Review: Scooby Apocalypse #2

In the first issue of Scooby Apocalypse united the Scooby gang in a secret scientific research compound hidden beneath the Nevada desert as a nanobyte virus was dispatched, supposedly infecting the human race with easily enslaved minds. In this issue, much to the chagrin of disillusioned scientist Velma, she and her new compatriots find that the virus has not only failed to reduce aggression, but has induced a horrifying physical transformation on the majority of the infected- including most of the scientists and workers in the compound.

Plot writer Keith Griffen continues to effectively utilize familiar elements of the beloved franchise to create a new, exciting story. While it does have some of the elements of a zombie outbreak narrative, it doesn’t fall 100% into being a kind of Scooby Doo Meets the Walking Dead. The story also draws from the mystery elements of the show- who set this virus in motion and why? Dialogue writer J.M. DeMatteis also helps the characters feel representative of the classic characters while leaving room for more a higher level of character growth; for example, instead of being a coward, Shaggy is a die-hard pacifist, which is why he would choose to run instead of fight.

Artist Howard Porter really brings the relationships of these characters to the forefront with expressive body language and facial expressions. This is not the well-coordinated team we’re used to seeing- they’re new to each other, relying on each other out of necessity rather than trust. The apprehension, suspicion, and outright fear are palpable in Porter’s illustrations. I especially enjoy the holographic device that connects to Scooby’s brain, giving him blue floating eyebrows to enhance his expressions, as well as iconic bubbles that give some insight into his thoughts and emotions.

Scooby Apocalypse continues to be a fun reimagining of some of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time. I feel that my hopes are justifiably high as this series moves forward – hopefully, out of the compound and on to some new- or not so new- locations.