The Batman and Scooby-Doo! Mysteries #5 review

There’s not a lot of Batman in this issue. There’s more Scooby-Doo and friends, but there’s no denying the star of ‘Rat’s All Folks’ is Batwoman.

It’s a refreshing change to have another Batman Family member team up with Mystery Inc, as Batman tackles an off-panel alien invasion with the Justice League. So what’s the problem that brings everyone together?

Oh yes, Bette Kane is in here, and that’s original Batwoman Kathy Kane she’s talking about… we’ve already met the modern Batwoman in the world of Scooby-Doo, could it be that rather than Kate Kane, her other identity is Silver Ager Kathy Kane?

Answers are forthcoming.

And if that hasn’t grabbed you, I give up! Writer Sholly Fisch provides a surprise-filled entry in his casebook of Scooby-Doo team-ups. The original Batwoman and Bat-Girl were two of my favourite characters as a kid, and anytime they return, even in flashback, I’m a happy Bat-Bunny. And if you don’t share my nostalgia, you’ll still likely appreciate a thoroughly entertaining all-ages adventure featuring clever clues, action aplenty, good gags and one of Batman’s more obscure baddies

Fred and his mask-pulling antics never gets old, and neither does the expressive art of longtime Scooby-Doo artist Dario Brizuela. Seeing his animated take on Fifties and Sixties Batman tales is an extra treat, with the clever colour work of Franco Riesco adding to the old-time feel. Saida Temofonte’s cheery lettering is the cherry on the cake, with the title treatment a true delight.

If you’re looking for a short, sharp injection of sunshine, don’t miss this issue, another in a fantastic limited series – and if DC hasn’t already given excellent editor Kristy Quinn the go-head for another run of instead Scooby-Doo/Batman classics, they’re missing a trick.