Dark Horse Comics and Tiny Onion are bringing straight island fire to the page with Beast of Borikén, a powerful new entry in the True Weird series that unleashes one of Latin America’s most feared legends—el Chupacabra. This five-issue miniseries comes loaded with talent, featuring writing from Eisner Award-nominated creator Julio Anta, art by Daniel Irizarri, colors by Patricio Delpeche, and letters by Lucas Gattoni. And trust, comic fam, this one is not pulling up quiet. Issue #1 lands in July 2026 and will feature covers by Daniel Irizarri, Naomi Franq, and Max Fiumara.
Set in present-day Puerto Rico, Beast of Borikén centers on Loli Flores, a fierce activist standing tall against the overdevelopment of the island by outside investors looking to carve up Borikén for profit. But when a groundbreaking ceremony gets violently wrecked by a supernatural force, everything changes. Loli soon realizes that the stories of el Chupacabra aren’t just spooky folklore passed down through the generations—they’re real, brutal, and rooted in something much deeper. What unfolds is a chilling and explosive story where myth, resistance, rage, and ancestral power collide. As Loli gets dragged deeper into the truth, el Chupacabra moves on a terrifying path of its own, leaving destruction and dread in every step.
“Beast of Borikén is a tropical horror story inspired by all the creature features I grew up devouring,” said Anta. “It’s both an epic tale encompassing over 500 years of colonialism and resistance and a gory character drama starring Latin America’s most terrifying cryptid, the Chupacabra. I can’t wait for readers to sink their teeth into this book, beautifully illustrated by Daniel Irizarri… no one’s ever seen a Chupacabra this horrifyingly human!”
Irizarri added, “Beast of Borikén has been a home-coming to draw my island and its people as I’ve witnessed them in all their shapes and sizes, their joy and their rage. It was bold and refreshing of Tiny Onion to take a chance on a different direction for the next chapter of their True Weird series. Julio’s story is a sharp portrayal of Puerto Rican resistance that made me feel seen, while also giving us the space to create a modern, snarling interpretation of the Chupacabra as well as our violent history and myths. I’m excited to bring my artistic sensibilities to this pulp-horror story of protester grit and ancient spirits of vengeance.”
This ain’t just another monster comic. Beast of Borikén looks like it’s coming with teeth, truth, fury, and Puerto Rican soul. It’s horror with purpose. It’s folklore with claws. It’s a protest cry wrapped in blood, myth, and comic book heat. For readers who love their horror savage, meaningful, and culturally rooted, this one feels like a must-read.
Beast of Borikén #1 (of 5) hits comic shops on July 1, 2026, and it’s available now for preorder through your local comic shop for $4.99.
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- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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