For decades, Latino characters in mainstream comics often occupied the margins, appearing as supporting characters or cultural stereotypes rather than fully realized heroes. But at this year’s Comicpalooza, creators, scholars and collectors gathered to highlight a growing movement that is reshaping how Latino identity is represented on the page.
Through a series of panels and conversations, attendees explored the history, challenges and future of Latino representation in comics, particularly the rich and often overlooked contributions of Puerto Rican creators and characters.
One recurring theme emerged throughout the discussions: Latino stories are far bigger than any single character.
“Miles Morales is a great character,” said comics writer and pop culture author Gene Selassie. “He’s not the only high-profile Boricua character. There are plenty of Puerto Rican characters and Puerto Rican comics outside of the superhero realm. You have horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and a diverse group of independent comics out there.”
Selassie, who hosted a panel examining Puerto Rican culture and comics, encouraged fans to look beyond mainstream superhero titles and explore independent works such as La Borinqueña and Coquí, which draw heavily from Puerto Rican history, folklore and Indigenous Taíno culture.
That broader perspective was echoed by Margarita Castromán Soto, a professor in the Department of English and Creative Writing at Rice University. During her panel, “Puerto Rican Comics: Into the Boricuaverse,” she challenged the notion that Puerto Rican representation in comics begins and ends with Miles Morales.
“There is a longer tradition of Puerto Rican comics than we realize,” Castromán Soto said. “Some of the most interesting and radical work examining Puerto Rico’s colonial condition and history is happening in comics.”
She pointed to historical graphic novels, alternative superheroes and independent creators who are using the medium to explore issues of identity, colonialism and cultural memory. According to Castromán Soto, comics have become one of the most dynamic spaces for Puerto Rican storytelling and cultural expression.
For independent creator Wilfred Estevez, comics offer something unique that other forms of media often cannot.
“I think they can tell stories that TV or movies won’t because we don’t have the resources,” Estevez said. “With a comic, you can get paper and pen and just make something.”
That accessibility has long made comics a powerful tool for underrepresented communities. Without the financial barriers associated with film or television production, creators can tell stories that might otherwise never reach an audience.
Estevez believes that is especially important for Puerto Rican creators, whose stories are often overshadowed within broader conversations about Hispanic identity.
“When people think of Hispanics, they usually think of Mexico, which is the largest demographic,” he said. “But Puerto Ricans are part of the United States, and we’re often forgotten.”
His panel explored the importance of incorporating Puerto Rican culture into comics, not only to preserve cultural identity but also to expand public understanding of the diversity that exists within Latino communities.
The conversation about representation extended beyond creators and academics. Comic collector and content creator Carlos Collects Comics discussed how seeing diverse heroes can shape the experiences of young readers.
“It is vital that there’s Hispanic representation in comic books,” he said.
Carlos recalled being inspired by the cultural impact of Marvel’s Black Panther and wondering when Latino audiences would receive a similar moment.
“I’ve got nephews, students, two daughters and a son,” he said. “I’d love for them to see people like us on the screen and on the page.”
That desire for representation became reality, in part, with the release of Blue Beetle, featuring Mexican American hero Jaime Reyes. Carlos said taking his daughters to see the film was a meaningful experience because it allowed them to see themselves reflected in a superhero story.
Yet representation, panelists noted, is about more than simply placing Latino characters into existing narratives.
Throughout the discussions, speakers emphasized the importance of authenticity over tokenism. Meaningful representation comes from creators who bring their lived experiences, histories and cultures into their work, creating stories that feel genuine rather than performative.
Comic books have become an ideal platform for that authenticity. Independent publishing, webcomics and creator-owned projects have opened doors for Latino creators to tell stories on their own terms, free from many of the limitations of traditional publishing.
As the industry continues to evolve, Comicpalooza’s panels offered a reminder that Latino identity in comics is neither new nor limited to a handful of recognizable names. From Puerto Rican folklore and historical narratives to contemporary superheroes and independent horror stories, Latino creators are building worlds that reflect the complexity and diversity of their communities.
For readers willing to look beyond the biggest titles on the shelf, there is an entire universe waiting to be discovered.
And if the conversations at Comicpalooza are any indication, that universe is only continuing to grow.
