Warning: contains preview images for Primos #1!
A forthcoming title from AWA Studios, Primos, will draw on Mayan mythology to address the lack of Mexican representation in superhero comics. Primos (Spanish for “cousins”) will be written by Al Madrigal, a writer, actor, and comedian known for roles on The Daily Show and the forthcoming Morbius, with art by Carlo Barberi. The first issue goes on sale in print and digital February 2nd. The first issue, and all subsequent issues, will release in both Spanish and English language editions.
Over the last three years, AWA Studios has distinguished itself as one of the most dynamic comic book publishers in America. AWA is spearheaded by former Marvel publisher Bill Jemas as well as former Marvel and DC editor Axel Alonso, who serves as Chief Creative Officer. The company has released books in a variety of genres, with some of today’s top talent at the helm; some of AWA’s offerings include the revenge thriller Bad Mother by Christa Faust and Mike Deodato as well as The Resistance, written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Deodato. Primos, the company’s next offering, is a superhero title, described by Alonso as the “Latinx Guardians of the Galaxy” and now ScreenRant is proud to bring fans a first look.
In a press release from AWA, Alonso stated Primos grew out of his and writer Al Madrigal’s wish to work together on a book that would allow them to “share [their] Mexican heritage” and create “the ultimate Latinx heroes for the 21st century.” Both Alonso and Madrigal feel that representation of Mexicans in superhero comics was lacking and created Primos to address this. Drawing on the rich traditions of Mayan culture, Primos begins in the distant past, when two brothers build a spaceship and leave Earth to explore the galaxy. Thousands of years later, the brothers return, to find the Mayan culture destroyed. One of the brothers swears revenge, and the other, in an attempt to stop his brother, activates the defenders of the world, also descendants of the two brothers—the titular Primos. These new champions must save the Earth before it is too late.
Representation has become a huge issue for the comics industry, and steps are being taken to confront it. In addition to aggressively recruiting more diverse talent, publishers are also shining spotlights on characters of color as well as LGBTQIA2S+ characters. Writer Madrigal discusses this need for representation in the press release, saying “everyone, including Latinos, should be able to see heroic but flawed, badass versions of themselves represented in media." Primos tackles this head-on, featuring not only Latino characters, but takes it a step further by actually exploring and drawing on the Mayan culture, that informs them, as well as the devastating effects of imperialism and colonialism.
Since their first titles in 2019, AWA Studios has brought readers some of the finest comics published today and the company is gearing up for their biggest release yet: Primos, a unique book drawing on Mayan culture to make a superhero epic that will also address issues of Mexican representation.