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Ruca
Ruca made a cameo in SANTA, SJW Latina Superhero, where she unknowingly is given her powers. In this book, we start off with Ruca coming back to East LA only to discover everything’s changed. She heads to Whittier Blvd and instead of the usual cruising, there’s an art show. There she discovers an activist group called the BB’s. They tell her about the stolen neighborhood kids and that word is they take them to San Diego to sell them off. Ruca decides to go to Barrio Logan to find out who’s behind the kidnappings and child trafficking. Along the way, she befriends Vato, the pitbull, Pachuca, the b-girl dancer, and the good-natured Chicle.
- GenresGraphic Novels
110 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Kayden Phoenix
16 books23 followersKayden Phoenix is a trailblazing lesbian Chicana writer and director hailing from Boyle Heights, California. With a fearless approach to storytelling, her films have made a powerful impact on the festival circuit, with her latest work earning accolades at Cinequest and Outfest, and being acquired by Gunpowder & Sky’s horror platform, Alter, which boasts over 3 million subscribers.
Kayden's journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and recognition in the industry. She is a proud recipient of Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program, a semi-finalist in the prestigious Universal Animation Writer's Program, a Film Fatales Fellowship Finalist for Stowe Story Lab, a 2024 Stowe Narrative Lab Alumni, and a quarter-finalist for Final Draft's Big Break Screenwriting Contest.
In 2024, Kayden made history by creating the first-ever Latina superhero team in comic book history with her graphic novels, A LA BRAVA, now under the McMeel Publishing banner. Not stopping there, she launched Princess Academia, a modern-day princess series that redefines the genre, and partnered with Ghezal Omar through Artillery Network to bring action-packed stories to life. Her latest comic, Lipstick Cliqa, a gripping three-part series about a Chicana vampire gang, was snapped up by Sony Music Entertainment.
Beyond her creative projects, Kayden is deeply committed to empowering Latina voices in the film industry. She founded the Chicana Directors Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and elevating Latina directors and cinematographers, ensuring that diverse perspectives are not just included but celebrated in the industry.
"My mission is to amplify stories that reflect the complexity, vibrancy, and diversity of the real world," Kayden says. Her work is not just about breaking barriers—it's about setting new standards for what’s possible in independent cinema and graphic novels. As a visionary storyteller, Kayden Phoenix is reshaping the landscape of entertainment, one groundbreaking project at a time.
Kayden's journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and recognition in the industry. She is a proud recipient of Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program, a semi-finalist in the prestigious Universal Animation Writer's Program, a Film Fatales Fellowship Finalist for Stowe Story Lab, a 2024 Stowe Narrative Lab Alumni, and a quarter-finalist for Final Draft's Big Break Screenwriting Contest.
In 2024, Kayden made history by creating the first-ever Latina superhero team in comic book history with her graphic novels, A LA BRAVA, now under the McMeel Publishing banner. Not stopping there, she launched Princess Academia, a modern-day princess series that redefines the genre, and partnered with Ghezal Omar through Artillery Network to bring action-packed stories to life. Her latest comic, Lipstick Cliqa, a gripping three-part series about a Chicana vampire gang, was snapped up by Sony Music Entertainment.
Beyond her creative projects, Kayden is deeply committed to empowering Latina voices in the film industry. She founded the Chicana Directors Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and elevating Latina directors and cinematographers, ensuring that diverse perspectives are not just included but celebrated in the industry.
"My mission is to amplify stories that reflect the complexity, vibrancy, and diversity of the real world," Kayden says. Her work is not just about breaking barriers—it's about setting new standards for what’s possible in independent cinema and graphic novels. As a visionary storyteller, Kayden Phoenix is reshaping the landscape of entertainment, one groundbreaking project at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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March 17, 2023Really good book ! I love this series its so wonderful and it has a lot of action and funny !
October 10, 2022
I’ve read four graphic novels in the Latina Superheroes series and I’ve really enjoyed them all. They’re tackling community issues and making real heroes out of everyday people!
April 24, 2022
Ruca is the first graphic novel I've read by this promising young author and entrepreneur. I've purchased her other 4 books, and am eagerly awaiting her upcoming A La Brava, which promises to be a Latina Justice League or Avengers. The authentic heritage is not bolted on but an intrinsic heart of the stories, complete with Nana and her telenovelas.
A very entertaining story rooted in real life with very likable characters, especially Ruca herself who is only discovering her power and her mission for justice. Phoenix has cleverly left hints of the bigger story universe that I'm sure will unfold over time. It's a big universe, and we have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with the next Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, or Jim Shooter. Her vision is that big.
A word of caution. Don't be fooled by the format of this book as a graphic novel. It pays to read closely. Phoenix does not talk down to her readers or lead us by the nose, so your full attention is required. Yes, she occasionally throws in the standard Spanish word or phrase, but it's nothing that those with the least acquaintance with Latin culture can't catch or understand from context. If not, take the opportunity to learn something about a thriving culture that you should understand.
I'm sure I'll be bragging, "I knew her when," for years. 'Nuff said.
A very entertaining story rooted in real life with very likable characters, especially Ruca herself who is only discovering her power and her mission for justice. Phoenix has cleverly left hints of the bigger story universe that I'm sure will unfold over time. It's a big universe, and we have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with the next Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, or Jim Shooter. Her vision is that big.
A word of caution. Don't be fooled by the format of this book as a graphic novel. It pays to read closely. Phoenix does not talk down to her readers or lead us by the nose, so your full attention is required. Yes, she occasionally throws in the standard Spanish word or phrase, but it's nothing that those with the least acquaintance with Latin culture can't catch or understand from context. If not, take the opportunity to learn something about a thriving culture that you should understand.
I'm sure I'll be bragging, "I knew her when," for years. 'Nuff said.
September 6, 2022
Lots of content warnings for this series generally, including , but this one also includes . It's otherwise on par with the others, though I wish I'd realized to read Santa first since this main character is featured in that story too.
February 1, 2022
This is my favourite of the A La Brava series so far.
February 4, 2022
Kayden Phoenix does it again! These books just keep getting better and better! Can’t wait for Bandita and A La Brava!
July 20, 2023
Disjointed and confusing. The art is good though.
February 16, 2023
For whatever reason, I've been drawn more to Ruca than I have been to the other girls in this Latina superhero series, ever since she cameoed in Santa. There's something about her that made her feel like she was a lot more relatable and down to earth than the others. Like the other girls, she has gone through her own fair share of tragedy, but Ruca is fierce and I love how bold she is. She doesn't back down easily from a challenge, and there's something inherently good in all her actions, even when she's uncertain of herself or feels like she isn't doing enough.
I will say that, like the previous stories in this series, there were some areas that were a little lacking. I would have liked to see more expansion so we could've gotten a more complete picture. But I really loved the storyline and I love how the author draws attention to these important tragedies. What's more, she points out that some of our worst nightmares are the ones that are well known, but that no one is doing anything about. Sometimes we turn a blind eye to the things that need changing, but Ruca refuses to back down and I love that she doesn't.
Overall I'd say this is a solid addition to the series even though I would have liked to see more. But also...that part with the dog. It broke me. I know it's real but damn. I didn't like that part.
I will say that, like the previous stories in this series, there were some areas that were a little lacking. I would have liked to see more expansion so we could've gotten a more complete picture. But I really loved the storyline and I love how the author draws attention to these important tragedies. What's more, she points out that some of our worst nightmares are the ones that are well known, but that no one is doing anything about. Sometimes we turn a blind eye to the things that need changing, but Ruca refuses to back down and I love that she doesn't.
Overall I'd say this is a solid addition to the series even though I would have liked to see more. But also...that part with the dog. It broke me. I know it's real but damn. I didn't like that part.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews