Review by Ian Keogh

A second batch of mysteries with Scooby and co. teaming with Batman is just as delightful as the first, featuring cleverly plotted mysteries, comedy and proof that homework has been done via the reappearance of old villains from the Scooby-Doo cartoons.

While the Scooby-Doo cast remain true to their television personalities, throughout the series there are occasional references to Daphne’s family being wealthy, and Sholly Fisch uses that for the opening story of their butler knowing Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred. There’s also clever use of Batman’s enemies and some bonkers items, all eventually explained and beautifully drawn by Dario Brizuela. What an opener!

Next Ivan Cohen teams with Brizuela examining who’s buying up land near the Gotham waterfront where criminals often hang out. Cohen supplies a clue to test younger readers leading to a funny funfair sequence.

Fisch and Scott Jeralds return the Riddler to solve the clues leading to a dead pirate’s lost treasure, but he’s got competition in the form of adventurers Next Jen Device and New Hampshire Smith! It’s such a devious, clue-packed trail you’ll almost forget Batman’s not involved until the final page.

Taking everyone to Florida, Cohen and Brizuela have the Question helping out Batman and the Scooby gang. It’s okay, but too dependent on obscure villains.

We next catch up with everyone back in Gotham for the Museum of Culture’s gala opening of a new exhibition about detection, surprisingly cancelled by Batman. Cohen and Randy Elliott guest star the Creeper, portrayed as clumsy and ineffective, which won’t please everyone.

Obviously aimed at an all-ages audience, the Batman and Scooby-Doo mysteries continue to be inventive, funny and charming, while also introducing that audience to the assorted colourful characters of the DC universe. This is nowhere more evident than in the closer featuring a convention for Gotham’s villains, although not before the appearance of the obligatory ghost. Fisch packs in a multitude of Batman’s foes, revelling in the sillier ones from the past, while Brizuela has a fine old time showing them being defeated one by one. It’s an absolute joy.

More to come in Vol. 3.