Beast of Boriken #1

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 10

  Capes & Tights - Justin Soderberg

  Jun 04, 2026

  Beast of Borikén #1 is the kind of story that delivers on multiple levels, a frightening monster tale while also offering much more beneath the surface. Julio Anta and Daniel Irizarri craft a coin that blends folklore and horror with community and identity into something truly compelling. Beast of Boriken is a haunting and heartfelt reimagining of the Chupacabra that proves some of the most powerful monsters are often in real-world struggles. Read Full Review

• 9.7

  Fanlight Zone - Juan Cordero

  Jul 01, 2026

  Beast of Boriken is a comic with something important to say. It entertains, but it also educates and challenges readers to think about the consequences of greed, overdevelopment, and cultural erasure. As someone with Puerto Rican roots, this story resonated with me on a personal level, and I hope more people pick it up not just because it's a great comic, but because conversations like this matter. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Comic Book Clique - Frank Jarome

  Jun 17, 2026

  Beast of Boriken #1 is more than just another monster story. It’s a story about a people, a culture, and a land besieged by outside forces. It’s a story where the real monster may not be the legendary creature, but rather the businessman in a suit making promises. I have no idea where the story is going to go next, but I’m excited to find out. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Nerd Initiative - Eda Thomas Bagwell

  Jul 01, 2026

  Anta and Irizarri crafted a truly strong start to a modern monster tale. From using real-world influence comes a product of the times that can only be delivered truthfully by those who know the struggle. “The Beast of Borikén #1” is one you need to add to your collection. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Nerd Initiative - Yancy Arce

  Jul 01, 2026

  I am no scholar, but I believe this can be considered Afro-Caribbean Speculative thought. There is a clear re-imagination of a real-life struggle by using Mystical, Legendary elements and incorporating them into the story. With the intent to see a more positive and beneficial outcome for the people of Puerto Rico. Perhaps Anta’s true intention is to deliver us with an analogy that encapsulates the spirit of the Boricuas. Because Puerto Ricans have always been subjected to oppression. Whether it’s environmental, economic, or political. Perhaps Juliana is inviting Puerto Ricans to wake up and fight their oppressors the same way El Chupacabra did here in issue one. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Comic Crusaders - Al Mega

  Jun 15, 2026

  Beast of Borikén is a powerful debut with cultural fire in its belly and mud under its claws. It is supernatural horror with activist blood pressure. It is folklore sharpened into a machete. It is a story about Borikén refusing to be reduced to beachfront profit margins and developer champagne glasses. Anta, Irizarri, Delpeche, and Gattoni deliver a first issue that feels raw, relevant, and ready to roar. Tiny Onion and Dark Horse have something special here, and if this debut is the warning growl, then issue #2 might be the full moon howl. WEPA, this one got spirit, bite, and purpose. The Crusade Never Ends! Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Pages and Panels - Seth A. Romo

  Jun 30, 2026

  Beast of Borikén #1 is an unapologetically bold monster story. Rather than shy away from confrontation, this series takes a stand in its message while delivering a compelling story. Read Full Review

• 8.7

  Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton

  Jul 05, 2026

  Justin Jordan and Tony Akins’ black and white backup “Seven Gates” is a different kind of atmospheric horror rooted in urban legends and a crush gone haywire. Read Full Review

• 8.6

  The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally

  Jul 01, 2026

  Irizarri creates some beautifully detailed and visually exciting art throughout the issue. I like the visual style of this issue a lot. Read Full Review

• 8.4

  Comic Watch - Logan Mullins

  Jul 02, 2026

  Beast of Borikén #1 earns its presence. It doesn’t use Puerto Rico as scenery for a monster story; it uses a monster story to talk about Puerto Rico. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  You Don't Read Comics - Russ Bickerstaff

  Jul 01, 2026

  The opening of the series seems appealing enough. The basic format of this particular monster story seems to have a lot of parallels to a Jaws-style pacing. The central antagonist of the story may well be the monster, but the bulk of the narrative is really going to focus on the conflct between developer and activist. Judging from the first issue, it feels like the series feels lke it’s going to be more of a focus on the conflict between people than it is about the monster in question. In any case, it IS an engaging drama. Read Full Review

• 7.5

  AIPT - Chris Coplan

  Jun 30, 2026

  'The Beast of Borikén' isn't just a monster story: It's a tale about home, generational trauma, activism, and the power of rage. And it'll eat you whole mere moments into issue #1. Read Full Review