Beast of Borikén #1 – A Spirit is Awakened

A local legend has had enough in Beast of Borikén #1 by Julio Anta, Daniel Irizarri, Patricio Delpeche, Lucas Gattonipirit from Dark Horse Comics.

• Writer: Julio Anta
• Artist: Daniel Irizarri
• Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
• Letterer: Lucas Gattoni

SOLICITATION

“…In contemporary Puerto Rico, Loli Flores is a fierce activist fighting the overdevelopment of the island by outside investors. When a ground-breaking ceremony is violently interrupted by a supernatural force, Loli discovers that the stories of el Chupacabra are not just echoes from the past, but a brutal protector of generations extending back to the indigenous people of the island. As Loli uncovers the horrors firsthand, el Chupacabra is on a parallel path with elemental destruction left in his wake.”

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #1*

THE HISTORY INSIDE 100 X 35

Unfortunately, the story depicted in this comic book is not too far from reality. The island nation of Puerto Rico has been subjected to colonization since the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Only to be handed over to the United States to further its colonial status that has lasted all the way to our present time in 2026. However, in one way or another, my people have been there to protest any injustices. Whether it’s military intervention, corruption in government, or resource or environmental exploitation, Puerto Ricans have always stood against the powers that be.

DISPLACING BORIQUEN

   Thus why the story of Loli Flores resonates. Even for someone in the diaspora like myself. One of the many challenges that plagues the island today is displacement. By using influence or just greasing elbows with their wealth, local and foreign developers have made life unaffordable for the locals in certain places. This is where we meet Loli, as she challenges the powers that be by spreading awareness of the situation and confronting foreign developers to their faces.

A BEAST AWAKENS

   Something incredible happens during the course of a protest to stop developers from breaking into protected land. An incredible creature and an unknown creature awaken from slumber to attack the construction. Panic takes over the site as people barely understand what’s happening. But lo and behold, the legend of El Chupacabra shows up in the flesh to defend Puerto Rico.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Daniel Irrizarri brought his A-Game into issue #1. The pencils, the panel layouts, and the attention to detail feel deliberate. Also, there’s a cinematic feel to the story when considering the documentary and horror aesthetics present in some of the scenes. Although incredible in its own right, Patricio Delpeche’s masterful coloring prowess is what brings this fictional world to life. 

OVERALL GRADE: 9.5/10

FINAL THOUGHTS 

I am no scholar, but I believe this can be considered Afro-Caribbean Speculative thought. There is a clear re-imagination of a real-life struggle by using Mystical, Legendary elements and incorporating them into the story. With the intent to see a more positive and beneficial outcome for the people of Puerto Rico. Perhaps Anta’s true intention is to deliver us with an analogy that encapsulates the spirit of the Boricuas. Because Puerto Ricans have always been subjected to oppression. Whether it’s environmental, economic, or political. Perhaps Juliana is inviting Puerto Ricans to wake up and fight their oppressors the same way El Chupacabra did here in issue one.

Our Nerd Initiative team loved this comic so much that we have more than one review. Check out what Eda had to say HERE.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON BEAST OF BORIKEN #1 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW