Fan Spotlight 2022 Day 10: ScoobyVerse

Today’s fan spotlight is ScoobyVerse, a fan who runs his own YouTube channel and is quite active on Instagram and social media as well. ScoobyVerse also wants to become a voice actor, and cites Frank Welker among a few other voice actors as inspirations. Thank you so much to ScoobyVerse for being today’s fan spotlight!

1. What is your name? 
My name is Riley, better known as Scoobert.Scooby.Doo on Instagram and ScoobyVerse on other social media sites.

2. How did you get into Scooby-Doo?
When I was 3 years old there was a car malfunction and we took it to the mechanics shop. Inside the guy put on Scooby-Doo Where Are You, Mine Your Own Business. From there I was hooked.

3. What is your favorite Scooby-Doo episode and film? Why?
I would have to say my favorite film is Scooby-Doo! And The Goblin King, brought spice to the franchise but still at the end of the day had a Scooby film at heart. My favorite episode would have to be It’s Mean It’s Green It’s The Mystery Machine. Such a fun episode from the What’s New Scooby-Doo era. The classic score sprinkled in, the eerie lights, and just the atmosphere of a seemingly Coolsville mystery. 

4. What ways are you involved in the Scooby fandom online?
I started my first involvement in the Scooby-Doo community back in January of 2020. Instagram was my main priority and still is to this day. I try to bring content and news in a refreshing and lighthearted way. Poking fun at certain situations in Scooby I feel brings people more drawn to him. 

5. In your opinion, what is the best series or era of Scooby?
I would have to say 2010-2013 movies/DTV specials for Scooby. Abracadabra-Doo, Camp Scare, Legend of the Phantosaur, Mask of the Blue Falcon, Haunted Holidays, Spooky Scarecrow…etc. They bring such a cool and modern take at Scooby. The animation is one of the best and the stories really flow together. 

6. What one Scooby-Doo series or film would you want a sequel to someday?
The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries, I would love a second season to the show. It was one of the best takes for the gang without Fred and Velma. But when it did have Fred and Velma, you just knew it was going to be a spectacular episode. Want that feeling again. 

7. What direction would you like to see the franchise go in the future?
I think we should have a bit more interconnectivity in some mysteries, have some character arcs ranging 2-3 movies like they did in Curse of the 13th Ghost-Happy Halloween. One of the best character appreciation moments from Velma was seeing her be obsessive to then show her just be scared of the unknown…that’s the reason why she was obsessive. 

8. Who is your favorite member of the gang and why?
Shaggy by far. He is the laid back guy that likes to eat. He is constantly putting his neck out to save his pal but still be a coward at the end. True bravery and great comedic relief.

9. What is your favorite villain? Why?
The Phantom Shadows. They have such a cool motive just to see it backfire with the confederate dollars. Their schemes were immaculate and you could actually feel the fear they put into Scooby-Doo.
 
10. In your opinion, who is the best recurring (non-gang) character in the franchise?
Scooby Dum. He is just the greatest, he is so funny and such a cute dog. His appearances in Laff A Lympics were some of the highlights of the show. Wish he’d be brought back. 
 
11. Do you have a Scooby-Doo collection? If so, what’s in it?
Yes, I have a collection. I own every available episode and every movie (with the help from your guide). Including the Operation Dog and Hippy Boy bonus disc. I also own a few Funkos, toys, comics, shirts. 

12. What do you think has made the franchise so popular that it’s still going strong after 50 years? 
I think it’s timeless methods. It appeals to kids and works, it’s the reason we have so many films and 500+ episodes. There’s also a Scooby I feel for everyone, want comedic there’s Be Cool, into spies? Get A Clue…etc. It is a great franchise and I hope to see it for years to come. 

13. What is one fun fact about you in real life?
I am training to be a voice actor, Frank Welker has been one of my many inspirations as a kid. I remember trying to mimic all the sounds he could do. He is an absolute legend. As well as two of my other favorite voice actors, Jeff Bergman and Eric Bauza.

14. Please feel free to share anything else you’d like to here!
I am also the first person to watch SCOOB! 1,000 times. Took around two years to complete 1-3 viewings every day since release.