Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story by Lilliam Rivera ~ a Review

by MK French

Jessica Cruz has to navigate her life as a DREAMer in Coast City, but she is also a Green Lantern. Like every other Green Lantern, she has to fight for what she believes in while facing overwhelming odds.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

September 2021; DC Comics; 978-1779500519
ebook, print (208 pages); YA comics

I had never heard of Jessica Cruz as a Green Lantern before, so I was drawn to her story. I know about Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and John Stewart, having seen their stories in various live-action and animated movies. A quick Wikipedia search indicates that she had been used as a host for a power ring, and then ultimately became the first female Green Lantern; in another comic iteration she was tested and ended up sharing its power with another Green Lantern when Hal Jordan has to leave earth on a mission.

In this version, Jessica is a popular and dedicated student that worries about her undocumented parents. John Stewart is another student in the museum internship that she's part of. Her worry escalates as a xenophobic mayoral candidate increases the agitation in the city, she sees visions of Aztec gods, and her father is detained by ICE. These are topical fears in our country and in different communities. Bringing this home to the individual, we see through her eyes the sheer terror involved for the people trying to survive on the fringes. The worry is overwhelming and isolating, keeping her from talking to friends, family, and those who would be willing to help her through it.

Moving beyond her fear and looking for ways she can make positive change helps bring Jessica out of her isolation. Change is slow, as the gods tell her, but it will happen. Her sheer willpower and strength of character will help create that change, and I have hope for her as a powerful Green Lantern able to use that power to help others.

Buy Unearthed at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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