TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Hanna-Barbera

Showing posts with label Hanna-Barbera. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #3" Dives Deep Into More Trouble

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Chad Hardin

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Anthony Marques; Richard Pace

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

“The Rising Son”

“Jonny Quest” (also known as “The Adventures of Jonny Quest”) was an animated science fiction-adventure television series. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions for the television studio, Screen Gems, and was created and designed by comic book artist, Doug Wildey. The series ran for one season on ABC (September 1964 to March 1965), on prime time, for a total of 25 episodes

The series focused on a boy, Jonny Quest, who accompanied his scientist father, Dr. Benton Quest, on extraordinary adventures. The other members of what came to be known as “Team Quest” were Jonny's adopted brother, Hadji Singh; the Quest family bodyguard, Roger “Race” Bannon; and Jonny's pet bulldog, Bandit.

Over the decades, there have been comic books featuring Jonny Quest. The latest is Jonny Quest Volume 1, which is part of Dynamite Entertainment's recent licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. The series is written by Joe Casey; drawn by Sebastian Piriz; colored by Lorenzo Scaramella; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new adventure, Team Quest has been transported from the year 1964 to the present day where they meet 71 year-old Jonathan Quest and begin a... quest to return to their own time.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #3 opens in Japan at the Fukunaga Corporation. There, Jonathan Quest and Dr. Benton Quest repair the “Quantum Counter,” the device that brought Team Quest to the future and may very well return them to 1964. However, someone from their past wants the device also, and how is that someone connected to Jade a.k.a. “Jezebel Jade,” the mercenary-for-hire and sometimes ally of Team Quest? Plus, Dr. Zin makes his move.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Jonny Volume 1 #3 is the latest, but it is not the first Jonny Quest comic book that I have read.

This new Jonny Quest comic book is set in the present, but it feels like classic 1964 Jonny Quest. Writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. As I said in my review of the second issue, this story reads like a Jonny Quest story right out of the 1960s series, completely filled with a sense of mystery, wonder, and discovery. There isn't anything with new, however. With this issue, Casey throws in some of the most intense action yet – new action. And while there are connections to the past, there are motorcycles and bad-ass bad guys.

Piriz's art and storytelling are true to the original, but both art and storytelling have a clean, modern mood that is like other recent science fiction and adventure comic books. Piriz also makes this new Jonny Quest seem fresh and alive, as if this concept really belongs in modern times. The coloring by Scaramella adds the finishing modern touch. Even the lettering by Taylor Esposito summons an old school cool vibe that also radiates a modern sensibility.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #3 is filled with as many surprises as the first issue. So why aren't you reading this, dear readers?

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series and of Jonny Quest will want to read Jonny Quest Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Thursday, October 17, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #5" Ragnaroks It

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Michael Cho; Bjorn Barends; Ken Haeser

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“The Dawn of the Devourer!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes.

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #5 (“The Dawn of the Devourer!”) opens at Grax-3 where Space Ghost is on a rampage to find his nemesis, Zorak, who kidnapped Jan and Jace. Zorak, however, is quite happy to see Space Ghost, as he has a very special need of him.

For today marks the new day, the Dawn of the Devourer – All hail the Locust of the Apocalypse!" And Space Ghost is going to help him arrive, or he will see Jan and Jace destroyed. Meanwhile, where is Blip, and how will young Jace come out of this trauma?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #5 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first five issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Writer David Pepose is making me rapidly run out of good things to say about his storytelling. I think I'm repeating myself already. While Pepose retains the traditional Space Ghost narrative aesthetic, he raises all kinds of unholy hell for the climax of this battle with Zorak. For me, this hints at continued great things to come from this excellent writer.

Artist Jonathan Lau also wants to actually raise Hell with his graphical storytelling. Lau captures the madness in Pepose's script for issue #5 and lets loose his guns to recall the best chaos of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Andrew Dalhouse in turn unleashes fire and brimstone to amplify Lua's storytelling into an red, orange, and yellow inferno. Letterer Taylor Esposito adds the fuel to make it all burn, baby, burn.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume 1, dear readers. I want this for you, too. This Space Ghost is super, man.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Monday, September 30, 2024

DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for October 2, 2024

DC COMICS:

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Simone Bianchi Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover C Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover D Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover E Mico Suayan Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover F Stephen Bliss Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover G Mikel Janin Villains Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover H John Timms Connecting Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover I Yasmine Putri Raised Ultraviolet Foil Variant), $7.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover J Juliet Nneka Power Participation Card Stock Variant), $5.99

American Vampire Volume 1 TP, $39.99

American Vampire Volume 1 TP (DC Compact Comics Edition), $9.99

Animal Man By Grant Morrison And Chaz Truog Compendium TP, $59.99

Batman #153 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $4.99

Batman #153 (Cover B Tony Harris & Jeremy Clark Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman #153 (Cover C David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman #153 (Cover D Kelley Jones Trick Or Treat Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman #153 (Cover E Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $7.99

Batman #153 (Cover F Marco Mastrazzo Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman #153 (Cover G Walter Simonson Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries #10 (Cover A Erich Owen), $2.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover A Leonardo Romero), $3.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover B Sozomaika Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover C Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover D Kelley Jones Trick Or Treat Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover E Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $6.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover F Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman Trial Of The Catwoman TP (DC Compact Comics Edition), $9.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Daniel Sampere Wraparound Variant), $4.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Wes Craig Wraparound Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Rafa Sandoval Wraparound Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Daniel Sampere Wraparound Foil Variant), $7.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover E John Giang Wraparound Card Stock Variant), AR

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Logo Variant), AR

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover A Tirso), $4.99

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover B Charlie Adlard Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover C Jim Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover D Jim Lee Black & White Card Stock Variant), AR

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Dan Hipp), $9.99

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Ejikure Variant), $9.99

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Nicola Scott Variant), $9.99

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover D TBD), AR

Filth TP (2024 Edition), $19.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover A Mikel Janin), $3.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover B Tony Harris Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover C Marco Santucci Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover D Mike Wieringo Virgin Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Midnight Mass TP, $16.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #2 (Of 5)(Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #2 (Of 5)(Cover B Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #2 (Of 5)(Cover C Jon Sommariva Card Stock Variant), AR

My Adventures With Superman #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Li Cree), $3.99

My Adventures With Superman #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Ricardo Lopez Ortiz Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Nice House By The Sea #3 (Of 12)(Cover A Alvaro Martinez Bueno), $3.99

Nice House By The Sea #3 (Of 12)(Cover B Lisandro Estherren Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Nice House By The Sea #3 (Of 12)(Cover C Alex Eckman Lawn Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Plastic Man No More #2 (Of 4)(Cover A Alex Lins), $4.99

Plastic Man No More #2 (Of 4)(Cover B Riley Rossmo Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover A Jessica Fong), $3.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover B Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover C Noobovich Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover D Kelley Jones Trick Or Treat Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover E Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $6.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover F Sebastian Fiumara Card Stock Variant), AR

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover G Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), AR

Scooby-Doo Where Are You #130 (Cover A Valerio Chiola), $2.99

Shazam #16 (Cover A Gleb Melnikov), $3.99

Shazam #16 (Cover B Felipe Massafera Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Shazam #16 (Cover C Ejikure Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Shazam #16 (Cover D Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $6.99

Speed Force TP, $16.99

Strange Case Of Harleen And Harley TP, $16.99

Suicide Squad Kill Arkham Asylum TP, $19.99

This Land Is Our Land A Blue Beetle Story TP, $16.99

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #2" Welcomes an Old Friend

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Chad Hardin

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Tom Raney; Richard Pace

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

The series focused on a boy, Jonny Quest, who accompanied his scientist father, Dr. Benton Quest, on extraordinary adventures. The other members of what came to be known as “Team Quest” were Jonny's adopted brother, Hadji Singh; the Quest family bodyguard, Roger “Race” Bannon; and Jonny's pet bulldog, Bandit.

Over the decades, there have been comic books featuring Jonny Quest. The latest is Jonny Quest Volume 1, which is part of Dynamite Entertainment's recent licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. The series is written by Joe Casey; drawn by Sebastian Piriz; colored by Lorenzo Scaramella; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new adventure, Team Quest faces a new world and mission that spans six decades.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #2 opens on Dr. Zin's version of Marvel's SHIELD helicarrier. His enemies, Team Quest, have returned, and this time he vows they won't escape. Now, he prepares to launch another terrifying assault meant to destroy Johnny, Hadji, Race, Dr. Quest, and Bandit.

Meanwhile, Jonny Quest and company have accepted that a freak event has thrown them sixty years forward in time. If that were not shocking enough, they meet 71-year-old Jonathan Quest, who has built more advanced versions of Dr. Quest's greatest inventions. Now, Team Quest and Jonathan head to the other side of the world in hopes of gaining the help of a longtime ally. However, there is no guarantee that once-familiar allegiances still exist.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Jonny Volume 1 #2 is the latest, but it is not the first Jonny Quest comic book that I have read.

In this new Jonny Quest narrative, writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. The story reads like a Jonny Quest story right out of the 1960s series, completely filled with a sense of mystery, wonder, and discovery. Even the modern setting does not change that because Casey's writing seems related to the heart of the franchise, so Casey offers a new narrative framed in the classic aesthetic.

Piriz's art and storytelling is true to the original, but both art and storytelling have a clean, modern mood that is like other recent science fiction and adventure comic books. The coloring by Scaramella adds the finishing modern touch. Even the lettering summons an old school cool vibe that also radiates a modern sensibility.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #2 is not filled with as many surprises as the first issue. However, the second issue proves that the first issue was not a fluke.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series and of Jonny Quest will want to read Jonny Quest Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Thursday, September 12, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #4" is Only for People Who REALLY Like Good Comics

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Michael Cho; Bob Layton

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“The Cult of Zorak!”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #4 (“The Cult of Zorak!”) opens at the specially designed Omegan Prison, where Zorak and his army of fanatical Zorathian warriors have broken free. Space Ghost knows that Zorak will seek revenge against him, so he travels to Zorak's most recent base of operations, the planet Bellerophon. It isn't Zorak awaiting the “Guardian of the Spaceways,” however; it is the mighty Titanor!

Meanwhile, Zorak, a prophet and worshiper of Lorak, the Locust of the Apocalypse, plots to bring his mythical god to life. And Jan, Jace, and Blip are about to enter this game of fanaticism.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #4 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first four issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Writer David Pepose is making me rapidly run out of good things to say about his storytelling. Pepose retains the traditional Space Ghost, but he also rockets the character into a modern sensibility. The Saturday morning pop sci-fi/fantasy is now darker and more menacing. Still, the tone of this comic book series can appeal to readers young and old. Pepose did not forsake a timeless appeal for the temporary thrills of grim and gritty “mature themes.”

I think this series really works because of Jonathan Lau's art and graphical storytelling. Lau captures the edge in Pepose's scripts and turns it into pure rage against evil and into pure passion for justice. Like Pepose, Lau retains the classic appeal of Space Ghost. Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they keep the classic comic book cool. Letterer Taylor Esposito captures all the emotion that swirls in and out of this story.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers. It is almost too good to be true, but true, y'all, it is really good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Friday, August 23, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #128" Hails Hydra

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #128

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Georgia Ball

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela

INKS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Candace Schinzler-Bell

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jessica Chen (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dehydrated”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 opens with “Dehydrated,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma visiting a local lake for a lazy day of floating and fishing. Unfortunately, the place is haunted by a three-headed version of the monster of antiquity known as “the Hydra.” And you know, Mystery Inc. is never one to let a mystery go unsolved.

As usual, the second story, “Scuba Scoob,” is a reprint story. It is written by Georgia Ball and drawn by Dario Brizuela. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #54 (cover date: April 2015).] The story finds Mystery Inc. in the Caribbean Islands for some scuba-diving fun via “Scuba-Duba Boat Tours.” However, the boat tour's owner, Farukh, is having trouble with a monster shark. As usual, Scooby and the gang have a mystery to solve.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 has as its theme vacations on the water ruined by water-based monsters. This issue is blessed by being drawn by two of the best modern Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Randy Elliot for “Dehydrated” and Dario Brizuela for “Scuba Scoob.” The latter story features some dazzling color and color effects by Candace Schinzler-Bell. In fact, it is the art and colors that really stand out this time around. The stories are nice and feature nice monsters, but these simply aren't stand out stories.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 does not match up to the quality of issue #127, but a Scooby-Doo comic book is always a good thing. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up” by Heath Corson and Bobby Timony.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.dccomics.com/

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Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #1" Makes a Stellar Return

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Chad Hardin

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Tom Raney; Bob Layton; Richard Pace; Chris Samnee; Chad Hardin

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

The series focused on a boy, Jonny Quest, who accompanied his scientist father, Dr. Benton Quest, on extraordinary adventures. The other members of what came to be known as “Team Quest” were Jonny's adopted brother, Hadji; the Quest family bodyguard, Race Bannon; and Jonny's pet bulldog, Bandit.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #1 follows the events depicted in the Jonny Quest FCBD Special that came out in May during Free Comic Book Day 2024. Team Quest returns to their home on the island of Key Palm, where the island is not quite what it is supposed to be... If the island feels like a stranger, well, the Quest home wants to be a stranger, also. It seems simultaneously redecorated and abandoned. However, the truth of this situation is so amazing, unraveling it will take time.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Jonny Volume 1 #1 is the latest, but it is not the first Jonny Quest comic book that I have read.

One of my favorite previous Jonny Quest comics was and remains Jonny Quest #1 (cover dated: June 1986), which was published by the now defunct Comico the Comic Company. It was even written and drawn by Jonny Quest's creator, Doug Wildey. Twenty years later, DC Comics brought together Team Quest and a bunch of Hanna-Barbera characters in Future Quest #1 (cover dated: July 2016). Another Jonny Quest revival was the direct-to-DVD film, Tom and Jerry: Sea Quest, which featured classic MGM cartoon duo, Tom and Jerry, and Team Quest in a battle to defeat classic Quest villain, Dr. Zin.

In this new Jonny Quest #1, writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. The story reads like a Jonny Quest story right out of the 1960s series, completely filled with a sense of mystery, wonder, and discovery. The art and colors look and feel like the visuals of “The Adventures of Jonny Quest.” Even the lettering summons an old school cool.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #1 is so filled with shockers that I am loathe to spoil it. Suffice to say, dear readers, it is one of the best single issues of 2024.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series and of Jonny Quest will want to read Jonny Quest Volume 1.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Sunday, August 4, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #3" Enters the Web of the Widow

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“Beware the Web of the Widow!”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #3 (“Beware the Web of the Widow!”) opens as Space Ghost, Jan, Jace, and Blip battle Lizard Slavers, and the tide is turning... against our heroes! Enter the Widow. Not only is she their savior, but she also has an offer that is hard to refuse: join her in a heist that will penetrate Robo Corp central.

Now, Space Ghost can find out why Robo Corp's CEO, Dr. Xander Ibal, has placed a five million-credits bounty on his head. What does he want of him that is different from what the Galactic Patrol wants? Will Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace find answers or betrayal?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #3 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first three issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Comic books like this new Space Ghost are why I keep reading comic books long after growing bored with my core Marvel and DC Comics titles. With this third issue, writer David Pepose makes things perfectly clear: the first two issues of this series were not flukes. As a spinner of Space Ghost yarns, Pepose is the real fucking deal.

Jonathan Lau's illustrations and Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they also turn Pepose's script into the perfect Space Ghost storytelling. Grit and edge aside, Lau and Dalhouse capture the classic energy of the original Hanna-Barbera “Space Ghost” animated series. Letterer Taylor Esposito also does his part to capture that classic cool.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Sunday, June 23, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #127" Dives Into Fandom

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #127

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Scott Neely

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott Neely

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dog Tag”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 opens with “Dog Tag,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma enjoying a night of “Laser Tag.” However, what Shaggy calls the “Freaky Fright Stalker” is taking the fun out of the game. Can the gang solve this mystery?

As usual, the second story, “Con Games,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #25 (cover date: November 2012).] The story finds Mystery Inc. attending “MonsterCon.” It's packed with authors, filmmakers, sci-fi fans, and cosplayers. The con's organizer, Woody K. Wackerstein, is certainly happy about the turnout. But when the “Phantom of the Con” makes his regularly scheduled appearance, the apparition threatens to put an end to the convention fun.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 has as its theme fandom and fan gatherings. “Dog Tag” is set in a “Laser Tag” entertainment center, and although people have been playing it since the 1980s, “Laser Tag” remains popular. The monster in the story visually references the alien, “Predator” that first appeared in the 1978 film, Predator, and also appeared as recently as the Hulu original film, the Emmy-nominated, Prey (2022).

I enjoy stories set in the world of science fiction and comic book conventions. I still fondly remember author Sharyn McCrumb's 1988 satirical novel, Bimbos of the Death Sun, which is set at a science fiction convention. This issue's second story is set set at a con, and features a number of pop culture references. Woody K. Wakerstein, the organizer of “MonsterCon,” is a substitute for Forest J. Ackerman, an author and magazine editor. Ackerman was also one of the founders of science fiction fandom. Another substitute character is “Walt Palace,” who is based on director William Castle (1960s 13 Ghosts), who is known for his B-movie horror flicks for which he used gimmicks to promote.

The best thing about this issue is that it features the art of two of the best Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Walter Carzon and Scott Neely. Each artist's illustrations also features gloriously shimmering bright coloring from Silvana Brys and Heroic Age, respectively.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 is a good issue, much better than the previous one, #126. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Dear DC Super-Villains” by Michael Northrop, Gustavo Duarte, Cris Peter, and Wes Abbott.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Saturday, June 15, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #2" is Too Legit to Quit

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Joe Quesada; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“Journey to the Ghost Planet”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #2 (“Journey to the Ghost Planet”) opens in the past on the planet, Vector. Here, we see glimpses of the tragedy that would turn a man into “Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost, Jan, Jace, and Blip travel aboard the Phantom Cruiser to Space Ghost's base of operations, “Ghost Planet.” The kids soon grow bored, as the mysterious vigilante mostly focuses on his work. Left to their own devices, the kids do their own thing, which includes an unexpected flight in the Phantom Cruiser. Now, it's up to Jan to save the day, but can she come up with a way to save her brother, Jace, and Blip... and maybe help out the Ghost, too?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #2 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

I remain very happy about this new Space Ghost series. The first issue was about re-introductions of classic characters and introductions of their new versions. The first chapter was a little chaotic and a little thin on plot. This second issue, which is stronger, does a deep dive into the possibilities of Jan and Jace and Blip becoming a working part of Space Ghost's life as a cosmic vigilante. With this second issue, writer David Pepose perfectly captures the spirit of wonder and fantasy that was the original Space Ghost animated series, and it is a delight.

Jonathan Lau's illustrations and Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they also turn Pepose's script into the perfect Space Ghost storytelling. Whatever Lau and Dalhouse did well the first issue, they go nova on it with this second issue. It is pop comics with a sort of moodiness which seems like a touch of Batman. Also, Taylor Esposito's lettering is classic comics cool, which serves the spirit of Space Ghost quite well.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

This issue includes a four-page preview of Dynamite's Jonny Quest #1:

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

The issues continues from the Jonny Quest FCBD Special that came out in May during Free Comic Book Day 2024. Team Quest returns to their home on the island of Key Palm, where things are not quite what they're supposed to be...

Writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. That is that it looks that way in this four-page preview. Well, I feel it, dear readers, and I'm ready for more.

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Monday, May 6, 2024

Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for May 8, 2024

DYNAMITE

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Friday, May 3, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #1" Revives a Classic

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Alex Toth; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes. Space Ghost shared his television series with a second feature, entitled “Dino Boy in the Lost Valley.” Space Ghost was designed by cartoonist and comic book artist, Alex Toth (1928-2006), who created the character with Hanna-Barbera's founders, William Hanna (1910-2001) and Joseph Barbera (1911-2006).

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #1 opens on Space Colony Omnicron. It is the home of brilliant scientist, Doctor Jarrod Keplar, and his children – a pair of twins – Jan (a girl) and Jace (a boy). Now, Omnicron is suffering a surprise attack at the hands of space pirates. Dr. Keplar is planning to escape with his children and their pet monkey, Blip, who is more than he seems.

The colony's defenses are overwhelmed, however, and when tragedy strikes the Keplar family, all seems lost. Yet these ruthless pirates did not count on a wild card – the cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.” This almost folkloric figure metes out justice throughout the galaxy and brings vengeance to those who prey upon the defenseless. But can even this phantom save this day?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #1 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

As far as I'm concerned, there have never been enough Space Ghost comic book series. His last comic book appearances before now were DC Comics' Future Quest maxi-series and Future Quest Presents #1 (DC Comics), I believe. So I'm happy about this new series. This first issue is about re-introductions of classic characters and introductions of their new versions. This first chapter is a little chaotic and a little thin on plot. Still, it's fun to see Space Ghost in action, and even more fun to see Jan and Jace take a more proactive part in the combat than they have in the past.

Jonathan Lau's illustrations and Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, which I'll accept. I prefer that Space Ghost comics mimic the slick and technically proficient design style of the artist who first visualized the world of Space Ghost, the late Alex Toth. Still, the darker and rougher graphical storytelling style here may indeed work in selling this newer vision of Space Ghost.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1 #1. It is a first issue well worth many American dollars, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Monday, April 29, 2024

Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for May 1, 2024

DYNAMITE

MAY219079 DAWN LINSNER VAR PROOF ED BUST $199.00

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MAY219073 VAMPIRELLA LINSNER COSTUME VAR PROOF ED BUST $199.00

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Saturday, March 9, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #126" is in the Books

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #126

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Brittany Holzherr (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

“Girls Night Ouch!”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 opens with “Girls Night Ouch!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma making some plans. Not everyone has the same plans for this evening. Scooby and Shaggy have an all-you-can-eat buffet to attend, and Fred is going to investigate a haunted kitchen.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Velma are going to a local bookstore for a release party for the second book in the popular, teenage vampire romance book series, “Once Bitten.” The series' author, Steven Majors, is going to read from “Twice Bitten,” the new book, but his appearance is nothing compared to a surprise appearance. It seems that the book series' star, the vampire Danté, has arrived and is tearing the bookstore apart. Can Daphne and Velma solve this mystery alone?

As usual, the second story, “Ghost Writers,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #76 (cover date: February 2017).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a haunted library. Paige the librarian wants to know why the ghosts of Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare are haunting her library. Now, Scooby and the gang have to discover what these literary ghosts want.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 has as its theme literary hauntings. The new story is set in a book event at a local book store, and of course, there is an obvious reference to author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight book series. Readers familiar with Twilight will enjoy the references to the book and to its fans and – dare I say it – its devoted, cult-like following.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 is not a particularly good issue compared to recent issues. Still, it's a fun read. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

C+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Metropolis Grove” by Drew Brockington.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Comics Review: "THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #1" - Deadman Tells No Tales

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2024) #1

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch

ART: Dario Brizuela

COLORS: Franco Riesco

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITOR: Kristy Quinn

COVER: Dario Brizuela with Franco Riesco

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“The Show Must Go Away”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is a series of 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics initially published in 2021. The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together. Over the past five decades, Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma, have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022. Now, DC has begun a third series in January 2024. The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 (“The Show Must Go Away”) is written by Sholly Fisch; drawn Dario Brizuela; colored by Franco Riesco; and lettered by Saida Temofonte.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 (“The Show Must Go Away”) opens with a quick summary of how Dick Grayson's childhood tragedy led to him becoming Batman's sidekick, Robin, and later, the adult superhero, Nightwing. The story opens at the place Dick once called home, “Haly's Circus.” Mystery Inc. is enjoying some fun at the circus, when the aerialist, “The Incredible Zoltan,” finds his act interrupted by … Deadman?!

Luckily, Nightwing arrives to save the day. But how can Deadman be the bad guy? Deadman is a well-known good guy – a ghost, but a good guy. Now, it's up to Nightwing and Mystery Inc. to solve this ghostly circus mystery that is also bringing up the ghosts of Dick Grayson's past. Meanwhile, where is Batman?

THE LOWDOWN: As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc. I am still excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together. Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is perfect for me.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 is filled with characters and story elements that I... well, I adore. I like stories that revolve around a circus. I have been a fan of Robin since I was a small child, and my love of Batman was initially predicated on him having Robin as a sidekick. I am a longtime fan of the DC Comics' character, Deadman, and of course, I'm down with Mystery Inc. Add those four elements together, and I'm in comic book hog heaven.

Under a gorgeous, sharply-designed cover by artist Dario Brizuela, the 2024 iteration of The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 offers a high-flying adventure with a confounding ghostly mystery. Writer Sholly Fisch cleverly ties in the history and trauma of Nighwing/Dick Grayson while maintaining the humor of a Scooby-Doo tale, including the slapstick antics of Shaggy and Scooby. As always, Brizuela, one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, delivers the perfect moods, thanks in part to Franco Riesco's dazzling colors.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 starts anew with a winning first issue. I'm ready to do this all over again.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and the Hero's Journey” by Grace Ellis and Penelope Rivera Gaylord.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #125" Howls at the Moon

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #125

DC COMICS

STORY: John Rozum

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope

INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Randy Gentile

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jeanine Schaefer (reprint)

COVER: Randy Elliot with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

“No Laughing Matter”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 opens with “No Laughing Matter,” which is written by John Rozum and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma opens stuck with the aftermath of their jaunt to the country. They ended up needing a local farmer and his tractor to help with a Mystery Machine breakdown.

The farmer, however, tells them that they were lucky not to break down after dark because they might have run into the local monster, “the Hyena Man.” The creature has been terrorizing the area outside of Coolsville for the past month or so. As they head back into town, they encounter Katie Yoder, a local reporter who has been covering the mystery of the Hyena Man. Mystery Inc. offers to help Katie solve the mystery, but the countryside outside Coolsville is full of places where the Hyena Man can be or will not be...

As usual, the second story, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf,” is a reprint story. It is written by John Rozum and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #132 (cover date: July 2008).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a strange case. A local youngster claims that a werewolf damaged his father's vintage muscle car, but his father believes his son damaged the car and is trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions. So it's back to the scene of the monster crime, but maybe the werewolf has a reason for not wanting an investigation.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 has as its theme “therianthropy,” which is the ability of humans to metamorphose into animals or animal hybrids via “shapeshifting.” Perhaps, the best known form of therianthropy is “lycanthropy,” the ability to be become a wolf or wolf-like hybrid, both of which are known as the “werewolf.”

The first story, “No Laughing Matter,” is produced by two of my favorite Scooby-Doo creators, writer, John Rozum, and artist, Randy Elliot. Rozum offers a story that feels down-home Scooby-Doo and is a comfy fit for readers' Scooby-Doo imaginations. Elliot always captures the classic look and feel of old-school Scooby-Doo, especially of the 1969-70 Saturday morning cartoon series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! And like the episodes of that beloved series, “No Laughing Matter” has some key kooky and quirky characters.

The reprint story, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf,” is written by Rozum and is drawn by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo art teams, Robert Pope (pencils) and Scott McRae (inks). This story is a nice morality and father-son tale about owning up to one's irresponsible actions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 is a fun read, and like issues #123 and #124, it is an exceptional issue. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and the Hero's Journey” by Grace Ellis and Penelope Rivera Gaylord.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Review: "SCOOBY-DOO and the Witch's Ghost" is Kind of Witchy

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 48 of 2023 (No. 1937) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost (1999) – Video

Running time: 66 minutes (1 hour, 6 minutes)

Unrated

DIRECTOR: Jim Stenstrum

WRITERS: Rick Copp, David A. Goodman, Davis Doi, and Glenn Leopold

PRODUCER: Cos Anzilotti

EDITOR: Rob DeSales

COMPOSER: Louis Febre

ANIMATION STUDIO: Mook Animation

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring: (voices) Frank Welker, Scott Innes, Mary Kay Bergman, B.J. Ward, Tim Curry, Kimberly Brooks, Jennifer Hale, Jane Wiedlin, Bob Joles, Tress MacNeille, Peter Reneday, and Neil Ross

Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost is a 1999 straight-to-video, animated horror-comedy film that was directed by Jim Stenstrum and produced by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons. It was the second film in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video film series that began with 1998's Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. It was released on VHS on October 5, 1999, then on DVD on March 6, 2001. In the film, Scooby and the company get involved with a famous horror novelist and his ancestor who was rumored to be a witch.

Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost opens with Mystery Incorporated: Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Mary Kay Bergman), Velma Dinkley (B.J. Ward), Shaggy Rogers (Scott Innes), and Scooby-Doo (Scott Innes) solving a case at a San Francisco museum. There, they meet the famous horror novelist, Ben Ravencroft (Tim Curry). Velma Dinkley is a huge fan of Ravencroft, so he invites her and the rest of the gang to his hometown of Oakhaven, Massachusetts.

Upon arrival, Ravencroft and Mystery Inc. discover that the town's Mayor Corey (Neil Ross) has transformed Oakhaven into a tourist trap. The town is even putting on a concert featuring an all-female gothic rock band, the Hex Girls: Thorn (Jennifer Hale), Dusk (Jane Wiedlin), and Luna (Kimberly Brooks).

Oakhaven is like an amusement park with a theme based on the ghost of Sarah Ravencroft (Tress MacNeille), who is an ancestor of Ben Ravencroft. Ben describes Sara as a “wiccan” who used herbal remedies to heal the poor and less fortunate. In 1657, the townspeople of Oakhaven believed that Sarah was a witch, and they persecuted and executed her. Ben has spent years searching for Sarah's medical journal, which he believes will help him prove her innocence.

But now, the ghost of Sarah Ravencroft is really back, and she wants revenge. Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang are about to discover that this mystery turns out to have plenty of twists and turns.

Like a number of the early straight-to-video Scooby-Doo movies, Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost has a tone that is darker than the franchise's usual fare. In this film, the supernatural elements are “real” as compared to the usual fake supernatural shenanigans committed by the adversaries in Mystery Inc.'s cases. Still, I was surprised that the film takes such a benevolent attitude about the modern pagan, earth-centered religion, “Wicca.” The film's story goes to some lengths to separate Wicca from “witchcraft,” which is generally seen as the use of magic for nefarious purposes.

Beyond that, Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost is a standard Scooby-Doo film. I find the “ghost of Sarah Ravencroft” to be less impressive than the “fake ghost witches” of earlier Scooby-Doo cartoons, such as “The Witch” in the “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” episode, “Which Witch is Which?” I can say that the film does have a nice twist involving Sarah Ravencroft that does darken the film's tone a bit more.

However, as a Scooby-Doo fan, I consider almost all Scooby-Doo productions to be must-see. And while, it isn't special, Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost is entertaining. And the Hex Girls are quite nice.

6 of 10

★★★ out of 4 stars

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

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