When Scooby and the gang first appeared on the small screen, there were few supernatural cartoons. But Joe Ruby and Ken Spears made it their mission to change that. Ruby and Spears took notes from the successful 1968 Archie Show and worked their magic. What resulted was the most amazing mystery-solving super team in television history. It wasn’t long before the Scooby Gang became a touchstone of Saturday morning television and an object of childhood nostalgia.

The makeup of the Scooby Gang has changed tremendously since its first inception. Initially, the team was named the Mysteries Five, and the clan consisted of spirited teens named Geoff, Mike, Kelly, Linda, W.W., and their exceptional dog. While there was definitive uniqueness of concept, the creators wanted to avoid the series being too close to the existing fare. So it took some work to get the perfect characterization without seeming like a knock-off. However, after some creative rework, the characters and angle morphed into what fans have come to know and love.

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Velma has always been the brains of the operation. Whenever a mystery would stump the gang, she would work her magic, and then “Jinkies,” the mystery would be solved. However, while she had a prominent role in the group, she was also one of the most glossed-over characters. The Hollywood Reporter notes, “Velma is the smartest person in the room, but no matter what, gets no credit.” But that was all about to change. Velma would get her own feature series, but it would differ from the traditional Scooby-Doo feature in multiple ways.

Upon the announcement of the change of direction and the revelation of alterations, musings on expectations became conversational centerpieces. The announcement was surrounded by controversy. But the release of the Velma trailer put much of the murmurings to rest. A lot of the mystique was extracted from the mystery. And fans had a clearer picture of what was in store.

Say Hello to Velma

     HBO Max

The trailer begins with a succinct introduction to Velma. It starts with her speaking from a first-person point of view, explicitly informing watchers that this film will be told from her point of view. But this wasn’t unexpected, given that Velma is written as a revelatory piece. It’s her story. So, watchers will finally see Velma in a more authentic space.

The introduction of the story takes place in a high school. And it is in those familiar halls where the students gather between classes where the tone is set. A well-placed witty joke from Velma upon seeing a corpse fall from a locker indicates what’s ahead. This film is a punchy and comedic animation full of wit. And given the opening frame, it’s clear that one thing that will remain the same is the focus on the mystery and the process of solving macabre happenings.

There Are New Faces

Despite the apparent retention of the standard theme, the trailer points to some blatantly unique differences. In this offering, the gang is not together. So essentially, there is no gang. Fred doesn’t recognize Velma or pretends not to. This is undoubtedly an exciting development. But to make an accurate determination, it will take a full viewing. His response could very well be an example of his vapidness. After all, upon introduction, he does feign that he doesn’t remember Velma due to the contraction of a mysterious illness. “He can’t recognize girls who aren’t hot!”

Then Daphne announces she and Velma are no longer friends. The supposed reason behind the rift is Velma’s annoying penchant for flaunting her intelligence when not solicited. But that’s typical Velma, as The Hollywood Reporter notes, “Velma is also a genius at what she does and owns who she is.” Shaggy is also non-existent or has instead been replaced by Norville. And quite apparent is the lack of Scooby. So it becomes evident that this differs from the Scooby Gang that many recognize.

Audiences Will Learn More About Velma

     HBO MAX

The trailer is cute and slightly edgy for an animated film. There is a great deal of discovery involved. The trailer makes it clear that viewers will see the expansion of Velma’s interests, romantic and otherwise. Some may find the material a bit overbearing and the humor a bit strained. For sure, it may take time for traditionalists and fans of the original to digest. However, it’s indeed relatively novel and intriguing. So for all interested parties, Velma is currently streaming on HBO Max.