After Hurricane Maria, the lives of hundreds of Puerto Ricans were irrevocably changed. What’s more, many of the Island’s fundamental issues came forth, such as poor urban planning, poverty, and our dubious political status. Suddenly, it was all out there for the world to see. And the world questioned. In response, some of the more prolific Puerto Rican and Latinx comic book artists came together and put in their two cents with the production of “Puerto Rico Strong.”
Earlier this month, Lion Forge released “Puerto Rico Strong,” a comic book with over 40 stories that explore what it means to be Puerto Rican. The anthology delves into the complexities of being Puerto Rican, as well as our history and political climate. It strives, not only to educate the general public and dispel some of the more popular misconceptions about being Puerto Rican but also to join the relief efforts of the hurricane– all profits from the anthology will go towards the United Way of Puerto Rico.
The anthology combines beautiful artwork with conscientious storytelling, mixing personal anecdotes with historical, cultural, and political notes. It also features works of fiction, such as sci-fi and fantasy stories. This initiative is a fresh and smart approach to our current situation. What better way to educate and spread the word than a comic book? It’s so simple, it’s brilliant! I, for one, can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
If you wish to get your own, you may visit Metro Comics in San Patricio, local libraries, or Amazon.