The revamped Hanna Barbera line at DC Comics sees its own superteam have a final battle against their big bad in Future Quest, while the gang confronts Velma’s brother in Scooby Apocalypse.
Future Quest 12
Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Evan Shaner and Veronica Gandini
The combination of all of the Hanna Barbera science fiction and space heroes into one book has been a fantastic read over the last year, as the combined might of the Quest family, Space Ghost, Birdman, the Herculoids, Mightor and more were needed to defeat the cosmic threat of Omnikron. Jeff Parker’s series has been a highlight of the line, with a great story that doesn’t sacrifice the classic characterization of those involved for the modern update. And the art by Evan Shaner has been spot-on, too, feeling classic and refreshed all at the same time.
The final issue of the series was, thankfully, able to live up to great story Parker had been building up, not falling into a cop-out ending to have the heroes find a way to defeat their omnipresent foe. Everyone had a role to play – from Frankenstein Junior to the Impossibles. It felt natural, and it allowed for a patented Hanna Barbera feel-good moment for the heroes at the end of the book.
The Hanna Barbera books started last year with four books; Future Quest is the second to end, with The Flintstones following next month. That leaves only one book left in the line, and it doesn’t look like it’s ending any time soon.
Scooby Apocalypse 13
Written by Keith Giffen and JM DeMatteis
Art by Dale Eaglesham and Jan Duursema
The first Hanna Barbera reboot book looks like it will be the last one standing in a couple of months, and the story seems to be far from running out of steam. Just when you think things might be rolling to a lull, you realize that the writing team of Giffen and DeMatteis thrive on those lulls. Hell, it was the basis for the best parts of the amazing run of Justice League International.
The Scooby gang starts the second year of their Apocalypse with a visit to Velma’s brother Rufus, a very prominent businessman who has his own tower in Seattle. Maybe I’m projecting, but it seemed like maybe… just maybe… Rufus was meant to resemble a certain New York City developer who has found his way to a different Washington. So for some, the result of his encounter with his sister Velma is going to be a little extra satisfying.
Personally, I’d burn that laptop afterwards. That’s just me, though. Though maybe Rufus’ fate in this issue was enough burning for all involved…
While Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, Scooby and Velma – now joined by Rufus’ wife – try to get through the throngs of monsters in downtown Seattle, Giffen and DeMatteis continue to build to a new threat on the outskirts of the city – the ever-annoying Scrappy Doo and his pack of dogs. I’m betting that showdown will be a lot of fun.