I was watching some videos on Youtube and suddenly saw an advert for a new series of Scooby Doo. I was shocked when I saw it, especially after re watching all the Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated episodes.

The new Scooby Doo, named Get Cool Scooby Doo, was announced in March 2014 alongside reboots of Tom and Jerry and Bugs Bunny’s Wabbit. This is the twelfth incarnation of Scooby Doo following on from Mystery Incorporated. As I said, I have been watching all the Mystery Incorporated shows again mainly because I really love the over-arching storyline, unfortunately the new series does not have a bigger story as each episode is separate and standalone.

They have cast the normal voice actors for Fred, Shaggy, Daphne, and Scooby, while Velma has a new voice actor. Fred and Scooby are voiced by Frank Welker who has been voicing them since Scooby Doo’s first show in 1969. After Casey Kasem’s retirement and 2009, and death in 2014, Shaggy has been permanently voiced by Matthew Lillard, although he played Shaggy in the live action films in 2002 and 2004. Daphne is voiced by Grey Griffin who has been her actor since 2001. Velma’s new voice actor is Kate Micucci, who has previously voiced characters in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ben 10: Omniverse.

With the new title, Get New Scooby Doo, you would assume that all the characters have been revamped… and you would be right! All the characters are keeping their signature styles, but the overall character design is very different. The character design is very reminiscent of Family Guy and Adventure Time with large eyes and simplified features. I personally don’t like the new look, but I am sure I will get used to it. Anyone remember the weird look on Shaggy and Scooby Doo: Get a Clue?

In a Comic-Con article it was said that the series would be less grim compared to Mystery Incorporated, while its producer says it is a “more comedic ensemble.” I personally liked the edgier story’s mainly as the characters struggled through them. The romance between the characters has also been squashed in the new series. I am yet to see an episode, but the previews I have seen seem to be full of humour and quick quips instead of drama.

I hope I am wrong and that it is really good, but I am worried the attempt to make it more attractive to different audiences may backfire. You can watch this new Scooby on Cartoon Network and Boomerang in the UK and Ireland.