Indie Comic Highlight: Lúz La Luminosa
Lúz La Luminosa #1 is an intimate and relatable story behind one of the newest and most exciting superheroes in comic books.
Lauren Liu, is a bioluminescent energy powered hero whose abilities were activated by her best friend Marisol Rios De La Luz (also know La Borinqueña). Together with fellow Nitainos, the team of superheroes use their powers to fight injustices.
The issue begins with Lúz struggling with pain while armed henchmen attack from all sides. It’s a risky move to showcase the hero struggling so early in the issue, but this narrative choice adds a level of vulnerability and empathy that is incredibly relatable.
Comic books often emphasize critical themes of doing good for others and providing inspiration—especially when readers see part of themselves in the character or the story. Lúz La Luminosa celebrates the character’s Dominican/Chinese heritage and her LGBTQ+ background with finesse and respect.
While Lúz’s background is critical, the core of this story revolves around the lesions that are beginning to debilitate her when she’s on her missions. The physical struggles that Lúz faces are more fact than fiction as endometriosis is a very real health challenge that impacts 1 in 10 women. This issue serves as a reminder to openly discuss struggles from this disease while also recognizing how medical staff can take the diagnosis more seriously
Writer Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez balances being informative while also crafting an impressive superhero story. There’s lots of world building and natural ways to educate readers, and it’s done while showcasing the roster of heroes and their struggle against an evil corporation.
Illustrated by Elkys Díaz Nova with colors by Andrew Crossley, the two artists sync incredibly well as the panel designs and non-verbal expressions—especially from Lúz in pain—leap off of the page and connect with readers.
This title is worth exploring as it can serve as inspiration in many different ways. There’s a lot to celebrate with this title as it’s informative, has a well-balanced narrative, and impressive art. This series debut is full of layers such as living with endometriosis and struggles present in Puerto Rico. Lúz La Luminosa #1 reminds readers that personal challenges can be hard, but they don't prevent someone from being "super."
For more information about Lúz La Luminosa or the La Borinqueña universe, visit www.la-borinquena.com.
This comic book was supported by a fellowship from the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and made possible through funding from the Mellon Foundation, and by Princeton University.