DCU Comic Book Reviews

BLUE BEETLE #22

EndGame, Part One:  Under Pressure

February 2008

Written by John Rogers

Pencils by Rafael Albuquerque

Inks by Rafael Albuquerque

Cover by Rafael Albuquerque

Synopsis

Jaime Reyes (aka Blue Beetle) and Danni Garrett, the granddaughter of the first Blue Beetle, are investigating a volcano to find evidence the Reach are trying to take over the world.  Elsewhere, the Peacemaker continues to recuperate in the hospital after removing the scarab from his neck.  Meanwhile, La Dama arrives at Jaime’s house to bring her daughter home, but Jaime’s dad refuses to let her do it.  Six miles below sea level, Jaime and Danni an ancient lost city.  They also encounter Tovar the Lava King, who believes Blue Beetle is responsible for the suppression of his people.  Thanks to the scarab, Jaime knows that Tovar’s memories were implanted by the Reach as part of their plan to take over Earth.  When the Reach realize that Jaime knows, they attempt to destroy him.  Tovar provides cover and gives Jaime and Danni the chance to escape.  As they retreat, Jaime sends a message to the Reach:  “We’re coming.”

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This series just keeps getting better and better.  I love the plan that Rogers has concocted for the Reach.  It is obviously a long-term plan, but it works so well and makes so much sense that I can’t find fault with it.  I also like the fact that even though the conflict with the Reach looks like it is coming to an end, Rogers makes sure to include scenes of the other characters, keeping them in the book as well.  This series is o much more than just Jaime and I am glad that Rogers continues to make room for them.  This is great stuff. 

I like the ending.  I like the way the scarab changes the wording from Jaime’s “I” to the plural of “we”, which suggests that the two are bonding more than just physically.  It is strange, but over the past two years or so, the scarab has been another character, slowly developing a personality and relating to Jaime beyond just being a tool.  It had just never really occurred to me until the last page of this issue.  It was subtle, but it worked.

The characterization of Danni has a hyper-active person does not seem to jibe with the way I remember her being portrayed earlier in this series.  Now, my memory may be faulty, so I could be wrong, but it felt like a different character than before.  I suppose you can argue that the “new medications” could be part of the reason and it is a valid point.  But, to me, it seemed odd. 

The Teapot Dome Scandal occurred in 1922 when a New Mexico Senator decided to lease oil fields designed for the navy to an oil company in exchange for inappropriate kick backs.  Just in case, you know, you might be interested in what Jaime was studying in school.

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