DC Comics

Blue Beetle #3 (2016)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 06, 2025
Blue Beetle #3 (2016)


Blue Beetle #3 (2016) – Comic Review đŸȘČ⚡

Genre

Superhero, Science Fiction, Teen Drama, Action

Main Characters

  • Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle – A teenager bonded with a powerful alien scarab, granting him incredible armor and weaponry.

  • Ted Kord – Former Blue Beetle and current mentor to Jaime, often clashing with him over control and decisions.

  • Brenda Del Vecchio – Jaime’s close friend who adds humor and emotional depth.

  • Horde – A dangerous hive-mind villain composed of 150 bodies acting as one collective enemy.

  • Naomi – Jaime’s budding romantic interest, adding a layer of teenage conflict and vulnerability.

Writer

Keith Giffen – A legendary comic creator known for combining sharp humor with grounded character development. Giffen’s take on Blue Beetle balances sci-fi action with heartfelt coming-of-age themes.

Artist

Scott Kolins – Renowned for dynamic action sequences and expressive character designs. Kolins’ art gives the chaotic nature of Horde a grotesque beauty, while still capturing the grounded teenage moments.

Editor Details

Joey Cavalieri (Editor) – His steady editorial guidance maintains narrative consistency and character voice across the arc, especially vital with dual tones of comedy and action.
Andrew Marino (Assistant Editor) – Supports the book’s sharp pacing and ensures synergy between story and visuals.

Publisher and Brand

DC Comics – Under the DC Rebirth initiative, which aimed to restore legacy and emotional depth to characters while inviting new readers into the fold.

Release Year

2016

Brief Plot Summary

In Blue Beetle #3, Jaime Reyes faces his biggest challenge yet in the form of Horde, a hive-minded antagonist who can control 150 bodies simultaneously. As the swarm descends on El Paso, Jaime must juggle the terrifying threat with personal hurdles—including tension with his ex-Blue Beetle mentor Ted Kord, and the awkward excitement of a new crush. The scarab offers incredible power, but with it comes dangerous choices, especially when Jaime questions whether it’s helping him... or using him. đŸ€–đŸ’”

Notable Arcs or Storylines

  • The Posse Arc – This storyline reintroduces elements from Jaime’s earlier run, including his connection to the street-level metahuman group “The Posse.”

  • Ted Kord & Jaime Dynamic – The intergenerational tension between two Beetles is central, highlighting conflicting ideologies on power, mentorship, and heroism.

  • The Alien Scarab Mystery – Ongoing questions about the scarab’s true nature continue to intrigue fans—friend or foe?

Fan Theories or Interpretations

đŸ”č Some fans speculate that the scarab is slowly asserting dominance over Jaime’s consciousness, possibly foreshadowing a darker transformation in future issues.
đŸ”č There’s growing interest in whether Ted Kord is truly helping Jaime, or unknowingly guiding him into a trap involving the Reach (the alien origin of the scarab).
đŸ”č The Horde's collective identity mirrors Jaime’s internal conflict—being one person with multiple, often conflicting voices (his own, Ted’s, and the scarab's).

Review Summary

Blue Beetle #3 delivers an exciting blend of superhero spectacle and relatable teen angst. The story shines thanks to Giffen’s witty writing and emotional nuance, capturing Jaime’s inner struggles while upping the ante with a terrifying villain. Kolins’ artwork impresses with its high-energy battles and vivid expressions, especially during Horde’s swarming attacks. The character development feels authentic—Jaime’s resistance to authority and attempts at romance feel genuine and textured. This issue strengthens the foundations for a deeper exploration of identity, mentorship, and alien tech gone rogue. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

đŸȘČ Blue Beetle #3 is a must-read for fans of dynamic teen heroes, alien mysteries, and multi-layered character storytelling.


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

Blue Beetle #3 (2016)
Language : English