Beast of Borikén #1 (Dark Horse Comics)
As someone who's half Puerto Rican and half Mexican, Beast of Borikén, written by Julio Anta with illustrations by Daniel Irizarri and published by Dark Horse Comics, hits close to home. It's more than just another comic. It shines a light on the overdevelopment of Puerto Rico and the impact it has on the people, the culture, and the land. We watched similar events unfold in Hawaii, and these are the kinds of stories that deserve to be told.
Credit: Dark Horse Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
What immediately grabbed me was the way Anta uses El Chupacabra as the protector of the island. Instead of being portrayed as a monster to fear, it becomes a guardian fighting to defend its home. It's a fresh take on a legendary creature that feels deeply connected to Puerto Rican folklore and identity. The supernatural elements never take away from the story's message. Instead, they reinforce it and make the emotional moments hit even harder.
Where this comic truly shines is in its commentary on what is happening in Puerto Rico today. It tackles themes of overdevelopment, environmental destruction, corporate greed, and the struggles many Puerto Ricans face as the cost of living continues to rise. Without ever feeling preachy, Anta tells a story that feels both timely and deeply personal. It's a reminder that these issues aren't just headlines. They're affecting real people and real communities.
LET’S TALK CONCRETE!
The title itself carries real meaning. Borikén, sometimes spelled Borinquén, was the name given to the island by the Taíno people long before Spanish colonization. It is commonly understood to mean Land of the Valiant Lord and remains an important symbol of Puerto Rican heritage and pride. Even today, many Puerto Ricans refer to themselves as Boricuas, a word that traces its roots back to Borikén. Using that name immediately grounds the comic in the island's history and reminds readers that Puerto Rico's story began long before it became a colony.
Daniel Irizarri's artwork perfectly complements the story. He captures the beauty of Puerto Rico while also conveying the tension surrounding the island's future. Every page serves as a reminder of what is at stake and why this place is worth protecting.
FINAL GRADE: 9.7
Beast of Boriken is a comic with something important to say. It entertains, but it also educates and challenges readers to think about the consequences of greed, overdevelopment, and cultural erasure. As someone with Puerto Rican roots, this story resonated with me on a personal level, and I hope more people pick it up not just because it's a great comic, but because conversations like this matter.
If you’ve read this comic, let me know down in the comments. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow Fanlight Zone on all platforms.
