Thank you to NetGalley, DC Entertainment, and DC Comics for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am usually Team Marvel but I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Since I usually keep up more with Marvel than DC I do not know how similar this is to the comics, but I really enjoyed both the character and the story.

Usually DC characters are a really big hit or miss for me but I really enjoyed reading about Jessica Cruz.

The art style was also really amazing!!! I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you DC Entertainment and Netgalley for letting me read and review this book. This is a graphic novel story about Jessica Cruz. But there isn't much that connects this to the comic book character. I don't know much about the DC character, so it didn't bother me much. Yet it would have been nice for DC fans to have more about the character in here. This is a good graphic novel though. The art style is beautiful and I enjoyed the story overall. Jessica was an interesting character to follow. In the book she works through her anxiety and anger issues. She is an undocumented immigrant, and ICE is a huge threat.

This was an impactful read about being an undocumented immigrant, and wondering if one will ever be safe. I learned a lot while reading this story and enjoyed it overall.

Jessica Cruz, is a spin the DC Comics character. In this comic/graphic novels she is an undocumented high schooler under immense pressure. She has tried to do everything right, as a student, a peer, a friend, and in her family. The story navigates the DACA program, and strong-immigration policies as a mayoral candidate runs for office. Jessica debates whether she should stay in the United States, or live somewhere where her family does not have to be in constant fear.

A searingly good origin story for Jessica Cruz including marvelous commentary on colonialism, immigration, and the role that museums and other institutions can play in both.

I wish there was more of a ‘Green Lantern’ plot going on within this story, but it was still good and an important story, just didn’t necessarily have to be a DC story because it wasn’t very tied to DC besides the names Jessica Cruz and John Stewart. The coloring was pretty but the art itself wasn’t really my thing.

A fun story, good art, and a nice addition to the younger DC graphic novel set. Definitely adding to my collection.

I loved reading this, but honestly it was difficult to read on a kindle - and I think I lost some of the nuances of the comic nature of it. I'll admit up front that I am not a DC enthusiast, so I don't know much about the Green Lantern aspects that I might have otherwise looked for if I was a big fan before reading.

Getting the "unearthed" story of Jessica Cruz was so cool. I love Lilliam Rivera and have read a lot of her previous work - so I had a feeling already that the storyline would be pretty spectacular. I was not led astray. Her storytelling was out of this world.

I thought it was a good story for our time. Jessica being a DACA student, worried about immigration for her parents and others, is definitely a current worry for many. I think superhero stories are more than just fighting the big bad guys or aliens and all that, but also about fighting the big fight - the current big ideas like racism, xenophobia, and hate too.

A poignant graphic novel about a girl with the powers of her Gods to help her during a time of upheaval. Immigration is handled realistically and well, but the characters aren't developed well beyond that. Disappointing

Gigantic thanks to DC Comics @dccomics and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Man, I love when comics hit right in feels and this didn't disappoint. This story follows Jessica Cruz (aka Green Lantern) as she struggles to decide whether or not she will renew her rights to remain in America or return to Mexico. The decision comes at a heavy prices because it effects not only her but her whole family! Talk about pressure.

I love when graphic novels include hard lessons and realties. Immigration and the Latinx communities are under-fire as of late so I am floored we get to see that discussed in this novel. I loved that we get to see Jessica come into her own and become the woman she was meant to be. Girl Power! The writing was superb and struck right to the heart. I fell in love with Jessica within the first two pages and felt connected right to the end. The art is STUNNING! The color pallet was rich and fit perfect into the story. Man, I can't wait for more!! Hurry up please.

Easy five stars! I'm going to be rereading this and I recommend this 100%! This is the perfect read to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month!

It is a nice reimaging of Green Lantern's Jessica Cruz with some social commentary. A good character study on someone whose dealing with a certain aspect of fear.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging new take on the iconic Green Lantern character. This was a fantastic story that really captured the struggle and strength of the Latino community, especially when the debate over immigration has never been higher in recent years. Jessica Cruz is the perfect character to bring this fight for justice and equality to light, as her DC Comics history played into the battle between fear and hope that her character has embodied since her introduction. As a half-Latino man whose late grandfather came to this country as a young child and built a family of his own through dedication and hard work, the cultural element and the familial bonds that Jessica had not only with her parents but her community as a whole really spoke to me, as these core values are something I was taught at an early age.

The fantastic blend of DC Comics character mythology, history, and Aztec mythology was amazing to see come to life here. The visions that Jessica had really did a great job of highlighting the inner struggle of her character between fear and hope and seeing things like side character John Stewart come into play and her father’s lessons really made this story shine brightly. The artwork itself was so engaging, striking amazing contrasts between the light and darkness that Jessica struggled with and which settled over Coast City as immigration and politics took more and more of a prominent role in the community. The warmth that the artwork seemed to invoke really spoke to me and helped convey the message clearly.

The Verdict

A brilliant, heartfelt, and refreshing new take on a personal favorite and iconic DC Comics hero, author Lilliam Rivera and artist Steph C.’s “Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story”, is a must-read graphic novel and a contender or graphic novel of the year. DC Comics showcases a brilliant eye for talent as both the artist and the author did an incredible job of relaying a new take on some fan-favorite characters and their history while also bringing an important topic and theme to life in a way that can highlight the issues without sacrificing entertainment and relatability.

I really enjoyed how modern and current this origin story feels. The setting feels like it could be happening almost anywhere in the country. This combined with her struggles with the pressure of wanting to excel for her parents makes her a very relateable character for many teen readers. The plot is a little bit simple but packed with emotion and character development for Jessica as she learns to trust others to help her. The story ends in a good place where the reader is satisfied with this part of Jessica's journey but also still leaves you wanting more of her story. Overall I think comic fans should check this book out and I look forward to the next installment.

Amazing! I wasn’t a huge fan of the art style but that’s easily overlooked for the great story. I hope there are more to come following this same character!

This reimagining of Jessica Cruz is just too good to not make it into a series. I've always been a fan of reimagining characters and giving voice to new stories that depict BIPOC. The story is superbly written, the art is amazing, and the heart in this book is unquestionable,

“Only through conflict will there be change.”

Jessica Cruz seems like she has it all together on the surface—she’s a good student, well-liked, has a loving family, and is even starting a promising internship at the city museum. But beneath it all, Jessica is plagued with fear for her undocumented family as political unrest and anti-immigrant sentiments build in Coast City. On the edge of renewing her status as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Jessica wonders if her family would just be better off in Mexico after all. Torn between hope and anger in the form of two Aztec gods, Jessica’s mind is plagued with visions about her future. Faced with the nightmare of her father being imprisoned by ICE officers, Jessica must find a way to rise above her circumstances and become a part of something bigger.

This reimagining of Green Lantern is a brilliant reworking of the classic superhero arc. Jessica is not only faced with all the normal challenges of teen life, but also with the struggle of being undocumented in a hostile environment. Though she might have been protected through her DACA status, Jessica had to constantly fear for her family and her community from the book's beginning. Her internal struggle with these fears was beautifully illustrated in her dreams where she was tempted with opposite advice from two Aztec gods. I loved the way that these vibrantly illustrated figures drew upon her culture and were written to appeal to her varied emotions in a realistic and complex way. The way Jessica organized her community in the face of a particularly xenophobic political candidate was an inspiring mixture of superhero prowess and the fierceness of a determined teenage girl. In short, Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story is a stunningly illustrated, fast-paced read that left me desperately wanting to know what Jessica Cruz will do next.

(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing us with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

Wow. I blinked and it was over. How can such an important story, featuring alternative versions of my two favorite lanterns, go by so quickly? Well, the pacing is incredible. The story is compelling. The art is intentional. I couldn’t stop.
Run, don’t walk on this one

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

DC Comics is continuing their young adult graphic novel run, and I personally couldn't be more excited about their latest protagonist. Jessica Cruz is one of my all-time favorite DC characters and, without a doubt, my favorite Green Lantern. Naturally, that left me feeling very excited for Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story.

Jessica Cruz is a woman who has always been haunted by anxiety – even as a teenager. Living in the city and knowing full well that her parents are undocumented, it's difficult for her to turn away from the fear of losing them.

Those fears reach all new heights when a new candidate for mayor creates a campaign on booting immigrants. It very well might have become too much for Jessica had she not found a safe space and a way of fighting back.

Unearthed has to be one of the most breathtaking and timely graphic novels I have ever read. Full stop. I know I sound biased here since I adore Jessica Cruz and all, but I really do mean it. Her struggles are so painfully human here, and more specifically: it lends a voice to those that need it most.

On top of loving this story's overall plot and message, there were a few pleasant surprises in the mix. One comes from the safe space Jessica found, and the other is an unlikely new friend she makes. But I'll leave that for you to learn when you pick up Unearthed to read for yourself!

Lilliam Rivera spins a heartbreakingly beautiful story of Jessica Cruz and the current climate of U.S immigration policies. Jessica Cruz has wishes and dreams of making her immigrant parents proud, building a life they fought so hard to obtain. Gaining an internship at a local museum will look beautiful on her college resume and she gets to learn about the ancient Aztec gods that were ripped apart during colonial times. Jessica is being overjoyed to take on this apprenticeship as she can connect more with her roots. However, things go sour soon when Jessica’s father is taken by ICE and she is left with a storm of emotions burrowing inside of herself: sadness, rage and vengeance.
Lilliam Rivers captivated me with the story, it was beyond beautiful seeing Jessica move through all these valid emotions. It also brought up emotions in myself for my family members who aren’t granted the same privileges as myself and others of my culture.This was a beautiful journey of Jessica trusting friends to fighting against injustices happening in your community. This story will live people long after they finish The book.

Unearthed reimagines Jessica Cruz, a Green Lantern and superhero from DC Comics, as a teenaged girl with anxiety over the undocumented status of her family. It’s a powerful story, about family, immigration, and what it means to do what’s right, to trust others. I really enjoyed what it had to say, and will be recommending it to others.

Beyond this, I think my main issue was that the story used DC names, but did not use much of the actual superhero aspect of Jessica Cruz and John Stewart. Having read Nubia: Real One, I know that you can center a superhero story on social justice issues while still including their superpowers, and I think that showing Jessica Cruz, an undocumented immigrant and a dreamer, as a Green Lantern, would have been really powerful for those who read it. But, there was reference to the ring and to Aztec mythology, so I do think that it was well done within its own story. I have complex feelings on this, but would recommend looking to ownvoices reviewers for their thoughts on how this was handled.

The art style was impeccable. It’s angular and beautiful, took my breath away. I will have to look more into the artist, because I was obsessed with every page.

I really enjoyed Unearthed, and I do believe that it’s a powerful story that needs to be told. I think that teens like Jessica Cruz deserve to have a superhero story like this, one that sees them and their struggles and places them as the hero of their story.

If you have trouble with content regarding immigration, deportation, and I.C.E., I would make sure you’re in a safe place mentally before reading this graphic novel.

I really really really love Jessica Cruz. She is such a cool character and I'm so glad I'm getting to see more of her in the popular DC world. In this story, she is an undocumented teenager worrying and fighting to keep her family together and safe from the rising xenophobia and ICE deportations in her town. First off, I adored this art. It's much more stylized but it works so well with the story. The depictions of the gods are particularly beautiful scenes. I appreciated seeing Jessica's struggles so clearly represented by these two sides vying for her to join them. I wasn't a huge fan of her friends, with the exception of John, but they were realistically flawed so I can appreciate that. I think this is an excellent example of how superhero stories can tackle timely issues and resonate in any era.