Blue Beetle is a beloved superhero in the DC Comics universe, known for his high-tech suit and incredible abilities. Over the years, the character has been featured in numerous comic book series, each with its own unique take on the hero. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Blue Beetle or are just discovering the character for the first time, there are plenty of great comics to check out. In this article, we’ll highlight 10 best blue beetle comics you should read, from classic runs to modern reboots. Whether you prefer the original Ted Kord incarnation of the hero or the newer Jaime Reyes version, there’s something here for everyone. So strap on your Beetle suit and get ready to dive into the world of Blue Beetle!
10 Best Blue Beetle Comics You should Read
Shellshocked
“Shellshocked” is a must-read comic book series for fans of Blue Beetle. Published in 2006 by DC Comics, it introduces the third Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, and his alien scarab that fuses with his spine, granting him incredible powers. The series follows Jaime as he battles super-villains and learns to control the scarab’s violent tendencies. “Shellshocked” received critical acclaim for its dynamic artwork, character development, and fresh take on the Blue Beetle mythos. It’s a fun and engaging read that has become an influential entry in the Blue Beetle series.
Blue Beetle (2006)
In the aftermath of Infinite Crisis, Jaime Reyes became the newest version of Blue Beetle. The opening issue of the “Blue Beetle” comic pays tribute to the previous Blue Beetles, Dan Garrett and Ted Kord. Jaime’s admission to his family that he is a superhero is a touching and candid moment that showcases his courage and vulnerabilities.
The comic also features a major revelation, revealing that the origins of the Blue Beetle’s Scarab are linked to the ancient space invaders, The Reach. This new origin aligns with the creator’s initial intention for the Scarab’s extraterrestrial origins, rather than being attributed to mystical power. “Blue Beetle” was praised for its fresh take on the character, dynamic artwork, and engaging storylines, making it a popular and highly regarded entry in the Blue Beetle canon.
Countdown To Infinite Crisis
In the “Countdown to Infinite Crisis” one-shot comic, Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) investigates a conspiracy involving Maxwell Lord and his plans to take over the world. However, Kord is ultimately killed by Lord’s OMACs, serving as a key plot point that sets the stage for the events of the “Infinite Crisis” crossover event. Blue Beetle’s death serves as a catalyst for the other heroes to take action against Lord’s plans, and his sacrifice highlights the true nature of a hero in the face of unimaginable disaster. The significance of Blue Beetle in “Countdown to Infinite Crisis” lies in his heartbreaking death and the impact it has on the story and the DC Universe as a whole.
Blue Beetle: Blue & Gold
“Blue Beetle: Blue & Gold” is a six-issue comic book miniseries that brings back the iconic friendship between Ted Kord (Blue Beetle) and Booster Gold. Written by Dan Jurgens with art by Ryan Sook and Scott Hanna, the series follows the two heroes as they start a new business venture together, Blue & Gold, Inc., and find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy involving a new hero named The Scarab. The series is a fun and engaging combination of humor and action, celebrating the legacy of the Blue Beetle character and the enduring friendship between Kord and Gold. It’s a must-read for fans of the Blue Beetle and Booster Gold.
Infinite Crisis Vol 1. (2006)
Jaime Reyes, the newest version of Blue Beetle, is introduced in DC Comics’ “Infinite Crisis,” which is a must-read to understand how he fits into the DC mythos following Ted Kord’s death. Reyes, an inexperienced teenager from a challenging background, evokes a great deal of humanized sympathy, making the comic a poignant read. The comic portrays Reyes’ life in El Paso, Texas, before he discovers Blue Beetle’s Sacred Scarab and becomes a superhero. Seeing Reyes learn of his powers from Booster Gold and confronting Brother Eye in a thrilling battle shows the evolution of the Blue Beetle character since its inception.
Justice League International
Blue Beetle’s dynamic relationship with Booster Gold was introduced in Justice League International, where the character interacts with some of DC’s biggest heroes such as Batman, Green Lantern, and Shazam. The series also features Blue Beetle taking on a leadership role in the JLI, making it a crucial read for fans of the character’s early days in the DC universe. The comic showcases Blue Beetle’s sense of humor, making it one of the funniest DC series in recent times. This firmly established Ted Kord as a valuable ally to DC heroes, proving his worth and securing his place in the annals of DC Comics, overcoming his often relegated B-list status.
Blue Beetle (1986)
Blue Beetle Vol. 6 marked the first series in which the titular character was featured after DC Comics acquired the rights from Charlton Comics. The series depicts Ted Kord taking on the mantle of the hero from Dan Garrett, resulting in a significant shift in the character’s origin and backstory. The crossover event features Garrett and Kord coming face-to-face, with Garrett passing the mantle to Kord in a touching moment as he dies. Kord continues his run as Blue Beetle, building a friendship with Booster Gold and joining the JLI. The series is a must-read for fans looking to understand the evolution of Blue Beetle, including Len Wein’s change to the Scarab’s origin as alien technology.
Captain Atom #83
It is a significant issue in the DC Comics universe, as it introduced Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle, to readers. In the comic, Kord, a wealthy industrialist, meets Captain Atom while trying to buy Kord Industries. Their friendship grows, and Kord reveals that he’s working on a new Blue Beetle suit to fight crime. This issue sets up Kord’s eventual transformation into Blue Beetle and establishes his bond with Captain Atom, which becomes important in later storylines. While not a DC or Blue Beetle comic, “Captain Atom #83” is essential reading for fans who want to understand the origins of this beloved hero.
The More Things Change
In DC’s Rebirth, the company made changes to their lineup, including replacing the beloved Ted Kord with Jaime Reyes as the new Blue Beetle. While Kord was an established superhero, Reyes is a teenager still learning how to handle his powers, making for an interesting character development. The More Things Change is a great starting point for those new to the Blue Beetle, as it offers a chance to see the character’s growth and his bond with the Blue Beetle Scarab. While the comic’s writing and art may not be groundbreaking, it’s a must-read for those wanting to learn about the Blue Beetle.
Metamorphosis
In the New 52’s Blue Beetle series, Jaime Reyes struggles with the Blue Beetle armor that grants him his powers, as it has a desire to destroy the world, in contrast to Jaime’s desire to save it. This conflict creates a strong and engaging narrative in Metamorphosis, which is further enhanced by Ig Guara’s exceptional artwork that makes the fight scenes truly spectacular. Despite the series being canceled early on, the quality of the book is not reflected by its sales. The New 52’s Blue Beetle, with its intriguing storyline and impressive artwork, deserved more recognition than it received.
Also Read: 10 Most Powerful Empires in the DC Comics Universe
