Blue Beetle #24

I absolutely enjoy the "Blue Beetle" issues when writer John Rogers and artist Rafael Albuquerque are allowed to cut loose. When this team is together on this book, they really create something special. From the premiere issue through this issue, they have allowed Jaime to grow and learn along the way building an interestingly mixed cast of three dimensional characters. We pick up in this issue with Jaime in a bit of a pickle and the Reach holding all of the cards. Powerless, Jaime has to keep moving on. Here Rogers shows how Jaime has grown as a hero. This issue is all about the culmination of two years worth of issues moving Jaime to a point where he can address his issues with the Reach.

I know I say this every month, but if you were a Ted Kord fan, you really should check out "Blue Beetle". This book pays homage to the Blue Beetle name while showing a young hero learning his way.

Blue Beetle #23

"Blue Beetle" continues to sit a top my list of most fun reads each month. Writer John Rogers has done an excellent job of presenting Jaime's character growth over the last year's worth of issues. Artist Rafael Albuquerque has grown into an good artist as well and I'm always put of when he's not on board this title. Albuquerque captures the "Blue Beetle" vibe for me. Rogers tips his hat to all of the Ted Kord Blue Beetle fans out there with his pinup of "W.W.T.K.D" over Jaime's strategy board on the first page. Rogers' incorporation of the Blue Beetle legacy characters is outstanding. You really get the feel that Jaime respects the legacy. The first half of this issue is discussion and strategy with the last half implementing the strategy. Rogers has Jaime showing his growth utilizing the Blue Beetle armor and looking good doing it.

There's a lot going on in this issue and quite a few surprises. Issue #23 continues the streak of fun and exciting reads for this title. Even if you are a die-hard Ted Kord fan, hop on the Jaime bus for a few issues, you won't regret it.

Blue Beetle #22

Over on the Occasional Superheroine's blog she talks about Reboots Vs. Generational Succession. DC has done both with differing levels of success. The "Generational Succession" is best exemplified here in "Blue Beetle" with a nod to "The Flash" as well. Although this year "The Flash" took a giant step backwards by killing off Bart. "Blue Beetle", on the other hand, has done a great job passing the torch. Jaime Reyes is a great character and a good shepherd for the Blue Beetle mantel. Now I know there are quite a few die-hard Ted Kord fans out there. I'm a big fan of the Ted Kord Blue Beetle as well, but I find Jaime's adventures to be fresh and fun.

Series writer John Rogers and artist Rafael Albuquerque present an excellent issue in "Blue Beetle" #22. I dig the addition of Danni Garret and Ted Kord's bug. Roger's interludes with Jaime's dad, mom, and Peacemaker are also done well. The story is evenly paced and a nice read. Roger's continues to build on the Reach's backstory adding nice layering as the story progresses.

"Blue Beetle" continues to be a fun and interesting read. If you haven't tried this series, you should.

Blue Beetle #20

"Blue Beetle" #20 is a "The Sinestro Corps Wars" tie in. If you are keeping up with this cross over event you don't need to read "Blue Beetle" #20. You really won't miss anything. However, if you are a Blue Beetle fan you need to read this as the events that unfold here impact both the Reach and Peacemaker story lines. The story suffers some because the lack of Jaime's supporting cast, but writer John Rogers brings the action as this book is one big slugfest. Rafael Albuquerque's art really fits this book well. Even in Blue Beetle's mask Albuquerque allows us to see Jaime's emotions. While this issue isn't the usual fun and funny Jaime, we get to see Blue Beetle in action and both Jaime and the Scarab working as a team. Rogers even gives a shout out to the Ted Kord fans. If you are a fan of old school Spider-man and I mean old school young kid gets new powers and has fun with them, then get this book.

Blue Beetle #18

Blue Beetle is a fun book to read. I was a fan of the Ted Kord Blue Beetle and was saddened to see him offed during the build up to "Infinity Crisis". I did not pick up the new Blue Beetle book when it first came out. I got my first taste of the character during Mark Waid and George Perez's "Brave and The Bold". I liked what they did with the character and decided to go back issue diving at my local comic store. I ended up getting the complete run 1-14 (missing a few issues in there). What I found was an engaging character the was fun and interesting. John Rogers, the writer, has done a great job of fleshing out the supporting cast and the lead character's, Jaime Reyes, introduction across the DC Universe. I have enjoyed Rafael Albuquerque's art, but was disappointed that he could not do the whole issue. Substitute art by Davidl Baldeon & Dan Davis seemed rushed and did not match the tone established for Blue Beetle.

In the issue, Blue Beetle and the Teen Titans team up to take on Lobo. Blue Beetle's armor continues to pull tricks out of the hat and show just how powerful it can be. The team fights Lobo to somewhat of a standstill and ends with Robin commenting on Beetle's lack of fighting skills. Robin invites Beetle to hang with the Titans and Jaime considers the invite. I'm looking forward to seeing Beetle in the Teen Titans as of issue #50. I believe he will be a breath of fresh air to a morose comic book and bring back some of the awe that is needed for that group. If you haven't picked up Blue Beetle, I recommend it!