Review: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #99

DC Comics
Review: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #99
By Philip Schweier
June 19, 2019 - 05:49

DC Comics
Writer(s): Sholly Fisch; Paul Kupperberg
Artist(s): Fabio Laguna
Penciller(s): Walter Carzon
Inker(s): Horatio Ottolini
Colourist(s): Silvana Bris; Heroic Age
Letterer(s): Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
Cover Artist(s): Walter Carzon, Horatio Ottolini, Silvana Bris

The Scoobies find themselves aboard the luxurious Orient Express, solving the mystery of how/why it’s haunted by a ghost with a hunger for justice. It uses Agatha Christie’s novel as a bit of red herring for mystery fans, and finds it’s own original solution.

But what struck me most about this story is the art. I’ve often been dismayed at what appears to be the use of stock imagery. Similar to animated cartoons using the same footage, sometimes Scooby Doo seemed more “assembled” than illustrated. This issue, Carzon and Ottolini’s rendering is as clean and crisp as I’ve ever seen. Combined with Silvana Bris’ colors, the art has a polish I find extremely appealing. It’s unfortunate such remarkable work isn’t featured in a higher profile title.

The second story, set against the backdrop of Coney Island, also steps away from the assembled look, while providing readers with some insight into one of Brooklyn’s most famous locations. Is it a commentary on urban re-development, or a pleasant tour of a unique piece of Americana? Your mileage may vary.

Next issue is the 100th issue of one of my favorite titles. With the recent milestones achieved by Action Comics and Detective Comics, it is my dear hope that DC does not let this one pass unacknowledged.

Rating: 8/10