La Borinqueña (graphic novel)

La Borinqueña is a story about Marisol's self-discovery as an Afro-Puerto Rican. Throughout the story, she establishes an even deeper connection with her culture when she gets the opportunity to study abroad in Puerto Rico. This expressed through her embracement of the Puerto Rican flag, acknowledgement of the Taíno mythology, and commitment to resolving environmental issues.[3]

As an Afro-Puerto Rican, she encounters the issue of colorism when she meet Sofia, a white passing Puerto Rican. Unaware that Marisol is the granddaughter of the cafe owner, she automatically assumes that she is "la morena cocinando" because of her appearance.

Identity is a prominent theme throughout the text. It is explicitly addressed through Marisol's physical, geographical, and her political identity. As an Afro-Puerto Rican, she belongs to two different racial groups and has a hybrid identity,[2] so she has to learn how to embrace both parts of her even though she may face issues, such as colorism.

Additionally, her identity as a New Yorker is extremely important to the plot of the story. Historically, New York has been the center of revolution and change for Puerto Rico, so having a character with this identity refers to this history. The implications of having a character who is both Puerto Rican and from New York is that it acknowledges and pays homage to the individuals that were exiled to New York after the Lares Rebellion.

Marisol's adoption of the flag that was created during El Grito de Lares gives her a new identity amongst her people. After seeing Marisol dressed in the colors of the Puerto Rican flag, people are filled with nationalism and begin singing both reminded renditions of La Borinqueña, Puerto Rico's National Anthem. This is how she is given the name, La Borinqueña, which gives her political significance. She is now a political symbol of decolonization, rebellion, and pride.

In this story, there are clear references to the Puerto Rican flag and the National Anthem which are both important symbols of the Puerto Rican nationalism.[4] Because of this nationalism, that Marisol is uplifted as a superhero by her community. This is significant because the Puerto Rican Flag was not always accepted. There have been many attempts to degrade this symbol decrease the pride by restraining any acts of nationalism. The Puerto Rican people's embracement of Marisol, who wears the Puerto Rican flag as her superhero costume, shows that this symbol is still significant to the people despite all of the efforts to restrain their acts of nationalism. Although this flag has a long and controversial history, the flag has become part of Puerto Rico's ethnic identity.

Strength and perseverance

This comic alludes to several key events from Puerto Rico's past such as the Indigenous Rebellion and Colonialism. In addition, it acknowledges Puerto Rico's constant struggles with various environmental issues and the Debt Crisis. By depicting these events, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez shows the resiliency of the Puerto Rican people who have persevered through many devastating events.

Marisol receives her superhero abilities from Atabex or Atabey (goddess), Huracan, and Yúcahu,[5] who are keys figures of Taíno mythology.[6] Atabex, the Mother of Boriken, speaks directly to Marisol, after she locates the five crystals (which come together to form La Estrella Del Camino). Her son, Huracan, the spirit of storms, gives Marisol the power to control the wind. Through him, she has the power to control the storms and fly. Atabex's other son, Yucahu, the spirit of the sea and mountains gives Marisol the power to control the earth and the seas.

The story makes several references to the La Estrella del Camino. Professor Robles and several other people have searched for this star. When Marisol finds all five crystals which form this star, she meets Atabex, and her powers are unlocked. This is important because this symbol leads her to her destiny as the Puerto Rican superhero, La Borinqueña.

Before Marisol leaves for Puerto Rico, her mother gives her a family heirloom, which is a piece of the remaining fabric that Mariana Bracetti used to sew the flag for El Grito De Lares. El Grito De Lares was a rebellion in Puerto Rico that was against Spanish rule.[4] Later, another flag was adopted by a group of exiles in New York in solidarity with the Cuban Revolutionary Party. When Marisol speaks to Atabex, this ribbon expands to form her suit which resembles the Puerto Rican flag. When people see her wearing the flag, they are filled with nationalism and pride.[7]

When Marisol arrives in Puerto Rico, she finds out that all of her classes are canceled because of budget cuts that the University of Puerto Rico was experiencing. This is a direct reference to the economic debt crisis that is affecting Puerto Rico. In the 20th century, Puerto Rico received assistance from the United States to keep its economy afloat, but this only worsened the conditions of the economy. As the economy continues to shrink and decrease in size, the government is placed in an uncomfortable position. Due to the lack of jobs, the working class has suffered the most and the funding for the public sector has taken a huge hit.[8]

Before colonialism, this species of sea turtles was plentiful in Puerto Rico. Because of the negative human environmental interaction and animal poaching, they have become an endangered species.[9]

There are two versions of La Borinqueña, the Puerto Rican national anthem: Manuel Fernández Juncos' version and the 1868 version of the anthem. When people see Marisol for the first time, they sing both anthems and give her the name, La Borinqueña.

• This is an anthology collaboration with contributors from popular comic book series. They team up with La Borinqueña and some of the most well known superheroes of all time. It takes the readers on a beautiful journey of Puerto Rican history and show the strength of the culturing in rebuilding the island.

• La Borinqueña superhero action figure, created by a Massachusetts-based toy company, was set to launch in 2022.[15]