REVIEW: ‘Blue Beetle’ Issue #6

Blue Beetle #6 is published by DC Comics, written by Josh Trujillo, art by Adrián Gutiérrez, colors by Wil Quintana and letters by Lucas Gattoni. The fight between the scarabs reaches a brutal conclusion.

The final battle of this arc does not disappoint. Trapped in the chaos of a soccer stadium under attack, there is so much going on within that battle. At the centre circle, Blue Beetle and the Blood Scarab are the focus of the action. In the aftermath of the final page, Jaime weakens while his enemy strengthens. Trujillo deals with the pace of the situation brilliantly, throwing the other heroes at Blood Scarab. It displays a brutality and ruthlessness within the comic that is extremely surprising. The level that the comic reaches when it comes to violence is extraordinary. The potential for someone dying increases with each action the Blood Scarab takes.

Each of the major characters gets a crack at the Blood Scarab in his overpowered state, and the risks are massive. The climax creates a superb parallel and a feeling of dread. That devastating showdown is unleashed upon the protagonist, and it proves to be even more emotional than predicted. The tension is almost unbearable, as the final moments take control away from the heroes.

The characters are sensational. The energy within the book is generated by them and the noise they project. The Blood Scarab’s arrogance is tremendous and is backed up by power. The Scarab-clad heroes have been downtrodden and hurting in this first arc. Now they get a chance to fight back. That explosion of anger and release is palpable but also dangerous. Starfire is the experienced guest star and is integral to this fight. Her showdowns with the Blood Scarabs demonstrate her power and presence as a hero. And yet she allows for Jaime to take centre stage and not steal his moment. But when Blue Beetle needs her support, Starfire can provide that too.

Blue Beetle’s moment that has been building throughout the arc is superb. It’s a horrible decision to make, and the actual event is even more brutal than expected. The whole issue always taps into Jaime’s heart, especially during the most devastating decisions. The relationship between the Scarabs and the host is exposed for its potential flaws, which is vital for the final moments. It’s not just the Blood Scarab, but the one on Blue Beetle’s back as well. It is ultimately a symbiotic partnership. The lack of control the hosts can have is terrifying.

The art is fantastic, wielding an intoxicating energy and electrifying pace. The opening is smooth, with a brief flashback, but as soon as the attention moves back to the soccer stadium the speed ramps up immensely. The movement is impressive, especially as it comes in multiple forms. Some of the characters are based around pure speed, whilst others can grow in size. The characters are dragged towards a devastating showdown that is even more emotional than predicted.  The art superbly handles the intensity of the situation. The ferocity of that final scene, with the yelling and violence, is fully unleashed with nothing held back.

The colors are sensational. The vibrancy is exhilarating and never gets old. Despite the power of each armor, representing a unique shade, they work brilliantly on the page together. Blue Beetle has been one of the most colourful books on the shelves, becoming part of the soul of the issue. A panel features Starfire and the Blood Scarab as silhouettes composed of their distinctive shades. It’s an example of how pivotal the colors are to the storytelling within this series. The lettering digs its teeth into the drama of the situation, getting larger as the book reaches its conclusion.

Blue Beetle #6 is an extraordinary ending to the first arc. The series never fails to be breathtaking and the emotional range existing within the storytelling is sublime. The fight between Blue Beetle and the Blood Scarab is so intense that it can be easy to forget the dark cloud hanging over the soccer field. The intensity is high from the very start and doesn’t stop until the last panel. Trujillo and the art team find a way to make the inevitable as painful as possible. Any semblance of escape or hope crashes against the rocks. It generates a sickening feeling about a part of the comic that was always intended to be a point of safety.

Blue Beetle #6 is available where comics are sold.