REVIEW: ‘Blue Beetle,’ Issue #1

Blue Beetle #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Josh Trujillo, art by Adrián Gutiérrez, colors by Wil Quintana, and letters by Lucas Gattoni. Jaime Reyes is fighting crime with guidance from Ted Kord but is also having to tutor two more scarab wearers.  

This issue superbly introduces the new status quo, with a whole community operating around the scarabs. There are now three that work as a team, although two of them are much bigger rookies than Jaime. The trio goes into the field whilst Kord, in his bug, hovers above. It’s an exciting start that generates excitement, especially when it is evident the newcomers, Dynastes and Nitida, are unfinished. They make mistakes, they cause carnage, and that causes problems. But that is only one of the many storylines that Blue Beetle #1 creates. 

What follows is a plot centred around a community invaded by Blue Beetle’s abilities and life. Aliens have moved into Palmera City, and that is causing friction. These individual strands are interesting, and would usually be enough to fill an issue. The pacing allows this corner of the DC universe to be filled and expanded whilst still kept within the tight community. But Trujillo adds one last moment that is alarming and devastating.

What Blue Beetle #1 also gets right is the characters, all of them. There is an attempt to expand the world and the lore around the Scarab. The history of the mantle is respected, but the future is just as important. There are more additions to the crew, but this is still primarily focused on Jaime. He’s at a strange point in his career as a superhero. He has assistance from Ted, his own version of Oracle.

Ted coaches the young hero but Jaime has made a lot of progress. He’s no longer a complete rookie, but still capable of mistakes. Then there are the other scarabs, with their own abilities. They fly into situations and are exceedingly headstrong. It gives Jaime an unsteady balance between learning himself and teaching those who are vastly inferior to him in terms of experience. All of the main characters in the comic so far are given the time and space they need to demonstrate their own personalities.

The art is terrific, especially all of the experimentation with the other Scarabs. Blue Beetle and his allies have started to resemble Power Rangers, but they are amazing fun to look at. Each armor is unique in intricate details, vastly different in shape.

The fights are brilliant. The technology that can morph and evolve as the battle goes on adds beautiful variety to the issue, as each suit brings its own capability. The enemy at the start is a deep cut, serving as a blank canvas for Blue Beetle to express himself on. Jaime’s faceplate is wonderfully expressive, able to adapt in a similar fashion to Spider-Man’s mask. The alien designs sitting within a modest, human setting is also extremely fun.

The colors are gorgeous. The shades for the Scarabs are intense and as vibrant as they get. The bright primary colors work superbly around each other and give the comic a fantastic energy. The lettering is a font that might be difficult to read.

Blue Beetle #1 is a shining example of a first issue. It has a perfect balance of everything that could be wanted to start a new series. It features history and backstory, but many brand-new avenues at the same time. All Trujillo has brought with it into the new series is what’s needed, and the issue is light on exposition. The issue has energy and pace and a superb glimpse at how fun the fight scenes can be with transforming armor and abilities. There is a sensitive and heartfelt side to the comic that merges with craziness. It’s a perfect jumping-on point for those who have found Blue Beetle from the blockbuster.

Blue Beetle #1 is available where comics are sold.