When people think of the best zombie media, their minds often jump straight to Robert Kirkman’sThe Walking Dead—a best-selling comic series and critically acclaimed TV show; but they shouldn’t be so quick to overlookScooby-Doo. That’s right—everyone’s favorite talking dog has his own top-tier zombie series. And no, we’re not talking aboutScooby-Doo on Zombie Island(though that movie is undeniably a masterpiece).
From the creative minds of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Howard PortercomesScooby Apocalypse, a 36-issue DC Comics series that ran from 2016 to 2019. As part of DC’s Hanna-Barbera Beyond initiative—which gave modern and sometimes more mature spins to classic Hanna-Barbera properties—this series thrusts Scooby-Doo and the gang into a full-blown apocalypse.
The result is a darker, sci-fi/horror take on these beloved characters, offering a fresh and thrilling reimagining.This bold reinvention is nothing short of brilliant and makes for an epic read—especially for those looking to fill the void after finishingThe Walking Dead.
Scooby-Doo Meets Sci-Fi Horror inScooby Apocalypse
Main Cover by Jim Lee & Alex Sinclair forScooby Apocalypse#3 (2016)
Scooby Apocalypsewas an ambitious reimaginingof Mystery Inc. that successfully elevated Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, Shaggy Rogers, and Scooby-Doo beyond their traditional spooky mystery-solving roots. The series gave the characters a modern update, reflected not just in their narrative but also in their designs—while still staying true to their iconic and recognizable looks. For example, Shaggy leans more hipster than hippie, while Daphne and Fred’s ascots are reimagined as stylish bandanas. However,the most futuristic change of all is Scooby-Doo himself, who is now a cybernetically enhanced"Smart Dog."
The story kicks off when Velma, a scientist, uncovers a shocking truth: her former employers, a secret organization called The Complex, have unleasheda nanite virus designed to enhance humanity—but instead, it mutates people into monstrous creatures.As society collapses, journalist Daphne Blake, cameraman Fred Jones, dog trainer Shaggy Rogers, and Smart Dog Scooby-Doo find their paths intertwined. Together, they embark on a harrowing journey through this post-apocalyptic world, searching for the truth behind the outbreak while fighting for survival against terrifying monsters.
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Is SCOOBY APOCALYPSE the Right Comic Series for You?
Mirka Andolfo Variant forScooby Apocalypse#36 (2019)
As a complete 36-issue series,Scooby Apocalypseis perfect for readers looking to immerse themselves in a richly developed world and narrative—especially fans of sci-fi and mild horror. While the series explores darker themes and situations, it never becomes too dark, maintaining a respectable T for Teens rating. Readers can expect intense action, mild gore, and a more mature tone than typical Scooby-Doo stories, but nowhere near the level ofThe Walking Dead’sgraphic content. With an impressive 4.1 out of 5 stars on League of Comic Geeks,Scooby Apocalypseis a must-read forScooby-Doofans and anyone looking to fill the void left byThe Walking Dead.
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Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo is the titular character of theScooby-Doofranchise, a talking Great Dane known for his lovable personality, endless appetite, and reluctance when it comes to solving mysteries. As the mascot of Mystery Inc., Scooby helps his friends—Shaggy, Fred, Velma, and Daphne—solve paranormal cases, which almost always turn out to be hoaxes. Despite his cowardice, Scooby often finds himself in the center of the action, unintentionally helping to catch villains. His iconic phrase, “Scooby-Dooby-Doo!” and his strong friendship with Shaggy are central to the series.
TheScooby-Doofranchise is an iconic animated media series that began in 1969 withScooby-Doo, Where Are You!created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. The series follows the adventures of Mystery Inc.—a group of teenagers and their talking Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, as they solve mysteries involving supposedly supernatural creatures. Over the years, the franchise has expanded into numerous animated series, films (both animated and live-action), comic books, video games, and specials. Its blend of mystery, humor, and memorable characters has made it one of the longest-running and most beloved franchises in animation.
