#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.

-----------------------------------

#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.

--------------------------

#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.

-------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #101

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 101
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Robbie Busch; John Rozum;
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Scott Jeralds; Robert Pope
INKS: Randy Elliot; Jeff Albrecht; Scott McRae
COLORS: Rock Candy; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Mike Sellers
EDITORS: Jim Chadwick; Michael Siglain and Jeanine Schaefer (reprints)
COVER: Randy Elliot with Rock Candy
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2019)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Cow-nt Me Out!”

Join me, dear readers, in 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 third issue I received from that renewal.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #101 opens with “Cow-nt Me Out!,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Randy Elliot.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have been called in for a most unusual case for them – an animal haunting.  Farmer Dale and his two sons, Jedediah and Nathaniel, are being vexed by the glowing green “Ghost Cow.”  Because a corporate farm operation, “Agritech,” wants to buy Dale's farm, Fred and company think that there is more to this haunting than a rampaging “Ghost Cow.”

The second story, “Dr. Krankenstone's Monster,” 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 #112 (cover date: November 2006).]  Mystery Inc. is passing through the fairy tale-like village of “Krankonia.”  They are just in time to see “Dr. Krankenstone's Monster” run away from the village after kidnapping Sylvia, a young maiden.

Mystery Inc. and the villagers chase the monster to the castle of Doktor Krankenstone, who insists that he has nothing to do with a monster... nor is he a mad scientist!  It is up to Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the gang to discover what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to a notorious family and the legendary monsters they supposedly created.

The third story, “Velma's Monsters of the World,” is also a reprint and is written by John Rozum and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #118 (cover date: May 2007) and was also reprinted in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #39 (January 2014).]  In this two-pager, Velma transports her audience to South Carolina where she introduces them to the gruesome spirit known as the “Plat-eye.”

“Cow-nt Me Out!” isn't the first time that Mystery Inc. has investigated a case involving the ghost of an animal that is rampaging through a locale.  However, there is a pair of people behind this haunting, and the story offers readers two pairs from which to choose.  I like the story because I like Scooby-Doo stories set on farms or in rural areas.

“Dr. Krankenstone's Monster” has the feel of a classic episode of a Scooby-Doo animated series, and I like the interiors of the castle as drawn by Scott Jeralds.   I have come across “Velma's Monsters of the World” as a reprint at least one other time during my subscription to this series.  It actually is a nice little nugget.

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.

--------------------------

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.

----------------------

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.

-----------------------------------

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.

-------------------

Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #94

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 94
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Darryl Taylor Kravitz; Terrance Griep
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Karen Matchete; Scott Neely
INKS: Randy Elliot; Karen Matchete; Scott Neely
COLORS: Pamela Lovas; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Randy Gentile; Swands
EDITOR: Harvey Richards
COVER: Randy Elliot with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

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

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #94 opens with “Not Just Yeti” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Randy Elliot).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have been called by the owner of “Benjy Kord's Rockin' Gym,” a climbing gym, to solve the mystery of a abominable snowman or “yeti” that his been plaguing his place of business.

No true yeti would hang around a place with faux rock-climbing walls, so who is the real culprit?  It is Hy Pique, owner of a rival climbing gym; Vertigo, a young lady who is one of Benjy's former customers; or is it Benjy's former employee, Tom Buldown?

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 (February 2008).]  As the story opens, Mystery Inc. has just solved “The Mystery of the Crystal Key Ghosts,” and 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 the epicenter of the mystery.  Well, one of those ghosts is still around, and he wants a new home...

The second reprint story is “At Least That Beast” (written by Terrance Griep and drawn by Scott Neely).  [It was originally published in Scooby-Doo #145 (cover dated:  August 2009).]  The Mystery Inc. kids are in the Congo to help a friend, John Arkizi.  It seems that the “Mokele-Mbembe,” the legendary dinosaur that lives in the swamps around nearby Lake Tele, is causing a ruckus.  The mastermind behind the dinosaur's behavior seems to be a witch doctor, Kwaheri, who is using the “Mokele-Mbembe” to vex a local mining operation.  But who is the real mastermind, and what is his true motivation?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #94 is a really fun read.  It is probably the best issue of this current subscription run, and the reason is the two reprint stories.  The new story, “Not Just Yeti,” is a shamelessly weak piece of work on the part of the storytellers.  The reprint stories are quite good, especially “The Freeloading Ghost,” a story that has the potential to launch a new Scooby-Doo series or animated film.  I hope to get more Scooby-Doo comic books like issue #94.

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 or site for syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #93

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #93
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Joe Edkin
PENCILS: Scott Jeralds; Eric Doescher
INKS: Scott Jeralds; Andrew Pepoy
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Travis Lanham; John Costanza
EDITORS: Harvey Richards; Heidi McDonald
COVER: Scott Jeralds with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 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 eighth issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #93 opens with “Safari, So Good” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are on an African Safari.  Their guide, Khayone, and driver, James, take them across an African plain so that they can view and photograph elephants, lions, impala, and other exotic wildlife.  When a ghostly interloper, calling itself the “Spirit of the Land,” appears, the gang suddenly has its latest mystery to solve.

The second story is “The Weeping Bride of Lover's Leap!” (written by Joe Edkin and drawn by Eric Doescher and Andrew Pepoy).  From its shocking start, this mystery will have you trying to solve the mystery of why Scooby is wearing a dress and why Shaggy, dressed in a snazzy suit, is proposing marriage to Scoob.

Well, the young sleuths of Mystery Inc. are at “Lover's Leap” to discover if an urban legend is true.  Does the ghost of a grieving young woman haunt a popular cliff-side spot for young lovers?  Now, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy have to pretend to be a young couple in the throes of a marriage proposal, so are they destined to face “The Weeping Bride of Lover's Leap.”

I like that “Safari, So Good!” deals with the timely subject matter of animal poaching in Africa.  The “Spirit of the Land” is a lame phantom, but the setting and plot are worth it if they inform even a few young readers (and adults) about animal conservation”

“The Weeping Bride of Lover's Leap” is this issue's reprint story.  [It was originally published in Scooby-Doo #35 (cover dated: June 2000).]  The art team of Eric Doescher, Andrew Pepoy, and Paul Becton turn in some nice work, and John Costanza, one of comics' best letterers, make this dialogue-heavy story easy to read with some well-placed word balloons and some eye-catching fonts.  Kudos to writer Joe Edkin for putting Shaggy and Scooby-Doo in their Sunday best.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #93 was a fun read, and I hope that the next issue can offers some of this issue's pleasant surprises.

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.

-----------------------------

Review: SCOOBY DOO TEAM-UP #22

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP No. 22
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sholly Fisch
ART: Dave Alvarez
COLORS: Dave Alvarez
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
COVER: Dario Brizuela with Franco Riesco
EDITOR: Kristy Quinn
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2017)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Nothing is Impossible”

Scooby-Doo, that famous Saturday morning cartoon dog, and his human companions:  Shaggy Rogers, Velma Dinkley, Daphne Blake, and Fred Jones, first appeared in the Saturday morning animated series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1971 from Hanna-Barbera).  This quintet is known as Mystery Inc. (or the “Mystery Inc. gang” or the “Scooby gang”).

The second Scooby-Doo animated series was “The New Scooby-Doo Movies,” which premiered on September 9, 1972 and ran for two seasons on CBS until 1974.  It was the first Scooby-Doo cartoon series that I ever saw.  [I saw “Scooby Doo, Where Are You!” in reruns not long afterwards.].  “The New Scooby-Doo Movies” began my life-long love of Scooby-Doo and his pals.

An hour-long show, “The New Scooby-Doo Movies” featured a rotating series of special guest stars.  Each episode guest-starred a real-life celebrity or well-known fictional character that joined Mystery, Inc. in solving the mystery of the week.  Some celebrities were living at the time of an episode’s first airing (Don Knotts, for instance).  Some were deceased or retired (The Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy).  There were also real-life celebrities who would become cartoon characters in other series (Harlem Globetrotters).  Some guests were stars of other Hanna-Barbera animated series (Josie and the Pussycats, Speedy Buggy).

Three years ago, DC Comics debuted the comic book series, Scooby-Doo Team-Up, as a sort of follow-up to The New Scooby-Doo Movies.  It has been three years since I wrote my only review of the series, a review of Scooby-Doo Team-Up #1.  That issue united Mystery Inc. and Batman and Robin to take on tragic Batman adversary, Man-Bat.

I only read the first five issue of Scooby-Doo Team-Up, but I recently picked up two recent issues of the series.  One of them really stood out to me, so much so that I decided to talk about it in a review.

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #22 unites Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma with Frankenstein Jr. and The Impossibles, stars of an old-school or classic Saturday morning cartoon series.  Frankenstein Jr. and The Impossibles was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions in 1966.  It ran for two seasons on CBS from September 1966 to September 1968.

Each episode contained two segments.  “Frankenstein Jr.” starred a giant heroic robot named “Frankenstein Jr.” and focused on his adventures fighting supervillains with his creators, Professor Conroy and his son Buzz Conroy.  The other segment, “The Impossibles,” started a trio of superheroes, “The Impossibles” (Multi-Man, Fluid Man, and Coil Man) who posed undercover as a Beatles-like rock band, also called “The Impossibles.”

As Scooby-Doo Team-Up #22 (“Nothing is Impossible”) opens, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo are enjoying a stadium concert performance by The Impossibles.  Suddenly, a shadowy, giant robot attacks and starts tearing apart the stadium.  It's Frankenstein Jr.!  But isn't he supposed to be a good guy?  His pal and co-creator, Buzz Conroy, appears on the scene to explain how an old adversary, the Mad Inventor, is responsible for Frankenstein Jr.'s new destructive attitude, and the villain is proving practically impossible to stop... with Frankenstein Jr. under his control.

What made me want to review Scooby-Doo Team-Up #22?  Frankly, I was stunned by the art, colors, and page design work on this issue by Dave Alvarez.  Alvarez is one of the best Scooby-Doo comic book artists in recent memory.  His coloring for this issue and the page design form a combination that reminds me of the color and design aesthetic of Hanna-Barbera's sci-fi and superhero animated series of the mid to late 1960s.  That's it, ladies and gentlemen.  As I started reading this comic book, I wondered if Alvarez had merely reproduced actual, vintage animated cel art for this issue.

But no, he is just a comic book artist who is exceptionally good at Scooby-Doo comic books.  The cover artist for this issue is Dario Brizuela, another comic book artist who is really good with Scooby-Doo comic books.

You know, reading Scooby-Doo Team-Up makes me think that I need to become a regular Scooby-Doo comic book reader again.  The story by writer Sholly Fisch is fun, and uses some meta-fiction to poke fun at both the Scooby-Doo franchise and at “Frankenstein Jr. and The Impossibles.”  After all, only the most clueless person could not figure out that “The Impossibles” rock trio is the same as “The Impossibles” superhero trio.

A-

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


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

-----------------------

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.

--------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #49

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #49
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch, Paul Kupperberg
PENCILS: Robert Pope, Fabio Laguna
INKS: Scott McCrea, Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Candace Schinzler-Bell, Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Aniz Adam Ansari
COVER: Scott Jeralds and Candace Schinzler-Bell
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (November 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Ruh-Huh!”  So you, dear readers, are back for another I Reads You review of the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  As regular readers of this blog know, I bought a subscription to this latest Scooby-Doo comic book series via a fundraiser held by my nephew’s school last year, which involved selling magazine subscriptions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #49 opens with “A Midsummer Night's Scream” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McCrea).  The Mystery Inc. gang is visiting a Shakespeare festival, “Shakespeare Outdoors,” for a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Not long into the evening's performance, mischievous faeries suddenly appear to terrorize and scare the audience.  But are they real faeries?  It's the latest Scooby-Doo mystery.

“Attack of the 50-Foot Shaggy!” (written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Fabio Laguna) finds the gang at Westnorthern University, home of the country's best library of the supernatural, “William Hanna Library.”  Shaggy and Scooby, however, are not in the mood for a research marathon.  Looking for food (of course), the duo comes upon a scientific demonstration.  There, a delicious roasted chicken causes Shaggy to be zapped by a ray from the Archer Molecular Enlargement Device.  Now, Shaggy can't stop growing, but is everything as big as it seems?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #49 is one of those issues of a Scooby-Doo comic book that I really enjoyed reading.  Even as a life-long Scooby-Doo fan, I have to admit that not all Scooby-Doo comic books are like that.  The plot for “A Midsummer Night's Scream” is an odd one for a Scooby-Doo story, and I think it would make a good plot for an entry in Warner Bros. Animation's line of Scooby-Doo direct-to-DVD films.  “Attack of the 50-Foot Shaggy!” this issue's reprint story (originally published in Scooby-Doo #159), is also this issue's better story.  It plays like an actual mystery in that the reader must play close attention to the story art in order to solve the mystery.

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? #47

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #47
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Michael Kraiger
PENCILS: Dave Alvarez; Scott Neely
INKS: Dave Alvarez; Scott Neely
COLORS: Candace Schinzler-Bell, Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Rob Leigh
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 the latest issue of my Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? subscription.  I bought the subscription via a fundraiser held by my nephew’s school last year, which involved selling magazine subscriptions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #47 opens with “Comic Convention Card Tricks” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dave Alvarez).  Mystery Inc. is attending Mega-Pop Con (“The world’s largest gathering of pop culture!”).  Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are there for the comic books and the food, of course.  Daphne is looking to add to her collection of Fuzzies Dolls.  Fred wants to meet the star of his favorite science fiction television show, “Doc Whatzisname.”

Velma is at the convention to put her “keen strategic mind” to use in the “World Championship Tournament” of her favorite role-playing card game, “Monster Mania.”  But the gang’s fun is interrupted when monsters from Monster Mania come to life to plague the tournament.

“Night Marchers” (written by Michael Kraiger and drawn by Scott Neely) opens with Mystery Inc. in Hawaii so that Daphne can attend the “Conference on Polynesian Paranormal Phenomena.”  Of course, the gang can’t escape a mystery, especially after Shaggy and Scooby meet the ghostly procession known as the “Night Marchers.”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #47 is unusual in that Velma is the spark in both the cases Mystery Inc. confronts.  The gang is at Mega-Pop Con and in Hawaii because of events in which Velma is participating.  Perhaps, this catches my attention because I am always curious about Velma beyond her place in Mystery Inc.  Who is she and what is her family like?  What are her hobbies?

Beside that, “Comic Convention Card Tricks” is a severely under-developed story.  Once again, it is one of those Scooby-Doo short stories that needed more space.  “Night Marchers,” which I’m assuming is the reprint story this issue (from Scooby-Doo #77), is a fun read, if for no other reason than its Hawaiian setting.

As a side note:  the setting of “Comic Convention Card Tricks” is Mega-Pop Con, which is obviously a stand-in for the legendary, annual San Diego Comic-Con International.  In conjunction with Comic-Con International 2014, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #47, in addition to the regular edition, comes with an exclusive Comic-Con variant cover edition.  Get yours if you can.

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 Team-Up #1

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch
ART: Dario Brizuela
COLORS: Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITOR: Kristy Quinn
COVER: Dario Brizuela
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Batman created by Bob Kane (with Bill Finger)

That famous Saturday morning cartoon dog, Scooby-Doo, and his human companions:  Shaggy Rogers, Velma Dinkley, Daphne Blake, and Fred Jones, first appeared in the Saturday morning animated series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1971 from Hanna-Barbera).  This quintet is known as Mystery Inc. (or the “Mystery Inc. gang” or the “Scooby gang”).

The second Scooby-Doo animated series was The New Scooby-Doo Movies, which premiered on September 9, 1972 and ran for two seasons on CBS until 1974.  It was the first Scooby-Doo cartoon series that I ever saw, and it began my life-long love of Scooby-Doo and his pals.  It also began my life-long love affair with Batman and Robin.  The Dynamic Duo’s appearance on The New Scooby-Doo Movies marked the first time I ever saw them, and I was immediately fascinated by the mysterious Batman and his colorful young sidekick.  I can say that once I discovered that Batman was a comic book character, I became attached to DC Comics.

An hour-long series, The New Scooby-Doo Movies featured a rotating series of special guest stars.  Each episode guest-starred a real-life celebrity or well-known fictional character that joined the Mystery, Inc. gang in solving the mystery of the week.  Some celebrities were living at the time of an episode’s first airing (Don Knotts, Tim Conway, and Dick Van Dyke, to name a few).  Some were deceased or retired (The Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy).  There were real-life celebrities who would become cartoon characters in other series (Harlem Globetrotters).  Some were stars of other Hanna-Barbera animated series (Josie and the Pussycats, Speedy Buggy).

I watched The New Scooby-Doo Movies every chance I got, even as an adult.  Now, DC Comics is producing Scooby-Doo Team-Up, a follow-up comic book series to The New Scooby-Doo Movies, and I have nothing but fanboy love for them for producing this new comic book.  After the comic book shops within driving distance of me sold out, I turned to Mile High Comics to find the first issue of Scooby-Doo Team-Up.

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #1 (“Man Bat and Robbin’”) teams Mystery Inc. with Batman and Robin to solve a mystery and to stop a crime.  Mystery Inc. is in an unknown city investigating reports of “a giant bat creature.”  The gang meets their old pals, Batman and Robin, who quickly inform them that the bat-creature is really tragic Batman adversary, Man-Bat.  But the group soon finds that their investigation is complicated by multiple “man-bats” (or “men-bats” as Shaggy calls them).

Over the years of reading articles, essays, reviews, etc. written about comic books, I have come to understand that some believe that in order for comic books to gain more new readers, especially those of elementary and middle school age, is to make comic books and graphic novels that are fun to read and are less engrossed with sometimes decades old plots, concepts, narratives, mythologies, etc.  Sometimes, it does seem as if the same few stories are being told over and over again.

On the other hand, DC Comics, for well over a decade, has been producing a line of children’s comics based on various Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network animated properties, like Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Scooby-Doo Team-Up.  They’re good; they’re fun to read.  I really can’t remember reading one that I did not like.

And I absolutely love Scooby-Doo Team-Up #1.  I figured that a comic book that matched Scooby-Doo and Batman and Robin could not possible please me because I would expect too much.  Please, please me, I asked of Scooby-Doo Team-Up #1.  It did, and it is the fun comic book that some of us believe American comic books need in order to attract more new readers.

In this brief, 21-page story, writer Sholly Fisch manages to give each character his or her own moment to shine, and Fisch makes them seem familiar – the way we’d expect them to be.  Fisch also offers a clever exchange acknowledging one of Batman and Robin’s appearances on The New Scooby-Doo Movies.  There is even a nod to Burt Ward’s Robin, from the old 1960s Batman television series.

In addition to the smooth manner in which he turns Fisch’s story into a snappy Scooby-Doo comic, artist Dario Brizuela recalls the ghosts of Hanna-Barbera past.  Brizuela’s art and graphical storytelling puts truth to DC Comics’ declaration that Scooby-Doo Team-Up is a successor to The New Scooby-Doo Movies.  Brizuela makes this comic book look like its source.

If this review reads like a declaration that (1) I am a big fan of this first issue and (2) I will continue to read Scooby-Doo Team-Up, then, you, dear reader, have impeccable reading skills.

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? #43

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #43
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch, Vito Delsante and Nick Purpura
PENCILS: Dave Alvarez, Tim Levins
INKS: Dave Alvarez, Dan Davis
COLORS: Wendy Broome, Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte, Sal Cipriano
COVER: Dave Alvarez
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

I recently received another issue of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?  I purchased a subscription to DC Comics’ current Scooby-Doo comic book series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (which launched in 2010) from a fundraising drive.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #43 opens with “Game Changer” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dave Alvarez).  Twin sisters, Flora and Fauna Wilde, summon Mystery Inc. to the Wilde Life Nature Preserve to solve a mystery.  The game preserve is home to animals in danger of going extinct.

However, the ghost of the Jungle Man and his fearsome ghost leopard are terrorizing the preserve, insisting that “civilized” man does not belong there.  Plus, animals are disappearing from the preserve.  It’s up to the Scooby gang to solve the mystery of the big man and his big cat before everyone turns extinct.

In “Ghouls Night at the Opera” (written by Vito Delsante and Nick Purpura and penciled by Tim Levins), the gang arrives in Seattle where they have another case.  Apparently, the cast and crew of “Punk Rock: The Musical” are being terrorized by “The Ghoul.”  Now, the gang plans to sing their way through a web of backstage backstabbing and other antics to discover who the Ghoul really is.

In the recent reviews of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? that I’ve written, I often complained that some of the Scooby-Doo short stories would work better as full-length, single-issue stories.  However, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #43 offers two stories that are just right as short stories.

Story aside, “Game Changer” offers some of the best art I’ve seen in a Scooby-Doo comic book.  Drawn by Dave Alvarez, “Game Changer” also has spectacular coloring by Wendy Broome.  “Game Changer” is the subject of the cover art, with a striking image drawn by Alvarez and featuring (once again) dazzling color.  In fact, the cover is so eye-catching that I could not help but notice it on the shelf of a local comic book store, every time I walking past that shelf.

I think “Ghouls Night at the Opera” is a reprint from Scooby-Doo #128, the Scooby-Doo comic book series prior to this one.  When I saw that some of the characters’ dialogue was meant to be sung, I knew I would be annoyed, but I actually found the story to be surprisingly nice.

I’ll use the excuse that “Game Changer” and the cover art for this issue hypnotized me into giving Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #43 a high grade.

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.