The compound is infested with monsters, how can Scooby and the Gang survive? By being pretty bad ass is how. Scooby leaps onto monsters and attacks them. Daphne straight up shoots one in the face. It is actually kind of neat. But also not consequence free.
The monster Daphne shoots used to be a human being, she knows this, the monster even mentions who they once were. So understandably Daphne has a mini break down after killing the monster because she knows it was very recently human. It is a great little character moment and probably the best part of the book.
Daphne isn’t the only one feeling remorse and is distraught. Shaggy talks about the people he knew and cared for who worked in the compound and is sad seeing them in monstrous states, even when they are attacking. Velma is obviously distraught, too, but is trying to be as scientific and analytical as possible to try and solve the problem. Fred is mostly just there.
The plot of a monster outbreak is pretty interesting. The reason why this happened despite precautions remain a mystery and will likely be the first “case” the gang solves, although I don’t think anyone will be pulling off any masks. Everyone’s reactions and thoughts also seem real enough and are well done. I also liked how they squeezed in the mystery machine without it seeming out of place. The art is also very nicely done and clearly shows character and action.
My problem with this issue is that the characters aren’t quite Scooby and the Gang. They are close, they have the right catch phrases, they dress right, but there is a little too much distrust and harshness. It makes sense given the story, especially since this is a new origin story, but that doesn’t feel right. I want them to be friends, to be close, not at each other’s throats with complete distrust. Maybe if they already knew each other it would be better? I don’t know, it feels off, which is a shame as this is an interesting plot twist otherwise.
At least, unlike the first issue, there are no comparisons to Hitler. Although Daphne punching Velma seems just as out of character for the mystery team we know and love. If you can get past your feelings and expectations of the characters you know, this is a good book. If you can’t quite lose them then this isn’t the book for you. Personally I’m torn between the two.
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