The enemy of my enemy is my friend … except when it’s Scappy!
Creative Staff:
Writers: Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis
Artists: Dale Eaglesham, Ron Wagner & Sean Parsons
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Travis Lanham
What They Say:
We finally catch up to the migrating monsters – and their destination is even more horrifying than anyone imagined! But before the gang can act, Scrappy-Doo and his pack of smart mutts show up with a heck of a grudge against Scooby. It’s two threats for the price of one! And, in the backup story, Scrappy strikes again -and someone pays the ultimate price!
Content (please note that portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The pack have Scooby cornered, but Scrappy’s pet Cliffy doesn’t want his friends to harm this wayward sibling. However as the feral dogs have this weakling boxed in, their leader is trying to claim their real prize – Velma Dinkley, but he isn’t the only one who wants her. With the foolish notion that both sides could track the migration of the mutations to find out the cause of the lessened random attacks, they suddenly find themselves on the verge of complete and utter annihilation. Echoes of gunfire alert Shaggy that something has gone wrong, but with Fred too stubborn to acknowledge his own frailty, the scruffy chow hound has no choice but to bring him and Daisy along into uncertain chaos. Even as they fumble through the undergrowth, both friend and foe fight for their lives as the insanity of an unruly mob descend upon them. Now out of ammunition, Velma and Daphne are forced to use any means necessary to survive short of verbal jabs, as their canine frenemy holds his own via tooth and claw, tearing anything within reach asunder.
However with his primary objection now within reach, there is no way this opportunist will give up his quest for the scientist who can save himself and his family. As these two have their own heart to heart conversation, the feisty red head is now on her own, unable to cause any harm to the mob aside from an annoying punch or kick; as things begin to look bleak, a loyal companion bursts onto the scene, unleashing his own savage fury upon the abominations who dare to endanger his friend. Once he hears the familiar growl from Scooby, the treacherous mutt who had scientist in paw allows his own hatred consume him, dropping his prey. Now bewildered and despectacled, our intrepid thinker wanders in a daze, until someone’s human toy comes to her assistance. Not trusting her blurry vision, the two square off, child staring down adult until Daphne and Scooby come barreling through the bushes, panic stricken and running for their lives. The night has been a challenge and more is to come, but first they all must weather this encounter if they ever hope to see tomorrow.
In Summary:
After all of tragic tension and heartfelt melodrama we have experienced throughout the series, it is wildly refreshing for writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMattis to finally grant us a reprieve with some hysterical hijinks reminiscent of the classic animated show. However before we can have this breather, the readers will still have to face the thrilling excitement of a face-off between Scrappy and his eternal nemesis, the scientist who masterminded his suffering – Velma Dinkley. But of course, nothing worth savoring is ever easy and the only thing between them is that passive mob of monsters, which have now turned into a ravenous horde of mutated creatures; of course it is within this chaos where all the fun begins, and while many sane persons would think comedy would be inappropriate, Giffen and DeMattis are not ordinary writers. It takes a masterful sense of timing and knowing the situation to recognize humor only helps to amplify the pressure and the heroics of Scooby dashing in to save the day. However, like any opportunist bent on revenge, Scrappy does not know when to leave well enough alone, allowing us the encounter we now cherish above all else – our bespectacled heroine uttering that iconic line: Where are my glasses? You have to smile hearing that singular phrase, it was so essential to the animation that an episode would not be complete without it … and now this series is blessed by it too; to watch Velma fumble around brings back so many happy memories of seeing the Gang being chased by a Monster of the Week, only to have her trip in her haste and utter those beloved words – satisfaction plain and simple.
But then how can we have that cherished scene without the event which leads up to it – the crazy chase around the property? Artist Dale Eaglesham does an amazing job furnishing this issue with illustrations which are a thrill to watch as everything unravels from what was a simple mission following monsters into absolute mayhem. His skillful technique of detailing the ferocity of canine versus canine creatively sets the opening event, and Hi-Fi’s manipulation of light and shadow decorates the set with such complexity that you can almost hear the growls and smell the fetid breath as the hounds prepare to pounce. However, it is not until both forces clash against the impossible mob does the full potential of both artists talents come to bear with that amazing double page spread … I am still reeling from the magnificence of those pages. It is phenomenal how Eaglesham captures this kinetic frenzy, muscles flex and sinews tear, Scrappy showing almost primal pleasure as he unleashes all of his pent up rage since leaving the Complex, his anger manifest within this single moment of time. And yet even within all of this fervor, you still have the sense of humanity trying its best to survive, all portrayed by the helpless damsel in distress Velma and her heroic savior Daphne, trying her best to save her friend; those two who were at each others throats not so long ago, it within this dynamic scenario by which we can see how much their compassion Daphne has for Velma, even teetering to the brink of sacrifice herself to save the other. But the colors of organic palette which Hi-Fi uses breaths life into these images: the deep earthy tones of flora give way to undulating masses of flesh, ranging from sickly grey, pinks and muted hues of fluorescent – only to be ripped apart by their canine opponent, littering the landscape with a nauseating shower of ochre. Velma’s signature off-orange sweater and skirt squirming amongst the sickness only amplifies the beasts fury and Daphne’s brilliantly flowing auburn mane is accented by her tightly fitting white shirt and purple shod legs struggling projects a sense of valiance amid all the chaos.
However, even with such a wonderful portrayal of gallantry, it is nearly eclipsed by the escape and a standard for the show – the chase scene. As we watch Daphne bravely fight impossible odds and even after Scooby makes a noble rescue, even these two warriors know when it is time to retreat, and they do it in a recognizable cartoon style. No matter how boldly they may have fought to reach a point of no return, these two are still not professional soldiers and of course, fear will get the best of them; one attempts to put on a stern face while trying to hide her emotions to appear to be a strong leader and the other, we all know, is at heart a chicken, there is no better way to phrase it. So when they can see no way out, Fight or Flight takes over … and you get one of the funniest panels from this series. I had to laugh out loud when I saw a tongue wagging in the wind and crimson hair blazing a trail behind – with RUN in bold red letters. And then to top the hilarious effect, we see Cliffy and Velma watch in confused amazement, commenting on how scary that lady is, totally shattering her fearless facade. This is a great way to end a fine example of chivalry: daring Daphne who will do anything for her friends, now leaves the one she protected the most in the dust – an unshakable woman in the face of certain peril … running like a scared rabbit. Classic and undeniably Scooby Doo.
This issue was one of the best of the series in terms of reliving the quintessential memories we have of the classic Scooby Doo which we know and love. While we are still embraced by the re-imagining of this show for a modern generation, you cannot forget the roots from which they originated. Giffen, DeMattis, Eaglesham and Hi-Fi have captured the essence of an icon and yet still manage to put a spin on it for more mature audiences, with an approving nod to Hanna-Barbera in thanks. While we know this traditional story will be an exception to the rule, one can only hope that we will see more of these comical moments from now on, with a pinch of terror to spice up the title.
Grade: A+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: DC Comics
Release Date: July 12, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
