Early Reader Review: Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story by Lilliam Rivera

Source: From DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story by Lilliam Rivera 

Illustrated by Steph C. 
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:  September 14, 2021

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Acclaimed author Lilliam Rivera and artist Steph C. reimagine one of DC's greatest Green Lanterns, Jessica Cruz, to tell a story about immigration, family, and overcoming fear to inspire hope.

Jessica Cruz has done everything right. She's a dedicated student, popular among her classmates, and has a loving family that has done everything they can to give her a better life in the United States. While Jessica is a part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, allowing her to go to school and live in the U.S., her parents are undocumented. Jessica usually worries for her parents, but her fears and anxiety escalate as a mayoral candidate with a strong anti-immigration stance runs for office.

As the xenophobia in Coast City increases, Jessica begins to debate whether it's worth renewing her status to stay in the U.S., or if her family would be safer and better off moving back to Mexico. And despite her attempts to lean on her friends and family, she finds herself constantly visited by visions of Aztec gods, one pulling her towards hope and the other towards anger.

But when her father is detained by I.C.E., Jessica finds herself being pulled into an abyss of fear. With her father gone and feeling helpless, Jessica must find her way out of her fears and ultimately become a voice for her community. 

Review: 

This was an intense and eye-opening graphic novel about coming of age and self-discovery in a world of xenophobia. Jessica is just trying to be a normal high schooler when the city around her plagues her with fear for her and her family's safety. The plot of this graphic novel focuses on the arrest and deportation of non-residents in Jessica's city. When her father is detained it only increases her fear and she must decide how to help or if she should hide. 

This was a beautifully drawn graphic novel focusing on differing cultures and the emotions that they have around being undocumented. It was a realistic portrayal and filled me with anxiety as I read about Jessica and her family and the problems they were facing. 

As the more fantasical component, Jessica is seeing, dreaming and hearing visions of Aztec gods pulling her through feelings of hope and/or anger and rage. The inner turmoil is well portrayed through these visions and with her feelings.  

I didn't know much about Jessica before reading this book, but it is my understanding that she is also a part of the Green Lantern franchise. All that aside this is a great introduction to her and her character which highlights her background really well. If you are interested in the character or graphic novels that have a diversity focus, this would be a great one to pick up.

About the Author

Lilliam Rivera is an award-winning writer and the author of children's books Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit, Dealing in Dreams, and The Education of Margot Sanchez, and her recent young adult novel Never Look Back (September 2020) by Bloomsbury. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Elle, to name a few. A Bronx, New York, native, Lilliam currently lives in Los Angeles. 

About the Illustrator

Steph C. is a Mexico-based artist and illustrator known for her stylish and vibrant characters and sharp, geometric compositions and designs. She has created illustrations and character concepts for independent clients, magazines, local books, collaborations, and original artwork. She aims to inspire others through art and share stories of her own.