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Legend.
A description that is thrown around often to describe greatness. Some would say another way to exemplify an impact a person has made. It is a perfect adjective to describe Keith Giffen.
Giffen passed away in October of 2023 at the age of 70 but his legacy in comics will forever be timeless. His runs on Legion Of Super Heroes and Justice League International gave fans much to rave about. The characters he co-created have transcended the comic pages to multi-media. Do the names “Lobo” and “Rocket Raccoon” strike a chord? That’s Giffen.
Another Giffen character that has leapt off the pages and into pop culture: Jaime Reyes aka Blue Beetle. Since 2006, Reyes has grown his fanbase via animated roles and a live action film debuting in 2023.
Reyes has also grown in the comic world as well. From the pages of Blue Beetle: Graduation Day to the ongoing series, The DC Comics character has shown nothing but a bright future.
Considering who had a hand in creating him, it’s no surprise that other talented creators have forged their own paths for Jaime. After wrapping up “The Scarab War” storyline, it was announced that Issue #7 would be a tribute issue to Jaime’s co-creator.
Blue Beetle #7 by Josh Trujillo, Adrián Gutiérrez, Wil Quintana, Scott Kolins, Cully Hamner, Howard Porter, Natacha Bustos, Laura Martin, Hi-Fi, Luis Guerrero and Lucas Gattoni pays homage to the late Keith Giffen with an unforgettable issue.
It’s an issue that has the entire N.I. Bullpen talking. That said, it’s a joint review from assistant editor Marty Stoked and yours truly (Ken – Nerd initiative EIC/ODPH Podcast). Let’s not wait any longer and dive into this story!
AND HOW WAS THE STORY…..
KEN: Anytime you can take a trip back to the wonderful time of JLI, It’s a big win. Trujillo taps into the classic wit and humor of that series when Jaime travels back on his search for Ted. It sets a strong pace for the rest of the issue.
With the additional stops in their search, fans get a peek into worlds and characters who have all been connected with Giffen. Trujillo spares no expense with the easter eggs in this department. There will be some double takes once certain characters hit the page, but it reflects the influence and legacy Giffen has left with fans.
The banter between Booster Gold and Jaime finds its’ own groove without copying the original Blue and Gold pair. No matter what time they are in, the mood is light and plays off the carefree attitude of Booster. Trujillo gives an emotional break with the return to El Paso.
The themes convey the doubt and need for inner strength in which all heroes (young and old) go through. This leads into a quirky final act but it all makes sense to the overall picture. The closing pages provide a small glimpse of what’s to come. Trust me when I say, this series has many tales to tell and its’ only getting started.
Marty: Trujillo’s writing shines as he seamlessly weaves backstory with present-day action. The dynamic between Jaime and Booster Gold is electric, offering readers a glimpse into the history of Ted Kord and his superheroing days. The stakes are high, and the introduction of new characters adds a layer of unpredictability, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
What sets this issue apart is its ability to balance high-octane superhero action with heartfelt moments of family and grounding. Jaime’s interactions with his mother provide a relatable anchor amidst the chaos, adding depth to his character and the narrative.
DID THE ALL-STAR CREATIVE TEAM DELIVER ON THE VISUALS?
Ken: With so many artists involved, the journey for Ted Kord has something for everyone. Gutiérrez bookends the issue with noteworthy images. the introduction of Booster Gold feels dramatic. The ordeal of Ted Kord is presented to readers with a unique idea of what has transpired.
This leads into the travel through time and its’ fantastic stops along the way. The closing sequence lays the foundation for the new arc with some surprises in the mix.
The JLI panels have a very retro feel to them. The LOSH imagery is very kinetic and hits their marks before moving the story along. The stop that fans will connect with the most is in El Paso. The emotions coming from Jaime and his mother’s talk brings the story full circle as Jaime searches for inner strength.
This builds to a great introduction of arguably Giffen’s most famous character. The moment leads into a strong and funny close, fitting for the style which Giffen brought to comic readers. all the creators hit their marks while paying homage.
Marty: The artistic team, led by Gutiérrez, delivers stunning visuals that elevate the storytelling to new heights. From the cosmic chaos of Ted Kord’s time stream adventure to the retro stylings of past eras, each panel is a visual feast for the eyes.
The seamless transition between artists adds to the immersive experience, enhancing the storytelling rather than detracting from it. Special mention must be made of the colors and letters, which complement the artwork perfectly, capturing the essence of each scene and character.
WHAT’S THE FINAL SCORE?
KEN: FINAL POINT: 9 out of 10
With Blue Beetle #7, Trujillo leads an all-star line-up of creators in paying tribute to one of the greats. Mixing in humor with heart, the latest adventure of Jaime Reyes is an instant hit. Superb writing highlights the incredible imagery that pays tribute to Giffen in spades. This is a great read that comic fans will not want to miss out on for NCBD.
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Marty FINAL POINT: 9 out of 10
Blue Beetle #7 emerges as a shining gem in the realm of superhero comics, seamlessly blending action, emotion, and nostalgia into a single captivating narrative. It delivers on all fronts, offering readers a thrilling and heartfelt superhero experience. With its perfect blend of action, humor, and heart, this issue sets the stage for an epic adventure to come.
