Writer: Ivan Cohen
Art: Dario Brizuela and Franco Riesco (colorist)
Publisher: DC comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 11th, 2023
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #10 Review.
THE DISPATCH
In The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #10, the gang goes on a cruise aboard Bruce Wayne’s new ship, the Silver St. Cloud. Astute bat-fans will recognize this as a reference to one of Bruce Wayne’s former lovers. This adventure deviates from the typical Scooby-Doo story by having the gang interact with multiple mystery solvers. It is interesting to see the gang off their game a little bit, thinking they’ve figured out the mystery, while not realizing they’ve burst into a rehearsed skit. The villain seems to be a typical Scooby-Doo villain, but the reveal of his identity is pretty underwhelming. He’s not even a Batman villain, and he doesn’t speak once he’s revealed. The Mystery Incorporated gang also suspects Batman’s secret identity, but Batman manages to divert their suspicions away from the truth with a clever alibi. It is also nice to see that this book is educational, as well as fun, for younger readers, as the editor defines terms like “sea legs” for those unfamiliar with nautical jargon.
ART
The art in The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #10 is typical of the usual art style of many of these stories. It is more cartoonish in nature. It is worth noting though that the giant magnifying glass on the edge of the ship appears to be just a decoration at first, since it is a mega-mystery cruise. We quickly learn, however, that it is actually a piece of functional equipment from Bruce Wayne’s company designed for the purpose of keeping the ship on course. It’s also clever of the artist to put Batman’s shadow behind Bruce Wayne, while Bruce is encouraging Velma after an embarrassing blunder on the gang’s part.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #10 isn’t a terrible story, but it isn’t as exciting either. It could have benefited from a different villain, or at least have had the villain have a little bit more dialogue once he was revealed. It was interesting, though, to see the gang a little bit unsure of themselves, and looking to Batman as the master detective. Perhaps one day they will discover Batman’s true identity.