Earlier today, the New York Times revealed a secret project I’ve been sitting on for the last several months. I had the pleasure to serve as an Assistant Editor on Ricanstruction: Reminiscing & Rebuilding Puerto Rico, an anthology produced by La Borinqueña creator Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez. On the sixth month anniversary of Hurricane Maria, it was announced that the publication of Ricanstruction will benefit ongoing recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.

On the heels of the announcement of the book, I can reveal exclusively here on the NOC an excerpt from the story “Song of El Coquí” written by Hamilton star Javier Muñoz with art by Sabrina Cintron!

In an exclusive statement to The Nerds of Color, Muñoz said:

“As a comic book fan I have to say this experience has been, in the fullest sense, awesome. I can check this off my bucket list! I’m extremely grateful to have been asked to participate. After weeks of not being able to communicate with family in Puerto Rico after the hurricanes left me feeling helpless and desperate to do anything I could to try and help. It was clear the devastating impact would mean recovery would take months, if not longer, and knowing this comic would be released at a later time felt like investing in something that would provide vital assistance further down the road to recovery for Puerto Rico. Grateful for this project and its purpose.”

Ricanstruction will be available in stores everywhere on May 23. You can pre-order it on Amazon or use the Diamond code JAN189143 when ordering through your local comic shop.