DC Comics' latest young adult graphic novel, Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz story, is about as important and powerful of a book as the publisher has ever released. The story takes the popular Green Lantern hero and puts her in a very real-world away from fighting in universe-ending crises or patrolling space. Instead, she's forced to worry about her family being taken away from her at any moment - shining a light on being an undocumented immigrant in the United States and the fear that comes with it.
Jessica Cruz is one of DC's newer Green Lanterns, originally debuting in 2014. Before becoming a member of the Green Lantern Corps, Cruz suffered from significant anxiety after watching her friends get murdered before her eyes. Originally, she was given a ring that was powered and fed on her fear, but later became one of Earth's Green Lanterns after overcoming her own struggles and further embracing her willpower. In current comics continuity, she's a member of the Yellow Lanterns.
In Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz story by Lilliam Rivera (Never Look Back) and illustrator Steph C, the hero is reimagined as a high school student whose anxiety is driven by the genuine fear of her undocumented family being taken away from her from I.C.E. Told from the perspective of the Latinx DACA recipient, the story doesn't sugarcoat the harsh and unfair realities that Cruz and her family face and how racist policies and laws made life even more challenging than it should ever be. It's a perspective you rarely see in mainstream comic books, especially one starring a hugely popular DC character like Jessica. Rivera makes an important statement in the book while telling a story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a complex reimagining of Cruz's origin that adds even more emotional weight.
The graphic novel is illustrated beautifully by Steph C., whose tremendous work on the project hopefully sees her profile increase. The artist makes everything feel so grounded. Coast City feels lived-in and vibrant. But, when the story goes in more mythical directions (such as Jessica's vivid dreams about meeting Chalchiuhticue, the Goddess of Jade Skirt), everything takes an unexpected route and becomes dreamy and gorgeous. Steph C.'s expressions, use of colors to help emphasize characters, and sequential storytelling are truly masterful. Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story doesn't look like anything else on the shelf - which is a huge compliment to the unique art style.
DC Comics has done a tremendous job telling grounded stories starring heroes and villains living through real-life problems and situations. The recent Whistle shined a light on the healthcare system in the United States and the importance of activism. You Brought Me The Ocean and Poison Ivy: Thorns examined the queer experience and navigating through tragedy growing up. Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story continues that trend but with even higher stakes. It's so important these stories are being told right now. DC's newest YA offering is a gorgeous, relevant, and thought-provoking read which should have a very long shelf-life. Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story is in comic book stores now.
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