Author Description

This is Zoinks!, the critically-acclaimed book all about Scooby-Doo by acclaimed folklorist and podcaster Mark Norman. Recognised internationally for his expertise in folklore and known by many for his Folklore Podcast, Mark is the perfect guide for a tour through the myths and legends that have inspired the iconic cartoon. For over half a century, a gang of teens - Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy - and their dog, Scooby, have captivated audiences with their super-natural sleuthing, operated under the banner of their company Mystery Incorporated. Yet the stories that have inspired the gang's adventures are often much, much older. In this book, Mark Norman extensively explores the various myths and legends that the show's writers have drawn on to deliver the wealth of memorable villains we've seen over the years. With insights from a number of these writers as well as producers and other contributors, we learn how real-world folklore has influenced the show's portrayals of ghosts, witches, monsters, and more. The combination of both popular culture and the author's extensive knowledge of the kind of tales whispered about on dark nights is not only hugely entertaining but also utterly fascinating and will appeal to fans of the cartoon as well as anyone with an interest in the strange, the odd, the perplexing and the paranormal.