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Blue Beetle (2006) (collected editions) #3
Blue Beetle, Vol. 3: Reach for the Stars
During INFINITE CRISIS, the mystical Blue Beetle scarab chose 16-year-old Jaime Reyes as its new guardian, but its powers are both a blessing and a curse!
In this volume, Jaime has his hands full when he learns the scarab's alien owners are planning to invade Earth -- and no one will believe him! Plus, more adventures guest-starring popular Lobo, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, The Teen Titans, the villainous Eclipso, Typhoon, Giganta and more!
Collects Blue Beetle #13–19.
In this volume, Jaime has his hands full when he learns the scarab's alien owners are planning to invade Earth -- and no one will believe him! Plus, more adventures guest-starring popular Lobo, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, The Teen Titans, the villainous Eclipso, Typhoon, Giganta and more!
Collects Blue Beetle #13–19.
168 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2008
About the author
John Rogers
234 books39 followersJohn Rogers is a screenwriter, comedian, film producer, and comic book writer. Although born in Worcester, Massachusetts, he attended McGill University in Montreal and is better known publicly as a Canadian writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
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February 13, 2013
The series finally hit its stride! The art's improving, the writing is even sharper (with some hilarious lines), Jaime is developing as a character, the supporting cast is strong and helps set this apart from your regular superhero schtick, and the revelations abound -- at this point the only weakness is the pacing. It all rushes by too quickly and that leaves it feeling a little bit...shallow at points. Other than that, it's become a genuinely great series!
So naturally it got canceled. *sigh* Guess poor Jaime didn't "smolder with generic rage" enough. Well at least i still have these TPBs (and there are about 4 more of them i still haven't read).
So naturally it got canceled. *sigh* Guess poor Jaime didn't "smolder with generic rage" enough. Well at least i still have these TPBs (and there are about 4 more of them i still haven't read).
February 1, 2012
The artwork is less, the story is weak, the whole book series is just begging to be canceled.
July 2, 2023
this volume has some of the worst stuff in the run and also some of the best. like, there's an issue where guy gardner smacks a waitress on the ass for no reason, one where the teens talk constantly about the girls on the titans team wearing skirts and crop tops, and one where paco and peacemaker fixate on giganta's boobs. there's also an issue where that's comic books for you. the revolting coexists with the radical. anyway, i love jaime reyes.
February 10, 2013
Reach for the Stars is my favorite of the three trades I read so far. I mean having Guy Gardner tell Jaime about Ted Cord on page 51 and having Traci 13 mention Sue and Ralph on page 96 made me tear up. And for them two reasons this book deserves more then a 5 star rating.
November 25, 2010
Jaime meets Tim and the Teen Titans! Paco and Brenda launch a rocket! *hearts*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2013
As good as it gets. Hooray for the witty dialogue.
February 25, 2023
A continuation of Blue Beetle III (Jaime Reyes) first ongoing series, this one introduces a few new aspects of his story while also spending some tiem placing him in the larger DC context with some team ups and nods to his legacy position. There's not really an overarching plot to this collection, except for the influence of the Reach. It also feels mostly like your typical superhero comic, where you get character parts, team-ups, and time to appreciate his world. It's okay, but I wouldn't rate it too highly. It's enjoyable, and the art is nice, and we do get some good jokes in here. Recommended if you are reading the series. If not, then go back to Volume 1!
Issue-by-Issue Synopsis (includes spoilers):
Issue #13: The Reach claim to have arrived on earth to save it from itself. They also claim the scarab was simply a herald to let them know when a planet reaches a certain point technologically. However, it soon becomes clear that they aren't being honest at all; they are scoping out the planet for other, darker schemes. They send a fleet of scarabs and take over a crowd of people, but since only one scarab per planet can work, these people seem to be more like powerful zombies than any kind of servants. With Peacemaker's help, Jaime defeats them, and the Reach retrieve the scarabs. Jaime now knows that they are up to no good, but at the same time, realizes that the Reach are putting up a convincing media show that puts them in a positive light with the rest of the planet.
Also, Peacemaker has been infected with a scarab.
Issue #14: Guy Gardner shows up to apologize for attacking Jaime in #1, and also to ask for some help. He explains that the Reach are old enemies of the Guardians- hence the reaction between his ring and the scarab. He and Jaime investigate a Reach base in the Arctic, but find themselves fighting the Ultra-Humanite, working as a "contractor" for the Reach. They defeat him, but the Reach cover it up. Guy advises Jaime to play "the long game," as Blue Beetle II, Ted Kord, would have, and gives him some books on strategy from Ted, who was forced to overcome great odds without the advantage of powers.
Issue #15: Nervous about the extent of his powers, Jaime goes to S.T.A.R. Labs to seek assistance and has an altercation with the quasi-villain Livewire, who is able to absorb his energy. Superman shows up, settles the fight, and offers to help Jaime test his suit.
Issue #16: Eclipso steals that Posse member's baby again... they should really assign a security team for this child. Traci 13, a sorceress/detective, shows up and asks Jaime for help. With Paco's help, they save the day (also revealing Jaime's true career dreams) and begin a relationships.
Issue #17: A villain causes a hurricane in Central America, and Jaime struggles to both save the citizens and fight the villain. Despite his limited knowledge of his abilities, he is able to use some Ted Kord strategy tactics to help them, although he is less than pleased with the results when he still isn't able to save everyone.
Issue #18: Jaime and his friends go on a field trip to see a rocket launch, but the Teen Titans are there as well. Turns out Lobo has been paid by the Reach to prevent the launch of the rocket. Of course, there is the classic superhero-meet where everyone is fighting Jaime at first, but it quickly gets straightened out. Jaime and co. are able to help the Titans launch the rocket, and Jaime gets an invite to come train at Titans Tower. Points for the pokes at the superhero outfits...
For the curious, the Titans team here is Tim Drake, Cassie Sandsmark, Miss Martian, Kid Devil, Rose Wilson, and Supergirl.
Issue #19: Intergang sends Giganta to attack La Dama's house, and Jaime goes to defend. Meanwhile, Brenda decides to investigate Hector and Nadia, who have been running Jaime's communications for the last 6 issues or so. While there, she discovers that her aunt is La Dama, and that everyone knew it but her. She is angry, but Hector and Nadia talk to her, as does Jaime's mom.
With some advice from Peacemaker and Traci 13 (via phone), Jaime is able to take down Giganta.
Issue-by-Issue Synopsis (includes spoilers):
Issue #13: The Reach claim to have arrived on earth to save it from itself. They also claim the scarab was simply a herald to let them know when a planet reaches a certain point technologically. However, it soon becomes clear that they aren't being honest at all; they are scoping out the planet for other, darker schemes. They send a fleet of scarabs and take over a crowd of people, but since only one scarab per planet can work, these people seem to be more like powerful zombies than any kind of servants. With Peacemaker's help, Jaime defeats them, and the Reach retrieve the scarabs. Jaime now knows that they are up to no good, but at the same time, realizes that the Reach are putting up a convincing media show that puts them in a positive light with the rest of the planet.
Also, Peacemaker has been infected with a scarab.
Issue #14: Guy Gardner shows up to apologize for attacking Jaime in #1, and also to ask for some help. He explains that the Reach are old enemies of the Guardians- hence the reaction between his ring and the scarab. He and Jaime investigate a Reach base in the Arctic, but find themselves fighting the Ultra-Humanite, working as a "contractor" for the Reach. They defeat him, but the Reach cover it up. Guy advises Jaime to play "the long game," as Blue Beetle II, Ted Kord, would have, and gives him some books on strategy from Ted, who was forced to overcome great odds without the advantage of powers.
Issue #15: Nervous about the extent of his powers, Jaime goes to S.T.A.R. Labs to seek assistance and has an altercation with the quasi-villain Livewire, who is able to absorb his energy. Superman shows up, settles the fight, and offers to help Jaime test his suit.
Issue #16: Eclipso steals that Posse member's baby again... they should really assign a security team for this child. Traci 13, a sorceress/detective, shows up and asks Jaime for help. With Paco's help, they save the day (also revealing Jaime's true career dreams) and begin a relationships.
Issue #17: A villain causes a hurricane in Central America, and Jaime struggles to both save the citizens and fight the villain. Despite his limited knowledge of his abilities, he is able to use some Ted Kord strategy tactics to help them, although he is less than pleased with the results when he still isn't able to save everyone.
Issue #18: Jaime and his friends go on a field trip to see a rocket launch, but the Teen Titans are there as well. Turns out Lobo has been paid by the Reach to prevent the launch of the rocket. Of course, there is the classic superhero-meet where everyone is fighting Jaime at first, but it quickly gets straightened out. Jaime and co. are able to help the Titans launch the rocket, and Jaime gets an invite to come train at Titans Tower. Points for the pokes at the superhero outfits...
For the curious, the Titans team here is Tim Drake, Cassie Sandsmark, Miss Martian, Kid Devil, Rose Wilson, and Supergirl.
Issue #19: Intergang sends Giganta to attack La Dama's house, and Jaime goes to defend. Meanwhile, Brenda decides to investigate Hector and Nadia, who have been running Jaime's communications for the last 6 issues or so. While there, she discovers that her aunt is La Dama, and that everyone knew it but her. She is angry, but Hector and Nadia talk to her, as does Jaime's mom.
With some advice from Peacemaker and Traci 13 (via phone), Jaime is able to take down Giganta.
June 23, 2023
An antagonist for Blue Beetle appears, in the form of an alien that's putting on pretences of friendliness before the whole world. What unfolds is Jaime interacting with the larger DC Universe, including a team-up with the Titans against Lobo, discussing strategy with Guy Gardner, and taking down Giganta. What really works in this volume is the character work, as Jaime discovers the strength of tactics while he certainly feels the weight of superheroics in this volume. I'm not a fan of all the art styles utilised in this volume, but it's truly fantastic for how it gets to the heart of these characters exceptionally well.
July 26, 2022
Blue Beetle could be such a fun character if the writing here wasn't so lazy. Readers are given the new superhero team-up of the week and its insulting. Not being able to put together a coherent arc in a mainstream book is embarrassing. Seeing Jaime deal with his relationships and loss were the compelling parts of the book, not Superman showing up for a couple of panels. I don't think Albuquerque's art fit the story very well. Overall, some decent moments but not enough.
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January 9, 2022Its really good
September 19, 2022
This book is very boring with not engaging stories and poor character development. No clear story. I would not recommend this book!
November 21, 2017
Reach for the Stars collects Issues 13-19 of the mid-2000s Blue Bettle series. The stories mostly fall within the bounds of the creators of the Scarab (the Reach) and their efforts to subvert the Earth, yet the stories also work as self-contained tales.
Jaime Reyes meets up with Guy Gardener, Superman, and the Teen Titans while battling Lobo, Eclipso, and Giganta. The stories flow nicely and the supporting cast gives the book plenty of heart. One of my favorites when Jaime has to travel to Mexico to fight a giant and save the inhabits of the town and he needs to get the owner of a luxury hotel to let the poor people to stay so he can fight the villain and there's a nice plot twist as to that is. Overall, this is another fun series of adventures in the Blue Beetle series.
Jaime Reyes meets up with Guy Gardener, Superman, and the Teen Titans while battling Lobo, Eclipso, and Giganta. The stories flow nicely and the supporting cast gives the book plenty of heart. One of my favorites when Jaime has to travel to Mexico to fight a giant and save the inhabits of the town and he needs to get the owner of a luxury hotel to let the poor people to stay so he can fight the villain and there's a nice plot twist as to that is. Overall, this is another fun series of adventures in the Blue Beetle series.
November 17, 2014
Jamie is a regular old teenager, who has a mysterious alien Scarab bonded to his back. It gives him the powers of Blue Beetle, and so, he becomes Blue Beetle. It also talks to him, and tells him to do Blue Beetle stuff. Plus, he's got to deal with his friends, his family, and the looming possibility that the Scarab isn't as beneficial as it actually seems. All set against the quaint backdrop of El Paso, Texas.
The main draw of this volume is a very cool crossover with the Teen Titans and Lobo. It's a ton of fun, to see Beetle interact with a bunch of kids his age that he's never met, as he tries to suss out their intentions, while Lobo, acting particularly creepy (well, more so than usual) as he threatens and cajoles what are, for all intents and purposes, children. It's a fun issue though, and is a great example of an inter-company crossover that makes sense, conceptually. Of course a teenage Blue Beetle would run into the Teen Titans! That's just obvious.
Other stories include the mystical and alien Scarab and its owners, as they launch an invasion against the Earth which only Jamie can stop. Compared to the other stories, which without exception focus on a different villain from the DCU and see how well Blue Beetle handles it, I enjoyed it far less. I'm a fan of the concept, but it doesn't stick out as memorable to me. Jamie fighting Typhoon, the giant, whirling living storm, or Giganta, the villainous Wonder Woman mainstay, just stick out as cooler encounters, that take advantage of the "rookie hero" bent this run is banking on. A young hero, dealing with villains that we know have been dealt with by more advanced fighters, has a degree of weight to it that I think ambiguous alien invasions don't, even though it technically has more personal character investment.
The art is really cool. I feel it takes liberal influences from DC animated shows (or, at least, that's the style it reminds me of) - crisp, clear lines, and bold, block colours, create a decently light-hearted atmosphere; backed up by the writing, which focuses on believable teenage interactions and the use of humour to underpin serious dramatic situations. The issue featuring Giganta in particular has some fantastic lines - for example, Beetle's friend and mentor, in questioning how other heroes deal with teenage protégé, posits, "I swear [Batman] drugs Robin's water."
It's a fun book, all told, with some unexpected twists, likable characters, a bevy of recognizable B-list villains for Blue Beetle to fight, and an agreeable tone that reminds one of a children's series without shirking on character realism, maturity of themes, or some choice... blue jokes ("he needs our help with his sexy fight!") It is JUST fun, but I'm not entirely sure I have much more of standard for books of this type. It kept my attention, it had people I wanted to read more about, and it had encounters with villains I like seeing more of. That's about all we should reasonably expect from a modern all-ages superhero comic, and it's a standard I'm happy to report Blue Beetle sticks to admirably.
The main draw of this volume is a very cool crossover with the Teen Titans and Lobo. It's a ton of fun, to see Beetle interact with a bunch of kids his age that he's never met, as he tries to suss out their intentions, while Lobo, acting particularly creepy (well, more so than usual) as he threatens and cajoles what are, for all intents and purposes, children. It's a fun issue though, and is a great example of an inter-company crossover that makes sense, conceptually. Of course a teenage Blue Beetle would run into the Teen Titans! That's just obvious.
Other stories include the mystical and alien Scarab and its owners, as they launch an invasion against the Earth which only Jamie can stop. Compared to the other stories, which without exception focus on a different villain from the DCU and see how well Blue Beetle handles it, I enjoyed it far less. I'm a fan of the concept, but it doesn't stick out as memorable to me. Jamie fighting Typhoon, the giant, whirling living storm, or Giganta, the villainous Wonder Woman mainstay, just stick out as cooler encounters, that take advantage of the "rookie hero" bent this run is banking on. A young hero, dealing with villains that we know have been dealt with by more advanced fighters, has a degree of weight to it that I think ambiguous alien invasions don't, even though it technically has more personal character investment.
The art is really cool. I feel it takes liberal influences from DC animated shows (or, at least, that's the style it reminds me of) - crisp, clear lines, and bold, block colours, create a decently light-hearted atmosphere; backed up by the writing, which focuses on believable teenage interactions and the use of humour to underpin serious dramatic situations. The issue featuring Giganta in particular has some fantastic lines - for example, Beetle's friend and mentor, in questioning how other heroes deal with teenage protégé, posits, "I swear [Batman] drugs Robin's water."
It's a fun book, all told, with some unexpected twists, likable characters, a bevy of recognizable B-list villains for Blue Beetle to fight, and an agreeable tone that reminds one of a children's series without shirking on character realism, maturity of themes, or some choice... blue jokes ("he needs our help with his sexy fight!") It is JUST fun, but I'm not entirely sure I have much more of standard for books of this type. It kept my attention, it had people I wanted to read more about, and it had encounters with villains I like seeing more of. That's about all we should reasonably expect from a modern all-ages superhero comic, and it's a standard I'm happy to report Blue Beetle sticks to admirably.
April 18, 2016
This was another solid entry into the series, and I liked the various baddies that populated these issues and the cameos by Superman, Bruce Wayne, and Teen Titans. I liked the ongoing storyline with the Peacemaker and his tech, and Jaime learning to use strategy when outclassed or outgunned. The relationship storylines kind of took a back seat once the action started, but there was an emotional teaser in the last pages that definitely moved things forward, at least for one of the important family storylines.
My main complaint with this one is that seem to have upped the ante on scantily clad female characters and seeing them as sex/relationship objects. The line Beetle gives Supergirl about being taught "not to stare" was a nice touch, but the rest of the pages didn't echo this sentiment. A side character slapping a waitress' butt in the first episode was an over-the-top, one-time event, but it set the tone as far as I could see. Scantily clad heroines are everywhere, some literally falling out of the sky to titillate as love interests for Jaime. I felt it really diluted the story, and didn't pay fair homage to the women fighting as allies and peers to Blue Beetle.
My main complaint with this one is that seem to have upped the ante on scantily clad female characters and seeing them as sex/relationship objects. The line Beetle gives Supergirl about being taught "not to stare" was a nice touch, but the rest of the pages didn't echo this sentiment. A side character slapping a waitress' butt in the first episode was an over-the-top, one-time event, but it set the tone as far as I could see. Scantily clad heroines are everywhere, some literally falling out of the sky to titillate as love interests for Jaime. I felt it really diluted the story, and didn't pay fair homage to the women fighting as allies and peers to Blue Beetle.
July 9, 2011
I'm in love with Jaime. I'm sorry to see that it took the series so long to become delightful and for the books to get really good artists, but by then it was relegated to some ghetto corner of the comic shop. I still blame the initial story arc and the constantly changing artists for the misdirection of the book. If this book had started with this writer it would have had a bigger following. I know I would have kept with it. But 20/20 hindsight. I'm hoping when the book is relaunched in September to be there, and I'm hoping it will be this spectacular. Really good superheroic book, not mired with continuity or pretty much all the crap happening in the mainstream DCU. A good solid comic.
August 16, 2010
Reprints Blue Beetle #13-19. Blue Beetle is faced with the Reach and learns that the Reach might not be on Earth to help. Blue Beetle is about fifty-fifty. The issues sometimes work and other times seem disjoined (like the Teen Titan issue that felt like 1992 with a Lobo appearance). The character and the supporting cast are developing but it could be better.
July 4, 2011
Borrowed from Debi
I love how much this series does right. Crossovers that keep the focus on the main character. A main character who is flawed, but not stupid. Side characters who contribute, rather than acting as dumb comic relief or damsels-in-distress.
I was less than enthralled with the first volume, but Blue Beetle has turned out to be both smart and truly engaging.
I love how much this series does right. Crossovers that keep the focus on the main character. A main character who is flawed, but not stupid. Side characters who contribute, rather than acting as dumb comic relief or damsels-in-distress.
I was less than enthralled with the first volume, but Blue Beetle has turned out to be both smart and truly engaging.
September 22, 2013
I am loving Jaime���s gradual transition from good kid to actual superhero. I mean, honestly, his deepest darkest fantasy is to become a dentist so that he can make money to help his family and allow his little sister to go to college!
Makes me afraid to read his New 52 version. I hope they don���t ruin him too.
Makes me afraid to read his New 52 version. I hope they don���t ruin him too.
April 19, 2013
I am loving Jaime’s gradual transition from good kid to actual superhero. I mean, honestly, his deepest darkest fantasy is to become a dentist so that he can make money to help his family and allow his little sister to go to college!
Makes me afraid to read his New 52 version. I hope they don’t ruin him too.
Makes me afraid to read his New 52 version. I hope they don’t ruin him too.
September 3, 2016
This run of Blue Beetle never fails to amuse me! The back and forth between "Team Blue" is awesome and it was great seeing how the Teen Titans fit into it. Also, loving how Jaime puts all this responsibility onto his own shoulders. He's definitely hard on himself. Not sure if he's ever read a Spider-Man comic ;-) but to him, great responsibility DEFINITELY comes along with great power.!
September 14, 2016
nope, sorry, this didn't do it for me... at all... Really had difficulty finishing this one..
Even after 19 episodes now, I can't get used to this drawing style, it's too childish for me..
The stories aren't that spectacular either..
Well.. I am curious about the Reach though.. Want to learn more about them, so I guess I have to keep reading ;)
Even after 19 episodes now, I can't get used to this drawing style, it's too childish for me..
The stories aren't that spectacular either..
Well.. I am curious about the Reach though.. Want to learn more about them, so I guess I have to keep reading ;)
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August 18, 2012
Better than the last one, and I'm really getting into the Blue Beetle story line. Of course, that happens right when I finish reading the last volume the library owns, I guess it's time to start searching elsewhere!
July 17, 2014
"This is really entertaining! My third Blue Beetle book and counting. Jaime Reyes' battle against the Reach is on and he's been winning each with tutorials from Guy Gardner, Superman and Teen Titans. It's never boring with Blue Beetle under Rogers and Albuquerque."
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June 24, 2009can i get this book
August 23, 2010
... and yet, I still can't turn away.
September 13, 2012
Blue Beetle is now welcome to come to the Titan Tower. Wonder where that'll take Jaime... Love this character and his family dynamic.
September 23, 2012
Blue Beetle gets to team up with the Teen Titans in this book as well as chat with Superman. Also Traci-13 shows up and that's always awesome. Don't have much else to add.
June 7, 2013
There's some very nice characterization and character development in these stories (particularly in the last issue), but the episodic one-offness of them also leaves them pretty forgettable.
July 19, 2014
Six (mostly-)standalone stories that are, taken together and separately, the essence of Fun Comics. HIGHLY recommended.
February 13, 2014
A good follow-up as Jaime learns the origins of his mystic scarab and that he may be either the dupe or the one adversary to the aliens who created him, the Reach.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews