Scooby-Doo's Shaggy Becomes DC's New Superman, Taking Dragon Ball Meme to the Next Level

Summary

Ultra Instinct Shaggy is now DC's new Superman in the multiverse, combining Scooby-Doo humor with Dragon Ball power.
Internet meme power brought Shaggy to life as an unbeatable force like Goku, making him a canon character in DC.
Shaggy as Superman in the Multiversus comic sures his Ultra Instinct meme status, according to DEATH BATTLE! research.

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Multiversus: Collision Detected #4! Ultra Instinct Shaggy is perhaps the most hilariously out of pocket memes to arise in recent memory, with a legacy that stands firmer than most, as it’s become something far more than a Superman.

In an Instagram post by DC artist Dan Mora Chaves, the artist shares their cover art for the comic Multiversus: Collision Detected #4 (by Bryan Q. Millar and Jon Sommariva). The artwork includes depictions of iconic characters not just from across the DC multiverse, but the entire Warner Bros. catalog, as Multiversus: Collision Detected is a comic book expansion of the lore established in the video game: MultiVersus.

Bugs Bunny from a universe where he’s Batman is front and center, as is the Tasmanian Devil as Robin. There’s also Jake the Dog from Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Wonder Woman. However, the most noteworthy inclusion has to be Scooby-Doo’s Shaggy, who has taken up the mantle of Superman.

Who (or What) is Ultra Instinct Shaggy? Hilarious Scooby-Doo/Dragon Ball Meme, Explained

Ultra Instinct is an ability in Dragon Ball Super that can only be channeled by the most powerful beings in the universe. It’s an angelic technique that even gods have trouble utilizing, yet Goku found the power to master it after years of training. Ultra Instinct allows the body of those channeling it to operate autonomously, without any thought or preparation, making the wielder practically untouchable and effectively divine. And, because of one Scooby-Doo animated film, the internet assigned this power to Shaggy.

In 2011’s Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur, Shaggy has been hypnotized, making him fearless. This manifests when he’s attacked in a diner by a gang of bikers. The scene depicts Shaggy effortlessly dodging and countering every attack, just like Goku when he’s channeling Ultra Instinct. And with that, the Ultra Instinct Shaggy meme was born.

Originally featured in YouTube videos, classic image and text memes, and edited subtitles of Matthew Lillard interviews, the meme eventually grew into canon. Ultra Instinct Shaggy was featured in the opening of 2021’s Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms, where he one-shotted Scorpion while surging with power. And, most recently, Ultra Instinct Shaggy was included in the video game MultiVersus as one of the most powerful playable characters. Now, he’s taking his place as DC’s newest Superman.

For the full breakdown of the Ultra Instinct Shaggy meme, check out this article from CBR: The Strange History of Ultra Instinct Shaggy, Explained

Why Shaggy Being Superman is More Impressive than Having Dragon Ball’s Ultra Instinct

Superman Has Beaten Goku in Every DEATH BATTLE! YouTube Video

While Ultra Instinct may seem like the pinnacle of power, especially for someone as hilariously unassuming as Scooby-Doo’s Shaggy, his new status as DC’s Superman is actually more impressive. The YouTube channel DEATH BATTLE! is considered by the online community as the supreme authority when it comes to ‘VERSUS’ battles, as the research that goes into every fight is exhaustively thorough. And, according to 3 separate DEATH BATTLE! matches, Superman beats Goku every time, even when the Saiyan is utilizing Ultra Instinct. Therefore, Shaggy as Superman is more impressive than he is channeling Ultra Instinct.

Of course, only time will tell exactly how powerful Superman Shaggy will be in-canon. But, when considering every piece of lore available about Ultra Instinct Shaggy as well as the established history of Superman and how strong he is compared to the likes of Dragon Ball’s Goku, it’s fair to say that fans have never seen the Scooby-Doo star more powerful than he will be in DC’s Multiversus: Collision Detected #4.

Multiversus: Collision Detected #4 by DC Comics is available October 30, 2024.