The new Blue Beetle encounters a super-powered street gang. He later discovers that he has been missing from his family for a whole year. Giffen and Rogers clearly think they are soooo clever. They refuse to tell the story in a linear manner so they confuse the reader unncessarily. Many of their supporting characters spout Giffen's patented "banter" that is occasionally amusing but is often just plain irritating. And the hip-hop supervillains in this issue are just laughable. Example: one baddie is so fat he almost gets a heart attack crossing the street. Hey, I could beat this jerk! Still, they do establish the new Blue Beetle as a likeable fellow who is in over his head and doesn't deserve what is happening to him. The art also has a crisp yet kinetic look about it. But the creators behind this book should stop being so wry and original and concentrate on just telling a good story if they want this title to last more than 16 issues.