REVIEW: ‘Blue Beetle’ Issue #9

Blue Beetle #9 is published by DC Comics, written by Josh Trujillo, art by Adrian Gutierrez, colors by Wil Quintana, and letters by Lucas Gattoni. After the brutality of Pinnacle’s introduction, Blue Beetle is on a warpath with those he once considered friends.

This issue moves at a slower pace, focused on the emotions and tensions of the previous chapter. With Victoria Kord’s superhero revealed, a dangerous robot called Pinnacle has been specially created with the Scarabs in mind. That creates a feeling of concern for all of the Beetles who live in Palmera City. Pinnacle seems unsafe and dangerous from the start, even when stood still and inactive.

From there comes a series of conversations that have been bubbling under the surface of the comic since the beginning, with hidden allegiances and betrayals revealed. Blue Beetle #9 may be slower during this, but it is still exciting. When the action ignites, it begins with the same urgency across this run. From here, the comic moves at a frantic pace, with so much happening within a short space of time. People return, and others disappear, all of which are huge surprises.

The dialogue in Blue Beetle #9 is of the finest quality, making it a delight to read. Jaime shows signs of maturity while still staying in his highly emotive state. Much comes from being hurt and offended by Kord and Brenda’s actions. The relationships and conversations between the characters in Blue Beetle are always in-depth. Their history seeps through and enhances the confrontations. Their anguish is palpable when Jaime talks to Brenda, his best friend.

The art is sensational, keeping the issue entertaining during the slower periods. The facial expressions are fantastic, excessive, and subtle when needed. That dichotomy occurs throughout the issue, with the quiet and noisy parts blended nicely. Blue Beetle looks impressive while also being slight and small. The manipulation of his costume to mimic his emotions is impressive.

Eyes can go wide in surprise or narrow to be intimidating. There is also terrific usage of silhouettes and shadows, carrying enormous amounts of emotion within the body language. The last part of the issue is a fast-paced chase through a high-tech city. The inventions on display are slick and incredibly detailed. The creatures that appear are terrifying and sleek but aren’t used to their full potential.

The colors continue to be stunning, and the vibrant shades are intoxicating. Where other comics choose to dampen the colors of the background, Blue Beetle ramps them up. Palmera City is a gorgeous location, bursting with neon and intense tones. It bestows the series with its own identity, standing out among other comics. The depth within the colors is mesmerizing. The bold costumes and singular hade backgrounds are strong and solid, whilst other panels denote transparency or motion blurring. The lettering is both dynamic and easy to read. During the chase scene at the end of the comic, the size of the text increases. This raises the heart rate and adds volume and ferocity to the voices of the characters.

Blue Beetle #9 is built around important conversations. A supporting cast has been built that is so tight-knit and connected that stories can be designed around all of them. While there is an exciting amount of action in the last quarter of the issue, the true heart of it stems from the dialogue between the characters. Trujillo has crafted a community that has been damaged and is fraying at the seams. Trust is being eroded, and the secrets of the Scarabs are being manipulated. The ending sets Jaime up for a boss battle that puts all of Palmera City at risk.

Blue Beetle #9 is available now wherever comics are sold.