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The Jaime Reyes version of the Blue Beetle has only been around in the pages of DC Comics since 2006. But since then, he’s made quite an impact. A legacy hero, Jaime Reyes is the third to wear the heroic mantle of Blue Beetle. Jaime Reyes, nevertheless, has appeared in several of his own comic series, and team books like Teen Titans, and appeared as Blue Beetle in both animated series (Young Justice, Batman: Brave and the Bold) and live-action shows (Smallville). Now, he’s starring in his own live-action film, Blue Beetle, starring Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña. But just who is Jaime Reyes? Here’s the lowdown on Blue Beetle, the Texas teen who is the new DCU’s first superhero.
Jaime Reyes’ DC Comics Origins as Blue Beetle
In DC Comics’ 2005-2006 event series Infinite Crisis‘ third issue, readers met Texas teenager Jaime Reyes. Months after the tragic death of Ted Kord (the second Blue Beetle), Jaime Reyes finds the ancient and powerful Beetle Scarab. It was in the keeping of the Wizard Shazam in the Rock of Eternity, and when that was destroyed, it crashed to Earth. Not long after, teenage Jaimie found it in El Paso, Texas totally by chance. The alien scarab bonded with Jaime Reyes in his sleep, and he was able to activate its powers, his first step toward becoming Blue Beetle. Even though, at first, Jaime had a tough time controlling his new abilities.
Thanks to Booster Gold, his predecessor Ted Kord’s best friend, Jaime was recruited to help Batman and others save the Multiverse. During this time, the Dark Knight saw much potential in Jaime Reyes, and took him under his wing helping him to become the Blue Beetle. But this isn’t Jaime Reyes’ only DC Comics Blue Beetle origin story. No, Jaime had quite a few.
In the 2011 New 52 reboot continuity, Jaime finds the scarab in a backpack he managed to steal away from some criminals, instead of just by sheer luck. And in the 2016 Rebirth re-reboot (DC does these a lot), the comics tweaked Jaime Reyes’ origin yet again, and this time DC revealed the scarab to be magical in nature and not just an alien artifact.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle has been around less than 20 years, and DC Comics has already altered his origin story three times! But the core facts about his backstory tend to remain the same throughout the different iterations.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle Comics Highlights
The previously mentioned event series Infinite Crisis, by Geoff Johns and Phil Jimenez, was the introduction of Blue Beetle, and even though largely retconned away now, serves as a great jumping-on point for the character. Following Infinite Crisis, Jaime got his own ongoing Blue Beetle series from creators Keith Giffen, John Rodgers, and artist Cully Hamner. That Blue Beetle series ran for 36 issues from 2006 to 2009. Following the New 52 line-wide reboot of 2011, Jaime got yet another new ongoing book from the creative team of Tony Bedard and Ig Guara, which lasted 17 issues in total.
Jaime Reyes’ most recent ongoing series, from returning writer Keith Giffen and artist Scott Kolins, came in 2016, and that third Blue Beetle volume lasted 18 issues. it ended in 2018. Since then, Jaime has appeared in the recent mini-series Blue Beetle: Graduation Day. That book came from the creative team of Josh Trujillo and Adrián Gutiérrez. In this story, Jaime graduated high school at last and moved from El Paso to Palmera City. The fictional town of Palmera City also appears in the upcoming live-action Blue Beetle movie.
What Are Blue Beetles’ Powers and Abilities?
All of the Blue Beetle’s powers emerge from the Scarab, which grafted itself to Jaime Reyes’ spine. Whenever Jaime is in any kind of peril, the Scarab activates and protects him by covering his body in the form of armor. This armor is strong enough to withstand energy blasts and even re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere from outer space. The Blue Beetle armor also has the power to transform into a wide variety of weapons, including an energy plasma blaster arm, as well as blades and shields. The armor’s wings allow for the power of flight, and they enhance Jaime’s strength and durability while he’s wearing it. However, Jaime Reyes’ enhancements are nothing quite approaching the levels of Superman or Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, when the Scarab’s armor retracts back into his spine, it’s quite a painful experience for poor Jaime despite his Blue Beetle abilities.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle Suit, Explained
The powers of Blue Beetle’s suit are tied to the Scarab attached to his body. The Scarab is a form of technology that originated from an alien civilization known as the Reach. Centuries ago, the Reach conquered worlds with their advanced tech. The idea behind the Scarab was that it would take over the mind of the person it attached itself to. Thus, allowing the Reach to conquer primitive worlds remotely. The Infiltrator Scarab Jaime has is known as Kahji Dha. But once left behind on Earth, ancient sorcerers used magic to alter its ability to control the person who wore it. The Blue Beetle scarab became the property of a Pharoah, who locked it with him in his tomb until archeologists discovered it in the 20th century.
The suit worn by actor Xolo Maridueña in the Blue Beetle movie is very accurate to the DC Comics suit designed by Jim Lee. it also has the name Kahji Dha. In fact, Jaime Reyes’ live-action Blue Beetle suit is one of the most comic-accurate costumes we’ve seen in any comic book movie so far. It is far closer to the original comics than the first live-action Blue Beetle, seen back in Smallville. Jaime Reyes’ live-action Blue Beetle costume functions the same as the one in the comics. Jaime can create many similar weapons for himself, just like his comics counterpart.
Who Is Blue Beetle’s Main Villain?
In the pages of the comics, Jaime Reyes’ main adversaries include local crime boss La Dama, who made Blue Beetle’s life miserable in El Paso. And of course, the alien Reach themselves. In the Blue Beetle movie, the big bads are Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), sister of Blue Beetle II, Ted Kord.
Although created for the Blue Beetle movie, Victoria Kord, the CEO of Kord Industries, actually made her debut in the comics—very recently, in fact. Victoria Kord first appeared in DC Comics as a part of the Blue Beetle: Graduation Day series. This is a callback to how DC created Batgirl for the Batman ’66 TV show, but she actually made her comic book debut months earlier. The other villain Jaime fights in the Blue Beetle movie is the cyborg known as Carapax. Carapax was the first villain Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle fought in his first DC Comics issue in 1986.
Will Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle Be in the DCU?
Although The Flash rebooted the DCEU into what will be James Gunn’s new DCU, and Blue Beetle came out after, the movie is not technically the first film of the DCU. However, James Gunn has confirmed that the Jaime Reyes we see in Blue Beetle, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña, will transfer over to his DCU. What that means is a mystery. A sequel film if the first is successful? A part in a team movie? We really have no idea. But expect to see this Blue Beetle flying next to Superman and the Batplane at some point in the future of the DCU.
Blue Beetle is now in theaters everywhere.
Originally published July 28, 2023.
The post Who Is DC Comics’ Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes? His Origins, Powers, and DCU Future, Explained appeared first on Nerdist.
The Jaime Reyes version of the Blue Beetle has only been around in the pages of DC Comics since 2006. But since then, he’s made quite an impact. A legacy hero, Jaime Reyes is the third to wear the heroic mantle of Blue Beetle. Jaime Reyes, nevertheless, has appeared in several of his own comic series, and team books like Teen Titans, and appeared as Blue Beetle in both animated series (Young Justice, Batman: Brave and the Bold) and live-action shows (Smallville). Now, he’s starring in his own live-action film, Blue Beetle, starring Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña. But just who is Jaime Reyes? Here’s the lowdown on Blue Beetle, the Texas teen who is the new DCU’s first superhero.
Jaime Reyes’ DC Comics Origins as Blue Beetle
In DC Comics’ 2005-2006 event series Infinite Crisis‘ third issue, readers met Texas teenager Jaime Reyes. Months after the tragic death of Ted Kord (the second Blue Beetle), Jaime Reyes finds the ancient and powerful Beetle Scarab. It was in the keeping of the Wizard Shazam in the Rock of Eternity, and when that was destroyed, it crashed to Earth. Not long after, teenage Jaimie found it in El Paso, Texas totally by chance. The alien scarab bonded with Jaime Reyes in his sleep, and he was able to activate its powers, his first step toward becoming Blue Beetle. Even though, at first, Jaime had a tough time controlling his new abilities.
Thanks to Booster Gold, his predecessor Ted Kord’s best friend, Jaime was recruited to help Batman and others save the Multiverse. During this time, the Dark Knight saw much potential in Jaime Reyes, and took him under his wing helping him to become the Blue Beetle. But this isn’t Jaime Reyes’ only DC Comics Blue Beetle origin story. No, Jaime had quite a few.
In the 2011 New 52 reboot continuity, Jaime finds the scarab in a backpack he managed to steal away from some criminals, instead of just by sheer luck. And in the 2016 Rebirth re-reboot (DC does these a lot), the comics tweaked Jaime Reyes’ origin yet again, and this time DC revealed the scarab to be magical in nature and not just an alien artifact.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle has been around less than 20 years, and DC Comics has already altered his origin story three times! But the core facts about his backstory tend to remain the same throughout the different iterations.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle Comics Highlights
The previously mentioned event series Infinite Crisis, by Geoff Johns and Phil Jimenez, was the introduction of Blue Beetle, and even though largely retconned away now, serves as a great jumping-on point for the character. Following Infinite Crisis, Jaime got his own ongoing Blue Beetle series from creators Keith Giffen, John Rodgers, and artist Cully Hamner. That Blue Beetle series ran for 36 issues from 2006 to 2009. Following the New 52 line-wide reboot of 2011, Jaime got yet another new ongoing book from the creative team of Tony Bedard and Ig Guara, which lasted 17 issues in total.
Jaime Reyes’ most recent ongoing series, from returning writer Keith Giffen and artist Scott Kolins, came in 2016, and that third Blue Beetle volume lasted 18 issues. it ended in 2018. Since then, Jaime has appeared in the recent mini-series Blue Beetle: Graduation Day. That book came from the creative team of Josh Trujillo and Adrián Gutiérrez. In this story, Jaime graduated high school at last and moved from El Paso to Palmera City. The fictional town of Palmera City also appears in the upcoming live-action Blue Beetle movie.
What Are Blue Beetles’ Powers and Abilities?
All of the Blue Beetle’s powers emerge from the Scarab, which grafted itself to Jaime Reyes’ spine. Whenever Jaime is in any kind of peril, the Scarab activates and protects him by covering his body in the form of armor. This armor is strong enough to withstand energy blasts and even re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere from outer space. The Blue Beetle armor also has the power to transform into a wide variety of weapons, including an energy plasma blaster arm, as well as blades and shields. The armor’s wings allow for the power of flight, and they enhance Jaime’s strength and durability while he’s wearing it. However, Jaime Reyes’ enhancements are nothing quite approaching the levels of Superman or Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, when the Scarab’s armor retracts back into his spine, it’s quite a painful experience for poor Jaime despite his Blue Beetle abilities.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle Suit, Explained
The powers of Blue Beetle’s suit are tied to the Scarab attached to his body. The Scarab is a form of technology that originated from an alien civilization known as the Reach. Centuries ago, the Reach conquered worlds with their advanced tech. The idea behind the Scarab was that it would take over the mind of the person it attached itself to. Thus, allowing the Reach to conquer primitive worlds remotely. The Infiltrator Scarab Jaime has is known as Kahji Dha. But once left behind on Earth, ancient sorcerers used magic to alter its ability to control the person who wore it. The Blue Beetle scarab became the property of a Pharoah, who locked it with him in his tomb until archeologists discovered it in the 20th century.
The suit worn by actor Xolo Maridueña in the Blue Beetle movie is very accurate to the DC Comics suit designed by Jim Lee. it also has the name Kahji Dha. In fact, Jaime Reyes’ live-action Blue Beetle suit is one of the most comic-accurate costumes we’ve seen in any comic book movie so far. It is far closer to the original comics than the first live-action Blue Beetle, seen back in Smallville. Jaime Reyes’ live-action Blue Beetle costume functions the same as the one in the comics. Jaime can create many similar weapons for himself, just like his comics counterpart.
Who Is Blue Beetle’s Main Villain?
In the pages of the comics, Jaime Reyes’ main adversaries include local crime boss La Dama, who made Blue Beetle’s life miserable in El Paso. And of course, the alien Reach themselves. In the Blue Beetle movie, the big bads are Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), sister of Blue Beetle II, Ted Kord.
Although created for the Blue Beetle movie, Victoria Kord, the CEO of Kord Industries, actually made her debut in the comics—very recently, in fact. Victoria Kord first appeared in DC Comics as a part of the Blue Beetle: Graduation Day series. This is a callback to how DC created Batgirl for the Batman ’66 TV show, but she actually made her comic book debut months earlier. The other villain Jaime fights in the Blue Beetle movie is the cyborg known as Carapax. Carapax was the first villain Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle fought in his first DC Comics issue in 1986.
Will Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle Be in the DCU?
Although The Flash rebooted the DCEU into what will be James Gunn’s new DCU, and Blue Beetle came out after, the movie is not technically the first film of the DCU. However, James Gunn has confirmed that the Jaime Reyes we see in Blue Beetle, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña, will transfer over to his DCU. What that means is a mystery. A sequel film if the first is successful? A part in a team movie? We really have no idea. But expect to see this Blue Beetle flying next to Superman and the Batplane at some point in the future of the DCU.
Blue Beetle is now in theaters everywhere.
Originally published July 28, 2023.
The post Who Is DC Comics’ Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes? His Origins, Powers, and DCU Future, Explained appeared first on Nerdist.
Memphis teenagers Darnell Wells and Zac Sherrod linked up to provide free haircuts and hot meals to the homeless population in their city. WREG reported that the pair organized an effort to feed the homeless after Wells posed a question on his Facebook account. Wells asked if anyone wanted to help him feed the homeless and Sherrod didn’t just respond with his words.
According to Wells, they gave out at least 30 hamburgers to Memphis homeless. They initially were not going to post their good deed, but Wells says he was moved by God to put it out, as he told WREG: “We weren’t going to post it and publicize it at all, but God put it on my heart to post it. I hope it inspires somebody to go out and help somebody else.”
Wells usually works at The Shop, located in Frayser but he wanted to do something positive to benefit his community. Wells grabbed his clippers, and some collapsible outdoor chairs, and scooped up Sherrod, then set out to cut the hair of local homeless people.
The pair found a few people waiting when they got to the location, as Wells told WREG, “It was only two people when we got there. I ended up cutting nine heads and had five more waiting. We ended up giving out at least 30 burgers.”
Photo Credit: Darnell Wells
Wells is not looking to end his positive contributions to his city anytime soon, saying that he wants to do something to help out local children. “I’m trying to get to kids, so they know it’s people doing the right thing, and you can do something positive and help other people.”
Wells also reflected on his conversations with homeless people as he was providing haircare. “We learned so much from them. They were giving us their life stories, and how they got into the predicament they’re in — giving us lessons.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is bringing back the heroes in a half-shell in a big way. Whether you’ve seen the many (many) ads, were a huge fan from back in the day, or are a new fan there’s something here for you. When I tell you the franchise is in good hands, it looks like these Renaissance-named ninjas are about to be around for a good long while.
Another One
I know that you know that everyone knows audiences are drowning in rehashed IPs. It’s as if there are no original ideas out there being produced (unless you look outside the big studios and focus on smaller indie or ethical studios like A24 who have already chosen to honor the demands set by the WGA & SAG-AFTRA strike). Despite the numerous sequels, spinoffs, and prequels, Mutant Mayhem delivers one hell of a reboot. Mind you, TMNT started as a comic book in 1984, then was an animated show in 1987, then the first movie in 1990. You can Google the rest of the numerous cartoons, newer comics, crossovers, video games, etc., and see the long legacy of the franchise. That said, this might be the best Turtles property so far.
Iconic Turtles Are Back
Mutant Mayhem is a dope return to form for the Ninja Turtles IP, the archetypes are so wonderfully modernized and terribly cute. Everything from the OG 80s comic is here in this movie. Gritty New York City? Check. Alienated high school-aged mutants living in the shadows? Check. A Black April O’Neil? Check.
What Mutant Mayhem brings to the table that sets it apart is what feels like the most genuine comradery the Turtle brothers have ever had across all of media. The way the core cast (Micah Abbey as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michaelangelo, Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo, and Brady Noon as Raphael) clicks is almost uncanny. It really feels like these young actors were recording a slice-of-life anime of any given Thursday with high school freshmen. They are a vibe, and it makes the whole movie so effortless and fun to watch.
Authentic NYC Or Nah?
There is a level of authenticity that drives this whole thing; it’s irrevocably and unmistakably NYC. From the cultural references, the acting, the art style, the music – the whole aesthetic feels cohesive. It almost felt as though one was looking through a New York-tinted lens. If you’re from the tri-state area, it’s gonna hit different.
The ‘imperfect’ art design is a stroke of genius. All of the asymmetries work right into the ‘teenage’ feel of the movie. Despite utilizing the same ‘dropped frames’ sketchbook animation effect made popular by the Spider-Verse movies, Mutant Mayhem manages to stand on its own. From the cityscape to the characters, the look just screams dystopian urban landscape and that was always the vision TMNT creators Kevin Eastman (easter egg hidden in the name of April’s school) and Peter Laird (easter egg in the neon sign where the turtles and April meet) had in mind. But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in any of its forms is always a coming-of-age story. And coming-of-age these days looks a lot like this:
It is not lost on any real New Yorker that there’s an entirely improvised scene in the movie where the turtles start talking wild reckless in the vein of the homegrown Instagram sensation Sidetalk NYC. When the Ninja Turtles are talking about bacon, egg, and cheeses with puffer coats and Timbs – that just warmed my jaded, Bronx-raised heart. Or furthermore that the god of Chopped Cheeses made ‘the Ocky way’ gets a sponsored ad on Tik-Tok making a TMNT-themed bacon egg and cheese on a pizza?!? Can’t forget the bev (never, never, never). Oh nah, somebody did their homework, and east coast audiences are going to be so hyped.
@rah_money1 TMNT Bacon, Egg and Cheese THE OCKY WAY
♬ original sound – General ockWatch the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: #MutantMayhem Only In Theatres August 2nd #ParamountPartner @ninjaswhoareturtles @Paramount Pictures
What Ever Happened To…
Part of what makes Mutant Mayhem so entertaining is the stellar cast. Having Ice Cube and Paul Rudd in a movie together is something only Seth Rogen might be able to do. However, for the last fifteen years or so the lion’s share of animated flicks have used actors with big names to draw audiences into theatres. As a result, a lot of our favorite voice actors have been relegated to supporting roles or background work. Unfortunately, the success of yet another animated cluster of Hollywood talent will only reinforce that going forward. Perhaps after the strike, they’ll be some leverage for voice-centric actors to return to prominence.
Aight, So Boom
Mutant Mayhem is the goods people, it lands all of the important cultural nuances without beating you in the head while doing it. Between its cultural competency, the talent, the synergy between the turtles, and the New York City of it all – you’ll be hard pressed to find a more fun movie this year. It’s like Across The Spider-Verse but with none of the high stakes. No matter where you are in the forty-year mythos, this is a great place to jump back in.
Like TMNT? Find BNP’s other reviews of the franchise here.
Cover image via CNN
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The post New York or Nah?: ‘TMNT: Mutant Mayhem’ Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.