REVIEW: ‘Blue Beetle’ Issue #2

Blue Beetle #2 is published by DC Comics, written by Josh Trujillo, art by Adrián Gutiérrez, colors by Wil Quintana, and letters by Lucas Gattoni. After Ted Kord is attacked, the rest of the scarabs are in the firing line.

This is a comic that has suddenly got serious, and that is made clear on every page of the second issue. With Kord in the hospital, the adventures that Jaime and the other Scarabs have been on suddenly have more of a resonance and darker tone. The pacing of Blue Beetle #2 is slow as the effects of Ted’s attack are felt. But that is not the case for long as the Scarabs and others are sent into a fight.

Those important allegories and subplots that had begun in the first chapter are intensified and investigated further, with the aliens that are on the outskirts of the battle and brought into the fight almost by just being there. The battle itself is ferocious and brutal, moving at rapid speed. From the moment the enemy appears to the second they leave, it’s impossible to even catch a breath. Trujillo’s action sequences always lead to consequences. It’s never violence just for the sake of violence. There is a reason and a result. And the end of both issues has left the Scarabs reeling, with destructive and crushing endings.

The dialogue and character development within Blue Beetle #2 is fantastic. There are some poignant guest stars early in the issue gathered around Ted’s bedside, and they serve a purpose that exists just beyond appearances. They are experienced heroes to be there for Jaime, who suffers from guilt, grief, and anger. At the same time, Reyes doesn’t always make sense that accurately fits his scenario. Jaime is well-written in the issue, as he’s playing catch-up for so much of the time, having to react and chase the attacker. It leads to a rough statement later in the issue, part of the emotional drive of the series.

This issue also focuses on the other two Scarabs worn by Xiomara and Roma. This is an essential exposition for those jumping onto the series. This chapter feels crucial for them, like a trial by fire. The villain of this first arc is terrifying, ruthless, and vicious. The danger that follows was not expected coming into the series. And despite the mention of darkness, there are a lot of moments of humor and warmth.

The art is fantastic. The various Scarabs and how they move in their ways are amazing, with terrific designs for all of them. The intensity and the high-octane pace of the battle are captured brilliantly. It blends physicality with powers and energy—the new villain. The guest stars are also represented superbly by Gutiérrez’s style. What can be identified early in this issue is an incredible ability to tell a story purely through body language. Jaime’s slumped, defeated form is heartbreaking to see, with his face barely visible for much of that page, for a terrific reveal of his anger at the end of the scene.

The colors are phenomenal. The obvious place to analyze them is with the separate armors in the issue, all presented in unique colors. These are bright and vibrant, enjoying similar designs as the Blue Beetle. But it is the locations of the comic that are stunning due to the colors. The splashes of paint give the book a radiance in the background, and the alien elements sparkle with incandescent beauty. It is also the colors that provide the energy that blasts such power. The lettering is incredible, constantly changing and evolving to match the tone and volume needed.

Blue Beetle #2 is spectacularly supercharged. The energy within the book, once activated, is intoxicating. The comic has an air of Power Rangers, with the colors and the action, especially considering the armor design. What Blue Beetle does bring is emotional depth, diversity, and drama. With two endings, a statement has been made that Trujillo will not pull punches. And with gorgeous art, it’s one of the prettiest comics around.

Blue Beetle #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.