. That said, this is an average issue in the series, especially considering that there have been several above average issues published in the last year. The villains are not that interesting, but both artists turn in some nicely drawn pages featuring excellent graphic design within the individual panels and overall pages.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #119 is a slight downgrade from issue #118. Still, it is a Scooby-Doo comic book, Scooby-Doo fans. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #119 and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B-

★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “My Buddy, Killer Croc” by Sara Farizan and Nicoletta Baldar.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Thursday, September 1, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #116

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #116
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela
INKS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Candace Schinzler-Bell
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jessica Chen and David Piňa (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2022)

Ages 8+

“Sight for Scared Eyes”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #116 opens with “Sight for Scared Eyes,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are tying up the case of “the Ogre of Oglesby Orchard” when Velma's glasses are broken. So the gang is off to see the optometrist at “Made in the Shades,” where Velma can get an eye exam and new glasses.

However, the office is being haunted by a giant cyclops that keeps crashing around the place. While Velma struggles to believe her eyes, the rest of Mystery Inc. sets its sights on solving the mystery of this one-eyed monstrosity.

The second story, “Jinkies” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dario Brizuela. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #61 (cover date: November 2015).] The story opens with Mystery Inc. in court for the trial of Rob Felony, who was haunting his condominium as “the Sublet Specter.” While on the witness stand, Velma suddenly sees a ghostly jurist … that no one else sees! If Mystery Inc. can't solve this strange new mystery, Velma's strange vision could help set Rob Felony free.

Both of the stories in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #116 have as a theme, Velma's eyesight and her glasses. Also, both stories are produced by some of this series' best contributors, writer Sholly Fisch, artists Randy Elliot and Dario Brizuela, and also Derek Fridolfs, who has been both writer and artist for this series, and is a writer, here.

“Sight for Scared Eyes” works quite well because it accurately captures a few things one can expect during a visit to a doctor: waiting rooms, grumpy patients in the waiting rooms, harried assistants, and testy doctors. Fridolfs also casually drops a clue about the end of the story at the beginning.

“Jinkies” seems a bit more implausible, even beyond the usual implausibility of Scooby-Doo, but Sholly Fisch offers a nice spin on the threat of wireless technology. He also uses as a premise something of which we Scooby-Doo fans rarely consider. How would any of Mystery Inc.'s cases stand up in court?

So, I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #116 to all Scooby-Doo comic book fans. Like issue #115, it is one of the best issues of the series of the last two years, and it is rare for this series to have consecutive exceptional issues. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the original graphic novel, “Green Arrow: Stranded” by Brendan Deneen and Bell Hosalla.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #115

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #115
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Robert Pope
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRae
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2022)

Ages 8+

“Ready Player Run!”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #115 opens with “Ready Player Run!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma at the headquarters of “Playtel,” the board game company. Fred answered an ad so that the whole gang could “playtest” Playtel's latest game.

But Playtel has a surprise for all the testers. They want to give players a new experience, and that means transporting players into virtual reality versions of their games via VR goggles. But there is a glitch … err … gremlin in the VR system. The “Grim Gamer” is out to win at all costs, and Mystery Inc. has a new mystery to solve.

The second story, “Endgame” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #10 (cover date: August 2011).] Mystery Inc. is attending the “World Video Game Championships,” which is sponsored by the video game company, Gamestation.

Competitors include the Tendo Brothers, Mario and Luigi, and the legendary player, Zelda. But a ghostly figure, “The Pinball Wizard,” is demanding that this championship tournament be shut down. Now, Gamestation's Laurie Kraft is desperate to save the tournament, so Mystery Inc. has another mystery to solve.

Right from the start, one reason for me to like “Ready Player Run!” is that it comes from Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini, one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book art teams. Combined with Sivana Brys' lovely colors, “Ready Player Run!” looks gorgeous. Writer Derek Fridolfs, another Scooby-Doo comics favorite, offers a cleverly constructed story right out of the kind of real-world corporate espionage that must be rampant in the video game industry. I like this story, and I think it would make a good plot for one of those direct-to-DVD Scooby-Doo movies.

“Endgame” is written by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book writers, Sholly Fisch, and is drawn by another of my favorite Mystery Inc. art dream teams, Robert Pope and Scott McRae. The plot and the villain are good, but not great. However, the story has a crazy last act – Shaggy and Scooby in a dance-off! Yes, it's as fun as it sounds.

So, I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #115 to all Scooby-Doo fans because it is one of the best issues of the series in the last year or so. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the original graphic novel, “Primer” by Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski, and Gretel Lusky.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.dccomics.com/
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, April 14, 2022

#IReadsYou: Review: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #114

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #114
DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Alex Simmons
PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Robert Pope
INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott McRae
COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Michelle Siglain (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Jeremy Lawson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2022)

Ages 8+

“Jailhouse Shock”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #114 opens with “Jailhouse Shock,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma at a local police station, after closing their most recent case involving bank fraud and someone masquerading as a Yeti.

Before they can leave, they learn from Sarge, the head of the station, that the building is being haunted. The haunt is none other than the ghost of the notorious early twentieth century bank robber, Muggsy Derringer, who claims to want revenge. The real Muggsy, however, was hunted down a century ago in Chicago, so why would his ghost be haunting this police station? It is up to the gang to find out?

The second story, “Dead & Let Spy” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Alex Simmons and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #106 (cover date: May 2006).] Mystery Inc. is meeting the spymaster “G,” who wants the gang to help his nephew, J.Z. Bang, a teen secret agent.

J.Z. is used to dealing with spies and secret agents, but his latest adversary, a freelance agent called “Cadaver,” uses spooky tricks, such as employing monsters and ghouls. The teen secret agent is trying to gather the ten pieces of a new invention created by the eccentric Dr. Ooh. He needs help fighting off a menagerie of creeps that look as if they are a rogues gallery from a horror film festival. Are the monster-hunting talents of Mystery Inc. just want J.Z. Bang needs?

The funniest thing about “Jailhouse Shock” is that Mystery Inc. knows from the beginning that the ghost of Muggsy Derringer is a fake. Well, at least Shaggy and Scooby-Doo are willing to sell the idea that they are facing a real ghost. While Sholly Fisch's story is funny, I still haven't bought into Valerio Chiola as an appropriate artist for a Scooby-Doo comic book. He draws the Mystery Inc. characters well enough, but all the other character are awkwardly drawn.

“Dead & Let Spy,” the reprint tale, is a better story and it is also drawn by one of the better Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Robert Pope, inked here by Scott McRae. Pope's graphical storytelling is fast paced, from beginning to end, and he offers an impressive menagerie of monsters. The monsters J.Z. Bang faces include the classic Scooby-Doo creep, the Yeti, which first appeared in “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-70) Season One, Episode 17 as the “Snow Ghost.” I think writer Alex Simmons has come up with a scenario that would make a nice Scooby-Doo graphic novel and perhaps, be excellent source material for an animated Scooby-Doo film.

6 out of 10

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of the original graphic novel, “Teen Titans Go! DC Super Hero Girls: Exchange Students!” by Amy Wolfram and Agnes Garbowska.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #113

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #113
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Terrence Griep Jr.
PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Anthony Williams
INKS: Valerio Chiola; Jeff Albrecht
COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Jenna Garcia
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Joan Hilty (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Jeremy Lawson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Ages 8+

“Unboxing Day”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #113 opens with “Unboxing Day,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma in Cooper's Woods. They are there to help their friend, DIY television star, “Builder Billy,” and his sister, Betty. It seems a ghostly dryad, a forest spirit from Greek mythology, is vexing Billy's attempt to build a box fort treehouse. Can Mystery Inc. solve the mystery of the dryad in time to help Billy and Betty build the treehouse?

The second story, “Elf King Swing” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Terrence Greip Jr. and drawn by Anthony Williams and Jeff Albrecht. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #49 (cover date: August 2001).] Mystery Inc. is in Germany to help an old chum, Baron von Gerhard a.k.a. “Willie.” His legacy: a barony, a dense forest, and Munehof, his family's ancestral home, are being threatened by “The Elf King.” It is a figure right out of Germany's literary history, and he wants to claim Willie and Mystery Inc. as his own. Can our heroes solve the mystery of the Elf King and save the von Gerhard legacy.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? issues #111 and #112 were two of the best issues of this series that I'd read in some time. Issue #113 is not so hot. The new story, “Unboxing Day,” does have an interesting angle in the treehouse building, but the dryad does not cut it as a villain, as far as I'm concerned.

The reprint story, “Elf King Swing” does not interest me at all, so it is best that I say nothing. However, I do want to note that it references “Erlkonig,” the famous poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, concerning a supernatural being that stalks a young boy who is on horseback with his father.

So, I will only recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #113 to people who collect Scooby-Doo comic books. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

4 out of 10

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of the original graphic novel, “Superman of Smallville,” by Art Baltazar and Franco.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #112

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #112
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Scott Jeralds; Dario Brizuela
INKS: Scott Jeralds; Dario Brizuela
COLORS: Jeremy Lawson; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kristy Quinn (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Jeremy Lawson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Ages 8+

“Attack of the 8-Foot Amphibian!”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #112 opens with “Attack of the 8-Foot Amphibian!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Scott Jeralds. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma in the “Mystery Machine” are arriving at the “Coolsville Drive-In” movie theater. They are there for a screening of the classic monster movie, “The Ghoulie from Green Lagoon.” It seems, however, that the Ghoulie has, of late, been rampaging through the drive-in. Instead of a night at the movies, it's another mystery for Scooby and the gang.

The second story, “Creature Feature” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dario Brizuela. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #38 (cover date: December 2013).] The story opens on the set of the “Nocturna, Mistress of Midnight” television show. Horror movie hostess, “Nocturna,” is screening the monster movie, “Attack of the Cabbage People,” when a real cabbage monster terrorizes the set. It seems that “creepy creatures” from old movies have been plaguing the television studio for a few weeks.

Mystery Inc. arrives, offering to help solve the mystery. The gang discovers that Sybil, the actress who plays Nocturna; Lew Gordon, the show's producer; and Dennis Raye, the show's intern have different ideas about what is going on. Can Mystery Inc. solve the mystery of these old movie monsters before there are too many for anyone to handle?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #111 was one of the best issues of the series that I had read in a long time. Shockingly, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #112 makes it consecutive top-flight issues of a Scooby-Doo comic book series that has been mostly flat for the past few years.

First, the opening story, “Attack of the 8-Foot Amphibian!,” features the artwork of one of the very best Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Scott Jeralds. His beautiful “clear-line” drawing style retains the classic design of the Scooby-Doo characters and adds a quirky modern visual sensibility. The story is written by one of the better Scooby-Doo comic book writers, Derek Fridolfs, who is also an artist and who draws issue #112's cover.

Fridolf's script offers sly commentary about people's obsessions with their smart phones and about how people use camera phones to record events rather than live in those events themselves. It seems that the only ones concerned with “the Green Ghoulie” is analog-era Mystery Inc, who fit in perfectly with the story's setting, a drive-in movie theater. This offers an obvious contrast to the rest of the moviegoers who are too jaded to care about “old school” or “retro” things.

Like the reprint story in issue #111, issue 112's back-up story is also a reprint from an earlier issue of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? rather than from the previous series, Scooby-Doo (1997-2010). “Creature Feature” (originally published in 2013) is not quite as entertaining as “Attack of the 8-Foot Amphibian!,” but it does offer “Nocturna, Mistress of Midnight,” an homage to the great, real-life horror-hostess, “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.” For me, that's enough to make “Creature Feature” a winner.

So, I highly recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #112 to Scooby-Doo fans. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #111

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #111
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Fabio Laguna
INKS: Valerio Chiola; Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kristy Quinn (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Ages 8+

“Crash Test Mummies”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #111 opens with “Crash Test Mummies,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma inside their beloved van, the “Mystery Machine.” They are in a death race against a mad drag racer that the gang calls the “Spooky Speedster.”

Unfortunately, Mystery Inc. gets the worst of it. The Mystery Machine crashes into a tree, taking on heavy and extensive damage, and the Spooky Speedster gets away. Luckily, a mechanic happens to arrive in his tow truck, but so does the local sheriff. The kids get away without getting a ticket, but the sheriff sends them to traffic school. More misfortune arrives when the gang discovers that the building where the school is held is haunted by a “Mumbling Mummy.” Can Scooby and company solve this mystery and get a passing grade in traffic school?

The second story, “On Your Marks, Get Set … Ghost!” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Fabio Laguna. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #36 (cover date: October 2013).] The story opens at one of the most challenging “Modcar” racecourses anywhere, the “Terror Track.” There, we find Mystery Inc helping the world's greatest race car driver, Earl Daleheart. It seems that the Terror Track's mascot, “Terry the Terror,” has become a real-life monster, terrorizing the track and knocking Daleheart out of the race. Can the gang solve this mystery, and can Shaggy and Scooby drive a race care?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #111 is one of the best issues of the series that I have read in a long time. “Crash Test Mummies” has some beautiful art drawn and colored by Valerio Chiola, and Chiola's graphic design of the characters is one of the best modern takes on the Scooby-Doo franchise – in animation or comic books. The story by Derek Fridolfs, who is himself quite an accomplished Scooby-Doo comic book artist, is a delight that offers two mysteries. Fridolfs also does double duty, delivering a striking cover illustration. As Scooby declares, “Scooby-Dooby-Two!”

This issue may be the first that I have read in which the backup story is a reprint story from this series rather than being from the long-running Scooby-Doo (1997-2010) comic book series, which is usually the source for the backup stories. Still, “On Your Marks, Get Set … Ghost!” is also a fun story from two other stalwart Scooby-Doo comic book creators, writer Sholly Fisch and artist Fabio Laguna. Also, some readers will enjoy the fact that the character, Earl Daleheart, is a reference to the late stock car driver and NASCAR racing legend, Dale Earnhardt.

So, I highly recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #111 to Scooby-Doo fans. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Thursday, July 8, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #109

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) No. 109
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Dan Abnett
PENCILS: Scott Jeralds; Anthony Williams
INKS: Scott Jeralds; Dan Davis
COLORS: Jeremy Lawson; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Tom Orzechowski
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Joan Hilty (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2021)

Ages 8+

“Escape Claws”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #109 opens with “Escape Claws,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Scott Jeralds. Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have been called to “Coolsville Escape Room.” George Papalakis, the owner of an indoor competition game, “Escapades,” wants them to test the game (which is similar to “Laser Tag,” but without the shooting). Apparently, a “chimera,” a mythological creature that is composed of a lion, a goat, and a snake, is haunting the place? Can Mystery Inc, solve this case and escape the claws of the chimera.

The second story, “Petrified!,” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Dan Abnett and drawn by Anthony Williams and Dan Davis. [This story was originally published as the back-up story in Scooby-Doo #70 (cover date: May 2003).] The gang has been called to a town that is being plagued by a “basilisk.” Originating from Europe, this mythological creature was a winged lizard that could turn people to stone when it stared at them. However, Mystery Inc. knows that there is more to the townsfolk's stories than they are admitting.

The theme of this issue is mythological creatures, and while the concept for each story is interesting, the execution of each story is, to be quite honest, awful. As usual, I like the quirky line work and delicate design and page layouts of artist Scott Jeralds. He makes “Escape Claws” at least pleasant on the eyes. Otherwise, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #109 is a low point in this series.

So, I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #109 strictly to readers who are collecting all issues of this series. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

C
4 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Friday, March 5, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #107

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #107 (2010)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; John Rozum
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Cameron Stewart
INKS: Randy Elliot; Andrew Pepoy
COLORS: Pamela Lovas; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John Costanza
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Joan Hilty (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2021)

Ages 8+

“Striking Terror”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I renewed my subscription (for a second time), and this is the ninth issue of my third subscription run that I have received.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #107 opens with “Striking Terror,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma solved “The Mystery of the Terror-Dactyl” a day earlier. Now, it's time for a day off, and the Coolsville bowling alley is the place to be on a Friday night.

The gang aren't the only ones that feel that way because “Coolsville Bowl” is packed. However, electrical problems are causing the bowling pins on several lanes to freeze, which means the kids are going to have to wait for a lane to open up for them. Lanes may become available soon though, as the the ghostly and headless “Skulldugger” is haunting the place. Using his bowling ball, which glows with a cackling green skull inside, the Skulldugger wants everyone to leave the bowling alley. Looks like Mystery Inc. will have a mystery to solve after all

The second story, “Witch Pitch,” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by John Rozum and drawn by Cameron Stewart and Andrew Pepoy. [This story was originally published as the back-up story in Scooby-Doo #37 (cover date: August 2000).] Once again, Scooby and company are looking for an opportunity to sit down and have some fun. This time they are at Maize Field for a game featuring Fred's favorite baseball team, the Nebraska Corndogs. The evening is nearly ruined when a witch flies in on her broom and puts a curse on Corndogs pitcher Hector Martinez, just as she recently did to his teammate, “Spanky” Schultz. Time to chase a witch!

Ever since I first started watching the seminal Scooby-Doo Saturday morning cartoon, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-70), so many decades ago, I have been a fan of the green-hued specters and haunts that Mystery Inc. has chased. “Striking Terror” is an average story as the stories in this series go, but I love the look of the Skulldugger as drawn by Randy Elliot and colored by Pamela Lovas.

“Witch Pitch” is a good story, and I would would like to see it adapted into one of those direct-to-DVD films that Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has been releasing since 1998's Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. Also, I think this is the first time that I have come across the idea that Fred is a baseball fan and that the kids like to bowl.

So, I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #107 to fans of Scooby-Doo haunted sports stories. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B
6 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #102

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 102
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Paul Kupperberg
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
INKS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Dave Tanguay
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
EDITORS: Jim Chadwick; Harvey Richards (reprints)
COVER: Randy Elliot with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2020)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Pet-Trified”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series. I renewed my subscription (for a second time) and this is the fourth issue I received from that renewal.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #102 opens with “Pet-Trified,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are enjoying a day of not chasing ghosts and goblins at “Coolsville Bark Park,” a park for dogs. Unfortunately, a ghost “Siren,” a winged creature from Greek mythology, has decided to ruin his day for humans and dogs alike. In order for Mystery Inc. to solve this case, Scooby will have to be the bait!

The second story, “Sunday in the Park with Scooby!,” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Fabio Laguna. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #143 (cover date: June 2009).] Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are enjoying a day at the park with no mysteries to solve. But will it be that easy? No one is chasing Scoob and Shag, but there are some rather benign mysteries that (apparently) only they can solve.

Well, it's obvious, isn't it. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #102 has a day-at-the-park theme. At first, “Pet-Trified” didn't seem like much of a story, but the story's “Becky” twist-ending makes it real-world relevant. “Sunday in the Park with Scooby!” plays out in such an unexpected way that its oddness is what makes it delightful.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #102 is not an exceptional issue in this series, but I like its off-beat spirit. So, until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a preview of the original graphic novel, Superman of Smallville by Art Baltazar and Franco.]

B
6 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, August 4, 2019

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #98

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 98
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Terence Griep
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
INKS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John J. Hill
EDITOR: Harvey Richards
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2019)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Highland Horror”

I am continuing my journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series. Normally, I do this via my DC Comics subscription service, but I let that lapse for a few months. So, until my third subscription begins, I have been getting copies from my local comic shop (LSC).

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #98 opens with “Highland Horror” (written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot). Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are attending the “Coolsville Celtic Faire.” In the midst of all the fun, however, a new creepy type, “the Mad Scott,” begins haunting the fairgrounds. And the Mystery Inc. kids have found their latest case.

The second story is “Sumo A-Go-Go” (written by Terrence Griep and drawn by Fabio Laguna). [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #148 (cover dated: November 2009), and it was recently reprinted in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #91 (cover dated: May 2018).] Mystery Inc. is enjoying a sumo wrestling tournament when “The Tengu” appears, declaring that the tournament's opening ceremony is an insult. Now, it is up to the gang to stop him.

As stories in this series go, this one is a little above average. Writer Derek Fridolfs offers lots of factoids concerning Scottish culture, including about dancing, food, and kilts, and there are some bagpipe jokes. Also, Randy Elliot is one of the better modern Scooby-Doo comic book artists.

The second (and sometimes third) stories in Scooby Doo, Where Are You? have always been stories reprinted from the previous Scooby-Doo comic book series, simply entitled Scooby-Doo (159 issues, 1997-2010). The last year or so some of the back-up stories have been reprinted more than once. “The Freeloading Ghost” has been reprinted twice in half a year, and I have no idea why. Now, another recently reprinted story, “Sumo A-Go-Go,” makes another appearance, and it is actually a nice story. So anyone who has missed its previous appearances will get a chance to read it.

See you next time.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Saturday, November 24, 2018

Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #95

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 95
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Paul Kupperberg
ART: Scott Jeralds
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Harvey Richards
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

I am continuing my journey through the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series. Join me, will you? I recently received the tenth issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #95 opens with “Mystery Mashing” (written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Scott Jeralds). Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are attending the “Monster Truck Rally” at Coolsville Coliseum. However, a real life monster truck, “The Diesel Dragon,” is wrecking and crushing the competition, Now, there is indeed a new mystery to solve.

The second story is “The Night of the Undead” (written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Scott Jeralds). [It was originally published in Scooby-Doo #157 (August 2010).] It seems to start at a local shopping mall – the first appearance of a zombie. According to a group of students from the local university, a real virus, “Virus-Z,” is the cause of this zombie invasion, and that virus originated in a lab at the university. Mystery Inc. is on hand to discover the truth.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #95 is not one of the better issues in this second run of my subscription. Other than the monster truck designs by artist Scott Jeralds, “Monster Mashing” does not amount to much. In fact, I think that this plot is similar to a recent Scooby-Doo! / WWE straight-to-DVD animated film. The identity of the culprits behind the zombie attacks depicted in “The Night of the Undead” are obvious from the second page of the story, if not the first.

Anyway, I enjoy reading Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? – good, bad, or mediocre. See you next issue!

C+
5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #91

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 91
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Terence Griep
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
INKS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John H. Hill
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

We continue to peruse the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series. I recently received the sixth issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #91 opens with “TranceSylvania” (written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot). Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are attending the annual fundraiser in support of the “Coolsville Guys and Gals Club.” The opening act of the night's entertainment is the hypnotist, “The Amazing Amado,” but he is nothing compared to the kooky phantom that crashes the festivities. He is “The Hypno-Haunt,” and he has just hypnotized Mystery Inc. into switched identities.

The second story is “Sumo A-Go-Go” (written by Teremce Griep and drawn by Fabio Laguna). [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #148 (cover dated: November 2009).] The gang is enjoying a sumo wrestling tournament when “The Tengu” appears, declaring that the tournament's opening ceremony is an insult. Now, it is up to the gang to stop him.

First, I like artist Derek Fridolfs and colorist Pamela Lovas' cover for Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #91. The story, however, is a trifle, and it would be better if it were longer. That is the case with many of this series' stories – if they were only longer. I do like “The Hypno-Haunt” that is haunting this story, if for no other reason than his character design. A longer story could have had a lot of fun with the fact that this creep forced the members of Mystery Inc. to switch identities.

The second story has some nice details about the culture of sumo wrestling. The villain, The Tengu, would make a nice super-villain, but this story is less than super.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #91 is one of this series' lesser issues, but it still makes me excited about the next issue (which just arrived in my mailbox). As always, I recommend this title to Scooby-Doo fans.

B
6 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, December 28, 2017

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #88

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 88
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; John Rozum
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
INKS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Sylvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John J. Hill
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

I am still enjoying the fruits of the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series. I recently received the third issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #88 opens with “Used Scars” (written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot). All that mileage! Maybe, it is time for Mystery Incorporated to replace the Mystery Machine. The need for something affordable takes Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma to “Earnest Eddie's Used Car Emporium.” The gang does indeed find low prices, but our heroes also find rundown vehicles and a monster called “the Slimmer Man.”

The second story is “Fright Ride” (written by John Rozum and drawn by Fabio Laguna), a story originally published in Scooby-Doo #151 (cover dated: February 2010). Ryan is a reporter for the New Kirk City Daily News, but he is stuck covering items that belong in the local society page. He believes he needs to find the kind of story that will break him into serious journalism.

Ryan thinks that he may have that potential breakthrough story in Mystery Inc. He decides to ride along with Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo as these mystery-solvers search for a new supernatural case to tackle. When a weird painting keeps appearing and disappearing at “Andrew's Art Gallery,” Ryan thinks that he is finally in on some action, but Mystery Inc. seems to have run into a case that it cannot solve.

There is something neat and whacky about “The Slimmer Man,” the villain in “Used Scars.” I think this character would really shine in animation, where animators can make him wriggle, shimmy-shake, and twerk. He certainly works as a comic book boogeyman, even in story that is underdeveloped in terms of narrative, which I like anyway.

“Fright Ride” is quite enjoyable, and I would say that it is one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book stories. Writer John Rozum fills the story with delightful twists and turns. All those narrative sleights of hand make for a surprise ending, of sorts. Karma can be a witch.

It has happened again. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #88 makes me ready for the next issue.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, November 9, 2017

Review: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1

BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ADVENTURES No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING/DC Comics – @DCComics @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Matthew K. Manning
PENCILS: Jon Sommariva
INKS: Sean Parsons
COLORS: Leonardo Ito
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER: Jon Sommariva
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kevin Eastman with Tomi Varga; Ciro Nielli; Hilary Barta with Jason Millet; Ty Templeton; Ben Bishop; Alex Kotkin; Ken Haeser; Steve Lavigne and Peter Laird with Ben Bishop; Tony Fleecs; J. Bone; Ian Nichols; Dario Brizuela; Eddie Nunez; Derek Fridolfs with Heather Breckel
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2016)

“The Face of Two Worlds”

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (also known as TMNT and Ninja Turtles) are a media empire that began with four fictional characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (cover dated: May 1984), introduced four teenage anthropomorphic turtles (meaning they walk and talk like humans).

Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael were adopted by an anthropomorphic rat, Master Splinter, who was their sensei and who trained them in the art of ninjutsu. The Turtles live in the sewers of New York City and battle every bad guy from petty criminals and overlord-mastermind types to alien invaders and mutated creatures.

DC Comics and IDW Publishing united last year to publish the crossover comic book, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, IDW Publishing has just released the second such crossover, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures. It is written by Matthew K. Manning; drawn by Jon Sommariva (pencils) and Sean Parsons (inks); colored by Leonardo Ito; and lettered by Shawn Lee.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1 (“The Face of Two Worlds”) opens in the Turtles' New York City, where we find them fighting crime in their own unique way. Meanwhile, in Gotham City, Batman is trying to find out why select denizens of the infamous prison, Arkham Asylum, are disappearing and sometimes returning... and telling strange tales.

When I first heard about the first Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover comic book (published by DC Comics), I wanted to read it, of course. However, I was and still am cynical about crossover comic books, so I did not expect much from Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was more than pleasantly surprised. It is one of the best inter-comic book company crossover comic books that I have ever read.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1 takes its leads from those “Adventures” comic books. Back in 1992, a syndicated animated television series named “Batman” debuted. Commonly known as “Batman: The Animated Series,” it featured Batman in a visually striking manner that recalled the art and design of the 20th century's early decades and also the early years of Batman comic books. DC Comics published a comic book based on “Batman: The Animated Series,” entitled “Batman Adventures,” which was also friendlier and more open to younger readers than regular Batman titles. Since then, other comic books based on animated TV series have followed the lead of Batman Adventures, including IDW's (which has the license to publish TMNT comic books) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures is certainly an “Adventures” comic book. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about such comic books, so I am not as excited about this new comic book miniseries as I was about Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which was darker in tone and more like Eastman and Laird's early TMNT comic books, with their raw, edgy, DIY aesthetic. However, I want to give Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures a chance. I want to see where this is going. Truthfully, I would like to see Batman and the Ninja Turtles crossovers past this new series

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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