#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #124

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #124

DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; 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: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys

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

Ages 8+

“Driven to Crime”

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? #124 opens with “Driven to Crime,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks).  The story finds Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma visiting the set of the television series, “Riding Around with Celebrities in My Town.”

The host, Len, informs the gang that he is planning a spin-off series, “Flying Around with Celebrities Above Town.”  However, a gruesome ghost that calls itself “the Aviator” is totally against anyone flying around his unfriendly skies.  Now, it's up to Scooby and company to ground this wraith.

As usual, the second story, “Just Plane Spooked,” 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? #18 (cover date: April 2012).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. visiting the owner of the airline company, “Receding Airlines.”  It seems that his airline's flights are being haunted by the ghost of “Cordelia Fairheart,” a famous female aviator (“aviatrix”) who disappeared with her plane over the ocean over eighty years ago.  Now, in order to solve this mystery, Shaggy and company will have to do something that absolutely scares him – take a flight!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 has as a theme aviator ghosts.  The new story, “Driven to Crime,” which is drawn by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book art teams, Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini, is surprisingly different.  The best part of it is its unusual ending, which is more about restorative justice than criminal justice.

The reprint story, “Just Plane Spooked,” is produced by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo creative teams, that of writer Sholly Fisch and artists Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  Although the ending is typical, the story still stands out because the storytellers sell the idea that flying in an airplane practically drives Shaggy bonkers, and that turns out to be funnier than I expected.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 is a fun read, and is, like issue #123, 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, “Young Alfred: Pain in the Butler” by Michael Northrop and Sam Lotfi.]

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

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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #121

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #121

DC COMICS

STORY: John Rozum; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Robert Pope

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRae

COLORS: Sylvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)

COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Sylvana Brys

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

Ages 8+

“Local Legends”

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? #121 opens with “Local Legends,” which is written by John Rozum and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  The story finds Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are visiting the small town of “Pond Cove.”  The town is beset by monsters:  the Goat Man, the Lizard Man, and the Green Devil, in particular, but it has also been the longtime haunt of Bigfoot.

Professor Collier at the local “Intercontinental Museum of Cryptozoology”believes that there is more to these hauntings than people suspect.  Mystery Inc. agrees, but can they unravel the mystery before someone gets away with something?

As usual, the second story, “Mummy Knows Best,” 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? #24 (cover date: October 2012).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. visiting the museum.

They are getting an early preview of the exhibit of the mummy of King Tookooforskool, which was discovered by the famous archaeologist and adventurer, North Dakota Smith.  When the mummy comes to life, however, the gang has a new mystery to solve.

I usually find a theme shared between the two stories in each issue of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, but issue #121 doesn't seem to have one.  I really like “Local Legends” because of the reason I usually like many of the stories in this series – it would make a good plot for an animated Scooby-Doo direct-to-DVD film.  It has a main plot, but the secondary plot is the one to watch.  That would play well in an animated film.  Plus, “Local Legends” is written by a favorite Scooby-Doo comic book writer, John Rozum, and a favorite series artist, Walter Carzon.

I don't have a lot to say about the reprint story, “Mummy Knows Best.”  It has some nice ideas, and I like Robert Pope and Scott McRae's odd art.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #121 is a fun read.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #121 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, “Shazam! Thundercrack” by Yehudi Mercado.]

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

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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #118

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #118

DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Corzan; Scott Neely

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott Neely

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Walter Corzan and Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Ages 8+

“And the Winner Isn't...”

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? #118 opens with “And the Winner Isn't...,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  The story finds Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma … making a silent film?!  Actually, the gang is helping film a promotional short for the upcoming “Movie Awards.”  However, a ghost, calling itself the “Silent Phantom” is determined to ruin the show.

The second story, “Dial 'E' for Eeeeeeeeek!” 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? #32 (cover date: June 2013).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. invited to the studios of notorious film director, Alfred Hatchplot.

He is known for his scary movies that make audience jumpy, but now, he claims that something is making him jumpy.  It seems that Hatchplot is being haunted by the menaces from his filmograpy, including the dark birds from his film, “The Annoying Birds.”  Can Scooby and the gang solve this case before these menaces start targeting them?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #118 is a nice movie-themed issue.  The opening story “And the Winner Isn't...” is produced by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book creative teams, but it is actually not a winner.  However, it does have an unusual ending regarding the villain, one that I don't recall ever seeing in a Scooby-Doo comic book, TV series, or film.

“Dial 'E' for Eeeeeeeeek!” is a nice spoof of Alfred Hitchcock and his films.  Alfred Hatchplot is a rather tame take on Hitchcock, who supposedly could be quiet a tyrant on his film sets.  The shower scene in Psycho, which is arguably Hitchcock's most famous film, gets a nice send-up as a movie entitled “Whacko.”  Shaggy and Scooby even take a spin around Psycho's infamous shower scene with a bathtub scene of their own.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #118 is an improvement over issue #117, which would have been a disaster if the reprint story had not saved the new story.  So grab your popcorn and “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #118 or maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Green Lantern: Alliance” by Minh Lê and Andie Tong.]

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

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#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"


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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #108

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) No. 108
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch, Alex Simmons
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Leo Batic
INKS: Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Paul Becton and Sno Cone
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Rob Leigh
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Joan Hilty (reprint)
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2021)

Ages 8+

“The Devil (Dog) You Say?”

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 tenth issue of my third subscription run that I have received.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #108 opens with “The Devil (Dog) You Say?,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have been called to a “house on the moors.”  The caller is one William Gottrich III, and his home is under siege by the monstrous “Devil Dog.”

Gottrich has already called on three other individuals for help.  There is Tom Katt of Animal Control, whom the dog has trapped in the house since the previous day.  Next, is Professor Rosetta Stone, the county historian, who believes the Devil Dog is really the legendary “Hound of the Moors,” that brings doom to anyone that sets foot on the moors.  Finally, there is Madame Persona Nongrata, a noted psychic who believes that the dog is a messenger from the “demonic underworld” sent to drag its victims back to its “fiery realm.”

So what can Mystery Inc. do?  Well, it seems that this is a case that only Scooby and Shaggy can solve!

The second story, “Prisoner of the Ghost in the Iron Mask,” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Alex Simmons and drawn by Leo Batic and Horatio Ottolini.  [This story was originally published as the back-up story in Scooby-Doo #79 (cover date: February 2004).]   Mystery Inc. is in the country of “Morovania,” smuggled there by Princess Adora.  The princess needs to the gang to solve the mystery of the “Ghost in the Iron Mask,” which has been chasing off any man who might marry Adora.  The ghost has been haunting Adora's family, on and off, for generations, but hopefully it won't take Scooby and company that long to solve this ghostly mystery.

Ever since I first saw the 1939 film, The Hound of the Baskervilles (starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes), I have been fascinated by the film's story, which was based on the 1902 Sherlock Holmes novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles (written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).  I often find myself enjoying other adaptations of the novel, including humorous adaptations or spins on the story, like “The Devil (Dog) You Say?”  Of course, I enjoyed the story and the art by the team of Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  Actually, I pretty much like any Scooby-Doo story they draw.  I also like that writer Sholly Fisch gave all four guest/supporting characters enough personality and background to make them interesting or, at least, good comic relief.

“Prisoner of the Ghost in the Iron Mask,” this issue's reprint story, is notable mainly because of the slightly offbeat way pencil artist Leo Batic draws the Mystery Inc. characters.  Batic's interpretation of Shaggy, with an expressive rubbery face and wiry, bendable body, stands out.

So, I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #108 to fans of Scooby-Doo stories set in haunted mansions and castles.  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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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #105

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #105 (2010)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Barney Topper
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Dan DeCarlo
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Dan Davis
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Jenna Garcia
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Joan Hilty (reprint)
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2020)

Ages 8+

“Clearing the Troll Posts”

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 seventh issue of my third subscription run that I have received.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #105 opens with “Clearing the Troll Posts,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma discover that Daphne's favorite “vlogger” (video blogger), “Screengirl,” is in trouble.  It seems that she is being trolled by the monstrous “Internet Troll” who is trashing Screengirl's tech.  Can Mystery Inc. unravel the mystery of the Internet Troll, or is there more to this i-haunting than some trolling?

The second story, “Scare Wear,” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Barney Topper and drawn by Dan DeCarlo and Dan Davis.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #51 (cover date: October 2001).]  Mystery Inc. is excited about seeing pop star, Ashley Stunn, who is also a fashion icon.  Ashley's outfits, designed by Tim Goodfiger, are a sensation... but those outfits are also haunted!  And the spooks are threatening Ashley's well-being.  Can Mystery Inc. unravel the threads of this designer mystery?

“Clearing the Troll Posts,” the new story in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #105, does not amount to much, and it is hardly worth talking about.  However, the reprint story, “Scare Wear,” is of interest because its pencil art was produced by the late Dan DeCarlo (1919-2001), the great Archie Comics artist who developed Archie Comics' house style, the visual and graphic style that would shape the art of Archie Comics for over 40 years.

DeCarlo and is one of the creators of such popular Archie Comics' franchises as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats, and Cheryl Blossom.  It was because of his lawsuit against Archie Comics over the rights to Josie and the Pussycats that got DeCarlo banished from the publisher.  Before he died, DeCarlo drew comics for other publishers, including two Scooby-Doo comics stories, one of which is “Scare Wear.”

I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #105 to fans of Scooby-Doo comic books, and, this time, especially to fans of the late, great Dan DeCarlo.  So, 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 © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #104

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #104 (2010)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Scott Cunningham; John Rozum
PENCILS: Scott Jeralds; Karen Matchette; Matt I. Jenkins
INKS: Scott Jeralds; Karen Matchette; Matt I. Jenkins
COLORS: Rock Candy; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Mike Sellers; Rob Clark Jr.
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Michael Siglain (reprint); Harvey Richards (reprint)
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (July 2020)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Get on Board”

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 sixth issue of my third subscription run that I have received.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #104 opens with “Get on Board,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have responded to a call from Toni, a young woman who is running the skateboarding event,  the “Z Games” (a stand in for the real-world extreme sports event, “The X-Games”).  It seems the games are being haunted by a gremlin with the power to destroy the competitors' skateboards.  Can Mystery Inc. put an end to this gremlin and save the games?

The second story, “The Creature from the Rainbow Waterpark,” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Scott Cunningham and drawn by Karen Matchette.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #121 (cover date: August 2007).]  On the road and looking for a chance to get away from the heat of the summer, the gang stops at “Rainbow Waterpark,” and immediately discover that some kind of fish-monster is plaguing the park.  The park's owners, “the Rainbow Twins,” brothers Allen and Alfred, blame a rival park.  But is there more to this monster attack sabotage?

The third story, “Car-Tastrophe,” is also a reprint story and is written by John Rozum and drawn by Matt I. Jenkins.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #153 (cover date: April 2010).]  When Mystery Inc. is on the road and the Mystery Machine blows a gasket, the gang calls into the talk show, “Car Chat,” on the National People's Radio network.  Brothers Tim “Cling” Thunk-It and Roy “Clang” Thunk-It dispense the automobile repair advice, and lately, Fred has had to call them quite often.  However, when a mysterious caller, naming himself “The Phantom of the Air,” starts haunting them over the air, the Thunk-It brothers turn to Mystery Inc.  Can the gang solve this radio mystery and catch a wily phantom?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #104 is probably the best issue of this series that I have read in at least a year.  “Get on Board” is not a standout story, although I like the skateboarding competition setting and having the “monster” be a gremlin that dresses like... a “skater boy.”  The solution to “The Creature from the Rainbow Waterpark” involves one of those “mazes for kids” puzzles that are includes in some comics and magazines aimed at young readers.

“Car-Tastrophe” is what makes Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #104 an exceptional entry in this series.  The “Car Chat” radio show is a spoof of the real-life “Car Talk” radio show that aired on National Public Radio (NPR) from 1977 to 2012.  This story also spoofs NPR with National Peoples Radio, and the “Thunk-It Brothers” spoof Car Talk's “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers” (who were really brothers, Tom and Ray Magliozzi).  If you, dear readers, remember “Car Talk,” this story will work for you and come across as funny.  If you are not familiar with the show, I am not sure that this story will really work for you.

I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #104 to fans of Scooby-Doo comic books with a heartier-than-usual recommendation.  So, until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+
7 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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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #103

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 103 (2010)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Robbie Busch; Sholly Fisch; John Rozum
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Scott Jeralds; Scott Neely; Leo Batic
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Jeff Albrecht; Scott Neely
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Mike Sellers; Swands
EDITORS: Jim Chadwick; Jeanine Schaefer (reprint); Harvey Richards (reprint)
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2020)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“The Black Knight Returns”

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 fifth issue (at least) that I have received from that renewal.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #103 opens with “The Black Knight Returns,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are V.I.P. guests on a movie set.  There is going to be a reboot of Scooby-Doo's favorite film franchise, “Star: Dog Ranger.”

The original “Star” was a human in a dog costume, but in the modern take on the franchise, “Star” will be a composite of an on-set animatronic dog, Andy Circuit, and post-production computer effects.  The “Star” reboot production may be haunted, however, as “The Black Knight,” a ghostly invader, frequently rides onto the set, declaring that the movie will never be completed.  Can Mystery Inc. unravel the mystery of this seemingly cursed reboot?

The second story, “Abe Misbehavin',” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Robbie Busch and drawn by Scott Jeralds and Jeff Albrecht.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #120 (cover date: July 2007).]  The “Ghostly Gorilla,” a glowing white and blue apparition, is haunting a movie set.  Can Mystery Inc. solve this case, or is there more to this case than meets the eye?

There are two one-page stories.  First is “Learn to Draw with the M.I. Gang – Learn to Draw: Fred,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely.  [This feature was originally published in Scooby-Doo #123 (cover date: October 2007).]  Shaggy and Scooby learn to draw Fred, with scary results.

Next is “Velma's Monsters of the World: Pricolici,” which is written by John Rozum and drawn by Leo Batic and Horacio Ottolini.  [This feature was originally published in Scooby-Doo #158 (cover date: September 2010).]  Readers, sit back as Velma regales you with the story of the Romanian werewolf known as the “Pricolici”.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #103 stands out a little from most of the recent run of issues in this series.  “The Black Knight Returns” will remind readers of a frequent theme of Scooby-Doo cartoons, the old resenting the new.  “Abe Misbehavin'” has a rather unique twist that I did not see coming.  I also found myself intrigued by the Pricolici in this installment of “Velma's Monsters of the World.”  In the real world, the Pricolici is a creature from Romanian folklore that is a werewolf fused with either a vampire or a dhampir (half-human and half-vampire), depending on the source material.

I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #103 to fans of Scooby-Doo comic books.  So, until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B
6 out of 10

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

[This comic book includes a preview of the original graphic novel, Batman: Overdrive, by Shea Fontana and Marcelo DiChiara.]



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

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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #100

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 100
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Jack Briglio
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Roberto Barrios
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Sebastian Bartolucci
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
EDITORS: Lauren Bisom; Jeanine Schaefer
COVER: Dave Alavarez
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2019)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“School Dazed”

I am continuing my journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I renewed my subscription (for a second time) and (landmark, of sorts) issue #100 is the second issue I received from that renewal.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #100 opens with “School Dazed," which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are attending a dog obedience school reunion at Scooby's old school, “The Poochiversity.”

The school is famous for being the place that trained “Ring Ding Ding,” a canine star of early Hollywood, including appearing in some movies from the “Silent Film” era.  Now, Ring Ding Ding has apparently returned as a green-hued ghost, haunting the reunion and terrorizing pure breeds, mutts, and 'fraidy cat-dogs alike.

The second story, “Secrets Unlimited,” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Jack Briglio and drawn by Roberto Barrios and Sebastian Bartolucci.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #133 (cover date: August 2008).]  Mystery Inc. is attending a filming session of the reality television series, “Last Person Standing,” when suddenly a clay-covered monster attacks the set.  Before Mystery Inc. can act, however, “Secrets Unlimited” arrives to chase the monster away.

What is and who are “Secrets Unlimited?”  They are two guys, two girls, and a dog, and they fight monsters!  They have their own reality show, and they are about to make Mystery Inc. irrelevant.  That is unless Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang can unravel the truth about Secrets Unlimited and the monster that keeps appearing right before Secrets Unlimited arrives to save the day.

I find “School Dazed” to be an odd and entertaining story for two reasons.  First, I simply can't imagine Scooby-Doo attending an obedience school.  Secondly, the barking of the dogs in this story is translated as dialogue between the canines.  I think this is the first time I have ever encountered any Scooby-Doo story, comics or animated film/TV, in which Scooby speaks coherently, at least to other dogs.  In fact, this may be the first time that any writer has declared that Scooby attended obedience school.  So for these reasons, I recommend Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #100, and I will call it a semi-landmark issue in this series.

“Secrets Unlimited” is also a novel story, simply for presenting Mystery Inc. with a rival group of fighters of the paranormal and supernatural.  Honestly, these “rivals” seem more like front-runners since they really don't investigate anything, but they do show up to pose.  Has Mystery Inc. ever faced off against a rival team in the various incarnations of the Scooby-Doo TV series?

By the way, Dave Alvarez once again illustrates a striking cover image for this series.  See you next issue.

B+
7 out of 10

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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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #99

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 99
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Paul Kupperberg

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Fabio Laguna

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Fabio Laguna

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham

EDITOR: Lauren Bisom; Harvey Richards

COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Muddier on the Disoriented Express”

I am continuing my journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series. I renewed my subscription, and issue #99 is the first issue I received from that renewal.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #99 opens with “Muddier on the Disoriented Express” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma receives free tickets for a luxury train trip through Europe. However, the gang is having a hard time enjoying the trip for two reasons.

First, the other passengers aboard this train are an unpleasant lot. There are two surly, “successful businessmen,” Mr. Rocco and Mr. Slugg. Next is a snob, “the Contessa,” and her belligerent assistant who accuses everyone of being paparazzi. Even the train's chef and conductor are acting kinda shady. Secondly, this luxury train is haunted by a ghost calling itself “the Spirit of Justice,” and it claims that it is after the “wicked” and the “villains” aboard the train so that it can dispense some justice.

The second story, “Over the Boardwalk,” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Fabio Laguna. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #155 (cover dated: June 2010).] Mystery Inc. is visiting Coney Island. Scooby and Shaggy are enjoying the rides and the food. Fred and Daphne want to sit on the beach. Velma plans a walking tour to discover the local history. However, Coney Island is suffering from a devilish infestation, and the gang may be forced to deal with it whether they want to or not.

Of course, “Muddier on the Disoriented Express” is a Scooby-Doo spin on Agatha Christie's classic mystery novel, Murder on the Orient Express. It has been adapted for film and television numerous times, and the novel has been the subject of parody and spoof countless times. Readers will find that “Muddier on the Disoriented Express” is true to Christie's novel, in a manner, when it comes to the resolution of the mystery of the “Spirit of Justice.” The story is well colored by Silvana Brys and also features Saida Temofonte's usual sharp lettering.

“Over the Boardwalk” also features nice coloring (by Heroic Age) and lettering (by Travis Lanham). I like the story, but I usually like Paul Kupperberg's Scooby-Doo stories. Also, the two artists for this issue, Walter Carzon and Fabio Laguna, are two of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists. Overall, I enjoyed Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #99

See you next issue.

B

6 out of 10

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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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #97

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 97
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Darryl Taylor Kravitz; Scott Peterson
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Karen Matchete; Scott Neely
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Karen Matchete; Scott Neely
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Randy Gentile; Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Harvey Richards; Michael Siglain
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Sylvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2019)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“The Gang's All Here”

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?  A few months ago, I received the twelfth and final issue of that renewed subscription.  I recently renewed for a second time, but it may be two months before I receive the first issue of my third subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #97 opens with “The Gang's All Here” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have stopped by the “Thirteenth National Bank” to withdraw some cash so that they can buy gas for the Mystery Machine.  While there, however, the ghosts of infamous bank robbers, Connie and Floyd and Ron Derringer rob the bank.  But why do ghosts want to rob a bank?

This issue has two reprint stories.  The first is “The Freeloading Ghost” (written by Daryl Taylor Kravitz and drawn by Karen Matchete). [It was originally published in Scooby-Doo #127 (cover dated February 2008) and was also reprinted recently in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #94 (cover dated October 2018).]  As the story opens, Mystery Inc. has just solved “The Mystery of the Crystal Key Ghosts.”  Part of the process of solving the case meant that those “annoying kids” and their dog had to exorcise the ghosts haunting the creepy mansion that was at the epicenter of the mystery.  Well, one of those ghosts is still around, and he wants a new home...

The second reprint story is “UFO-No!” (written by Scott Peterson and drawn by Scott Neely).  [It was originally published in Scooby-Doo #109 (August 2006).]  The story opens at night with the Mystery Machine traveling through some spooky woods.  Mystery Inc. is lost!  However, they follow a UFO to a stadium where singer “Pitty Swords” is in concert with “Jason Woodriver.”  Those meddling kids arrive just in time to solve a new mystery.  Why would a UFO steal Pitty's custom-made tiara?

“The Gang's All Here” is a weak story, although the art is nice.  I also have to admit that I like seeing the Mystery Inc. kids engaged in something domestic like going to the bank to withdraw some cash.  “UFO-No!” would make a good scenario for one of those direct-to-DVD Scooby-Doo movies, but it barely registers as a comic book story.

I have no idea why “The Freeloading Ghost” has been reprinted half a year after it was last reprinted.  This is actually the third time I have encountered that story.  It was also reprinted in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #45 (cover dated: July 2014).  I wonder if that story was ever revisited, as the story ends with a ghost promising that Scooby-Doo has not seen the last of him.

See you... when my next subscription begins.

C+
5 out of 10

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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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #96

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 96
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Brett Lewis
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Anthony Williams
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Dan Davis
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Ryan Cline
EDITOR: Harvey Richards; Joan Hilty
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Sylvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2019)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Boardwalk Vampire”

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 eleventh issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #96 opens with “Boardwalk Vampire” (written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are visiting the popular theme park, “The Boardwalk,” via invitation.  The gang is attending the “75th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest,” when the “Boardwalk Vampire” strikes.  Now, Amy Judd, head of “The Boardwalk Preservation Society” and the person who invited our heroes, reveals that this vampire is the reason she invited them.  There is a new mystery afoot, but Mystery Inc. is running out of time to solve it.

The second story is “Good Ghost Haunting” (written by Brett Lewis and drawn by Anthony Williams and Dan Davis).  It was originally published in Scooby-Doo #42 (January 2001), and it was recently reprinted in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #89 (cover dated: March 2018).  This is what I wrote about it in my review of that issue:

The story finds Mystery Inc. at Plymouth Institute of Technology for its annual technology fair, where students compete for scholarships and research grants.  Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo are attending the fair, hoping to find new technologies to help them in their crime fighting.  The problem is that the ghostly “Salem Witch Hunter” is stealing at the fair, and so it is another ghostly mystery for the gang to solve.

“Good Ghost Hunting” also deals with the “rightful owners” theme.  The crooks' method of operation is clever, although many readers will solve the mystery of that ghost pretty quickly.

“Boardwalk Vampire” is a nice story because, even at only 10 pages in length, it offers multiple sub-plots and elements; it even has backstory concerning two of the guest characters.  One of the ways I judge the quality of these Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? tales, which are really short stories, is if they would make a good plot for one of those direct-to-DVD Scooby-Doo movies.  “Boardwalk Vampire” does.  I really enjoyed this story, and I also liked the cover illustration that went along with it.

See you next issue!

B
6 out of 10

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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Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #92

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 92
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Scott Peterson; Frank Strom
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Tim Levins; Scott Neely
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Dan Davis; Scott Neely
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Mike Sellers; John J. Hill
EDITOR: Harvey Richards; Michael Siglain
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Let's continue through the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I recently received the seventh issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #92 opens with “Too Many Sleuths” (written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are “Special Guests” at “Sleuth Con International.”  When a collection of rubber masks based on Mystery Inc.'s earliest cases turn up missing, Mystery Inc. is on the case.  But what will our young sleuths do when they learn that Edgar Allen Poe may be the culprit.

The second story is “Ravenous” (written by Scott Peterson and drawn by Tim Levins and Dan Davis).  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #117 (cover dated: April 2007).]  Staying in the vein of Mr. Poe, Shaggy is home alone reading comic books while the rest of the gang is away.  When a raven suddenly swoops into the house, Shaggy thinks that it is an omen.

The third story is “In the Spirit” (written by Frank Strom and drawn by Scott Neely).  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #151 (cover dated: February 2010).]  Mystery Inc. arrives on the Pacific island of Tiki Tongo.  This tropical paradise is the site of the “2009 International Surf Open,” but there is trouble in paradise.  An aggressive ghost, “the Great Warrior Chief,” wants everyone off the island.  Thus, when Mystery Inc. decides to solve this mystery, the ghost turns even more aggressive.

“Too Many Sleuths” offers an appearance by a character, “Old Man Carruthers,” a spin on the generic “Old Man so-and-so” character that usually played a crucial role in an episode of the original Scooby-Doo animated series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”  I think the identity of the “villains” in “Too Many Sleuths” are obvious.  “Ravenous,” a reprint story, is really good.  Maybe, it is an Edgar Allen Poe thing for me, as I am a fan, but I thought this was a nice short, short story.  As for “In the Spirit,” I like any Scooby-Doo story set on a tropical island, and I think this one has enough interesting elements to be worthy of being adapted for animation.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #92 is one of my favorite recent issues.  As always, I recommend this title to Scooby-Doo fans, while I wait for the next issue to pop into my mail box.

B+
7 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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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #90

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 90
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; John Rozum
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Don Perlin
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRea
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John Costanza
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Let's keep enjoying the fruits of the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I recently received the fifth issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #90 opens with “Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have stopped by “Scrub 'n' Rub Laundromat” to do their laundry.  It is quite a contentious place, as the manager is arguing with a customer and customers are arguing with each other.  Everything comes to a halt, however, when a purple-garbed phantom appears out of the soap and suds and demands that everyone “Get Out!”

The second story is “The Creeping Horror” (written by John Rozum and drawn by Don Perlin and Scott McRea).  [The story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #33 (cover dated: April 2000).]  Once again, the Mystery Machine has had a breakdown in a remote and creepy location.  The Mystery Inc. gang has a flat tire and a spare tire in even worse condition.  Luckily, the “Thingamajig Technologies Inc.” factory is nearby, but instead of finding sanctuary, they a place that is besieged by “The Creeping Horror.”

Some of my favorite Scooby-Doo “ghosts” are the shroud-covered phantoms, creepy ghoulies that are like sheet-cover ghosts on steroids.  You may remember them as the “Giggling Green Ghosts” from the Season One episode, “A Night of Fright is No Delight”.  “Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble” brings that type of phantom back and has him haunting a laundromat.  I thought the story was kinda cute, but the resolution was classic “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?”

“The Creeping Horror” has a classic start, but the body of the story is kind of modern Scooby-Doo movie.  I was not enjoying it at first, but I liked it by the end.  I liked the art team of Don Perlin (pencils) and Scott McRea (inks), whose graphic approach is a bit different.  Of course, John Costanza, who should be a legend of comic book lettering if he is not already, brings his A-game.  His spry fonts and electric word balloons give this story the charge it needs.

And it happens again, as always.  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #90 makes me excited about the next issue.  I recommend this title to Scooby-Doo fans that want to read Scooby comic books.

A-
7.5 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 for syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #87

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 87
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Paul Kupperberg
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Roberto Barrios
INKS: Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Sylvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John J. Hill
EDITORS: Robin Levin; Harvey Richards
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Sylvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Several years ago, I had a subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I let it expire after a year, but recently renewed it.  I just received the second issue of that new subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #87 opens with “Woods or Wouldn't” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Garzon and Horacio Ottolini).  Conservationists and lumberjacks square of over the fate of a forest of redwood trees, but both sides find themselves under attack by the Wraith of the Redwoods!  Now, Mystery Incorporated has to negotiate peace between two sides and has to solve the mystery of what Shaggy calls a “freaky forest phantom.”

The second story is “The Black Katz” (written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Roberto Barrios and Horacio Ottolini), a story originally published in Scooby-Doo #150, a 2010 issue of the Scooby-Doo comic book series that began in 1997.  Mystery Inc. travels to Katzburg, New York, a small town overrun by a pest of pampered black cats that call Katz Manor their base of operations.  The citizens swear that these cats, which belonged to the late millionairess, Felicity Katz, have brought nothing but bad luck to Katzburg.  Sounds like a mystery to solve.

“Woods or Wouldn't” isn't a great story.  It is basically a story about working together.  I wouldn't call it a “morality tale,” but it does offer a lesson about working together, or it at least insists that people learn to comprise.  And no, a comprise between lumberjacks and conservationists would not be a case of comprising with evil.

The reprint tale, “The Black Katz,” is the better of the two stories.  First, I like the art by Roberto Barrios (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks).  The composition is strong, and the layout and graphic design are strong visually potent.  This is some of the best Scooby-Doo comic book art I have ever seen; I would dare say that Barrio and Ottolini are a perfect Scooby comic book art team.

As for Paul Kupperberg's writing on “The Black Katz,” it is surprisingly strong for a mystery short story written for a children's comic book.  It feels like a full-length or single-issue story, and I think it is worthy of being adapted for a Scooby-Doo direct-to-DVD movie.  I wonder if any Scooby-Doo comic book stories have been adapted for animation.  The Scooby-Doo powers-that-be might want to think about it, considering the quality of stories like Kupperberg's tale, “The Black Katz.”

B+
7 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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I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #48

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #48
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Scott Neely, John Rozum
PENCILS: Scott Neely, Leo Batic
INKS: Scott Neely, Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Candace Schinzler-Bell, Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Nick J. Napolitano
EDITOR: Aniz Ansari
COVER: Scott Neely and Candace Schinzler-Bell
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (September 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

I recently received another issue in my Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? subscription.  As regular readers of this blog know, I bought the subscription via a fundraiser held by my nephew’s school last year, which involved selling magazine subscriptions.  [It's time to renew my Scooby subscription, by the way.]

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #48 opens with “Tiki Taboo Trouble” (written and drawn by Scott Neely).  Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are cleaning out the garage to find items they can sell at a neighborhood garage sale.  The garage looks like something from a television show about hoarders.  They find lots of stuff, including the Mystery Inc. Archives.  They even find a tiki from one of their mysteries, “The Case of the Night Marchers.”  Shaggy not only decides to keep the small wooden idol, but he also puts it on a chain around his neck.  Is he asking for trouble and bad luck?

“A Wolf in Creep’s Clothing” (written by John Rozum and drawn by Leo Batic and Horacio Ottolini) finds the gang at a monster convention, “Monster Mix 2004.”  This is the one place where Shaggy and Scooby can feel safe around monsters, because these monsters are only fans in costumes.  However, the ghost of Patricia Millicent, the late, famed movie monster costume designer, is terrorizing the contestants of the convention’s costume contest.  And Shag and Scoob have to solve this mystery on their own, as Fred, Daphne, and Velma are trapped on a convention panel.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #48 is the first Scooby-Doo comic book that I have read in which the story depicts domestic harmony for Mystery Inc.  Cleaning up the clutter, garage sales, and running errands:  for a Scooby-Doo fanboy like me, this “home front” story is a nice change of pace.

Meanwhile, “A Wolf in Creep’s Clothing.” this issue's reprint story (originally published in Scooby-Doo #92), has already been recently reprinted in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46.  That must be an editorial glitch, but it is a good story.

B-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #46

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #46
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Scott Gross, John Rozum
PENCILS: Fabio Laguna, Leo Batic
INKS: Fabio Laguna, Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Candace Schinzler-Bell, Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte, Nick J. Napolitano
EDITOR: Aniz Ansari
COVER: Scott Gross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46 is the most recent issue that I have received through my subscription to the title.  Join me as I continue my journey through the current Scooby-Doo comic book series with a review of the forty-sixth issue.  Why is this happening, those of you who are new might ask?  I bought a subscription to Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? via a fundraiser held by my nephew’s school last year, which involved selling magazine subscriptions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46 opens with “Awesomelantis Rises” (written by Scott Gross and drawn by Fábio Laguna).  After Shaggy and Scooby, through their usual antics, dig up a mysterious artifact, The Mystery Inc. gang visits a local university.  In the Marine Archeology Department, Professor Varzi tells them that he believes the artifact to be a relic of the long-lost city of Atlantis.  When a group of creatures calling themselves “Atlanteans” show up, the gang has another mystery to solve.

“A Wolf in Creep’s Clothing” (written by John Rozum and drawn by Leo Batic and Horacio Ottolini) finds the gang at a monster convention, “Monster Mix 2004.”  This is the one place where Shaggy and Scooby can feel safe around monsters, because these monsters are only fans in costumes.  However, the ghost of Patricia Millicent, the late, famed movie monster costume designer, is terrorizing the contestants of the convention’s costume contest.  And Shag and Scoob have to solve this mystery on their own, as Fred, Daphne, Velma are trapped on a convention panel.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46 offers two delightful tongue-in-cheek stories.  Both trade in classic Scooby-Doo scenarios, while gently poking fun at how Mystery Inc. solves cases.  “Awesomelantis Rises” is a mystery so obviously not about the supernatural, but the art by Fábio Laguna is a treat.  It is also funny to see what is essentially a children’s comic book making a pointed attack on commercial exploitation of history and on frivolous commercial real estate development.

“A Wolf in Creep’s Clothing” is a reprint from Scooby-Doo #92 (the Scooby-Doo series prior to this one).  I like Scooby-Doo stories that take place at conventions and at other behind-the-scenes locales like a movie lot, a circus, or a theatre where stage plays are performed.  Writer John Rozum spoofs figures that are well-known in monster films, television, and fiction, such as Hellboy’s Mike Mignola (as Mike Magnolia) and Stephen King (as Steve Kingman).  This story left me wanting more Scooby-Doo, and Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46, as a whole, makes me want to re-subscribe.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #44

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #44
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Matthew K. Manning; Paul Kupperberg
PENCILS: Robert Pope; Roberto Barrios
INKS: Scott McRae; Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Franco Riesco; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Pat Brosseau
MISC. ART: Vincent Deporter
EDITOR: Kristy Quinn
COVER: Scott Neely with Heroic Age
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

I continue my journey through the current Scooby-Doo comic book series with the forty-fourth issue of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?  Why is this happening?  I bought a subscription to Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? via a fundraiser held by my nephew’s school last year, which involved selling magazine subscriptions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #44 opens with “Island of the Jabberwockies” (written by Matthew K. Manning and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae).  The Mystery Inc. gang is traveling through what is apparently a series of interconnected islands.  The kids are headed to a beach on Fripp Island, but first, must pass through Hunting Island where they almost have an accident and definitely have a weird experience.

At the Fripp Island Hotel, they learn that vacationers are being pestered by deer and scared by the “Jabberwockies.”  Now, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo are also being terrorized, but they’re not too scared to investigate.

In “The Phantom of the Opal!” (written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Roberto Barrios and Horacio Ottolini), the Mystery Inc. kids are guests on “The Tad Williams Show.”  The arrival of the Phantom of the Opal means that the guests have to become mystery solvers.  When it comes to the identity of the Phantom, the kids have plenty of suspects because the phantom is obviously an embittered living person.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #44 has as a theme conniving showbiz types.  “Island of the Jabberwockies” is a quickie type story, but it is pointed in making its point.  Writer Matthew K. Manning also uses much of the 10 pages of the narrative to showcase the lovable silliness we’ve come to expect of that crazy duo, Shaggy and Scooby.

“The Phantom of the Opal!” is apparently a reprint (from the previous series, Scooby-Doo #153), but it is the better story of the two.  The main reason is because writer Paul Kupperberg squeezes enough subplots and characters inside a short story to create a separate graphic novel (or even miniseries).  The guest characters are fairly well-developed, complete with motivation and conflicts.

Surprisingly, even with only 12 pages, Kupperberg succeeds in making the mystery of the Phantom of the Opal an intriguing one.  I really got into solving the mystery of the Phantom’s identity (and my first choice turned out to be right).  I hope Kupperberg writes new Scooby-Doo comics.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where are You? #42

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #42
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Heather Nuhfer, Terrance Griep
PENCILS: Eduardo Garcia, Leo Batic
INKS: Eduardo Garcia, Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Heroic Age
LETTERS: Deron Bennett, Travis Lanham
COVER: Eduardo Garcia
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2014)

Rated “E” for Everyone

I have a subscription to DC Comics’ most recent Scooby-Doo comic book series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (which launched in 2010).  I bought the subscription through a fundraising drive for the school which my nephew attends, and I recently received the fourth issue of my subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #42 opens with “Viral Villain” (written by Heather Nuhfer and drawn by Eduardo Garcia).  The story finds Mystery Inc. on a short break to relax from all the mysteries they have been working.  Shaggy and Scooby, however, are bored, so they visit a local video game story, looking for something with which to entertain themselves.  They find a copy of the hot new game, Celestial Edge, but the store owner warns them that the game has been making some of the people who have played it act crazy.  That may explain why Shag and Scoob are seeing the game’s villain, Lord Vicious, walking around in the real world.

In “Sleeper’s Peepers” (written by Terrance Griep and drawn by Leo Batic), the gang visits the lake that is the site of a wakeboarding tournament.  They are helping Tad Laurent, the top-rated wake-boarder, get ready for the tournament.  However, the “Scaled Sleeper,” a monster that looks like the creature from the Black Lagoon, wants an end to the tournament so that he can keep sleeping.  Of course, the Mystery Inc. gang sees his threat as the start of a new mystery to be solved.

Once again, an issue of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? offers two stories that would work better as one issue-length story.  Ten and 12 pages, respectively, don’t do justice to the stories, especially the 10-page, “Viral Villain.”

I must admit that that I am impressed with the artist of “Viral Villian,” Eduardo Garcia.  You could mistake him for an animator drawing cel art for an actual Scooby-Doo cartoon.  He is a true Scooby-Doo artist, and his illustrations, combined with Heroic Age’s coloring, make “Viral Villain,” seem like true-blue Doo.

B-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #40

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #40
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch, John Rozum
PENCILS: Walter Carzon, Robert Pope, Fabio Laguna
INKS: Horatio Ottolini, Scott McRae, Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte, Travis Lanham
COVER: Scott Gross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2014)

Rated “E” for Everyone

I previously wrote that I subscribe to DC Comics’ current incarnation of a Scooby-Doo comic book series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (2010).  I bought the subscription through a fundraising drive for the school my nephew attends.  I recently received the second issue of my subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #40 opens with “Scare Mail” (written by Sholly Fisch and penciled by Walter Carzon).  The story finds Mystery Inc. working for “Tex Mex” delivery service (a spoof of FedEx).  They are delivering a package to the ghost town of Jackpot, but the gang’s true purpose is to investigate the disappearance of previous TexMex trucks that entered Jackpot and never returned.

Next up is a “Howling Good Time” (written by Sholly Fisch and penciled by Robert Pope).  Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the gang visit a carnival run by their old pals, the Ghastleys, who first appeared in Scooby-Doo (1997) #107.  The gang learns that everything about the carnival is just fine, except for one small detail.  For the past week, a monster has been rampaging through the carnival and scaring customers away.  If this monster mystery isn’t solved, it will put the carnival out of business.

After reading the first issue of my subscription, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #39, I was disappointed.  This time around, I am disappointed that Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #40 is not double-sized… or even triple-sized.  Sholly Fisch offers two highly-enjoyable stories that capture the fun of the classic Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? television cartoons.  In fact, I wouldn’t mind seeing Fisch’s two stories here adapted into Scooby-Doo cartoons.

Penciller Robert Pope and inker Scott McRae, who were excellent in issue #39, return for another story.  I like how Pope fills the panels with characters and background details that give each panel a sense of environment; McRae’s clean inking keeps Pope’s details from becoming cluttered.  However, I have to say that I’m especially impressed by Walter Carzon.  From his drawing hand, classic Scooby-Doo is reborn in the graphics of comic book storytelling.  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #40 would make an excellent comic book gift for a young reader.

Obviously, I’m ready for the next issue in my subscription.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.