DCU Comic Book Reviews

BLUE BEETLE #34

Boundaries, Part Six:  Monopoly

February 2009

Written by Matthew Sturges

Pencils by Rafael Albuquerque

Inks by Rafael Albuquerque

Cover by Rafael Albuquerque

Synopsis

In White Sands, Polaris confirms he killed Blue Beetle before flying away.  After he leaves, the Scarab brings Blue Beetle back to life.  The Scarab then offers the method to defeat Dr. Polaris.  In San Paterno, Dr. Polaris begins to destroy the town to protect his secret identity.  In El Paso, clean up begins after the big battle near the Mexican border.  When the news learns of the attack on San Paterno, Mariposa takes Peacemaker’s motorcycle and drives away.  Meanwhile, Paco asks Brenda out for a date.  In San Paterno, Blue Beetle attacks Dr. Polaris.  As they fight, Mariposa appears and attacks her father.  Several immigrants also appear to avenge Dr. Polaris.  Both attacks give the scarab enough time to provide enough power to defeat Dr. Polaris.  Later, Blue Beetle returns home and tells the local news that he is a hero for everyone, no matter where they came from or who they are.  Elsewhere, Paco and Brenda hold hands on a park bench.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

The Dr. Polaris story comes to an end with an enjoyable issue and a great conclusion.  I guess the old adage remains true:  “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” 

While I liked the way Sturges wrote the death and return-to-life scene and I like the way it worked within the structure of the story and the plot, it didn’t quite work for me.  It felt like a cheap way to end the fight and an easy cliffhanger.  It lacked any narrative oomph because it lacked any tension.  I guess it is because I know they wouldn’t kill Blue Beetle, so rather than wondering if Blue Beetle would survive, I was more concerned to find out why he died and how he would come back.  I don’t know.  Maybe it is just me.  Although, as I said, medically Sturges got a lot of details correct so at least there’s that. 

For the few upcoming issues left before the end of the book, I wonder if Sturges is going to explore the relationship between Brenda and Jaime a little more.  I think it is fair to say that Brenda has (or had) a crush on Jaime and even though it makes sense for Paco and Brenda to be together, I don’t want the earlier issues completely swept under.  Hopefully this will be addressed. 

ïPREVIOUS	Main		Page	NEXTð

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.