Bats and Scoob are back, and this time in an ongoing series! Join me as we delve into the next collaboration between Mystery Inc. and the Caped Crusader. What puzzles will await?

Zoinks!

I hadn't read any of the previous Scooby-Doo/Batman comics before reading this. What I had seen, however, was a DVD copy of Scooby-Doo meets Batman from the '70s show. I really enjoyed those, and they acted as a frame of reference for the quality of this series. After reading the first 2 issues of this series, I was unimpressed. The first issue was better than the second, having at least a decent mystery, but they both seemed to lack something.  After reading this issue, I know what the problem was.

The best thing about those old crossover episodes was how timeless they felt. Scooby-Doo media in general has this quality, or at least good Scooby-Doo media does. The last two issues all had modernising touches like having a "#SelfiewithSolomonGrundy" that I really just wasn't a fan of. With this issue though, I felt none of the awkwardness I had previously felt. The art style really lends itself to this timeless feeling, emulating the cartoon very accurately. While the previous issue used the Batman design from the '70s show, this one redesigns the Batman cast of characters to be more in line with a more updated version of Mystery Incorporated. If they were to release more animated specials, I'd want them to look like this.

The plot is simple enough. Scooby and the gang capture Catwoman, thinking she is behind a recent string of robberies in Gotham. The Dark Knight appears and informs them that they're wrong, Catwoman is innocent! In classic Scooby-Doo fashion, they split up to try and find the real culprit. The plot oozes with the spirit of the show and while I will say that the short length of the issue doesn't let the story slow down, it didn't really impact my enjoyment. Cohen is clearly a fan and understands how to structure a good mystery.

Batman's Best Friend

What I like about this book is how accessible it is. The issues have no ongoing arc but instead are individual stories. They're short and relatively simple, being aimed at a younger audience. This isn't a bad thing, however, as the artists and writer don't try to dumb anything down for the readers. They explain the meanings of words that older readers may have gotten used to, but that kids might be confused about. This doesn't make the book story any less enjoyable though. It's quite a welcome read after the never-ending brooding of DC's many current Batman titles. This issue does it best, as it doesn't make the mystery villain obvious, which is something I didn't like about the previous issues.

I have a few minor gripes with it though. The Bat-verse characters are meant to emulate their appearances in The Animated Series. They have all been adapted to suit the book's own art style apart from the Penguin. He seems a bit out of place, with certain features like his eyes appearing different from the rest of the characters. As I've already said, the book is also quite short and goes through the story rather quickly. I don't mind that too much, it makes for a fun little read.

Recommended If...

• You have a child, cousin, niece or nephew that wants to start reading comics
• Scooby-Doo mysteries are something you enjoy
• Scooby-Doo meets Batman played a core part of your childhood

Overall

This book is pretty good. This is the best way that I can describe it. It doesn't do anything wrong, but it doesn't do anything mind-blowing either. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. It achieves what it sets out to do, which is more than a lot of titles these days. It doesn't take much energy to read, it's enjoyable for more mature readers and I think the best place to start someone on their comic reading journey. If you're in need of a little pick-me-up, I'd recommend this title.

Score: 7.5/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purposes of this review.