Javier Cruz Winnik
Puerto Rican comic creator and children's book author whose Kickstarter-funded series 'A Reason to Smile!' celebrates joy, resilience, and Boricua heritage.
đź“Ť New York City, NY
Javier Cruz Winnik is a Puerto Rican writer and artist whose work radiates warmth, cultural pride, and an unwavering belief in the power of a smile. After six years of building a reputation through fan art and commissions at conventions like New York Comic Con, he pivoted to creating his own stories—and launched one of the most heartwarming children’s comic series in indie comics.
His flagship series, A Reason to Smile!, follows Luiza Brillante, a 10-year-old Puerto Rican girl from New York City who uses her imagination and creativity to help the people around her find joy in everyday life. The series was funded through Kickstarter at 137% of its original $8,000 goal and has sold over 3,300 copies across three volumes, with a fourth in development. Each book weaves themes of compassion, resilience, and cultural pride into stories that resonate with kids and adults alike. Luiza’s character design is intentionally rich with Puerto Rican symbolism—from the TaĂno coquĂ (tree frog) on her shirt to sun-patterned barrettes—deliberately countering the negative stereotypes often associated with Latino characters in mainstream media.
The series earned coverage from NPR and Latino USA, who highlighted its celebration of Boricua identity and the universal message of finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
Beyond his own creations, Javier has contributed to some of the most significant Puerto Rican-themed comics of the past decade. He was part of Puerto Rico Strong (Lion Forge Comics), an anthology exploring Puerto Rican culture and identity, and Ricanstruction: Reminiscing & Rebuilding Puerto Rico (Somos Arte & DC Comics)—a benefit anthology published in the wake of Hurricane Maria that featured La Borinqueña teaming up with DC icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Ricanstruction boasted an all-star lineup including Frank Miller, Rosario Dawson, Gail Simone, Greg Pak, and Yanick Paquette, with 100% of proceeds going to Puerto Rico recovery efforts.
Javier’s other projects include Saladeen: Keeper of the Flame, an adventure series, and he has been a regular presence at conventions including Baltimore Comic-Con, MegaCon, Denver Comic Con, and the Garden State Comic Fest. A former military kid who moved frequently during his childhood, Javier channels his experiences of overcoming bullying and finding confidence into stories that empower young readers to face their own challenges with optimism.
Perfect for fans of Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Cece Bell, and Victoria Jamieson—creators who blend heartfelt personal storytelling with accessible, visually engaging comics for young readers.