Representation holds the power to rewrite a narrative by shaping who belongs and who leads. 

Comic book legend Stan Lee once said, “I think it would be great to do stories about every different race of people, nationality of people, and make the world realize that there’s good in everybody and potential in everybody.”

In that spirit, a new generation of visual storytellers has emerged—committed to carrying that vision forward.

Everyday People in Comics 

For Edgardo Miranda-Rodríguez, representation is no small matter. In 2016, he created the graphic novel series La Borinqueña, introducing a superheroine inspired by everyday people—one who embodies inclusion and empowerment. She quickly became a patriotic symbol for the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. 

“I was raised by a single mother. All of my mentors have been women—lawyers, institution builders, educators. I’ve been very fortunate to witness the power of feminism,” said Miranda-Rodríguez, owner of Somos Arte, a Brooklyn-based creative services studio, during his sit-down interview with Full Frame. 

Everybody is Colorful  

Illustration and color go hand in hand. For some, color evokes emotion; for others, it shapes perception. It also plays a vital role in communication. 

“We all have completely different skin tones. Everyone has slightly different hair colors. People are extremely colorful. I want to show what I didn’t see as a kid,” said Monica Rodriguez during our interview at her studio in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

For Rodriguez, color is inseparable from identity. Her bold illustrations explore culture, selfhood, and social consciousness. 

Art and Creativity that Inspires 

Shawn Martinbrough is both a visual and vocal advocate for representation. His work emphasizes the importance of diversity in comics, as seen in projects such as Like Lava in My Veins. 

“Art inspires art. Creativity inspires creativity. I’ve been fortunate to have the gift to tell stories visually and with words—and for that to inspire someone else,” said Martinbrough during his Full Frame interview. 

With international acclaim and a deep passion for storytelling, Martinbrough encourages young artists to “draw from life.”