DC Comics
Blue Beetle #1
By Avi Weinryb
October 2, 2016 - 19:39

DC Comics
Writer(s): Keith Giffen, Scott Kolins
Penciller(s): Scott Kolins
Inker(s): Scott Kolins
Colourist(s): Romulo Fajaroo Jr.
Letterer(s): Josh Reed
Cover Artist(s): Scott Kolins
$2.99



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After a solid introduction in a Rebirth relaunch, Blue Beetle is now back in his own series. There are two Blue Beetles co-existing here -- the original, former Justice League member Ted Kord, and the young Jaime Reyes, a high school student with a mystical scarab attached to his back. Kord has taken Jaime under his wing, serving less as a mentor and more as a knowledgeable handler, sending him into harm’s way and occasionally providing him with some good advice. The banter between the two of them is somewhat humorous. It definitely beats the dialogue between Jaime and his high school buddies, which makes the reader painfully aware it’s being written by someone who has been out of high school for the better part of half a century. Overall, the story takes us where we need to go, setting up some mystery, introducing a diverse cast of characters, and locking us into the dysfunctional but amusing relationship between a gifted teen and a multi-millionaire inventor.

Scott Kolins’ artwork serves the story well. The mundane settings of home and school appear relatively flat compared to the popping scenes of action, including a bizarre battle inside a puddle of darkness as well as a trippy opening dream sequence featuring none other than Dr. Fate himself. Romulo Fajaroo Jr. should be commended for his clever use of blue which appears to crop up all over the place. It’s very fitting considering the title of this book.

If you are looking to read a new series that doesn’t come with the same baggage as some other titles in the DC Comics line, check this series out. The struggle of being a normal kid while having magical superpowers is something we’ve seen before, but the addition of a superhero mentor, a mysterious legacy, and a growing role for one of DC’s great mages makes this an intriguing start to a new series.
Rating: 8/10

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