Today marks Redhead Day, and this sparked a look at two iconic redheads from the Scooby-Doo universe—Daphne and Velma. The duo has long animated adventures centered on a talking dog and a team of young sleuths who tackle paranormal mysteries with wit and teamwork. This article focuses on Velma and Daphne and also showcases notable cosplay portrayals.
Daphne and Velma in cartoons
The first animated adventure featuring Velma Sinclair and Daphne Ann Blake arrived in 1969 under the banner Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? That series introduced Mystery, Inc. and its colorful cast, including Shaggy and Fred. The premise is simple: a group of young detectives, joined by Scooby, visit places with reports of ghosts, werewolves, or vampires. They investigate, uncovering that a human element often drives the mystery, with a plot twist revealed by a character in the cast. The show became a cultural touchstone, earning a second season, sequels, spin-offs, and crossovers.
Frames from the early era of the cartoon show:
The Scooby-Doo franchise evolved in 1979 with the arrival of Scrappy-Doo, a bold new voice in the lineup. Over time, the focus shifted from classic paranormal investigations to shorter episodes, and Daphne, Velma, and Fred found themselves less central to the ongoing plots. Later, the characters reappeared in feature-length adventures such as Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island and Scooby-Doo and The Witch’s Ghost, among others. The latest series, Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? premiered on June 27, 2019, continuing the tradition with Velma and Daphne as core members of the team.
Frames from the most recent series:
Throughout its three decades, the way female characters are drawn in cartoons has shown limited variation. Velma is portrayed as the team’s analytical mind, noting subtle clues and often drawing the correct conclusions. Daphne tends to be depicted as stylish and sociable, sometimes drawing the attention of villains. This dynamic has persisted in many adaptations, though alternate versions exist in other media.
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Cosplay portraits of Daphne and Velma by Roksolana Riedel and jAberford, with photographer Jay:
Attention is also paid to their appearance. Daphne is typically shown as a slender, stylish figure in short dresses and heels. Velma is often depicted with a practical sweater and her signature wide-rimmed glasses. In other adaptations, their looks may vary to suit different storytelling contexts.
Cosplay portraits by Ilona Bugaeva:
Daphne and Velma in cosplay compilations
- Powerful cosplay on Judy Alvarez from Cyberpunk 2077, created by a team from Russia and beyond
- Fine cosplay of A2 from Nier: Automata by striking models from Russia
- Impressive cosplay on Elvira by performers from Russia and nearby regions
- Canonic and fan-made takes on Ada Wong from the Resident Evil universe by notable Russian artists
- Striking Black Cat cosplay from talented creators in Russia and elsewhere
- Top Rain cosplay from the BloodRayne series by a wide circle of fans
- Catwoman cosplay in leather and lingerie looks
- Best 2B cosplay from Nier Automata, exploring character depth through costume design
- Hot Jessica Rabbit cosplay from Who Framed Roger Rabbit, featuring bold red dresses and glamorous robes
Daphne and Velma in feature films
The first live-action Scooby-Doo feature released in 2002 explored the Mystery Inc. team in a cinema setting. The shift from animation to live action was met with mixed reception; some found the tone uneven, while others enjoyed the new take. The film performed well enough at the box office to warrant a sequel and a prequel, despite a mixed critical response.
Footage from the initial live-action film:
For this article, the focus is on Velma’s transformation. In the live-action film, Velma’s appearance is recolored and stylized, with a bold red suit marking a notable departure from her animated look. This contrast invites discussion about how adaptations reinterpret classic characters.
Cosplay portraits of Velma from Saint Agnia by Kristina Borodkina:
In 2018, the movie Daphne & Velma presented a different angle with the focus on female friendship and empowerment, leaving Scooby and Shaggy on the sidelines. Critics praised the emphasis on women’s perspectives but criticized the script and effects in places. Viewers formed varied opinions about this interpretation.
Stills from the film about Velma and Daphne:
Cosplay portraits of Daphne by Helen Stifler and Angelica Behm:
Daphne and Velma in video games
The Scooby-Doo game library includes several titles, though many early efforts feel primitive by modern standards. Notable experiences include Scooby-Doo! Mystery Adventures and Scooby-Doo! Case Files, released between 2000 and 2007. These adventures cast players as familiar characters, guiding them through crime scenes, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The visual treatment of Velma and Daphne remains faithful to their animated designs.
Screenshots from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Adventures:
Erotic cosplay on Velma by Helly Valentine:
Daphne and Velma in fan culture
Like many beloved cartoons, these characters remain a favorite among artists and cosplayers. Some works reimagine Velma with a more mature aesthetic, a shift that appears in official cinema projects as well. Fans frequently explore apocalyptic villains and provocative themes in fan art, with some pieces dedicated to BDSM-inspired reinterpretations.
Cosplay portrait of Daphne by Daria Flora (as Velma):
Erotic portrayals of Velma by Daria Hime (photographer – EVA):
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Velma, Daphne, and other Scooby-Doo characters continue to captivate audiences today. Kid viewers enjoy straightforward detective stories, while adults cherish a sense of nostalgia. Many would prefer to keep the original animated forms as the definitive interpretation of these characters.
Who is your favorite of the duo?
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