Blue Beetle #1

ComicBook.com

With Graduation Day in the rearview mirror, Jaime Reyes is off to bigger and better things in DC's newest ongoing series Blue Beetle. Jaime has proven himself time and again as worthy of not just the Scarab but also the trust of those he is sworn to protect, and that carries into this new story. Writer Josh Trujillo shifts the focus from Jaime's growth as a hero to his growth as a leader, mentor, and peacekeeper. It's an effective shift, especially when paired with the arrival of the Horizon and the greater presence of the former foes turned allies Dynastes and Nitida. Artist Adrián Gutiérrez and colorist Wil Quintana are phenomenal throughout the issue as well, infusing every page with unreal energy and personality. It's a wonderful time to be a Blue Beetle fan, and this newest era is off to one hell of a start.

But Why Tho?

Blue Beetle #1 is a shining example of a first issue. It has a perfect balance of everything that could be wanted to start a new series. It features history and backstory, but many brand-new avenues at the same time. All Trujillo has brought with it into the new series is what’s needed, and the issue is light on exposition. The issue has energy and pace and a superb glimpse at how fun the fight scenes can be with transforming armor and abilities. There is a sensitive and heartfelt side to the comic that merges with craziness. It’s a perfect jumping-on point for those who have found Blue Beetle from the blockbuster.

Covered Geekly

Blue Beetle #1 is another great addition to the Dawn of DC and a perfect continuation of Graduation Day. The story kicks off straight away by getting us familiar with our supporting cast and the issues that will be surrounding them while also introducing the villain of this arc ‘Scarab War’. I think this is going to be a great start to Blue Beetle and I can’t wait to see where this story ends up and where our characters will be by the end of it. A great comic with an amazing creative team behind it that shows how much they love Blue Beetle with their work effort.

Comic Watch

Graduation Day’s spirit continues here without interruption. This is an engaging comic that sets up what promises to be a fun series. Blue Beetle #1’s entire creative team does what they did in that mini-series: contribute their talents into a final product that is far more than the sum of its parts.

First Comics News

After the success of “Blue Beetle” Graduation Day”, Jaime Reyes gets a new ongoing, bringing back the creative team of Josh Trujillo and Adrian Gutierrez and I have to say, this is a very remarkable debut that shows the growth of Jamie as a leader with current Scrab holders Dynasties and Nitida finding their way on earth but the one bright spot within this issue is that Ted Kord is back as Jamie’s mentor because the dynamic between the two of them keeps the Blue Beetle legacy alive and well but it never feels forced or used as a way to help enhance the story (Although Ted finds himself having a horrible day- **NO SPOILERS**); This is a promising start for Blue Beetle, especially since this title has a solid team such as Trujillo and Gutierrez at the helm so I predict that this could be another successful series for DC. At least it’s a lot better than the movie that came out so that’s a definite plus.

ComicsOnline

Injecting humor and gravity into this story, Trujillo does a fantastic job in giving each character unique characterization and mannerisms, and gives us a Jaime that is experiencing a lot of inner conflict. It’s also great that the issue is being released in English and Spanish at the same time, allowing for readers who utilize either language to enjoy this issue at the same time! The art is the real highpoint of this issue, though. With some great character designs, and great colors that really pop, this issue is as gorgeous to look at as it is fun to read. Gutiérrez and Quintana make for a powerhouse team, and I hope their involvement in this book continues for quite some time. A lot of opportunity has been gained with this issue. The new antagonist looks great, and I hope we get some more time with them in the next issue, and there is obviously a great foundation for some big growth for Jaime. If you’re remotely interested in Blue Beetle, this issue is a win.

COMICON

Blue Beetle shows how a familiar character can still feel fresh while honoring his past. The story and plot is fun, the art is a high energy romp, and it’s a great beginning to Jaime Reyes’s new adventures.

Geek Dad

The arrival of the Red Beetle, whoever they may be, comes with a level of threat and violence that eclipses anything else we’ve seen in the book so far and puts a beloved character in serious danger. It’s a tense way to kick off the run, but we’ve seen this character endangered before. Either way, while the original mini wasn’t perfect, it was a great addition to the character’s mythos and this looks to build on that.

Graphic Policy

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.

AIPT

It may not be the best of the Dawn of DC line, but Blue Beetle is still a lot of fun. New characters, classic supporting cast members, and a fascinating antagonist offer a new path for the hero. If Blue Beetle: Graduation Day ended somewhat disappointingly, the first issue of Blue Beetle restores everything interesting that the mini was exploring. Legacy, community, and prejudice are at the heart of this story. It's exactly what Jaime needs. It will be interesting to see what Josh Trujillo will do with the Blue Beetle going forward — especially after that shocking ending.

Multiversity Comics

“Blue Bettle” #1 is competently plotted and full of heart but its lack of accessibility holds it back.

Derby Comics DC

After being pleasantly surprised by the Blue Beetle film, I had high hopes for more Jaime Reyes in this new series and was a bit disappointed. It seemed like Trujillo was trying to do too much in this first issue and I hope he’s able to rein things in some as the series progresses as he’s shown he can handle the character with grace in Graduation Day. Jaime Reyes is massively popular right now and another strong comic series could cement him as core player in the “Dawn of DC” phase.