***Contains Spoilers***
The 1980s Blue Beetle series by DC Comics gives Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle, a chance to establish himself in his own solo title. The series begins with Kord as a tech-savvy, quirky hero protecting Chicago, balancing his responsibilities as an inventor and crimefighter. Across its 24-issue run, the series touches on various storylines, including the legacy of the Blue Beetle, a memorable clash with an earlier version of the hero, and tie-ins with DC’s larger events like Millennium. However, despite some interesting ideas, the series struggles to rise above the era’s average superhero fare.
One aspect I appreciated was the setting in my hometown —Chicago. At a time when most DC heroes were stationed in Metropolis, Gotham, or New York, it was refreshing to see Ted operating in a less conventional location. It gave the series some initial personality and charm, even if that wasn’t explored as much as I would’ve liked. Another highlight was the “Beetle vs. Beetle” arc, where Ted faces off against Dan Garrett’s legacy as the original Blue Beetle. This storyline had some solid emotional beats and offered deeper insight into Ted’s insecurities as a hero trying to live up to the legacy of his predecessor. Lastly, the tie-in to Millennium, set in Iran, was fun. While not groundbreaking, it was a nice change of scenery and added stakes that helped round out the series’ scope.
For those interested in Ted’s origins or the Blue Beetle legacy, I’d highly recommend reading Secret Origins #2 beforehand. It provides a great recap of both Dan Garrett’s and Ted Kord’s backstories, giving more weight to some of the series’ key moments. Unfortunately, the series itself never quite reaches the same level of intrigue or depth.
That brings me to the things I didn’t like. For starters, nothing in the series truly stands out. The writing is serviceable, but lacks the dynamism or creativity that would make it unforgettable. The villains are mostly unremarkable, and while Ted is likable, he never quite evolves as a character. Even the action scenes feel fairly by-the-numbers. I also found it disappointing that Ted eventually leaves Chicago. While his move to join the Justice League International makes sense within the context of the larger DC Universe, it feels like a missed opportunity to give him a stronger foothold in his solo series. It’s also worth noting that the overall tone of the series feels a bit dated, with some of the dialogue and pacing reflecting the less sophisticated storytelling style of the time.
In conclusion, the 1980s Blue Beetle series is fine, but not exceptional. It’s worth reading if you’re a fan of Ted Kord or want to explore the Blue Beetle legacy, but it’s not a series I’d revisit. While it has its moments—especially the Beetle vs. Beetle arc—it doesn’t do enough to elevate itself beyond an average superhero comic of its era. My rating: 2 stars. I liked it, but I wouldn’t read it again.
Feature Image Blue Beetle #2 cover art by Paris Cullins and Bruce D. Patterson
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