Press Release

Just under six months since Hurricane Maria plowed through Puerto Rico with a destructive force that left island residents desperate for survival or forced to flee to the U.S. mainland, the island is still struggling to rebound. Today, the St. Louis publisher announces their commitment to relief efforts in a partnership with United Way of Puerto Rico, in conjunction with the release of Puerto Rico Strong, a comics anthology from some of today’s top talent! 

All Lion Forge profits from the sales of Puerto Rico Strong will go to the Early Childhood Relief program. These specific initiatives in Puerto Rico to help the children and families and provide hope include: 

• Early Childhood Centers: Creation of Reading Corners
• Early Childhood Centers: Psychological Support for traumatic stress after a natural disaster
• Early Childhood Centers: Re-establishment of non-profit childcare facilities (Furniture, Materials, Equipment, Structure)
• Community Schools and Health Care Centers
   

In addition, Lion Forge will match $25,000 of all profits from the sales of Puerto Rico Strong, and Diamond Comic Distributors will donate 5 percent of retail sales to United Way of Puerto Rico. 

“When a particular area of the world is struggling, it is everyone’s responsibility to find ways to help,” says Lion Forge founder David Steward II. “We at Lion Forge are always looking for ways to bolster diversity of content and creators, and we thought the best way to help the people of Puerto Rico would be to highlight some of the unique voices in our industry with a deep connection to Puerto Rican heritage. We are donating 100 percent of the book’s profits to the ongoing relief efforts, in addition to matching the first $25,000 raised.” 

“We’re grateful to Lion Forge for their efforts to give back to Puerto Rico and help as so many people begin to rebuild their lives,” said Orv Kimbrough, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “It’s inspiring to see communities and sectors step up to make a positive difference, and this is exactly what the comic book industry is doing with Puerto Rico Strong.” 

“Lion Forge has found a great way for the comic book community to aid a very worthy cause, and we are happy to follow their lead on making something positive happen for Puerto Rico,” says Diamond President and CEO Steve Geppi. 

Puerto Rico Strong is a comics anthology that explores what it means to be Puerto Rican and the diversity that exists within that concept, from today’s most exciting Puerto Rican comics creators. All profits will go toward disaster relief and recovery programs to support Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico Strong is co-edited by Lion Forge’s own Desiree Rodriguez and Hazel Newlevant, alongside Marco Lopez, Neil Schwartz, and Derek Ruiz.
 
Puerto Rico Strong features art and writing by Rosa Colón (Soda Pop Comics), Vita Ayala (Bitch Planet), Naomi Franquiz (Misfit City), Javier Cruz Winnik (A Reason to Smile!), Sabrina Cintron (La Borinquena), Tristan Tarwater (Hen & Chick), Fabian Nicieza (co-creator of Deadpool), Joamette Gil (Power & Magic), and many more! 

Puerto Rico Strong was released yesterday at finer comic shops everywhere, with profits going directly to those in need.