Tony's Superhero Saturdays™: The Legacy of Blue Beetle — Three Heroes, One Symbol
- Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
On this edition of Tony's Superhero Saturdays, we're diving into a mantle that has passed through generations of DC Comics — each time adapting to a new era, a new hero, and a new mission. That hero is the Blue Beetle — a name held by three unique champions: Dan Garrett, Ted Kord, and Jaime Reyes.
The First Beetle: Dan Garrett (Golden Age Origin)
Dan Garrett was the original Blue Beetle, introduced in 1939 by Fox Comics before being acquired by Charlton and later DC. He was an archetypal Golden Age hero: a police officer turned costumed crimefighter who later gained superpowers from a mystical scarab discovered during an archaeological dig in Egypt.
With enhanced strength, invulnerability, and flight (in some iterations), Dan Garrett was noble, courageous, and very much a man of his time. His legacy laid the groundwork for what would become a generational symbol of justice.
The Inventor Hero: Ted Kord (Silver Age Brilliance)
Ted Kord was Garrett's student and successor. Introduced in 1966 by Steve Ditko, Ted didn’t have superpowers — but he made up for it with unmatched intelligence, acrobatics, and a sense of humor. A brilliant inventor and gadgeteer, Ted fought crime using advanced technology, his flying Bug-ship, and hand-to-hand combat.
Ted was a key member of the Justice League International, known for his bromance with Booster Gold. He brought wit, strategy, and heart to the League. His death in Countdown to Infinite Crisis (2005) was a shocking moment in DC history — showing his refusal to back down in the face of corruption.
The Modern Legacy: Jaime Reyes (Latino Representation for a New Generation)
When the scarab bonded with Jaime Reyes, a teenager from El Paso, Texas, the Blue Beetle identity evolved once again. Created in 2006 by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner, Jaime's version of the scarab activated alien technology — granting him an adaptive armor with flight, energy blasts, blades, and more.
Unlike his predecessors, Jaime initially struggled with the scarab’s sentience and dangerous capabilities, leading to inner conflict and growth. What makes Jaime so important is his cultural authenticity — his relationship with his family, his neighborhood, and his Mexican-American heritage are always front and center.
He has served with the Teen Titans, Young Justice, and Justice League in various continuities, making him one of the most relatable, youth-driven heroes in the DC lineup.
Why Blue Beetle Matters
Each Blue Beetle represents a different kind of hero:
Dan Garrett: Mystical legacy and Golden Age valor.
Ted Kord: Human innovation, friendship, and sacrifice.
Jaime Reyes: Identity, family, and the fusion of alien tech with real-world heart.
Blue Beetle is one of the few legacies that seamlessly blends magic, science, and intergalactic myth with real-world themes of identity, justice, and representation.
Blue Beetle in Comics
Blue Beetle (1967–1968): Ted Kord's original solo run.
Justice League International: Ted Kord shines in team dynamics and comedic timing.
Blue Beetle (2006–2009): Jaime’s origin and battle against the Reach.
Blue Beetle: Graduation Day (2022–2023): A fresh exploration of Jaime juggling superhero duties and family expectations.
Infinite Crisis, Brightest Day, Young Justice, and Future State series also feature all Beetles in some capacity.
Notable Storylines and Romantic Interests
Dan Garrett: Dan’s adventures were largely episodic and didn’t include a central romantic interest, reflecting the simpler storytelling of his era.
Ted Kord: While Ted often flirted and had a few casual romances, one of his most significant relationships was with Barbara Gordon (Oracle) during the Birds of Prey era. His unshakable loyalty to his friends, especially Booster Gold, often defined his emotional core more than romantic subplots.
Jaime Reyes: Jaime’s high school life included romantic tension and brief relationships, notably with Traci 13, a magical heroine who appeared in several arcs. Their bond added depth to Jaime’s growth, balancing hero duties with teenage romance and everyday life challenges.
Key storylines for Jaime include:
"Reach for the Stars": Confrontation with the Reach, the alien race behind the scarab.
"End Game" (Young Justice): A powerful arc in the animated series where Jaime breaks free from scarab control.
"Graduation Day": Recent mini-series showcasing Jaime’s maturity, cultural pride, and his next steps into adulthood and heroism.
Appearances in TV, Animation & Film
Dan Garrett appears in comics flashbacks but hasn't had major screen time.
Ted Kord appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold and is referenced in Arrow and Peacemaker.
Jaime Reyes has starred in:
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Young Justice (Season 2, a major spotlight arc)
DC Super Hero Girls
Blue Beetle (2023 film) — played by Xolo Maridueña, bringing Jaime to the big screen for the first time.
Affiliations
Dan Garrett: Independent hero, sometimes linked to mystical protectors.
Ted Kord: Justice League International, Booster Gold, Birds of Prey.
Jaime Reyes: Teen Titans, Justice League, Young Justice.
Final Thoughts
From ancient magic to advanced tech and alien armor, the legacy of Blue Beetle proves that the symbol doesn’t define the hero — the heart does. Whether it’s Dan’s courage, Ted’s sacrifice, or Jaime’s resilience, Blue Beetle reminds us that heroes come in all forms, and legacies are built when courage meets purpose.
Stay tuned for more spotlights every week, and check out my original superhero series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ — where legacy, light, and heroism collide.
📚 Grab signed copies of my books at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop
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