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Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle is a superhero legacy name used by three different comic-book characters published by Fox Comics, Charlton Comics, and DC Comics since 1939.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Blue Beetle is a superhero legacy name used by three different comic-book characters published by Fox Comics, Charlton Comics, and DC Comics since 1939. The best-known modern version is Jaime Reyes, a teenager from El Paso, Texas who bonds with an alien scarab that forms a high-tech battle suit. The character has been integrated into the DC Universe since 1986.

Publication history

Blue Beetle originated in 1939 and has appeared in comic books from Fox Comics, Charlton Comics, Americomics, and DC Comics. The character line was canceled and relaunched several times before becoming part of the DC Universe.

Characters using the name

The Blue Beetle identity has belonged to Dan Garrett, Ted Kord, and Jaime Reyes. Each version reflects a different era of superhero storytelling, from Golden Age crime-fighting to modern legacy and science-fiction themes.

Jaime Reyes version

Jaime Reyes is a teenager who bonds with the Blue Beetle scarab, which creates alien armor and gives him enhanced abilities. DC describes him as inheriting a long heroic legacy within the DC Universe.

DC continuity

After DC acquired Blue Beetle rights from Charlton Comics in 1983, the character and later series were incorporated into DC continuity. The Blue Beetle legacy has since appeared in solo stories and team titles such as the Justice League and Teen Titans.

Key facts

  • Blue Beetle has been used as a heroic identity by three main characters over time.
  • The original Blue Beetle debuted in 1939 and was later published by multiple companies.
  • DC Comics acquired the rights to the character from Charlton Comics in 1983.
  • Jaime Reyes is the third Blue Beetle and the current best-known version in DC continuity.
  • The Blue Beetle concept has been part of the DC Universe since 1986.

Frequently asked questions

What is Blue Beetle?
Blue Beetle is a superhero legacy name used by three different comic-book characters in American comics since 1939.
Who are the three Blue Beetles?
The three main Blue Beetles are Dan Garrett, Ted Kord, and Jaime Reyes.
Who is the current Blue Beetle?
Jaime Reyes is the current and best-known modern Blue Beetle.
Who created Blue Beetle?
The original Blue Beetle was created by Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski for Fox Comics.
When did Blue Beetle first appear?
Blue Beetle first appeared in Mystery Men Comics #1 in 1939.
Is Blue Beetle part of DC Comics?
Yes. DC Comics acquired the rights in 1983 and the character has been integrated into the DC Universe since 1986.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Beetle
    Supports: Legacy name, publication history, original creation, DC acquisition, and three main character incarnations.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Beetle_(comic_book)
    Supports: Comic series publication history and DC Universe integration since 1986.
  3. DC Comics — https://www.dc.com/characters/blue-beetle
    Supports: Jaime Reyes as the third Blue Beetle, scarab-based powers, and first appearance details.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kord
    Supports: Ted Kord as the second Blue Beetle and his no-powers gadget-based portrayal.