REVIEW: Blue Beetle #3

Blue Beetle is being hunted by a mysterious foe who is linked to him in some way and leaving a wide path of destruction in his wake. In Blue Beetle #3, can Jamie figure out who this enemy is and do what he needs to do to end this threat once and for all?

The Scarab War has begun, Ted Korg has been severely injured, and Jamie’s friends are all in danger. This sets Jamie and Traci on a not-so-fun (but still cool) mystical journey. First to an inter-dimensional bar featuring a few famous cameos and an then to an ancient Egyptian tomb. Even though the stakes couldn’t be higher, there is a good mix of fun included in the seriousness. Jamie doing this with is ex. lightens the mood temporarily and showcases both characters’ highly likable personalities. But the tension is immediately ratcheted back up as revelations are made and an epic showdown commences. Josh Trujillo walks the fine like between tension and fun expertly. The issue is a really fun rollercoaster of a read.

The art is the true standout here. The character design is excellent, keeping in-line with the first two issues, and the characters emote quite well. The action in particular is visualized in a cool and unique way. As Blue Beetle and his mysterious foe fight, when each is on the offensive the color scheme of the panel shifts. Blue and white when Jamie is on offense, and red and white when his attacker strikes. It’s something that can only be done in comics and is why the medium is so special. And again, the interdimensional dive-bar looks amazing. It’s so vibrant and full of life and personality, you want to be there. Overall, the art team of Adrian Gutierrez and Will Quintana continue their amazing work on this run and are creating some of the best art in comics right now.

Blue Beetle #3 is an exciting continuation to a series growing more and more intriguing by the issue. Jamie is being pushed to his limit, and by the end is faced with a moral dilemma that may determine what kind of superhero he is going to be. This is a prime example of what happens when great writing and great artwork come together and is a comic issue well worth a reader’s time and money.

Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Coloring – 5 Stars

Overall
4.5 Stars

Written by; Josh Trujillo
Art by; Adrian Gutierrez
Colors by; Will Quintana
Letters by; Lucas Gattoni
Published by; DC Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.