[1] Marisol Rios De La Luz,[2] a student at Columbia University with a major in Earth and Environmental science, is studying abroad in Puerto Rico.
Initially she is disappointed, but she decides to create her own lab in the back of her grandfather's café where she will conduct research on the rock samples that she acquires from her exploration of five caves.
One night, she goes to Cueva Ventana during a storm and makes a shocking discovery about La Estrella Del Camino, which results in her receiving her powers from Atabex, Huracan, and Yucahu.
As a superhero with a commitment to solving Puerto Rico's environmental issues, the people recognize her as their vigilante and La Borinqueña.
This is expressed through her embracement of the Puerto Rican flag, acknowledgement of the Taíno mythology, and commitment to resolving environmental issues.
[4] Marisol receives her superhero abilities from Atabex or Atabey (goddess), Huracan, and Yúcahu,[5] who are keys figures of Taíno mythology.
[6] Atabex, the Mother of Boriken, speaks directly to Marisol, after she locates the five crystals (which come together to form La Estrella Del Camino).
[8] This comic belongs in the field of Latino Speculative Fiction because it centers the experiences of Marisol, who is an Afro-Latina, by focusing specifically on her identity and journey to embracing her culture.
Miranda-Rodriguez was inspired to make the character when he was approached by organizers of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.
[13] La Borinqueña has been featured in the New York City Puerto Rican Day Parade and is now the recipient of her own mural in the South Bronx at the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education.