Whether kids see themselves on screen, at the doctor’s office, or in the pages of a comic book, representation matters. Award-winning graphic novelist Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez has created many groundbreaking characters within the La Borienqueña universe. 

La Borinqueña is a unique character and a symbol of patriotism within a timeless superhero narrative. Her abilities come from the rich tapestry of history and mysticism woven into Puerto Rico’s fabric. One of her allies, Lúz La Luminosa, is taking center stage and making their solo comic book debut.

Lúz La Luminosa is a superhero who fights villains while experiencing the effects of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that affects ten percent of menstruating people globally, according to the World Health Organization. 

Amy Corfeli of In Sixteen Years explains on her website that “endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory, full-body disease.”

“Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the endometrium (the uterine lining) grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis isn’t the uterine lining — it’s tissue that’s similar to it, but there are hundreds of differences between the two tissues,” Corfeli cites on her website.

She further notes that it’s not a condition that only affects a menstruating person’s reproductive organs. It’s found in other parts of the body.

Corfeli adds, “Endometriosis doesn’t just affect reproductive organs – it can be found in other body locations as well, such as the intestines, bladder, lung, or diaphragm. This is called extra pelvic endometriosis.”

Through Lúz La Luminosa, Miranda-Rodriguez aims to raise awareness about this debilitating condition. Kyung Jeon-Miranda’s battle with endometriosis fueled the graphic novelist and activist’s work.

Lúz’s story sheds light on the challenges of living with endometriosis, all while remaining infused with empathy and authenticity.

Lúz La Luminosa’s story serves as symbolism for those who face adversity daily

Lúz La Luminosa is not just any superhero; she is a Chinese-Dominican powerhouse who has broken stereotypes and paved the way for comic book representation. 

Elkys Nova Díaz illustrated the comic, which Andrew Crossley colored. Rita Fei and Luciano Vecchio created the covers.

In this edition, Lúz La Luminosa joins forces with her best friend, La Borinqueña, to recover stolen energy. Along the way, they encounter super-powered allies and form a team called The Nitainos. 

However, Lúz faces a formidable foe in the villains she battles and her struggle with endometriosis. As she navigates her dual identities as a college student and a superhero, Lúz’s journey becomes a powerful allegory for resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

As if Lúz’s impact couldn’t be more significant, fans will soon be able to bring her into their homes as a collectible action figure. 

Produced by Boss Fight Studio, the Lúz La Luminosa action figure will hit shelves in May 2024. This will further cement her status as a cultural icon and beacon of hope for those affected by endometriosis.

Latinas who have endometriosis cite that they feel seen by Lúz’s story

Endometriosis advocate Nathali Zamora tells Latinidad Collective, “Despite being as common as diabetes and asthma, endometriosis still takes seven to ten years to diagnose. Seeing a kick-ass hero fight for the greater good and struggle with this disease makes me feel seen.” 

“I’ve had to be my own superhero kicking a villain’s butt throughout my life despite being in debilitating pain. The villain being regular life,” she continues.

Afro-Indigenous Latina and entrepreneur Victoria Carrington Chávez echoes Zamora’s sentiments.

“As a multicultural woman with endometriosis, this sort of representation is not just revolutionary, it’s important. We need to see ourselves authentically and all of the ways that we show up and all the multitudes of being human,” Carrington Chávez told Latinidad Collective.  

She added, “We need to be able to realize that we can be all of the things because, in many ways, we are a multitude of things. So for me, it’s super inspiring and empowering to see, and it encourages me to continue to fight endometriosis another day. I can be a superheroine and have endo; that it’s not one of the other.”

Others expressed that seeing someone like Lúz brought them to tears

Author and business strategist Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda told Latinidad Collective it was “a huge deal” seeing Lúz La Luminosa.

“This is a huge deal. I actually cried at reading this news just now because I wish I would have seen this, you know, when I was still trying to get diagnosed or even dealing with, like, recently getting diagnosed. This representation is super important,” she remarks.

Stoyanov Ojeda continues, “And unfortunately, women’s health is not widely talked about, even between groups of women. You know, it’s still seen as something taboo or something that people are afraid to talk about, like money, right?”

She notes that talking about endometriosis in a way “that’s a little bit more fun and approachable” is welcomed. Stoyanov Ojeda believes it will help “bring more awareness to it.”

“And that’s what we need, at the end of the day, to create change: awareness and important facts and accurate facts being shared about the disease. Because, as we know, a lot of misinformation is shared […] about women’s health, and so I see this comic as not just a cool thing but as a form of advocacy. And I think that’s really, really awesome. And I’m really happy about it existing,” the author concludes.