Blue Beetle isn’t exactly a household name, so you might be surprised to discover that some version of the character has existed on-and-off since the late 1930s. Debuting in 1939’s Mystery Men Comics #1 by Charles Wojtkoski, original Blue Beetle Dan Garret got his superpowers from a special vitamin. A second Blue Beetle, the fan-favorite Ted Kord (developed by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko), appeared in 1966, although the character would fall into obscurity until he was acquired by DC in the 1980s. Newer Blue Beetle fans will be most familiar with teenager Jaime Reyes, whose abilities derive from a mystical scarab. Introduced in 2006’s Infinite Crisis #3, Jaime has been DC’s main Blue Beetle for the better part of two decades, but his appearance in this summer’s Blue Beetle film is his chance to really catch the attention of mainstream audiences. But before you see the movie, make sure you check out these comics featuring one of DC’s most underrated heroes.

For more great comics, make sure to check out the offerings of your local Library branch as well as the hoopla app.

Blue Beetle Vol. 1: The More Things Change

Blue Beetle Vol. 1: Metamorphosis

Blue Beetle Vol. 3: Road to Nowhere 

Booster Gold: Blue and Gold 

Justice League International Book One: Born Again 

Blue Beetle: Jaime Reyes Book One