Blue Beetle: 1st Thursday with Cully Hamner

It's time for another thrilling Blue Beetle: 1st Thursday this month with Cully Hamner! This ione came from ComicArtFans...and, wow! Cully is obviously known for his Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle...but seeing his take on the Golden Age Blue Beetle is breathtaking! 

Enjoy!

Blue Beetle: 1st Thursday with Cully Hamner

It's time for another thrilling Blue Beetle: 1st Thursday with Cully Hamner! Cully posted a link on his Facebook page to a Tumblr full of con sketches...and imagine my surprise when the first Blue Beetle I saw wasn't Jaime (as expected) but good ol' Ted! 

Enjoy!

Should've Taken That Last Turn at Albuquerque...

Last month, Jaime's friend Brenda was missing after playing with a mysterious box she found in her aunt La Dama's house. Was it a Lament Configuration? Has she been sent to meet Pinhead and the Cenobites? Keith Giffen, John Rogers and Cully Hamner are here to reveal her fate, in issue #10..."Should've Taken That Last Turn at Albuquerque..."

Road Trip

Last issue Jaime and his family took a trip out into the desert to try to uncover what happened to him on his first night as Blue Beetle. It was...quite sad actually, even if it did explain a few things and confirm what Peacemaker had been saying about the scarab being alien tech. Well, now Keith Giffen, John Rogers and Cully Hamner are back with the next chapter in the story of Jaime Reyes. Here's issue #8, "Road Trip"!

"Brother's Keeper"

Last issue Jaime and the Posse raided a meta-human compound looking for a baby, Brenda's aunt was revealed as the mysterious La Dama, Peacemaker announced that the scarab was alien technology, and I was a little confused. John Rogers and Cully Hamner pick it up from there...will we get answers? Let's find out...

Jaime has taken his family, and friends Paco and Brenda, out to the desert to see where he landed after the events of "Infinite Crisis". After the revelation last issue that the scarab was alien, and not magical, they're trying to retrace Jaime's steps to find out more. Milagro, Jaime's little sister, almost seems to have recovered from her fear of her brother's new powers...almost, but not quite. She does help though, by suggesting that if you want to find something that's lost (in this case Jaime's memory and time) she imagines going back to bedin the morning and starting from there. 

Peacemaker suddenly appears, and agrees if they're going to find out anything about the scarab, Jaime needs to remember everything he can! Paco reminds Jaime that he'd already told them Booster Gold was the one who woke him that day...and from there we flashback to Blue Beetle, in the Batcave, having just thrown-up! He's nervous, this is the big leagues. Several members of the League are present...and they need his help! 

Next thing he knows, they're flying one of Ted Kord's BUGs into space, in search of the Brother Eye satellite. The scarab was key in finding the satellite, because it could "negate its vibrational frequency". While his family questions how he could do that, Jaime realizes he never thought to ask...and that's when the scarab informs him it is because its creators used similar technology. 

Back on the satellite, the OMACs attack! Blue Beetle finds himself surrounded, and taking damage, but Black Canary and Green Arrow arrive to save the day. 

Once clear, Beetle uses the scarab's tech to connect with the satellite's system and set off some explosions, giving the trio a chance to get away. But like they say, out of the frying pan and into the fire. No sooner do they dodge the first group of OMACs, than they find themselves face to face with another! The League calls for everyone to evacuate, but Batman is MIA. Green Lantern (Hal) says he'll take care of Bats...and the scarab freaks! 

The mere mention of Green Lantern (he seems to react more to the name than the fact John Stewart is standing behind him) sends the scarab into stealth mode causing Jaime to fade from site. Invisible, and afraid, Jaime soon finds himself alone on an exploding satellite as everyone else leaves. Just remembering that moment brings the teen to tears...and earns a hug from his, no longer frightened, sister. 

As night falls, the group prepares to leave the desert, and Peacemaker leaves Jaime with something to think about.

Not a bad issue, definitely lots to think about, and some very nice character beats. Imagine being granted this great power, being asked by someone you admire to help, then losing control of the power and finding yourself abandoned far from home. It's scary and sad! I also like the continued presence of Peacemaker. I'd originally looked at Jaime as a "pretender to the throne", not really part of the Blue Beetle legacy, but by weaving in this Charlton character Rogers (and Giffen in previous issues) really brings home the idea that Jaime IS tied to Ted, and Dan before him. Too bad, having already read the New52 Blue Beetle run, that all ties to the legacy were later abandoned. Maybe, if we're lucky...in this post Convergence DCU...if we do see any version of Blue Beetle again, his history will not be ignored. 

Blue Beetle: 1st Thursday with Cully Hamner

It's time for another thrilling Blue Beetle: 1st Thursday...this time we have a gorgeous Jaime Reyes done for me by Cully Hamner at the 2013 Baltimore Comic Con!

Enjoy!

"Person of Interest"

After rescuing his friend Paco, and reuniting with his friend Brenda last issue, things seem to skip ahead a bit this issue as Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner return to weave another tale of our insect hero, in "Blue Beetle" #4!

When we rejoin Jaime he's unpacking boxes in his room and searching his computer for info on the Blue Beetles that came before him. Dan Garrett, powers but no armor. Ted Kord, no powers and no armor. Before he gets much further his search is interrupted by a very special instant message. "Welcome to the club, Jaime. I'm called Oracle." 

Their exchange is short though. Jaime is suspicious, and not impressed. And when when she mentions that they don't want him to go through this alone. "You already left me alone! Superman and Batman and all the rest took me into space, had me fight a giant satellite, and then abandoned me up there!"  he says as he blasts his computer. It's probably for the best...he's got to go to a doctor's appointment. His mom, still confused and concerned about everything, has scheduled a check-up for her son. The doctor says Jaime is in perfect health, and the x-rays are clear (not even a hint of the scarab). Mom's still not sold, but they head home...and catch the eye of the Peacemaker. 

Brenda's aunt, La Dama, wants the "magic" of Blue Beetle and sends one of her henchman "the Diviner" to find him. Unfortunately the Diviner finds his prey as Jaime, Paco and Benda are walking home from school. It complicates things...he can't attack the Blue Beetle outright now, so he plans to send one of his own surrogates to do the job. The three teens make their way to a park, away from anyone else, so Jaime can show Brenda what he's become. First though he asks them if they know what happened to his dad while he was away? Turns out, his dad was shot trying to protect Luis, one of the guys that worked at his garage. While they discuss this, Diviner summons a couple angry Groot looking creatures. 

Brenda gets to see what Jaime wanted to show her, as he armors up to take on the creatures, while Diviner attempts to look like a hero stepping in to "save" La Dama's niece. 

The scarab resists harming the trees, until Jaime insists on taking control. Using the scarab, Blue Beetle traces the source of this magic back to it's source and ends it with a blast from his armor! The Diviner slinks away, as the teens discuss what happened. Jaime is tired of feeling out of control. He wants answers, and he asks Paco to contact the Posse for assistance!

Another pretty solid issue. I admit, I was a little resistant to Jaime, being a loyal Ted fan, but the kid is growing on me...thanks largely to the way Giffen and Rogers have developed him and his supporting cast. I hope you're all enjoying this ride with me! 

"Can't Go Home Again"

When last we left Jaime Reyes in the pre-New 52 DCU, he was naked and alone in the desert having just realized that he is the new Blue Beetle...well, sort of...I don't think I recapped the first issue as thoroughly as I do Ted's adventures. Hopefully, today's peek at issue #2 remedies that.

Blue Beetle #2, "Can't Go Home Again", is once again brought to us by Keith Giffen, John Rodgers and Cully Hamner. The story picks up with Jaime wandering through the desert in search of clothes, and something to tell his parents. He gives a very simple recap of "Infinite Crisis" (a satellite that Superman needed help with, saving the world...in space) before deciding she'd never believe it and would probably kill him...and then, flashback!

Jaime, Brenda and Paco are eating lunch outside at school, but they're being watched! While his friends don't notice Jaime (or more specifically the scarab) does. Jaime walks over to see what's up. Damper, the guy, can block people from seeing himself and those close to him. 

Probe, the girl...probes, or tries to. The scarab blocks her...and delivers some kind of psychic feedback as a defense, which gives the girl a crippling headache and nosebleed. Damper thinks it's Jaime's doing, but probe knows it's not, mumbling "no its not him...it's the other. The other..." Damper doesn't seem to hear it though, he pulls her away warning Jaime "Bad move! The Posse takes care of its own!", before disappearing. 

Back in the present, naked Jaime stumbles up to a gas station, and tries to get some clothes from a Goodwill donation bin. Suddenly "KA-CHAK", our hero finds himself facing the wrong end of a shotgun held by a burly gas station attendant. Lucky for Jaime the guy takes pity on him and offers to help...for a second I was worried this was going to go dark and "Deliverance" creepy!

Back in the past Jaime is hanging around his dad's auto shop, trying to get his father to let  him work part time. Dad says no, but Jaime persists, "Mom thinks its a good idea" At that point Damper, and the Posse walk by and Jaime takes off running, but gets tackled by a dwarf. The Posse corner him in an alley and say they want payback. He hurt Probe, and they want to know why? Scour, an obese member with acid sweat, flicks his fluid at Jaime. Surprisingly, as holes form on Jaime's shirt, Damper tells Scour to stop...at least until they're sure he deserves it. A cute blond steps forward and introduces everyone, "Where are our manners? The little one's Thump. I think you know why. You've met Damper. The pig's Scour. I'm Bonita." 

She proceeds to move in, as if to kiss Jaime while asking his name...but the scarab steps in. In seconds Blue Beetle is fully armored and on the offensive! Thump tries to get the jump on BB, but ends up tossed in a dumpster instead! Scour tries an acid attack, but gets pushed back with an energy blast! Thump tries again and gets hit with bolts of electricity from Beetle's armor! With everyone down, BB makes his escape, leaving Damper to wonder just what happened? 

The issue finishes in the present with Jaime getting a ride home from the gas station attendant. As they arrive, Jaime says he'll just sneak in his bedroom window...so no one freaks out...but they do! Jaime thinks he's only been gone one night...but he's actually been missing for a whole year!

Not too much Blue Beetle action in this issue, but some great character development and set up! What happened? How'd he going missing for a year? What's up with the Posse? The answers will be revealed (maybe) when we look at issue #3... Coming soon!

"Blue Monday"

What you may or may not be aware of is that while some of my posts are written a few days ahead of time (or even the day of like the convention posts) sometimes I write them weeks, or even months before they’re posted. This is one of those posts.
 
I recently posted another great Super-Team Family by Ross Pearsall that featured the Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle. I included Ross’ commentary from his own blog, which was in part, “..."I was among the many Ted Kord fans that was not happy when the Blue Beetle was killed off to kick off a DC Comics crossover. Despite that, I decided to give his replacement, Jaime Reyes, a chance and I have to admit that I do like the character quite a bit…That said, there was no reason he could not have been introduced while still keeping Ted Kord alive as well!"
 
I am, and will always be, a “Ted” guy. And like Ross, I was not happy when DC decided to kill him. Also like Ross I think there was no reason Ted couldn’t have lived on, maybe even mentored Jaime as the new Beetle. Heck…Chuck Dixon even pitched something like that with Ted mentoring Tim Drake…but DC passed. I’m starting to think the powers that be had something against good ol’ Ted. “Countdown To Infinite Crisis” saw Ted killed by his former JLI boss and friend Max Lord. “Infinite Crisis” introduced the world to his replacement, Jaime Reyes, who somehow unlocked abilities of Dan Garrett’s scarab that no one had seen before. This is all water under the bridge though, nothing we can change now. What I could do though is, like Ross, give the new kid a shot. I went online and ordered “Shellshocked” the trade that collected the first 6 issues of the new post-Infinite Crisis Blue Beetle…and…it wasn’t all that bad.

 Issue #1, written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers, with art by Cully Hamner, opens with a bang…well, more like a “KRAKKABOOM”, as an object falls from space and crashes in the desert. That object is actually the blue and black armor clad new Blue Beetle! Just a page turn later and Guy Gardner is hitting the kid with green energy blasts! Why? I'll be honest...its not clear, because no sooner does the Green Lantern shout out, "I WILL KILL YOU!" then we flash to "earlier" while Jaime and his friends walk down a street discussing whether or not one could kill someone with a pencil. That's biggest flaw of this issue in my opinion (besides Ted not being the Beetle) ...the storytelling. It's confusing. Every few pages we're either flashing forward or flashing back. I get that Giffen and Rogers want to flesh out Jaime, give the reader a chance to get to know him. I just don't think this was the best way...especially when you have a whole group of readers, fans of the characters and history, that are already on the fence with this "new" Blue Beetle.

Now...that said, it gets better over the next few issues...and they succeed in fleshing out the character and background. Jaime is a likable character, with parents, a sister and friends that care about him. His buddy Paco is the misunderstood muscle. The big guy with a big heart from the bad neighborhood. while his friend Brenda is quick witted and tough. She comes from money, but doesn't show it off. Like most siblings, Jaime and his younger sister Milagro share a love/hate relationships like most brothers and sisters do (I speak from years of experience, lol). His mother is nurse, his dad a mechanic, both trying hard to raise their children the right way.

Even the fight with Guy Gardner works out. We get to see the new Beetle in action. The armor seems to have a mind of its own* and provides what Jaime needs. When Guy blasts him, the armor provides wings/shields. And when there's a chance for Jaime to fight back, even if he's not sure he wants to, the armor provides a powerful blaster...and fires it against Jaime's wishes. And when Gardner gets the upper hand? The armor pulls back Jaime's mask to reveal, he's just a kid. Green Lantern, still acting crazy and talking about the bug suit giving him a migraine and Booster Gold telling him there was a new Beetle in town, backs down. "I...DON'T...HURT...KIDS!" After the GL leaves, the armor peels back, leaving Jaime, alone and naked, in the desert...while the scarab scurries up his back and attaches itself to the boy's spine.

A crazy first issue, confusing at times, but I guess in the end it does what it needs to do. We now know who the players are, and at least some very basics for the story to build on. There's still a lot of Ted material to cover, and I like to go back and peak at Garret and Garrett fairly often, but I think I'll through in an occasional recap/review of some of Jaime's adventures too.

*I know that later it is very clear that the armor/scarab do indeed have a mind of their own...but in this first issue it's not stated

Baltimore Comic-Con Day 2

So, day 1 of the con actually ended with dinner and the Harvey Awards. It was a great evening, and I even got to share a table with Paul Kupperberg and Joe Rubinstein. Let me tell you, the jokes and stories the two of them told made the evening! Hilarious!

Day 2 was another busy one, being on staff comes with perks, but also an ever changing list of duties. As such I completely missed the costume contest, and the bulk of the cosplay (sadly didn't see a single Blue Beetle)...but I did get some time to walk and talk to the legendary Ramona Fradon while escorting her to a panel room, and picked up some nice additions to my collection...check it out...

A great Jaime/BB by Cully Hamner

Gorgeous Ted/BB by Kevin Maguire

Some Aquaman swag including Ramona Fradon and Franco sketches, and my official FOAM pin (thanks Rob!) 

I love Kickstarter, Bloop is a great comic and Steve Conley is a great friend! 

Tinkerbell! I love seeing Disney cosplay!

Jem is truly outrageous!

Weskerrrrrrrrr! 

The cutest little Aquagirl I've ever seen! 

Zombie Doctor Who?!

Yours truly and Walt Flanagan of AMC's Comic Book Men!

Happy 75th Superman!

I scoured the web looking for the perfect image to pay tribute to Superman’s 75^th…and found this great Cully Hamner piece. It’s the cover to issue #15 of the 2006 series.

Happy 75th Big Blue!