I haven’t had a chance to read “Graduation Day,” the previous miniseries for Blue Beetle. So, that meant I got to come into Blue Beetle #1 with little knowledge as to what to expect and what the status-quo of the character was. I’ve read a little bit here and there, but it’s generally not a character I’ve kept up with but I know the basics. What I quickly found out was what felt like a much expanded world with a additional cast and the start of a rainbow of characters. I immediately got vibes of Power Rangers and the expansion of the Green Lantern mythos and neither of that is a bad thing.

Written by Josh Trujillo, Blue Beetle #1 is a fun start that delivers an opening that’s easy to get started. Readers are dumped right into the action as Jaime Reyes fights the good fight with the help of his mentor Ted Kord, the previous Blue Beetle. But, what’s new, to me, are new members of the crew one yellow and one green. Dynastes and Nitidia, new Beetles to train and who are clearly a bit new to it all based on their actions… and the results. It’s a nice dynamic as Jaime is placed in the role of both student and teacher, something we don’t see too often with heroes.

Also standing out is The Horizon, aliens who are trying to live their lives in Palmera City. Front and center is the bigotry far too many real life groups experience today and the frustration and anger of those groups wanting to do something in response. It’s an interesting dynamic as well considering Jaime’s own background and how others might see him. That, along with some down time of the characters, creates a bit more heart through all of the action and superheroics.

The comic does a nice balance of serious and fun and much of that is helped by the art of Adrián Gutiérrez whose style captures the balance of the comic. It’s able to go from serious to laughs in a short time and overall delivers the vibe the comic is going for. There’s a bit of kinetic energy about it all that is enhanced by the colors from Wil Quintana and lettering by Lucas Gattoni.

Blue Beetle #1 is a solid start to the series. While some aspects might feel familiar, it does it all with quality and a bit of fun that’ll leave readers wanting more. Add in a rather ominous ending, and we have a series that’s not only ready to take shape and flight, but do so in a way that’ll stand out from the pack.

Story: Josh Trujillo Art: Adrián Gutiérrez
Color: Wil Quintana Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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