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This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story
Writer Julio Anta and artist Jacoby Salcedo take readers on a gripping and inspiring journey filled with both high stakes and heart as Jaime embraces his new calling as Blue Beetle!
Jaime Reyes is an ordinary high school student in El Paso, Texas, with a deep love for his family, culture, and home. Whether it’s working with his dad at the auto shop or a multi-generational barbecue filled with music and dance, Jaime loves nothing more than his neighborhood’s spontaneous gatherings that go late into the night. But lately he’s begun to realize that he and his border community are being used as pawns in an increasingly toxic immigration debate.
The last few months have seen armed troops deployed along the U.S. and Mexico border, manufactured crackdowns at official border crossings, and now at the community level, a mounting resentment amongst a group of disaffected and reactionary youth who believe they’re being “replaced” by El Paso’s growing immigrant population. And to make matters worse, one of Jaime’s oldest friends, Riley, has bought into the propaganda. What started off as innocent web searches has now led Riley down a path to joining an unabashed hate group with a chapter in El Paso looking to cause some real-world violence.
But Jaime’s problems get even more complicated when he finds an odd bug-like artifact while stargazing. He starts feeling a little different—like there’s another voice in his head pushing him towards his most base instincts. And to make matters worse, he’s been having surreal dreams that show him that the true threat El Paso faces isn’t “illegal aliens,” but actual aliens known as the Reach. In fact, according to his dreams, Jaime is meant to pave the way for the Reach’s impending invasion!
Jaime Reyes is an ordinary high school student in El Paso, Texas, with a deep love for his family, culture, and home. Whether it’s working with his dad at the auto shop or a multi-generational barbecue filled with music and dance, Jaime loves nothing more than his neighborhood’s spontaneous gatherings that go late into the night. But lately he’s begun to realize that he and his border community are being used as pawns in an increasingly toxic immigration debate.
The last few months have seen armed troops deployed along the U.S. and Mexico border, manufactured crackdowns at official border crossings, and now at the community level, a mounting resentment amongst a group of disaffected and reactionary youth who believe they’re being “replaced” by El Paso’s growing immigrant population. And to make matters worse, one of Jaime’s oldest friends, Riley, has bought into the propaganda. What started off as innocent web searches has now led Riley down a path to joining an unabashed hate group with a chapter in El Paso looking to cause some real-world violence.
But Jaime’s problems get even more complicated when he finds an odd bug-like artifact while stargazing. He starts feeling a little different—like there’s another voice in his head pushing him towards his most base instincts. And to make matters worse, he’s been having surreal dreams that show him that the true threat El Paso faces isn’t “illegal aliens,” but actual aliens known as the Reach. In fact, according to his dreams, Jaime is meant to pave the way for the Reach’s impending invasion!
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
15 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Julio Anta
18 books75 followersJulio Anta is the writer of many graphic novels including the Eisner Award-nominated Frontera, This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story, Home and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City.
Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic and First Second.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City.
Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic and First Second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 23, 2024
“…we’re stronger together than apart.”
💙
Jaime Reyes lives in El Paso and spends most of his time with his friends, at his dad’s auto shop and stargazing. When his friend, Brenda, keeps bringing up the increasingly tense relations regarding the immigration debate, Jaime isn’t as invested as she is. But it’s hard to ignore the armed troops lining the U.S./Mexico border and Jaime’s dad’s struggling auto shop due to his inability to get his parts from Mexico. When Jamie finds an ancient bug that attaches itself to him, it’s like there’s a voice inside his head pushing him to his more basic instincts. Everything comes to a head when a protest led by Brenda gets infiltrated by Neo-Nazis and Jamie must stop it from escalating.
🪲
I love a good origin story—it’s my favorite superhero comic book to read and @julioanta & @jacobysalcedo nailed this one. As someone from Texas who has seen the xenophobia, racism and hate first hand I can tell you that I wish we had a Blue Beetle to help stop the awful rhetoric and promote peace and understanding. I can’t wait for my students to read this @dcofficial graphic novel when it releases October 1!
CW: violence, racism, nazism, hate crime, vandalism
💙
Jaime Reyes lives in El Paso and spends most of his time with his friends, at his dad’s auto shop and stargazing. When his friend, Brenda, keeps bringing up the increasingly tense relations regarding the immigration debate, Jaime isn’t as invested as she is. But it’s hard to ignore the armed troops lining the U.S./Mexico border and Jaime’s dad’s struggling auto shop due to his inability to get his parts from Mexico. When Jamie finds an ancient bug that attaches itself to him, it’s like there’s a voice inside his head pushing him to his more basic instincts. Everything comes to a head when a protest led by Brenda gets infiltrated by Neo-Nazis and Jamie must stop it from escalating.
🪲
I love a good origin story—it’s my favorite superhero comic book to read and @julioanta & @jacobysalcedo nailed this one. As someone from Texas who has seen the xenophobia, racism and hate first hand I can tell you that I wish we had a Blue Beetle to help stop the awful rhetoric and promote peace and understanding. I can’t wait for my students to read this @dcofficial graphic novel when it releases October 1!
CW: violence, racism, nazism, hate crime, vandalism
June 20, 2024
Another excellent entry in the line of DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults. This one does an amazing job of blending together multiple storylines, tackles social issues without feeling preachy and sets up a future that I really hope we get to see. I always feel the need to write that I know I am not the target demographic for this line, but every time I read one, I love it and this one is no exception. I really hope we can see another volume soon.
Special Thanks to DC Comics and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to DC Comics and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
August 24, 2024
DC's YA graphic novels have really stepped it up in the last few years! This is a great retelling of Blue Beetle's origin for a generation of new fans, and this one does a seamless job of also commenting on the timely border crisis/racism we're currently seeing in Texas. This would be a great story to expand on someone's understanding of that social issue and become more empathetic, all the while getting a fun superhero origin story as well. My favorite part of this book was the (shockingly well done) parallels drawn between Blue Beetle/his scarab and his old friend who is sucked into a hate group. Check it out! 5/5 stars.
October 2, 2024
An absolute banger of a book. Wonderful snappy dialogue, a strong balance of nuance and curtness, especially for a book targeting young adults, and gorgeous illustrations that perfectly express the emotions of its characters. Anta and Salcedo are maybe the most exciting comic makers the world has right now, and I cannot wait for more from both of them.
July 21, 2024
Shout out to NetGalley for giving me an Arc of this amazing graphic novel.
I assure you it is better than the movie.
I assure you it is better than the movie.
September 14, 2025
I love Jaime Reyes!!!! This is why diverse characters in stories matter so much. The authors did a good job tying together the pain of migrants, Mexican and Hispanic stories, and thinking for yourself. A superhero story like this wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have POC characters.
I love this trend of tying real world issues with superheroing. I’m about to eat up those teen DC comics
I love this trend of tying real world issues with superheroing. I’m about to eat up those teen DC comics
February 15, 2025
This is the second graphic novel I've read and enjoyed recently. It depicts one of the serious problems facing our country - the hatred of immigrants by white supremacists within our nation. This book takes a look at the history of some groups that have been here before the United States even existed and how they are unfairly perceived today. The book has a fantasy element which suggests possible additional threats and offers possible solutions for what has to happen for us to avoid threats within and from beyond. Interestingly enough, our human conflicts are suggested to be the least of our problems if we don't pull together to save the earth environmentally. The artwork adds a visual compliment to the words. The characters' feelings are intensified by the drawings. I read some comic books as a kid, but they were nothing like this story that is obviously trying to communicate on a much more serious level despite its fantasy element.
August 13, 2024
ARC from Netgalley.
Solid Jaime Reyes outing. Excellent character to explore real-world issues.
Solid Jaime Reyes outing. Excellent character to explore real-world issues.
October 18, 2024
Excellent script and art.
June 26, 2025
Balances telling a real, relatable story to teens today while also bringing the superhero action. While covering such a doom-and-gloom subject, it manages to stay hopeful. It also stays very true to who Jaime Reyes has always been portrayed to be.
August 6, 2024
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley. Content warning for racism.)
High schooler Jaime Reyes has his head in the clouds. An astronomy geek, he'd rather focus on meteor showers and spinning stars than what's going on around him. Not that anyone can blame him (well, except for his more politically active besties, Brenda and Paco) - as a border town, El Paso is the epicenter of anti-immigrant rhetoric and racist violence. With the US president shutting down the border for the third time in four years, and deploying the National Guard to keep both people and goods out, the situation is only escalating.
When an old childhood "army brat" friend returns to town, it soon becomes apparent that he's been radicalized. Riley's gotten himself wrapped up with a right wing, white nationalist militia known as the Legion of Patriots, who may or may not be responsible for the recent wave of violence targeting nonwhite El Pasoans. As Brenda organizes a march in support of immigrants and asylum seekers, Paco discovers that the Legion is organizing a "counter-protest" - really code for a violent attack, in hopes of sparking additional racist attacks across the country.
Jaime may feel powerless, but he'll soon learn that he's anything but: a fossil he discovered turns out to be a scarab sent to earth by a group of mysterious aliens known as The Reach. They're planning to save (conquer?) earth, and they want Jaime to pave the way for their arrival. But Jaime has other ideas than being used as a weapon.
Full disclosure: I knew nothing about the DC character Blue Beetle going into this. I love comics but mostly shy away from DC and Marvel - their catalogs are so huge that it's hard to find a good entry point. As it stands, THIS LAND IS OUR LAND works pretty well for the Blue Beetle character, and as a standalone story.
Anta updates the story to make it more relevant to current events: the increased militarization along the US-Mexico border; the proliferation of white supremacist, Neo-Nazi groups; the radicalization of young white men online; and the scapegoating of immigrants at the expense of working-class solidarity - you don't have to look far to see examples of these playing out today.
The characters are all fairly engaging. I especially love Brenda, because she's a badass, but the character of Riley also resonated with me, since I have family members who have gone down the far right QAnon conspiracy theory wormhole. (Don't get me wrong, I don't feel especially sorry for him, just sad about the state of things in general.) Jaime's evolution is a great thing to witness, and I love his transformation from a fairly disengaged citizen to someone who's using his powers to help those most in need. The progressive politics coupled with the inspirational ending really make THIS LAND IS OUR LAND a must read.
The artwork is also stellar and I especially appreciated the use of color to convey various emotions.
High schooler Jaime Reyes has his head in the clouds. An astronomy geek, he'd rather focus on meteor showers and spinning stars than what's going on around him. Not that anyone can blame him (well, except for his more politically active besties, Brenda and Paco) - as a border town, El Paso is the epicenter of anti-immigrant rhetoric and racist violence. With the US president shutting down the border for the third time in four years, and deploying the National Guard to keep both people and goods out, the situation is only escalating.
When an old childhood "army brat" friend returns to town, it soon becomes apparent that he's been radicalized. Riley's gotten himself wrapped up with a right wing, white nationalist militia known as the Legion of Patriots, who may or may not be responsible for the recent wave of violence targeting nonwhite El Pasoans. As Brenda organizes a march in support of immigrants and asylum seekers, Paco discovers that the Legion is organizing a "counter-protest" - really code for a violent attack, in hopes of sparking additional racist attacks across the country.
Jaime may feel powerless, but he'll soon learn that he's anything but: a fossil he discovered turns out to be a scarab sent to earth by a group of mysterious aliens known as The Reach. They're planning to save (conquer?) earth, and they want Jaime to pave the way for their arrival. But Jaime has other ideas than being used as a weapon.
Full disclosure: I knew nothing about the DC character Blue Beetle going into this. I love comics but mostly shy away from DC and Marvel - their catalogs are so huge that it's hard to find a good entry point. As it stands, THIS LAND IS OUR LAND works pretty well for the Blue Beetle character, and as a standalone story.
Anta updates the story to make it more relevant to current events: the increased militarization along the US-Mexico border; the proliferation of white supremacist, Neo-Nazi groups; the radicalization of young white men online; and the scapegoating of immigrants at the expense of working-class solidarity - you don't have to look far to see examples of these playing out today.
The characters are all fairly engaging. I especially love Brenda, because she's a badass, but the character of Riley also resonated with me, since I have family members who have gone down the far right QAnon conspiracy theory wormhole. (Don't get me wrong, I don't feel especially sorry for him, just sad about the state of things in general.) Jaime's evolution is a great thing to witness, and I love his transformation from a fairly disengaged citizen to someone who's using his powers to help those most in need. The progressive politics coupled with the inspirational ending really make THIS LAND IS OUR LAND a must read.
The artwork is also stellar and I especially appreciated the use of color to convey various emotions.
June 19, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
The novel includes many subtle details in each scene that, if not carefully observed, might be overlooked but contribute interesting nuances to the characters, setting, and storyline. The illustrations are well-executed, vibrant, and effectively convey the narrative and events. The writing is clear, engaging, and descriptive. The characters are relatable and well-developed, offering ample room for future growth. The plot skillfully combines elements of fantasy, contemporary themes, and mystery to create a captivating and enjoyable story. The integration of text and artwork results in a vivid, engaging, informative, and concise reading experience. Minor elements like specific clothing worn by characters, highlighted words, and the use of colors like red in text boxes enhance the reader's connection to the characters, setting, and plot. While the graphic novel may center around superheroes, it also touches on significant contemporary issues such as violence, discrimination, social justice, self-discovery, relationships, and family dynamics. The portrayal of navigating morality through online influences is realistic, relatable, and particularly relevant in today's digital age with the prevalence of social media and other forms of media. The piece showcases a diverse range of characters from different cultures and races, each with distinct personalities, hobbies, and opinions. While the graphic novel's brevity and dramatic nature might not suit all readers, it opens up opportunities for the development, evolution, and further storytelling of the Blue Beetle character and the overarching narrative. This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story is a concise, engaging, educational, approachable, and authentic contemporary superhero graphic novel that will resonate with readers aged 14 and older who appreciate ordinary superheroes and beetles.
The novel includes many subtle details in each scene that, if not carefully observed, might be overlooked but contribute interesting nuances to the characters, setting, and storyline. The illustrations are well-executed, vibrant, and effectively convey the narrative and events. The writing is clear, engaging, and descriptive. The characters are relatable and well-developed, offering ample room for future growth. The plot skillfully combines elements of fantasy, contemporary themes, and mystery to create a captivating and enjoyable story. The integration of text and artwork results in a vivid, engaging, informative, and concise reading experience. Minor elements like specific clothing worn by characters, highlighted words, and the use of colors like red in text boxes enhance the reader's connection to the characters, setting, and plot. While the graphic novel may center around superheroes, it also touches on significant contemporary issues such as violence, discrimination, social justice, self-discovery, relationships, and family dynamics. The portrayal of navigating morality through online influences is realistic, relatable, and particularly relevant in today's digital age with the prevalence of social media and other forms of media. The piece showcases a diverse range of characters from different cultures and races, each with distinct personalities, hobbies, and opinions. While the graphic novel's brevity and dramatic nature might not suit all readers, it opens up opportunities for the development, evolution, and further storytelling of the Blue Beetle character and the overarching narrative. This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story is a concise, engaging, educational, approachable, and authentic contemporary superhero graphic novel that will resonate with readers aged 14 and older who appreciate ordinary superheroes and beetles.
September 3, 2025
The Review
This was such a powerful and inspiring read. The earthy tones of the artist’s work allowed the narrative to shine brightly in this graphic novel and were a great juxtaposition to the vibrant blues associated with Blue Beetle and the cosmos as a whole. The action and the way the writer explored the origins of both Jamie Reyes and the Reach/Blue Beetle felt both fresh and original, and a significant expansion on the lore from DC Comics as a whole.
Yet at its core, this story was both socially relevant and morally impactful. The horrific actions the people of the United States are witnessing with immigration rights and the actions taken by ICE have not only dominated newswires for the last few months, but have elevated tensions and created more fear and uncertainty than ever before. This story not only touches on these fears and showcases the harm that it causes, but also shows a path of unity and commitment to a more open, heartfelt, and understanding path that celebrates our differing cultures and how much stronger our nation is together than it is torn apart. Themes of identity, social justice, and family all converge effortlessly, helping to make this sci-fi epic feel more grounded and connected to our world.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, enduring, and compelling, author Julio Anta’s “This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story” is a must-read graphic novel. A great DC Comics graphic novel, both Anta’s writing and Jacoby Salcedo’s artwork mesh seamlessly and help tell an essential story of identity that will stay with readers long after the book ends.
This was such a powerful and inspiring read. The earthy tones of the artist’s work allowed the narrative to shine brightly in this graphic novel and were a great juxtaposition to the vibrant blues associated with Blue Beetle and the cosmos as a whole. The action and the way the writer explored the origins of both Jamie Reyes and the Reach/Blue Beetle felt both fresh and original, and a significant expansion on the lore from DC Comics as a whole.
Yet at its core, this story was both socially relevant and morally impactful. The horrific actions the people of the United States are witnessing with immigration rights and the actions taken by ICE have not only dominated newswires for the last few months, but have elevated tensions and created more fear and uncertainty than ever before. This story not only touches on these fears and showcases the harm that it causes, but also shows a path of unity and commitment to a more open, heartfelt, and understanding path that celebrates our differing cultures and how much stronger our nation is together than it is torn apart. Themes of identity, social justice, and family all converge effortlessly, helping to make this sci-fi epic feel more grounded and connected to our world.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, enduring, and compelling, author Julio Anta’s “This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story” is a must-read graphic novel. A great DC Comics graphic novel, both Anta’s writing and Jacoby Salcedo’s artwork mesh seamlessly and help tell an essential story of identity that will stay with readers long after the book ends.
December 8, 2024
A fast-paced origin story that tackles community involvement & care, racism & xenophobia, and the indoctrination of young men into white supremacist ideology
Jaime is happy to live his life as an ordinary teenager in El Paso, helping out at his dad’s auto shop and gazing up at the stars every night. But when his friends notice one of their classmates is starting to buy into racist and xenophobic rhetoric, and tensions around immigration rise as the border is shut down once again, he can’t stay silent.
Especially because El Paso has an ACTUAL alien threat: An entity called the Reach is heading towards Earth, and they’ve selected Jaime as their representative. They claim their contact will be all about peace, but Jaime isn’t so sure, especially since he’s got some pretty violent new powers.
Jaime learns the importance of speaking up, building bridges, and becoming an active part of his community. He’s got great parents and a supportive friend duo, too, which is always lovely to read in YA.
This was a quick read and a great way to make the Blue Beetle story even more relevant for young readers.
CW: racism, hate crime, guns, fire, xenophobia, classism
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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Jaime is happy to live his life as an ordinary teenager in El Paso, helping out at his dad’s auto shop and gazing up at the stars every night. But when his friends notice one of their classmates is starting to buy into racist and xenophobic rhetoric, and tensions around immigration rise as the border is shut down once again, he can’t stay silent.
Especially because El Paso has an ACTUAL alien threat: An entity called the Reach is heading towards Earth, and they’ve selected Jaime as their representative. They claim their contact will be all about peace, but Jaime isn’t so sure, especially since he’s got some pretty violent new powers.
Jaime learns the importance of speaking up, building bridges, and becoming an active part of his community. He’s got great parents and a supportive friend duo, too, which is always lovely to read in YA.
This was a quick read and a great way to make the Blue Beetle story even more relevant for young readers.
CW: racism, hate crime, guns, fire, xenophobia, classism
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
September 21, 2025
What a powerful comic. This is an engaging and authentic superhero story. This doesn’t only hit hard as an immigrant myself but also as a person of color. There is a very powerful message that needs to get across “…we’re stronger together than apart.”
This is the very first Blue Beetle comic I ever read, so I came in knowing nothing about Jaime, (only that he is Mexican) nothing about his story, his powers, his family or friends. I can gladly say that when I closed the comic I was very happy I opened it in the first place.
Jaime doesn’t want to see the reality he lives in, and while it’s obvious and prominent that his community is being attacked everyday, he doesn’t want to see it. He struggles with his sense of justice as he sees one of his childhood friends get sucked by a racist white supremacist group. As well, the story balances both superhero aspects and real-life scenarios that people of color and immigrants face everyday.
The writing was genius and genuine, it is everything one looks for in a great book. It showed both the internal and external struggle that Jaime was going through, he is written compellingly and while that doesn’t mean sometimes i didn’t wanted to tell him to open his eyes, it made me connect with him in more than one way. As well, his friends are written like actual real people, is easy to forget they are not drawing and words on paper. They all have goals and paths that connects them towards them. The plot was great and the writing just amazing.
The art was stunning. Character were portrayed as actual teenagers, nobody had a tiny waist or huge arms (which is really refreshing to see). We can see their expressions and read their faces just as if they were sitting across from us. The vibrant colors and style were amazing and very compelling to the story. I really loved how unique each character looks, each having their own style and personality, which was clear from the way they were drawn. 100/100 character design.
I cried while reading this. It hit way too close to home.
This is the very first Blue Beetle comic I ever read, so I came in knowing nothing about Jaime, (only that he is Mexican) nothing about his story, his powers, his family or friends. I can gladly say that when I closed the comic I was very happy I opened it in the first place.
Jaime doesn’t want to see the reality he lives in, and while it’s obvious and prominent that his community is being attacked everyday, he doesn’t want to see it. He struggles with his sense of justice as he sees one of his childhood friends get sucked by a racist white supremacist group. As well, the story balances both superhero aspects and real-life scenarios that people of color and immigrants face everyday.
The writing was genius and genuine, it is everything one looks for in a great book. It showed both the internal and external struggle that Jaime was going through, he is written compellingly and while that doesn’t mean sometimes i didn’t wanted to tell him to open his eyes, it made me connect with him in more than one way. As well, his friends are written like actual real people, is easy to forget they are not drawing and words on paper. They all have goals and paths that connects them towards them. The plot was great and the writing just amazing.
The art was stunning. Character were portrayed as actual teenagers, nobody had a tiny waist or huge arms (which is really refreshing to see). We can see their expressions and read their faces just as if they were sitting across from us. The vibrant colors and style were amazing and very compelling to the story. I really loved how unique each character looks, each having their own style and personality, which was clear from the way they were drawn. 100/100 character design.
I cried while reading this. It hit way too close to home.
November 3, 2024
I don't know anything about Blue Beetle / Jaime Reyes lore from superhero comics so this is new-to-me content but delivered as a DC comic for teens, it's the kind of story told in graphic novel format that truly shows the beauty of the format.
The story is the not-so-distant future/contemporary issues the United States is struggling with related to the border. In this story, the newest border crisis has left Jaime's dad's auto repair shop without the parts needed to do the work. And seeing what's unfolding in the classrooms and around town gives everyone a heightened sense of dread about sides of the issue and spewing hatred. This includes one of Jaime's friends who moved away. Now that he's back, he's plenty different and it's discovered that he's become radicalized with the neo-Nazi groups. Meanwhile Jaime gets yelled at by friends because he doesn't do enough to speak up against racism because he's so focused on the sky like meteor showers so when he picks up a cool rock that ends up being a scarab that attaches itself to his spine, he is slowly transforming into a do-good superhero on behalf of The Reach.
What I enjoyed most was the color palette, ease of the dialogue and narrative, and the pacing, certainly setting it up for more in the series.
The story is the not-so-distant future/contemporary issues the United States is struggling with related to the border. In this story, the newest border crisis has left Jaime's dad's auto repair shop without the parts needed to do the work. And seeing what's unfolding in the classrooms and around town gives everyone a heightened sense of dread about sides of the issue and spewing hatred. This includes one of Jaime's friends who moved away. Now that he's back, he's plenty different and it's discovered that he's become radicalized with the neo-Nazi groups. Meanwhile Jaime gets yelled at by friends because he doesn't do enough to speak up against racism because he's so focused on the sky like meteor showers so when he picks up a cool rock that ends up being a scarab that attaches itself to his spine, he is slowly transforming into a do-good superhero on behalf of The Reach.
What I enjoyed most was the color palette, ease of the dialogue and narrative, and the pacing, certainly setting it up for more in the series.
June 4, 2024
The amazing duo Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo return to bring not only another great coming-of-age comic with a relatable teen character but also an origin story for a teenage superhero. Who wouldn't want to read that? What I love about “This Is Our Land", except for it's amazing story and captivating illustrations, for someone tired of reading superhero stories, the superhero element is just a bonus. You are not bogged down by the superhero elements but as the reader, you can appreciate the important themes that it conveys, particularly the sentiment of staying true to your instincts, no matter what the world around you tells you. All I know is, the world could use Jamie as the voice of reason and a voice of bringing unity to our communities.
Another winner by Anta and Salcedo! Truly, a great and inspiring superhero origin story that readers will have no problem identifying with the characters and being engrossed in the comic's thought-provoking, inspiring storytelling. A must-read when it comes out in the Fall!
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comics for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another winner by Anta and Salcedo! Truly, a great and inspiring superhero origin story that readers will have no problem identifying with the characters and being engrossed in the comic's thought-provoking, inspiring storytelling. A must-read when it comes out in the Fall!
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comics for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2024
The duo of Anta and Salcedo knocks it out of the park once again!
I really enjoyed this Blue Beetle story. I've been anticipating it since it was announced and it exceeded my expectations. It's great to see Jaime's story told in the context of his Mexican-American identity and the issues of racism and border policing in Texas (as well as in other states). It shows the very realistic ways in which different people respond to conflict, including fear, compassion, confusion, anger, and more. It also confronts the very real issues faced by US business owners when the border is shut down. And it does all of this in the well-known world of Blue Beetle: the traditional scarab encounter, its attachment to Jaime, and the intergalactic villains that fans of the character will already be familiar with.
Anta's storytelling is always a win and Salcedo's art style always matches the story being told. And the color work is chef's kiss! Fans of the duo will also notice a couple of easter eggs from their previous book, Frontera!
*This review was originally published on NetGalley on July 22, 2024.
I really enjoyed this Blue Beetle story. I've been anticipating it since it was announced and it exceeded my expectations. It's great to see Jaime's story told in the context of his Mexican-American identity and the issues of racism and border policing in Texas (as well as in other states). It shows the very realistic ways in which different people respond to conflict, including fear, compassion, confusion, anger, and more. It also confronts the very real issues faced by US business owners when the border is shut down. And it does all of this in the well-known world of Blue Beetle: the traditional scarab encounter, its attachment to Jaime, and the intergalactic villains that fans of the character will already be familiar with.
Anta's storytelling is always a win and Salcedo's art style always matches the story being told. And the color work is chef's kiss! Fans of the duo will also notice a couple of easter eggs from their previous book, Frontera!
*This review was originally published on NetGalley on July 22, 2024.
July 26, 2025
4.5 really. I loved this version of Jaime, and his friends were interesting too. It was a great take on how a modern hero might have to deal with our current events. The only thing that really irked me was Brenda's lack of self preservation. Jaime was right that she didn't need to point the hate group back to her just to make sure people would turn out to the protest. She put herself and her family in danger, while knowing how dangerous they could be. And she had the nerve to get snippy with Jaime that he just didn't understand... other than that though, everything was great.
I also really liked how Jaime was kind of just out in the open with his abilities. He only used bits and pieces of khaji most of the time, and the suit only came out for the big battle. It was interesting to see a hero so open with their identity (for the most part. He covered his face a few times, but there were plenty of other times where his face had to have been clearly seen, and then of course he came outside with his face on display when the hate group attacked brenda's house).
Anyway, I enjoyed this :) nice art as well. Lots of cute and cool panels that i will cherish.
I also really liked how Jaime was kind of just out in the open with his abilities. He only used bits and pieces of khaji most of the time, and the suit only came out for the big battle. It was interesting to see a hero so open with their identity (for the most part. He covered his face a few times, but there were plenty of other times where his face had to have been clearly seen, and then of course he came outside with his face on display when the hate group attacked brenda's house).
Anyway, I enjoyed this :) nice art as well. Lots of cute and cool panels that i will cherish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
3.5 stars! My first superhero comic, and definitely an interesting one. I had never heard of Blue Beetle before and didn’t know anything about the origin story going in. I think it did a good job of modernizing the story with present-day issues like immigration, militarized border towns, and white supremacist groups forming on social media. Props for solid messaging and acknowledging the real problems affecting young readers in today’s world, especially important in superhero books for teens.
However, it needed to spend a loooot more time on those topics in order to do them justice. Everything felt super rushed, especially Jaime’s understanding of suddenly having superpowers and a communication line with an unknown alien race. I need to see some kind of internal conflict when you have a scarab beetle clamp onto to your back and chat with an alien overlord who is about to invade Earth. All the characters felt pretty static, and the one character change that occurred happened so rapidly that it didn’t make much of an impact.
However, it needed to spend a loooot more time on those topics in order to do them justice. Everything felt super rushed, especially Jaime’s understanding of suddenly having superpowers and a communication line with an unknown alien race. I need to see some kind of internal conflict when you have a scarab beetle clamp onto to your back and chat with an alien overlord who is about to invade Earth. All the characters felt pretty static, and the one character change that occurred happened so rapidly that it didn’t make much of an impact.
November 8, 2024
I always love a Jaime Reyes story. I liked this world and the way Jaime seemed unbothered and oblivious to the real issues, but in actuality, he was struggling to agree with either side. I liked how he handled things but I think this story would be better served in a longer format. It felt a bit rushed along, and sure, it was literally being accelerated by the antagonists, but for instance: how did Jamie get control of the scarab so quickly?? Where were all the other supers in the world when this alien group was about to attack?!
But I do really really really love what DC is doing with these YA graphic novels. Even if I’m the lone person who loves them. They’re such an enjoyable and easy intro to characters with decades of writing behind them. And I loved that they don’t shy from naming the problem: the radicalization of young white men. Go hug your friend, Trevor, or tell Brad you appreciate him, cause otherwise, they might go getting ideas online…
But I do really really really love what DC is doing with these YA graphic novels. Even if I’m the lone person who loves them. They’re such an enjoyable and easy intro to characters with decades of writing behind them. And I loved that they don’t shy from naming the problem: the radicalization of young white men. Go hug your friend, Trevor, or tell Brad you appreciate him, cause otherwise, they might go getting ideas online…
November 17, 2024
This places Jaime Reyes in the middle of racial tensions between white supremacists and the minorities trying to fight back against it and for the most part he's very much a "why can't everyone just get along?", "I try not to get involved in politics" kinds of people, or as I like to call them "fence sitters". People who aren't directly affected by hatred so they prefer to sit it all out.
The weird thing is that Jaime is very much affected by it, so it's odd that he specifically is that kind of character here. I understand that this is targeted towards young adult readers who are probably also in that position of not caring about politics, so I'll cut it some slack.
It does feel heavy handed at times but so does reality right now.
The artwork by Jacoby Salcedo is very nice, it has more of a casual vibe to it than a lot of the "regular" DC books and it suits Blue Beetle.
The weird thing is that Jaime is very much affected by it, so it's odd that he specifically is that kind of character here. I understand that this is targeted towards young adult readers who are probably also in that position of not caring about politics, so I'll cut it some slack.
It does feel heavy handed at times but so does reality right now.
The artwork by Jacoby Salcedo is very nice, it has more of a casual vibe to it than a lot of the "regular" DC books and it suits Blue Beetle.
June 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC!
I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about Blue Beetle other than... aliens? So that my color my review. Or lack there of?
The story is alright; it's not bad, but its not something I see myself super remembering and raving about. I've read a few superhero comics lately that have touch on how/why people become radicalized. I appreciate the humanization, especially since we're dealing with youth. Smarter teens will infer how to NOT let this happen to themselves and their peers, but I feel like a direct PSA would not have been out of place or unwelcome.
Because of my proximity to the border, and the demographics of my area, I see my readers connecting with this material. I am excited for them to see themselves in a superhero.
The artwork is great! I love a good dessert scene.
I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about Blue Beetle other than... aliens? So that my color my review. Or lack there of?
The story is alright; it's not bad, but its not something I see myself super remembering and raving about. I've read a few superhero comics lately that have touch on how/why people become radicalized. I appreciate the humanization, especially since we're dealing with youth. Smarter teens will infer how to NOT let this happen to themselves and their peers, but I feel like a direct PSA would not have been out of place or unwelcome.
Because of my proximity to the border, and the demographics of my area, I see my readers connecting with this material. I am excited for them to see themselves in a superhero.
The artwork is great! I love a good dessert scene.
September 30, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4/5 stars.
Honestly, I only put it at 4 stars instead of 5 because I do not know nearly enough about DC and Blue Beetle to read this without needing at least a little more context. It is made for the beginning of the story arc e.g. you don't need to know anything, but it also needed more context for some of the world building parts.
Overall though, I'm a big fan of graphic novels since they're quick reads. This one also has a lot of sociopolitical elements such as conversations about migrants and the right's rhetoric -- along with references to hate groups and neo nazis.
I think this would be a great graphic novel for Latinx students, which makes sense since the author is also the author of Frontera.
Honestly, I only put it at 4 stars instead of 5 because I do not know nearly enough about DC and Blue Beetle to read this without needing at least a little more context. It is made for the beginning of the story arc e.g. you don't need to know anything, but it also needed more context for some of the world building parts.
Overall though, I'm a big fan of graphic novels since they're quick reads. This one also has a lot of sociopolitical elements such as conversations about migrants and the right's rhetoric -- along with references to hate groups and neo nazis.
I think this would be a great graphic novel for Latinx students, which makes sense since the author is also the author of Frontera.
October 17, 2024
There are escapist superhero comics, those where real-world issues are merely subtext, and then there are increasingly more that tackle current problems head on. This is one of the latter. The often clunky exposition about racist and neo-nazi organisations aside (the content is good, it's just that others have found more elegant ways of presenting background information), it is a good story. Characters are just fleshed out enough to keep the reader involved, and the artwork is fabulous: clear lines, great colouring, a bit of style to keep it from being generic. The resolution of the two conflicts is a bit too swift, and I didn't really buy how the alien invaders were repelled, but for me the main draw was, as usual with superhero comics, the human stories that preceded it.
April 7, 2025
It was a lovely book. I really enjoyed it, but it disappointed me. At the beginning, I was ready for a complete story. The problem is that it felt extremely short, when I was ready for a proper story. It feels like the book is set up for a series, like a prologue. I found the political themes engaging, but it felt as though I was more scrolling through TikTok debate pages. I'm not American nor POC, so maybe I simply cannot relate, but I wanted a detailed Blue Beetle novel. The art is amazing, and I love the takes on everything. It was an incredible introduction to the Blue Beetle franchise, but I found the book simply anticlimactic. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, but I felt like it was framed as something... more.
July 29, 2024
The focus of this story was primarily about what it is like to live as a Mexican immigrant or a child of immigrant parents in America. The entire sci-fi element that makes this a "Blue Beetle" is a bit of a side note. This story is also a great way to understand what the Alt-Right pipeline is and what it does to people as well as how easy it is to fall down it. The story was well written and I did enjoy it. It managed to be succinct in its portrayal of anti-immigrant hatred and how it destroys local communities, but it never gets preachy. I also really enjoyed the art!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 2, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for proividng me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
One of my favorite DC characters has always been Blue Beetle (Specifically Jamie Reyes although Dan and Ted are both really awesome in their own ways too!) This graphic novel was exactly what I expected form a Jamie story. Teenage Jamie doing what he can to fight against racism and protect his people while also fighting against The Reach and everything they stand for. I've always enjoyed seeing Jamie's struggle with his scarb/The Reach and how he eventually bonds with Khaji Da. This was a great story with an even better message and. really enjoyed seeing the P, B and J group + Riley come together!!!
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
One of my favorite DC characters has always been Blue Beetle (Specifically Jamie Reyes although Dan and Ted are both really awesome in their own ways too!) This graphic novel was exactly what I expected form a Jamie story. Teenage Jamie doing what he can to fight against racism and protect his people while also fighting against The Reach and everything they stand for. I've always enjoyed seeing Jamie's struggle with his scarb/The Reach and how he eventually bonds with Khaji Da. This was a great story with an even better message and. really enjoyed seeing the P, B and J group + Riley come together!!!
October 6, 2024
I'm a DC fan, but I've only read a few Blue Beetle comics. This Land Is Our Land makes me want to rectify that ASAP. Jaime Reyes showed strength and courage by standing up to hate groups in his community and also extraterrestrials coming to do something likely negative to the entire planet. The real-world issues he faces are timely, and the authors convey the urgency of standing up for each other and fighting hate in a way that is accessible to everyone. I look forward to learning more about Jaime Reyes, his family, and his friends in future comics.
Thanks to NetGalley & DC Comics for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley & DC Comics for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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