Beast of Borikén brings Puerto Rican history and resistance to UPROSE

Storytelling, history and community came together Aug. 12 at UPROSE, 462 36th St., where comics writer Julio Anta joined a book signing and discussion of Beast of Borikén, a graphic novel centered on Puerto Rican folklore and resistance.

Sponsored by Taylor & Co. Books, the event brought together Anta, UPROSE Executive Director Elizabeth Yeampierre and activist David Galarza. The discussion explored the role of culture, identity and storytelling in preserving Puerto Rican history while creating space for community dialogue in Sunset Park.

Among those attending was Sunset Park resident Francesca Gomez, who said the gathering offered a chance to see people from across Latin America come together through culture, education and community.

“It’s amazing seeing people from different parts of the Latin American diaspora come together and exist, educate and enjoy each other,” Gomez said.

Anta is a Miami-born writer now based in New York City. Frontera, the graphic novel he created with artist Jacoby Salcedo, was nominated for the 2024 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. His work often explores identity, immigration and Latino history; his books also include Speak Up, Santiago!

Anta discussed the story, illustrations and historical research behind Beast of Borikén, along with the classic monster movies that inspired the work.

“What inspired me to write Beast of Borikén was growing up watching the Universal monster films like Dracula, Frankenstein and Creature of the Black Lagoon,” Anta said. “As a writer, I wanted to create my own monster comic for the longest time.”

Beast of Borikén follows Loli Flores, an activist fighting overdevelopment by outside investors in contemporary Puerto Rico. After a groundbreaking ceremony is disrupted by a supernatural force, she learns that the Chupacabra is not simply a monster but a protector whose roots stretch back to the island’s Indigenous people.

“I hope readers take away that Puerto Rico isn't just a vacation destination but a colony of the United States that deserves dignity and self-determination,” Anta said. “It comes back to empathy, solidarity and action in a way that informs and entertains.”

Galarza, who joined Anta in the conversation, has long been involved in community and social justice causes. In Sunset Park, he co-founded La Casita Comunal and helped found Occupy Sunset Park. He has also worked to honor Carlos “Chino” Garcia, the Lower East Side activist who co-founded what became the CHARAS/El Bohio Community Center. His work has focused on preserving community history while advocating for social change.

“I connected a lot to the Beast of Borikén because the story is our story,” Galarza said. “The role of our protagonist Loli is not unlike the role many activists play. They've been people who've been righteous and indignant about social justice.”

The discussion then widened from Puerto Rican history to the way community stories can connect people across different struggles and generations.

“The reason why communities should care about preserving these stories is because we share the planet, world and country, from the air we breathe to the water we drink,” Galarza said. “We have to be each other’s keeper.”

The discussion brought different perspectives on culture, history and community into the same space. UPROSE will mark its 60th anniversary with a gala at BRIC on Sept. 19.