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.

The Flash #236

"The Flash" #236 accomplishes several things. First off, it ends writer Mark Waid's run on the book. DC Editorial must have given Waid the job of establishing Wally back as the flash, explaining the new family dynamic, and explaining where Wally & his family spent their down time after "Infinite Crisis". This issue pretty much wraps up all of those points to varying degrees of success. For those wondering how Linda went from being a news reporter to the leading expert on juvenile speed force issues, we do get some explanation on that. This issue was the first read where I actually enjoyed both the primary and backup stories. I liked that Waid has tied the two together as well. Freddie Williams II's art is starting to grow on me. With each new issue, Williams is getting more comfortable with Wally and his supporting cast.

While Waid did not bring Wally back to the DCU with a bang, Wally's now firmly established back as the Flash. I look forward to Tom Peyer taking over the writing chores and moving the Flash into a new and exciting direction.

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.

The Flash #235

From my previous reviews of Mark Waid's return to "The Flash" you can tell that I haven't been impressed. The plodding story involving Wally's family and a water-based alien invasion has just not captured my interest. However, in this issue, I believe Waid may be turning the corner. From Wally's interaction with the JLA members to his conversation with his son, the plot actually began to move forward. Freddie Williams II's art is much stronger in this issue as well. He looks like he is getting more comfortable in the Flash's world. I still think that the colors are a bit too bright making the comic look more like a Saturday morning cartoon.

The backup story continues to impress me and, without spoiling too much, I like that Waid has tied this fun story back to the main plot as well. "The Flash" picked up a little steam in this issue and has me looking forward to the next issue for the first time in a while.

The Flash #234

Writer Mark Waid's current run on "The Flash" is beginning to wear thin. I was willing to give him a pass as he reestablished Wally and his family back in the DCU but it is starting to drag now. I get it. The kids have issues with their powers. Let's move onto something that involves Wally as the Flash fighting rogues or something. I like Freddie E. Williams II's clean art style, but there's something missing here. I"m not sure if it is the bright coloring of colorists Tanya & Richard Horie, but the art just looks flat. Williams, however, does a good job with facial expressions and I like his page layouts. Maybe he needs someone else to ink his pencilling to bring out the depth.

In the backup story, artist Doug Braithewaite really shines. Colorist Alex Sinclair gives a painted look to Braithwaite's art and it provides a really stunning graphic novel look and feel. I'm enjoying the backup story more than the primary as Mark Waid does a good job of keeping "The Fast Life" moving forward.

I'm sticking with this book because I love both the Flash and Waid's previous efforts. Here's hoping taking the battle to the alien invaders of the last few issues peaks my interest.

The Flash #233

New artist Freddie Williams II replaces the outgoing Dave Acuna and I'm not sure what to think about it. Williams can draw some good stuff. He did so in "Blue Beetle" and "Batman and the Outsiders" one shot. I know he can draw, but this issue looked rushed. Dave Acuna was in the solicitations for both this issue and the next and I wonder if Williams wasn't handed this issue very late and told to get it in on time. Doug Braithwaite's cover is very nice and captures the speed of The Flash. However, William's interiors almost look like something out of Johnny DC and not the DCU. The alien creatures come of as cartoonish. Some of the art looks tight - meaning a character in a panel - but all in all it wasn't very appealing. I hope Williams brings more to the table as he becomes the series regular artist.

The story also left me wanting. Billed by DC marketing as the JLA comes to take Wally's kids, it all really panned out to nothing. Lame aliens, lame characterization, all really builds up to a lot of nothing. I did, however, enjoy the Waid and John Rogers back up story "The Fast Life" much more than the primary story. This four part back up looks very interesting with great art by Doug Braithwaite. To me "The Flash" should be a premiere DC title and currently it is coming of as a second rate D-level hero title.

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!