Art imitating real life can be inspiring, as is the case with the latest cover of La Borinqueña. Rosario Dawson, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, Calle 13’s Residente and iLe appear on the cover of the third issue of the graphic novel. The Latinx musicians, actors and more are portrayed as the activists they are. This issue commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Puerto Rican flag. While not to be released until November 4, the issue is available for pre-order now.
Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, graphic novelist, philanthropist and activist, revealed the cover this week across his social accounts, pointing out (in Spanish) that the cover features faces of young Puerto Ricans who have the duty to defend their homeland with the weapons of knowledge. In her comic book debut, artist Ana Teresa Rivera Fuentes draws the superhero leading a march of activists, as she proudly waves the Puerto Rican flag herself.
In time for the release of the third issue, Miranda-Rodriguez is partnering with Masks of America in hopes to raise money to purchase and ship FDA-certified N95 masks to essential healthcare workers across the United States and Puerto Rico.
“We have found and partnered with an FDA-certified manufacturer selling N95 equivalent masks at only $2/mask—a fraction of what hospitals and governments have been paying for N95 masks. Every dollar donated will go directly to mailing masks to health care facilities who request them through,” he states on the La Borinqueña homepage.
With a goal of $250,000, the virtual GoFundMe campaign has seen donations from ActBlue, courtesy of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, (for $50,000) and organization Be A Hero (for $20,000), as highlighted by The Grio.