When you have your back against the wall … sometimes insanity is the only way to go.
Creative Staff:
Writers: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis
Artists: Ron Wagner & Andy Owens
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Travis Lanham
What They Say:
The gang finally reaches the underground base, only to discover that their nightmare is just beginning. Plus, the fate of Scrappy-Doo-revealed at last!
Content (please note that portions of a review may contain spoilers):
It has been two months since Velma and the Gang cracked the secret of the Athena Center data farm and discovered the terrible truth of the Elysium Project: the Nanite Plague is irreversible. And now having found themselves in Albany, New York at the Henry Hudson Mall, the bespectacled scientist comes to an inevitable conclusion they need a base of operations if they are to survive the Apocalypse. While the others have their doubts this is the best option, Velma has logically concluded her plan has the best chance for viability to rebuild civilization and help other uninfected. After all they can’t run forever, furthermore, this location is defensible and probable food stores make it an ideal place for a colony so they can start the rebuilding process … all to wage a war for humanity’s survival. However with the exterior entrances guarded by abominations, there seems little chance of infiltration, even after Daphne’s surprising agreement to go with the plan.
When even Fred agrees to the lunacy of this mission, this dysfunctional family still cannot agree with an option on how to get inside, even erring on Daphne’s decision to storm the front directly. But before a full argument can break out, Cliffy chimes in and states they can go in from the sewers – having seen that maneuver in a movie. After outcries as to the obvious stench, no one can see any better choice and regretfully the feisty red head nominees Shaggy to go with her. However, when the lanky pacifist points out there may be homeless living below and after the outbreak who know what happened to them, Fred breaks the paranoia and volunteers to accompany their leader. After constant bickering between the two and breaks for her companion to clear his stomach, the pair finally find an opening within the maze of pipes. Although they may have joked above ground as to the notion of anything living beneath the mall, the upcoming cistern points to another situation – never underestimate the truth behind urban legends.
In Summary:
After last issue’s bombshell ending, there seemed to be no other options for the Gang and they appeared to be at their wits end. However, I am glad writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis gave them a way out aside from the sadistic path of constantly running from the problem – and instead face it head on. Of course this is how a logical scientist as Velma would hand such a dilemma, at the same time, it gives the reader a symbol of hope and not allowing the title to collapse upon itself. But the best part was Daisy playing Devil’s Advocate for a moment, bringing up the desperation of not knowing and always running. Even within such a hopeless situation such as they being perhaps the last humans, Giffen and DeMatteis do not allow the story to tumble into despondency, instead allowing the reader to relish in the continued conflicting personalities of the Gang. You cannot but laugh as we watch Daphne and Velma’s temperaments bounce off each other, however caustic they may seem, they sincerely care for each other. Then the trio of Shaggy, Fred and Daisy, the former longing to approach her and yet is scared of rejection, allowing for his competition to talk to her, even if neither see their relationship in that way. And finally, the classic Boy and his Dog, Cliffy and Scooby, the canine subbing in for his rival and at the same time, both are growing closer in an attempt to soothe the rawness of losing a best friend. Even within what should be a hopeless situation as knowing there is no cure, all of these friendships allow for a glimmer of optimism so they continue on, if not for living another day, then to allow the readers to see how each relationship will develop and prosper. You can almost forget that the end of the world has come and everything outside if after them, but all you want to do is continue reading, to see how this dysfunctional family will continue to survive.
As we see this ominous opening unfold by talented artistic pair Ron Wagner and Andy Owens, you cannot but think something is coming around the corner, even as we watch our heroes with enthusiasm. All of the visual elements reflect the optimism within the Gang, starting from the normally clouded glasses of Velma. You know something is going to change if we can see her eyes, the objects of pessimism are now lit with a genuine need for hope, knowing she was the cause of the Plague, but now she can fix the aftermath. Even with the overall color palette used by Hi-Fi, all of the shades use more white and show the sun shining almost as if the world is wishing for their success. The only thing which seems out of place is Shaggy, this normally laid back guy is now haggard, seemingly out of options and is ready to surrender to the monsters. Everyone else eventually gives into Velma’s plan to build a colony of survivors and yet he is the lone holdout, and with any chance of getting close to Daisy supposedly dashed by Fred’s involvement, he has nothing to look forward to the future. Even his best friend Scooby is preoccupied with Cliffy, so essentially he is all alone. I like how the artistic team uses his grim attitude to motivate everyone else – the one who was once a pacifist is now the pragmatist. Even his paranoia of the homeless people in the sewers changes the feel of the story, just when I was expecting a visit by mask-wearing terrapins or alligators lurking in the pipes, the change into a dark environment reflects Shaggy’s realistic view. If this is how the series is going to change, then I cannot wait to see how the next issue will unfold.
With a new story arc changing the outlook for the Gang, Scooby Apocalypse is becoming a title which reflects the evolution of hope for the survivors. Before the new year they were relentlessly looking for a cure, hoping that with the next database Velma could unlock some miracle to undo all the evil of the Four. And now that she can see how her ingenuity has been outsmarted by machines, even a pessimist can become a beacon of hope. However, even as our scientist changes, the one positive member now begins to see the futility of his former outlook. Change opens up new possibilities, and if this is how the narrative will flip due to one character, then imagine the possibilities for the future.
Grade: A
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: DC Comics
Release Date: January 10, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
