Comic Review: Blue Beetle Rebirth (DC Comics)

This is ground zero of the newly revived Blue Beetle series.

It’s been a long while since readers have seen Jaime Reyes since his series was canceled at the start of the New 52 (back in 2011). It’s also been some time since readers were reintroduced to a younger version Ted Kord since Geoff Johns Forever Evil event. But, long time readers have seen the Pre-Flashpoint Ted Kord and Booster Gold in the Justice League 3000 series as well. But that’s neither here nor there at this point.

Writer Keith Giffen and illustrator Scott Kolins begin the story with Texas native Jaime Reyes in his Blue Beetle guise complaining about not wanting to be a superhero, despite his mentor Ted Kord’s advocation, while simultaneously facing off against Rack and Ruin. Isn’t it nice to know that not all superheroes in comics always reside in New York? I mean I’m a New Yorker and even I start wondering if there are any focuses on characters outside of NY (which there are, but not always apparent).

But before that becomes the main focus, the story scales back prior to the intro. Jaime is ready to head out to school while his friends Paco and Brenda are wittingly bickering at each other over common courtesy, force of habit , and traditions /superstitions . But as soon as they make their way, Ted Kord calls his apprentice Jaime up. Despite Jaime’s reluctance , he answers the call to arms heading en route. As Jaime arrives at the Sun Dollar Coffee spot to solve the crime, he is overwhelmed with Rack and Ruin’s attacks. Jaime does his best to face Rack and Ruin head on, but they give him a run for his money.

Near the end of the comic’s conclusion, there are revelations to the actual origins of the Scarab that Jaime wears. Other revelations such as someone close to Jaime may possibly be more of a threat than he realizes.

Personally, I liked this issue. It’s a pretty quick read , but an entertaining one at that that’s easy to pick up and get on board with. Keith Giffen  who is best known for his works on the 1980’s Justice League international series, really utilized the humor that mostly associated with his work. It’s not haha funny, but it’s humorous and quirky, enough to leave an impression on the reader. What I really like the most ( which is what I like about most of the Rebirth line), is the focus on legacy. For me, I enjoyed seeing the dynamic between Kord and Jaime. They’re not Batman and Robin, nor does Jaime have any interest in being associated with that sort of profession. There is definitely a different tone between Jaime and Kord, where Kord is more focused on the swashbuckling side of superheroing, Jaime just wants to be a normal teenager with none of the superhero responsibility.

The art by Scott Kolins (Flash, Beyond, Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes), is very good as well. As usual, his art style is nice and fun, giving readers an incentive to read more. His art is usually known for being clean, always having clean lines and never having unnecessary lines like most artists tend to apply back in the 90s comics scene. The Colors by Romulo Fajardo really add more weight and levity to Kolins’ art, making it energetic and exciting.

This comic is off to a promising start to what could be a promising series, and hopefully, unlike its New 52 run, does not get canceled. There is potential with tons of these legacy characters that have yet to be explored, so hopefully we’ll see more when the next issue Comes around with the ground running.  My only complaint, can DC just call these starting “Rebirth” issues number “0” or something? Because it can confuse readers who may think that  purchasing Blue Beetle Rebirth #1 is the same as getting the DC Rebirth Blue Beetle issue 1 of the ongoing when it’s really different other than setting the foundations . Other than that an enjoyable read.