Quick Review: Hanna-Barbera Crossover Backups
Review
This week saw the release of four crossover issues between DC Comics and Hanna-Barbera (our review of those can be found here). Each of these comics ended with a non-crossover backup story, focusing on a completely unrelated character in the Hanna-Barbera world. These backups all feature characters set to be receiving their own series sometime in the future. This means that these backups serve as a “first look” at the each of the upcoming additions to DC Comics’ “Hanna-Barbera Beyond” line.
This review will take a quick look at each of these backup stories. The first half of the review will focus on how the backup issue is as a story of its own. While the second half of the review will focus on what the backup tells us about the future of the series it is setting up. The reviews are organized below, starting with our least favorite of the bunch and then progressing up to the best.
Ruff and Reddy (backup in Green Lantern/ Space Ghost)
This story is part origin story and part look at “the golden age of television comedy”. The origin story part is alright but nothing special. It looks at how Ruff and Reddy end up teaming up. However, the look at the age is the real interesting portion of the story. The setting and world shown in this issue is delightful. In fact, if it were more of the issue’s focus, this might have been a more enjoyable read.
This may be the series which I am least excited about. Though it may surprise me, it just doesn’t seem like Ruff and Reddy has the potential to be something as unique and interesting as the other series which were teased. This backup seems to indicate it will follow two former comics trying to make their way in a world which no longer cares for them. Though the exploration of the world of early television could prove to be very appealing, neither Ruff nor Reddy seems to be interesting enough to provide a worthwhile view of it.
Top Cat (backup in Adam Strange/ Future Quest)
A disgraced conman trying to make up for the sins of his past: this is a story which has been done before but possibly never in this way. This backup story features Top Cat on a new life mission in the DC Universe. Overall this issue is nothing too special, mostly because it is purely an origin story and thus does not offer much by itself. However, it is the implication for what is in store which may be the real take-away from this issue.
This is a series which could go really right or really wrong depending on which direction it takes. This issue is the only of these backups to be set in the main DC Comics Universe. If this is continued, then it could be possible for Top Cat to meet up with and crossover with a multitude of the more “traditional” DC heroes. However, if the series decides to focus completely on Top Cat’s search for his friend, then this becomes another generic tale destined to fade away. This series has potential, hopefully it will be allowed to use it.
Snagglepuss (backup in Suicide Squad/The Banana Splits)
A very different, yet surprisingly interesting take on Snagglepuss proves for a very solid individual read. Snagglepuss is witty, sarcastic, and an overall enjoyable character. He is not just enjoyable though, he is authentic and real as well. Though not as action packed and full of adventure as the other stories in this crossover, Snagglepuss’ message is surprisingly heartfelt and impactful for a story only a few pages long.
In terms of future stories, this series has a ton of potential for what it can do. The setting, cast, and tone of this comic would allow it to explore societal issues that, so far, only The Flintstones has been doing. On top of that, his first appearance proves that Snagglepuss is a delightful character. Thus, at minimum, the series will have a charming hero to lead it along. This is a series to watch as it has a chance at being the next The Flintstones for “Hanna-Barbera Beyond”.
The Jetsons (backup in Booster Gold/ The Flintstones)
This story is weird, dark, emotional, and poignant all at the same time. It takes modern day realities like death and euthanasia and views them through the futuristic lens that The Jetsons provides. This allows for a story that is shockingly deep in comparison to its source material. It is a welcome surprise that may leave readers questioning the very natures of life itself.
If this backup is any indication, readers are in for a wild ride with The Jetsons. The approach here seems to share the occasionally dystopian outlook on technology and humanity that The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror have, while still, potentially, retaining an overarching story. This strange look at life is something rarely ever seen from larger publishers, thus it would be more than welcome.