Warning! Spoilers for Blue and Gold #7 ahead!
Everyone’s favorite crimefighting duo, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle, are joined by the newest Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, in DC’s Blue and Gold before Jaime makes his big screen debut next year. These days many fans are more familiar with Jaime’s version of the Blue Beetle, as seen in DC’s animated movies and shows, but he is only one of three Blue Beetles to appear in comics. Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle, and Michael Carter, A.K.A. Booster Gold, are two former members of Justice League: International, a branch of the Justice League that gained popularity in the ’90s. These heroes have saved the world time and time again, even working alongside Superman to slow Doomsday’s path of mass-destruction in The Death of Superman.
Currently, Booster and Beetle star in their own series, Blue and Gold by Dan Jurgens and Ryan Sook, as they help New Yorkers with unique problems often ignored by the Justice League. While Booster pushes for a fan-following and crowdfunding to support their endeavors, Blue Beetle tries to reel his best friend back in when he becomes too ambitious. The series is full of references harking back to the days of JLI and even includes appearances from Guy Gardner, and friend of Superman, Bibbo Bibbowski, who both actively watch Booster’s livestreams. At the end of Blue and Gold #6, another viewer, Jaime Reyes, is revealed to be in New York City.
At the beginning of Blue and Gold #7, Jaime is trapped by an alien, Nullifex. While Jaime is restrained and sedated by wires attached to his suit, Nullifex reveals his scheme: “With what they [Booster and Beetle] know… They could rule the world, if not the multiverse. Since they won’t… I will. And you, Jaime Reyes, will be the agent who puts it all in motion… Once you save them from… Nullifex.” After Jaime wakes up and escapes, he rushes to the aid of his friends who are battling Nullifex in the streets. His Blue Beetle scarab provides more brawn than any Kord-tech or 25th century super-suit can offer, giving them the edge needed to defeat Nullifex. The trio debrief after the battle to discuss Jaime’s mysterious capture and even offer the younger Beetle a place on their team. Jaime politely declines, stating that he’d rather not “be a tagalong, fighting the label of not being as good as the original.”
Jaime Reyes is a great hero in his own right, apart from the Blue Beetle legacy. This issue only proves that Jaime is more than capable of standing his ground. While Blue and Gold are an iconic duo, neither of the heroes have powers, placing Jaime on a slightly different playing field. With his alien-tech scarab, Jaime’s adventures often pit him against magical or intergalactic threats. It’s great seeing these heroes team up, but while Ted and Michael work best as a package deal, Jaime prefers to fly solo.
Since his first appearance in Infinite Crisis, Jaime has forged his own path as the Blue Beetle, with his own solo series since 2009. And, with an upcoming DCEU film in 2023, Blue Beetle is sure to reach new heights of popularity. With the reveal of the Black Beetle at the end of Blue and Gold #7, there’s a chance readers may be seeing Booster Gold and Blue Beetle team up with Jaime once again in the series’ final issue. Whatever the case, future appearances of Jaime Reyes will always be welcomed by fans.
