Art director and owner of Somos Arte, publisher, writer, activist, philanthropist, and a person I am proud to call friend, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, began a comic publishing project in 2016 that featured an Afro-Puerto Rican girl named Marisol, aka La Borinqueña. Six years ago, he sent me a message with the first realized costume design of the character, asking my opinion of her design. I gave him one minor suggestion, but it has since evolved into a fully realized superhero that has graced its pages for six years now, or sometimes as a costume worn at the NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade, or as an action figure (my daughter likes to display). But beyond breaking the superhero stereotype, Edgardo’s vision was created “to drive conversations around the social, economic, and environmental crises affecting Puerto Rico.”

For his latest publication, I was happy to contribute an illustration for a pin-up piece that features a new supporting superhero named La Lúz, a Chinese Dominican character that continues to break stereotypes and drive ideas for change. When he presented this to me, I was excited to oblige. The image above is a little teaser of my piece. Behold a super cool Asian Latina teen to kick major butt! Let me pause for a moment…OK it was just AMAZING to draw a really cool character that “resembles” someone like me, one I would have loved to see as a child!

Also, very importantly, is the mission statement of this latest upcoming release: ”Our new collaboration with NRDC expands on La Borinqueña’s commitment to sustainability, environmental justice, and philanthropy. By focusing on Puerto Rico’s rebuilding efforts post Hurricane Maria, La Borinqueña Guest Starring: Rosario Dawson is a graphic novel spreading awareness of the dangers of climate change and shares an example of how a community is bouncing back with clean energy.”

Please support and stay tuned for the final reveal of La Lúz! Publication drops April 6, 2022.