Scooby Apocalypse – Hanna-Barbera Preview Book #1
Genre
Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, Action, Mystery, Satire
Main Characters
- Scooby-Doo
– Reimagined with cybernetic enhancements, Scooby is more than just a
scaredy-dog; he's a crucial ally in a broken world.
- Shaggy
Rogers – A hipster survivalist and dog trainer, now a more competent
and complex character.
- Daphne
Blake – A hardened journalist and video host, determined and skeptical
of everything.
- Fred
Jones – Daphne’s cameraman and loyal partner, navigating shifting
loyalties.
- Velma
Dinkley – A brilliant but ethically conflicted scientist entangled in
a secretive corporate conspiracy.
Writer
Keith Giffen – Known for his subversive and daring
storytelling in titles like Lobo and Justice League, Giffen
injects fresh grit and psychological layers into familiar characters.
Artist
Howard Porter – Famed for his dynamic and cinematic
visual style, Porter redefines the Scooby gang with a grungier, more mature
aesthetic that enhances the tone of the series.
Editor Details
Marie Javins – A seasoned editor at DC Comics, Javins
brings cohesion and sharp pacing to the radically reimagined Hanna-Barbera
universe, ensuring quality and tonal consistency.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics – Hanna-Barbera Beyond Imprint
Part of DC’s experimental Hanna-Barbera reboot, this imprint is dedicated to
reinventing classic properties with modern storytelling and darker themes.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
The Scooby Apocalypse – Hanna-Barbera Preview Book #1
offers fans an exclusive look into the transformed worlds of classic
characters. This free issue includes previews of Scooby Apocalypse, Future
Quest, Wacky Raceland, and The Flintstones. In the main
story, the Mystery Inc. crew is thrust into a world where a nanite virus has
turned humanity into monstrous creatures. What starts as a simple investigation
spirals into a survival story in a dystopian future, with trust, technology,
and human nature at its thematic core.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- "Doomsday
in Crystal Cove" – A mysterious viral outbreak challenges the
gang’s perception of reality and identity.
- "Velma’s
Secret" – An emotional and intellectual arc revealing Velma’s
complicity in the outbreak, adding moral ambiguity.
- "Rise
of the Nanite Beasts" – Introduces terrifying new adversaries and
the underlying sci-fi horror tone that shapes the series’ arc.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Many fans speculate that Velma may have deliberately
accelerated the outbreak to “reset” humanity, an action steeped in utilitarian
ethics. Another theory posits Scooby as a symbol of humanity’s dependency on
technology—both savior and symptom of societal collapse.
Review Summary
This preview delivers a bold reimagination that surprises and intrigues. The artwork by Howard Porter is gritty, textured, and intensely atmospheric, giving the series a cinematic vibe. Keith Giffen’s writing blends dark humor with character-driven storytelling, adding depth to once one-dimensional characters. Shaggy, Velma, and Daphne feel like real, flawed people navigating a broken world. The book's shift from campy to catastrophic pays off, promising a rich narrative for those willing to embrace change.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
