This was my last big scene on the movie, and the last thing I drew for the film. We explored many different ways of wrapping up the film before landing on this version. Initially, Scooby was supposed to go through the gate, and I remember being resistant to the idea of Shaggy being the one who sacrificed himself. But as I worked through the scene I came to the point where Shaggy and the gates have vanished, and Scooby is left alone. Suddenly it occurred to me that I should have Scooby howl in sadness. It seemed like the most perfect expression of heartache, and something that no amount of words or cartoon acting would ever be able to articulate quite so succinctly. Right then I knew staying with Scooby was the right decision.
