by Tony Rhea, Reporter

Blue Beetle may be feeling down, but he is definitely not out. Jaime Reyes visits with an old friend, makes a new one, and faces the Blood Scarab this week in DC’s Blue Beetle #3!

Official Description:
After the recent attack, Jaime turns to the one person he knows who can decipher the mystical runes left by the Blood Scarab: Traci 13! Can these exes work together and piece together the secret history of Khaji Da?!

Creative Team:
Writer: Josh Trujillo
Artist: Adrián Gutiérrez
Colorist: Wil Quintana
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni

While Jaime ponders the meaning of the glyph left behind by the Blood Scarab, Traci 13 pays a visit and brings him to a place where he may get some answers. Meanwhile, Starfire shows up to see Shepherd, and so does Victoria… A quick trip around the world leads Jaime to a confrontation he may not be ready to finish.

We don’t get much time with the Horizon this time around, but we do get some insight into the origins of the Blood Scarab, and Trujillo wraps it all wonderfully into the established lore for the Blue Beetle. This move wasn’t a total surprise, but it’s nice to see the incorporation of the history of the character in this new and deadly villain. Using Traci 13 as a method of further prodding Jaime into facing the choice in front of him was also a great move, as every issue so far has seen people that Jaime cares about attacked by the Blood Scarab, yet he clearly hasn’t developed the resolve to face the hard choice that will likely be required of him in order to protect them. Trujillo is giving Jaime great opportunity for character growth here, and I look forward to seeing where he takes him.

The art continues to impress in this series. I particularly like the emotion that Gutiérrez expresses on the characters, even Jaime, who’s suit allows for him to be very expressive. These panels succeed at bringing this story to life in a dynamic way that looks phenomenal and keeps you engaged. Additionally, the threat the Blood Scarab poses through the story is enhanced in the way that Gutiérrez presents him on the page, with every move exuding malice.

That’s where my only problem with the issue lies. As imposing and malicious as the Blood Scarab has been, Traci and Jaime handle him pretty quickly in this issue. If not for Jaime’s hesitation, he would have been finished. This fight somewhat diminished the threat level, and has made it seem as if he won’t be hard to beat as long as Jaime has someone distracting him (and he has no shortage of friends).

Blue Beetle #3 is a good issue of a great series, but an easy undermining of the villain who has thus far been unstoppable does cause some concern.

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Blue Beetle #3 – 3.5 out of 5 scarabs!

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