Blue Beetle: a synthwave superhero film fused with Mexican spice

Its cultural touchstones and lessons landed at just the right time in my own comics journey as a brown man finding his way

I’m fresh out of the movie theater and trying to capture the rush of emotions, el orgullo that I feel from seeing my people represented in such a caring way. By now I’m sure most of the pop culture world has heard that the central theme of DC’s Blue Beetle is about family and the strength it gives people in the face of challenges. Sometimes those challenges are socioeconomic and sometimes they are just a supervillain that stands in your way. Either way, the Beetle fam shows us that ánimo is the answer to life’s obstacles.

I’ll readily admit, I needed to be reminded of this as I have had my own challenges with my comics endeavors. It’s been a trying year where I have felt so close, and yet so far, from realizing my comic-book making dreams. At times, as creators, we have to accept and be at peace with so many factors that are way beyond our control in the industry. Blue Beetle came at the right time and really struck a cord with me, complete with a touching cameo to El Chapulín Colorado — the comedic, try-hard superhero with no powers and a heart of gold.

Beetle was a great reminder to dig deep into my cultural roots and find that ánimo when things don’t go according to plan. My projects, and my cherished artwork partners, deserve that extra effort and care to push forward in the face of adversity. When I see my people represented in the main stream with films like Blue Beetle and Amazon’s A Million Miles Away, I am reignited with motivation and inspiration. Ima find some kinda way to get my stories out there — as there is one thing I know I can control: how much joy and passion I put into creating and presenting my stories.

Thank you to Warner Bros., DC, the producers, director Ángel Manuel Soto, and that wonderful cast! Bravo y gracias from a Chicano boy trying to live the dream… and represent while doing so.

¡Si se puede!

Enjoy the Cypress Hill tunes, taken straight from the Beetle soundtrack! 🐞

¡No contaban con mi astucia!

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