Blue Beetle: First appearance (historical) Captain Atom #83, November, 1966 (Current version) Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 April 1985. Alter Ego: Ted Kord Growing up, Ted found he was extraordinarily bright. He was good at science, business, and everything else he tried. He thought he would join his father's business, Kord Omniversal Research and Development, Inc, of Chicago, but had no real life direction. Ted's uncle made an attempt to take over the world, and Ted stopped him. During that adventure, Ted found out that his Archaeology teacher, Daniel Garrett, was the original Blue Beetle, who had gained powers from an ancient Egyptian scarab. Ted promised the dying Garrett that he would carry on his work. Ted trained to his physical peak, made a Blue Beetle costume, and established his own identity. Ted uses his wit, agility, and a large number of gadgets to stop evildoers. After his father's company was destroyed, Ted left permanently to make his name in the superhero business. Ted joined the Justice League as it was being reformed, and often served as the pilot for the Leagues many vehicles. In the JLA, Beetle met his soon-to-be best friend, Booster Gold/Michael Jon Carter. The two have had their differences, but both have served together many years and have a bond that goes beyond their wisecracks and buffoonery. Beetle's mouth and sense of humor often get him into trouble with other members of the League, especially the women. Behind his jokes is a sincerity of heart that he carries the legacy of the Blue Beetle, and a desire to make the world safer for all. Beetle has no superpowers, but does have strong, untapped mental capabilities. Beetle's most often used piece of equipment is the Bug, which is his beetle-shaped air/water craft. It can carry the entire League, is solar powered, and has an impressive number of advanced weapons, defenses, and entertainment equipment. Beetle was a member of the League for several years, and has also served in the Extreme Justice branch of the JLA.
