Somos Arte; $19.99
When Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria hit in September 2017, the island of Puerto Rico was ravaged by the storms. The hurricanes caused massive flooding, destroyed buildings and homes, and severed electricity to a large number of residents. The storms are largely considered to be the worst natural disasters to ever hit Puerto Rico.
To help the continued rebuilding effort, publisher Somos Arte partnered with DC Comics for this trade paperback Ricanstruction: Reminiscing & Rebuilding Puerto Rico. Produced by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, the book tells several stories that celebrate the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
The island’s superheroine La Borinqueña (created by Miranda-Rodriguez) teams up with a collection of DC characters like Wonder Woman, Solomon Grundy, Batman, Swamp Thing, Green Lantern, Poison Ivy, the Flash, and Supergirl to save the day, offer hope, and embrace the culture of Puerto Rico. A host of comic writers and artists, along with actors, and novelists contributed stories that are primarily short vignettes covering a host of topics.
Not only is the book a good read, 100% of the proceeds are going to hurricane relief in Puerto Rico to provide solar-powered lamps, food, clothing, and other necessities to the millions of residents. It’s a very easy way to offer support and get to read some great stories at the same time.
As of May 2018 – eight months after the hurricanes – thousands of residents are still without electricity.
-Amanda Sheriff