Ted Kord, also known as Blue Beetle, is a beloved character in the DC Universe. As the second Blue Beetle, he is a genius inventor and skilled martial artist who fights crime using his technological gadgets and acrobatic abilities. Ted Kord is known for his wit, charm, and resourcefulness, making him a fan-favorite among readers.
Unlike his predecessor, Ted Kord does not possess superhuman powers but compensates with his intelligence and arsenal of gadgets. He was a notable member of the Justice League International, where he often served as the team’s comedic relief and technical expert. Ted Kord’s legacy extends beyond his heroic persona. He is remembered for his enduring friendship with Booster Gold, with whom he formed a dynamic duo known for their lighthearted banter and adventures.
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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:
Blue Beetle, created by Steve Ditko, made his debut in Captain Atom #83 in 1966 before receiving his own ongoing series. The second Blue Beetle, Ted Kord, was a brilliant inventor and skilled acrobat who used his advanced gadgets and martial arts skills to fight crime. As Blue Beetle, Ted Kord becomes a member of the Charlton Comics superhero lineup and embarks on various adventures as a solo hero.
Related Event Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Heroes Archive Volume 2 | Ted Kord Original Origin | Captain Atom (vol. 1) #83–89, Charlton Bullseye #1–2, 5, Mysterious Suspense #1, Blue Beetle (vol. 5) #1-5 | 1966 | Joe Gill & Steve Ditko | ⭐️ |
Post-Crisis Reading Order:
Between Crisis on Infinite Earths and Zero Hour, Blue Beetle continued to be an active member of the superhero community. He played a significant role in the Justice League International series, serving as a key member of the team and showcasing his wit, intelligence, and resourcefulness. During this period, Blue Beetle engaged in various adventures alongside his teammates, often providing a comedic touch to the team’s missions while also demonstrating his skills as a detective and inventor.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncollected | Updated Origin Story | Secret Origins vol. 2 #2 | 1986 | Len Wein/Gil Kane | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
| Uncollected | Solo Run | Blue Beetle vol. 6 #1-24 | 1986-1988 | Len Wein | ⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
| Uncollected | Legends Tie-ins | Blue Beetle vol. 6 #9-10 | 1987 | Len Wein | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Review) |
| Uncollected | Millenium Tie-ins | Blue Beetle vol. 6 #20-21 | 1988 | Len Steve Englehart/ Joe Staton | Skipped |
This is as far as I have read! Beyond this point is what I plan on reading. Stay tuned for Updates.
Post-Zero Hour Reading Order:
After the dissolution of the Justice League International, Ted Kord continued his crime-fighting career as Blue Beetle. He embarked on various solo adventures and Justice League spin-offs, often utilizing his genius intellect and technological gadgets to combat villains and protect the innocent. Ted Kord’s character continued to be characterized by his wit, resourcefulness, and close friendship with Booster Gold, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite within the DC Universe.
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Related Team Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncollected | Ted Helps the Birds of Prey | Birds of Prey #19-42 | 2000-2002 | Chuck Dixon/Jackson “Butch” Guice | |
| The OMAC Project | Countdown to Infinite Crisis | Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1, OMAC Project #1 | 2005 | Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, & Judd Winick/Various |
New 52 Reading Order:
During the New 52 era, the portrayal of Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) underwent significant changes. In this continuity, a new Blue Beetle named Jaime Reyes took on the mantle, and Ted Kord’s history was altered. Ted Kord’s role was reimagined as a mentor to Jaime, providing guidance and support as Jaime embraced his own Blue Beetle legacy. While Ted Kord didn’t have a solo series during this time, his presence as a guiding figure added depth to the Blue Beetle mythology within the New 52 universe.
Related Event Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forever Evil | Forever Evil | Forever Evil #7 | 2013 | Geoff Johns/David Finch | |
| Convergence: Infinite Earths Book One & Two | Convergence Tie-ins | Convergence: Blue Beetle #1-2 | 2015 | Scott Lobdell/Yishan Li |
DC Rebirth Reading Order:
During DC Rebirth, Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) had a significant presence as a main character in the “Blue Beetle” ongoing series. The series focused on Ted Kord mentoring the young Jaime Reyes, the third Blue Beetle, as they navigate their shared legacy. Ted played a supporting role, providing guidance and expertise to Jaime while dealing with the challenges of his own past and the responsibilities of being a hero.
Related Event Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Beetle vol.1 | The More Things Change | Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1, Blue Bettle vol.9 #1-5 | 2016 | Keith Giffen/ Scott Kolins | |
| Blue Beetle vol.2 | Hard Choices | Blue Bettle vol.9 #6-12 | 2016-2017 | Keith Giffen/ Scott Kolins | |
| Blue Beetle vol.3 | Road to Nowhere | Blue Bettle vol.9 #3-18 | 2017 | Keith Giffen/ Scott Kolins |
Infinite Frontier Reading Order
Infinite Frontier is the latest reboot of the DC Universe and will be updated in the future.
References:
Feature Image Blue Beetle vol.6 #14 Cover art by Paris Collins & Bruce D. Patterson
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