Blue Beetle: Graduation Day #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Josh Trujillo and illustrated by Adrian Gutierrez.
Issue #1 is available 29th November 2022 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Jaime Reyes has a lot to juggle. Whether it’s his finals for senior year or a new villain tearing up El Paso, Jaime is always torn between two worlds. But when his worlds come crashing together at his high school graduation, nothing will ever be the same. A message from the Reach bombards Jaime’s scarab, Khaji Da, and it starts throwing off his connection to the device.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Jaime’s parents and friends are pressuring him about his next steps in life. But what’s hidden here on Earth that’s drawing the Reach back? And where did this new Fadeaway Man come from? Can Jaime find balance in his life and rise to become a true hero, or is it curtains for Blue Beetle?
Review
It’s time for the second of DC’s Round Robin winners to make their debut. Blue Beetle: Graduation Days acts a somewhat of a re-introduction to the Jaime Reyes incarnation of the Blue Beetle. The six-part series sets out to follow Jaime as he tries to juggle his final year in high school and saving the world. As you can well imagine, it is no easy task. Especially since the sacred scarab that has fused to Jaime’s back is the one calling the shots.
With the threat of The Reach surfacing again, the threat to Earth is all to real and the other heroes don’t think the time is right for Jaime to be Blue Beetle. Trujillo’s book poses the ultimate question: does Jaime have a choice?
Trujillo’s style is action packed but light hearted. There’s an uplifting nature which put me in mind of Miles Morales. There’s a similar flavour to presenting these young, diverse heroes to a new audience. This limited series certainly has started off well and looks to explode in the coming issues.
Adrian Gutierrez brings a similar light hearted feel to the illustrations that makes the overall reading experience enjoyable and almost makes the character of Jaime more relatable giving the reader an authentic experience.
Verdict
If you like Miles Morales then you’ll most definitely be a fan of this series, the light hearted feel really makes the reading experience enjoyable and one not to be missed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
