Writer: Matthew Cody
Art: Scott Jeralds and Carrie Strachan (colorist)
Publisher: DC comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 13th, 2023
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THE DISPATCH
Batman and Scooby-Doo team up for another adventure! This issue pays homage to several variations of both Batman and Scooby-Doo in this fun story. The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9 brings back a classic Scooby-Doo villain from Scooby-Doo Where Are You? This is the first comic in this series to prominently feature an old Scooby villain. Something that could be considered a goof is when issue 2 of volume 2 from this series is referenced by Batgirl, yet that issue featured a different Batman design. It raises a question as to whether all these stories are supposed to be set in the same universe or not, even though their character designs vary from issue to issue. Also, bat-fans will notice that Batman references Joker’s Smylex gas, which is what the name of his deadly gas was called in the 1989 Batman movie.
ART
Both Batman and Scooby fans will appreciate the art in The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9. The issue opens with Shaggy narrating a flashback of him and Scooby, looking as they did from A Pup Named Scooby-Doo cartoon. The flashback is also a parody of Bruce Wayne’s parents’ murders, complete with popcorn kernels replacing Martha Wayne’s falling pearls. A lot of fans may find it jarring that while Batman is depicted more along the lines of his Superfriends or New Scooby-Doo Movies design, Batgirl, Commissioner Gordon and the Joker are practically lifted straight from Batman the animated series. Also, Mayor Janet Nettles and the sheriff from Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated are featured. Scooby fans will also enjoy seeing a variety of classic Scooby-Doo villain cameos. It’s amusing that they are featured in prison garb still wearing their iconic masks.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some readers may be confused or annoyed at the art of The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9, wishing for consistent character designs. Sticklers for continuity will be annoyed, but if this is read as a fun homage story, which is probably the intention, you will enjoy it. It truly pays tribute to the rich histories of both Batman and Scooby-Doo. It has something for Scooby fans and bat-fans of multiple generations, a perfect comic the whole family can enjoy.