Super-powered humans in our publications are known as chispas (Spanish for “sparks”). Aside from the fact that DC and Marvel have a copyrighted monopoly on the term superhero (and Marvel on the word mutant), our world of gifted humans uses the term “chispa” to reflect a Latine perspective on heroism. Chispas arise from inside, not outside the community. They don’t fight evil just as vigilantes or powerful police, but as defenders of their people against the systems that foment crime, evil, and injustice. Doing so, they inspire others, sparking a fire in the hearts of common people to work together in solidarity to effect real change in the world.
There are four main teams in the Chispaverse: the Thirteen, the Hurricanes, the Affinity, and [forthcoming South American league].
THE THIRTEEN
An elite league of chispas with Mesoamerican roots, the Thirteen discover their abilities on their eighteenth birthdays, which occur one after another during a two-week period. They are recruited by the mysterious Father Tonal with full scholarships to Guadalupe College, where the priest hopes to train them to work as a team against a looming threat.
The Thirteen debuted in October 2023 with Zopilote, the first in a series of one-shot origin stories that is publishing through summer 2025. A mini-series titled Rise of the Five written by Terry Blas will follow, featuring the entire line-up.
THE HURRICANES
A team of chispas from the Caribbean.
THE AFFINITY
A team of chispas from Central America.