‘Scooby Apocalypse’ is the second title in DC’s Hanna-Barbera series that I have had the pleasure of reading and is, most definitely, not what I was expecting. Although ‘Jonny Quest’ is a series that I always held dear (not just because of that theme tune), Scooby-Doo was (and still is) closer to my heart. I spent many the hour watching Scooby, and the gang, unravel mysteries, meddle with bad guys and run at the sight of their own shadows (jinkies!)… So the idea that these clean loving kids were being brought into a modern era filled with Kardashians, Instagram and Tweets, did leave me feeling a little apprehensive.

Warning: There may be possible spoilers ahead.

However, writers J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen have managed to lend a more modern twist to these esteemed characters, whilst still maintaining some of their best loved quirks (such as a certain canine’s overuse of the letter ‘r’ and seemingly bottomless stomach). In this tale, we are faced with an even more modern era than our own, as well as some re-jigged backgrounds for our protagonists. Velma is a highly esteemed scientist. Scooby-Doo is one of her group’s experiments. Daphne and Fred are a couple of ‘off-the-wall’ Youtubers and Shaggy is, for all intents and purposes, a hipster dog-trainer…

They may seem a little far removed from what we remember, but keep in mind that, in the past: Velma had a scientific explanation for everything. There has to be some explanation as to why Scooby-Doo can talk. Daphne and Fred had their own series, ‘Coast to Coast with Daphne Blake’ in ‘Scooby-Doo on Zombie-Island’ and Shaggy is, well, the original hipster.. So yes… With all that in mind, this version of events doesn’t seem quite so far fetched…

What DeMatteis and Giffen have offered readers is a different style of mystery to those that we grew used to. Gone are the small time hicks, and in is an organisation that has planned the end of the world as we know it. Whilst we might see these characters as new territory, they are also meeting each other for the first time, which should hopefully allow some scope for background filler (such as the mini story at the end of this first issue).

In terms of the art work, Howard Porter has offered up a style similar to that of the pages of ‘Justice League 3001’ (maybe Giffen had an influence in that). The level of detail, and bright colour scheme, lend a futuristic appeal and help transport the reader to this, soon to be, Apocalyptic future.

So, in all, ‘Scooby Apocalypse’ is a great read. Although many may still be apprehensive about a, supposed, defiling of their favourite characters I, once again, implore you do give this (and the other Hanna-Barbera titles) a chance as, much like Scooby and the gang, you never know what mysteries you will uncover.

Score: 7.5/10

Scooby Apocalypse #1 is available to buy from today by clicking here or by visiting your local comic book retailer.