Blue Beetle (Dan Garrett) Reading Guide

Blue Beetle (Dan Garrett)

Dan Garrett is the original Blue Beetle, created in 1939 and reconned in 1964. As an archeologist, Garrett discovers a mystical scarab that grants him enhanced abilities and a blue suit of invulnerability. He fights crime as the Blue Beetle, utilizing his intelligence, detective skills, and physical prowess. Garrett’s adventures spanned the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, and his legacy was carried on by subsequent Blue Beetle incarnations, including Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes. Despite variations in his origin and subsequent character interpretations, Dan Garrett remains an integral part of Blue Beetle’s narrative in the DC Universe.

Tired of stumbling upon unwanted spoilers while researching what to read? Look no further! These carefully curated reading guides are designed with new readers in mind, ensuring you receive top-notch recommendations without sacrificing the element of surprise. Our central mission is to provide a spoiler-free experience, allowing you to embark on your reading journey with excitement and anticipation. Say goodbye to accidental reveals and embrace a guide that keeps the thrill of discovery intact!

NOTE: I do provide REVIEWS along the way that DO CONTAIN SPOILIERS, so proceed with caution.

This guide is by no means comprehensive. Instead it covers what I have read or plan to read, and I will continue to update as I continue on.

Pre-Crisis Earths Reading Order:

Armed with the mystical powers of the Blue Beetle scarab, Garrett battled a variety of villains and protected the innocent. His stories often featured a blend of superhero action, detective work, and science fiction elements, cementing Blue Beetle’s place as a beloved character of the era and setting the stage for future incarnations of the Blue Beetle legacy.

Related Event Guides
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistRead?
UncollectedDan GarrettBlue Beetle vol. 21964 Joe Gill / Tony TallaricoSkip
Blue Beetle (Dan Garrett) Pre-Crisis Reading Order

Post-Crisis Reading Order:

In the 1980s Blue Beetle series, Dan Garrett was reimagined as a historical figure and predecessor to the modern Blue Beetle, Ted Kord. In this incarnation, Garrett was portrayed as an archaeologist who discovered the mystical scarab and became the first Blue Beetle. The series delved into Garrett’s past adventures and impact on the Blue Beetle legacy, exploring his role as a heroic inspiration to Ted Kord and providing insights into the rich history of the Blue Beetle mantle.

Related Event Guides
Collected EditionStoryIssuesYearAuthor/ArtistRead?
UncollectedUpdated Origin StorySecret Origins vol. 2 #21986Len Wein/Gil KaneRead
UncollectedInfluence on TedBlue Beetle #17-181987Len Wein/
Paris Cullins
Read
Blue Beetle (Dan Garrett) Post-Crisis Reading Order

References:

Feature Image Blue Beetle vol. 2, #1 (June 1964), cover art by Frank McLaughlin.

Brett

In my mid-30s, I ventured into the mesmerizing world of comic books, and since then, they've captured my heart as one of my cherished pastimes. With a delightful dance between Marvel and DC, sprinkled with the occasional indie gem, I've immersed myself in this enchanting universe. As a true completionist at heart, my passion for collecting has birthed an abundance of reading lists that I'm thrilled to share with all of you, bringing us together on this thrilling comic journey.

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