Blue Beetle: Origins, Powers, Enemies, and More

With the official end of the DC Extended Universe, a new superhero from DC is poised to rejuvenate the movie studio. On August 18, 2023, with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes according to AMC theaters, the world met Blue Beetle, an accidental superhero. Although this marks Blue Beetle’s first appearance on screen, he has been integral to DC Comics since debuting in Mystery Men Comics #1 in 1939, later joining Batman as a sidekick and the Teen Titans.

This character being new to most, we’re here to ensure you’re fully informed. So, sit back, relax, and delve into Blue Beetle’s origin, powers, enemies, and more.

Blue Beetle: Origin

Watching the trailer of Blue Beetle, you may ponder: where does this Scarab originate? Is it man-made or government technology? Let me clarify—it’s neither. According to comics, Scarab is a genetically engineered bioweapon with its own consciousness, known as Khaji Da. Yes, it’s alive. Comics depict Scarab as a creation of The Reach, a planet whose inhabitants conquer others.

The Reach, though uncontrollable, was subdued by the Green Lantern Corps. Yet, they dispatched Scarabs to various planets covertly, programmed to covertly subjugate the native species and transform them into Reach conquerors, armed with lethal capabilities.

According to the comic series, multiple Blue Beetles have emerged. Three individuals, in total, assumed the role. The initial bearer was the archaeologist Dan Garrett, who unearthed the Scarab during an archaeological expedition. Upon discovery, the Scarab’s programming had detached, empowering Garrett and establishing him as the inaugural Blue Beetle.

Dan Garrett / Source: DC Fandom

Ted Kord / Source: DC Database

The second Blue Beetle, Ted Kord, inherited the mantle after Dan Garrett’s death. Unlike his predecessor, Ted never bonded with the Scarab, thus lacking the full array of superpowers associated with the Blue Beetle. His sole assets were his athletic prowess and a customized BB gun capable of emitting blinding light or delivering a powerful compressed air blast akin to a charging rhino. Ted Kord’s iteration of the Blue Beetle is pivotal in establishing the groundwork for the third Blue Beetle, as depicted in the upcoming movie.

Jaime Reyes/ Source: Youtube- DC Studios

The final and most popular Blue Beetle is Jaime Reyes, around whom the upcoming Blue Beetle movie revolves. According to the comics, Reyes discovered the Scarab in his hometown of El Paso, Mexico, half-buried in an unused construction site. The bioweapon arrived there from the Rock of Eternity during the Day of Vengeance storyline, where it had been entrusted to Shazam by Ted Kord. Jaime proved to be the perfect host for the Scarab, and it bonded with him instantly. After residing on Earth for an extended period, the Scarab has developed its own personality and free will, devoid of the Reach’s programming. Consequently, it grants Jaime significantly enhanced superpowers compared to previous Blue Beetles.

Blue Beetle Powers

Now, after discussing the Scarab and the origin of all Blue Beetles, let’s delve into the powers it grants its host. Designed as an invulnerable weapon of mass destruction, the Scarab boasts a wide array of weapons and abilities, as evidenced in both the Blue Beetle trailer and comics.

1. Symbiotic Integration

Source: YouTube/ DC Studios

Upon pairing with its host, the Scarab embeds itself into the host’s nervous system, effectively becoming a fully functional body part. This integration bestows upon the host superhuman strength and unmatched agility, even in the absence of the Blue Beetle Armor.

2. Host Defense

Source: YouTube/ DC Studios

The Blue Beetle armor deploys over its host to protect from any threat at all costs. In the trailer, it deploys a shield when Jaime faces a bus, cutting it in half. The armor withstands extreme temperatures, explosions, bullets—virtually invulnerable to any threat.

3. Armour Reconfiguration

Source: YouTube/ DC Studios

The Blue Beetle armor boasts an arsenal of limitless weapons. The Scarab can materialize any weapon or shield its host conceives. Among the weaponry showcased in the Blue Beetle trailer and comics are energy cannons, swords, laser blasters, grappling hooks, and more. Interestingly, Blue Beetle stands as the sole DC superhero capable of emitting kryptonite radiation, a feat demonstrated in DC comics to shield Superboy from its harmful effects.

4. Adaptive Weaponry

Source: YouTube/ DC Studios

Above, Blue Beetle disrupts Kryptonite radiation, but can he use it against Kryptonians? Not exactly. Blue Beetle’s Scarab protects its host by adapting weapons according to the opponent. In comics, the Scarab scans and identifies the enemy’s vulnerability, then adapts Blue Beetle’s weaponry accordingly.

He overpowered Green Lantern Corps alone by generating yellow fear energy. He also defeated Sinestro by replicating the Green Lantern ring’s willpower energy.

Pretty cool, huh?

5. Adaptive Flight

Source: YouTube/DC Studios

Blue Beetle possesses powerful adaptive flight capabilities. The Scarab equips him with a jet booster propulsion system for outer space or high-altitude flight, while generating Beetle-like wings for lower altitudes. In instances requiring high-speed flight, the Scarab combines these wings with the jet boosters.

Blue Beetle’s Adversaries

Throughout comics and the forthcoming movie trailer, Blue Beetle encounters numerous adversaries. Here are some notable ones:

1. Conrad Carapax

Source: YouTube/ DC Studios

Conrad Carapax, a significant antagonist in the Blue Beetle series, debuts in the DCU through the Blue Beetle film. In the comics, Conrad, an archaeologist and rival of Dan Garrett, ventures to Pago Island to uncover Dan’s pursuits before his demise. There, he discovers Jarvis Kord’s ancient laboratory, where he encounters a functional robot. In an attempt to activate it, a malfunction occurs, fusing him with the robot and transforming him into an almost invincible villain, poised to challenge Jamie Reyes in the Blue Beetle movie. Witness Conrad Carapax’s adaptation by DC Studios.

2. Victoria Kord

Source: YouTube/ DC Studios

Victoria Kord, elder sister of Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle, and CEO of Kord Industries, resembles a female Lex Luthor: a brilliant scientist and businesswoman, yet twisted. She seeks to gather all Earth’s Scarabs, deeming them too powerful for anyone but herself. She relentlessly pursues Jamie to obtain the Scarab, even willing to kill.

3. Black Beetle

Source: Young Justice wiki

While absent from the movie trailer, Black Beetle is deemed the arch nemesis of Blue Beetle. An insurgent of the Reach, he was tasked with traveling back in time to save Ted Kord’s life, thereby thwarting Jamie Reyes from discovering the Scarab and preventing Reach infiltration. In comics and animated shows, Black Beetle has consistently antagonized Blue Beetle. Perhaps, in the future, he’ll make his on-screen debut.

Blue Beetle Movie

The Blue Beetle movie’s theatrical release has proven impressive, marking James Gunn’s new DC Universe with a strong start. With a solid 76 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the film garners positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Centered on Jaime Reyes, a recent graduate who, by chance, discovers the Scarab, an ancient bioweapon of immense power. Dormant for ages, the Scarab activates upon Jaime’s touch, binding itself to him and granting an impenetrable suit of armor with extraordinary abilities.

Watching the movie is a delight, blending family, humor, and DC’s signature darkness beautifully. Here’s everything you need to know before watching Blue Beetle. Additionally, the movie contains multiple post-credit scenes. Find out more in our article on Blue Beetle Post-Credit Scenes.

With the commencement of the DCU, let’s delve into Blue Beetle’s future in the upcoming DC storyline. James Gunn’s deliberate choice to introduce Blue Beetle as the inaugural character in his universe speaks volumes. Blue Beetle holds a significant place within the Bat Family, has crossed paths with Superman, collaborated with Batman and Robin, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Teen Titans. Certain aspects of the movie ensure Blue Beetle’s imminent return. Perhaps we’ll witness his awe in encountering Superman or his camaraderie with Robin, fighting alongside Batman against villains. Presently, all we can do is await unfolding events!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Scarab?

The Scarab, a weapon of mass destruction, originated from The Reach, an alien faction known for planetary conquest. Originally intended to facilitate Earth’s subjugation, it became separated from its destructive programming, ultimately repurposed for benevolent ends.

2. What is the Scarab’s designation?

Referred to as Khaji-Da, the Scarab possesses autonomous sentience and individuality.

3. Whose voice embodies the Scarab?

In Jamie Reyes’ Blue Beetle persona, the Scarab assimilates with the host’s consciousness, adopting the voice of their most cherished individual—typically, the host’s mother—to optimize communication efficacy.

4. What is the Scarab’s origin?

The Scarab was sent to Earth by planet-conquering aliens, The Reach.

5. Is Blue Beetle a Marvel or DC character?

Blue Beetle is a character from DC Comics, first appearing in Mystery Men Comics #1 in 1939.