Writers: Ivan Cohen
Art: Dario Brizuela

Colors: Franco Riesco

Letters: Saida Temofonte
Publisher: DC
Price: $2.99
Release Date: 4/13/21
Reviewer: Soycornholio

Scooby-Doo and Batman are cross-generational icons. B-Man has been holding it strong since the late 1930s while those meddling kids and their dog (“Dog? Where?”) have been solving mysteries since the late ’60s. In fact, these icons were created within 30 years of one another. I am beyond stoked to discuss this comic so without further ado, let’s dive into The Batman and Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 by Ivan Cohen!

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned below like Scooby-Doo Team-Up, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

Nostalgia:

Reading this is like watching one of the old-school Scooby-Doo Movies. In fact, there were several Scooby-Doo movies with special guest stars: Batman & Robin. Throughout reading this comic, it is apparent that Cohen and Brizuela did an AMAZING job translating 60’s Batman (Adam West & Burt Ward) and classic Scooby-Doo. Case in point, the opening pages feature the Mystery Gang standing in their typical poses (i.e Velma with her hands behind her back and Fred’s in his pockets). Furthermore, we even see a glimpse of past Batman Outfits such as the Rainbow Suit. Brizuela created what an updated Hanna-Barbera episode would look like in 2021.

I love Cohen’s writing on this issue. He simply copied and pasted the lingo that would have had been heard on one of those classic tv episodes. Now do not get me wrong, this was the chef’s kiss with this issue. When I am reading a comic with two of my FAVORITE pop-cultural icons, I do not necessarily want the artists’ interpretation of what they should sound like (especially since he is pulling material from the past). Between Cohen and Brizuela, I could hear the laugh track and the sound effects of Scooby-Doo. I felt like I was reading one of the episodes…sans special guest star Don Knotts or Phyllis Diller!

Time:

Time is an interesting concept in issue number 1. Batman is wearing a version of his 60’s outfit (sans the light blue), Robin is back in his tights and Robinhood shoes (slippers), and the Mystery Gang are in their classic attire. So, from the beginning, I was under the impression that this took place in the 1960s (Infinite Universe anybody) but no, it takes place in both the 20^th AND the 21^st Century (factoring in comic book time). Cohen easily explains a few “subtle nods” to Batman’s original days in a very unique way. Once you read it, you too will give him an approving nod.

Final Thoughts:

This is just the comic I needed to clean my palate. I have been stuck reading about so many alien invaders and infinite possibilities, that I needed a re-set. A comic that I can read without thinking too hard about it and just enjoy it. Issue number one of the Batman and Scooby-Doo Mysteries is marvelous. Everything from the artwork to the actual content is amazing. I would be remiss if I did not give another shoutout to Brizuela for his honoring of Batman #9. Batman #9 is one of my favorite covers of all time (neck and neck with X-Men #101). Pick up this groovy issue. It is only $2.99. Waaaay cheaper than some of the other offerings from the House that Batman built.