We’re getting a first listen of the incredible score behind the upcoming DC Comics superhero movie Blue Beetle. At San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2023, a panel was held where a handful of Hollywood composers talked about the challenges that they face creating a soundtrack fit for the superhero genre.

Moderated by Michael Giacchino (Pixar’s Up), the Academy Award-winning composer was joined on stage by Christophe Beck (Shazam! Fury of the Gods), Laura Karpman (Ms. Marvel), Christopher Lennertz (The Boys), David Russo (Gotham), and Bobby Krlic (AKA The Haxan Cloak), the composer behind the score for Blue Beetle.

During a showcase of the composers’ work at the start of the panel, part of Krlic’s Blue Beetle score was played for SDCC attendees – and it was extraordinary. It was a mix of synthetic tones, drums and rattling bass that sounded like something that can only be described as “futuristic.”

“It really is a very different kind of superhero film,” Krlic said during the SDCC panel. “It’s got this huge, beating heart. It’s all about community and family.”

Now, all we can imagine is Xolo Maridueña dressed in full Blue Beetle regalia creating a bunch of synth melodies on a keyboard and laptop with his abuela.

This is the first superhero movie that The Haxan Cloak has worked on in his career. His latest work as a composer was featured in the Netflix series Beef. He’s also written the music for films like Midsommer and Beau is Afraid and TV series like Snowpiercer and The Alienist.

Blue Beetle premieres at theaters nationwide on August 18, 2023.