The Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 - DC Comics

THE BATMAN AND SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES No. 1, December 2022

Throwing its audience straight at the deep end by already having had the Caped Crusaders and a certain gang of “meddling kids” meet-up off screen, Sholly Fisch’s script for Issue One of “The Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries” sets a ferocious, action-packed pace which arguably doesn’t let up until the twenty-page-periodical’s end. Indeed, with the notable exception of a few panels depicting Shaggy and his Great Dane enjoying the lavish hospitality of Bruce Wayne’s private plane, the American author is utterly merciless in his endeavour to keep both the lead protagonists and their fans incredibly busy; “I take it back! I take it back! I don’t want all of our cases to be like this!”

Foremost of these debatably exhausting endeavours is the “Looney Tunes” writer’s determination to have this comic’s considerably sized cast travel all over the world and visit numerous locations. Such penmanship undoubtedly provides any perusing bibliophile with plenty of snippets of information as to the mythical mummery found in both Argentina and England. But by the time the Dark Knight and Robin arrive in the city of Batman, Turkey, it’s quite probable that the heads of this publication’s younger readers will be uncontrollably spinning. 

In addition, “A Few Good Batmen” isn’t slow to start expanding upon the members of The Batmen of All Nations, with the likes of El Gaucho, Musketeer, Impala, Knight, Legionary, Ranger, Squire and Wingman all becoming involved in the fray by the final few panels. Sadly, so many colourfully costumed crime-fighters soon get lost in the frenzied hubbub of Ra's al Ghul’s deadly ninja attack, and resultantly several characters aren’t given any spotlight to explain either their motivations for taking up the Mantle of the Bat, or how they fortuitously just happen to arrive outside the supervillain’s headquarters at precisely the right moment.

Of course, for those who enjoy being carried along upon such adrenalin-charged adventures and appreciate first-rate ‘cartoon-style’ pencilling, these are minor quibbles which can easily be pushed aside so as to enjoy Dario Brizuela’s layouts. The illustrator is especially good at capturing the laugh-out-loud facial expressions of Shaggy and Scooby, whenever the cowardly pair are spooked or scared. Furthermore, the line work suggesting just how well the Demon’s Head can wield a curved blade during a swordfight is excellent.

Written by: Sholly Fisch, Drawn by: Dario Brizuela, and Coloured by: Franco Riesco