Black Lightning #1 Review: Black Lightning’s Back

As a longtime fan of Black Lightning, I can confidently say that the return of this electrifying hero is nothing short of thrilling. Brandon Thomas and Fico Ossio have breathed new life into Jefferson Pierce’s story, weaving a tale that’s both fresh and familiar for die-hard fans.

After a hiatus, Black Lightning is back with a new solo series penned by Brandon Thomas and illustrated by Fico Ossio. The story finds Jefferson Pierce grappling not only with the aftermath of Amanda Waller’s manipulations on his personal life, but also a shift in powers affecting those around him. As the metahuman landscape has evolved, Jefferson takes on a new initiative to assist others with powers, a task that proves to be both a family and personal matter as it involves his daughters, Thunder and Lightning. The debut issue promises an engaging blend of novelty and nostalgia for fans, while also setting up a broader enigma concerning the future of our community-focused hero.

In issue #1 of Black Lightning, the story begins by revisiting key events from Waller’s campaign against superheroes, while also showcasing how the events of that fateful night still linger in Jefferson’s mind, especially his failure to protect his daughters during the battle. Jefferson confides in his ex-wife Lynn about his lingering guilt and regret. The narrative then focuses on Jefferson and his daughter Jennifer, alias Black Lightning, as they embark on a metahuman outreach initiative. They encounter a young man whose powers have suddenly manifested, but even their combined efforts don’t prevent an unexpected turn of events. The Pierce family is grappling with the aftermath of their encounter with Waller, with Jefferson becoming overly protective, Jennifer yearning to use her powers more, and Anissa, aka Thunder, absent in Metropolis, having moved to New Orleans and barely maintaining contact with her family due to reasons that remain unclear. It’s soon revealed that Anissa’s powers have changed significantly, and she has been keeping this secret from her loved ones.

As a devoted admirer, I must say what truly resonates with me about most Black Lightning stories is their profound focus on family and community. In this particular issue, Thomas masterfully weaves these elements together seamlessly. The struggles of the community hit close to home for Black Lightning, enhancing his impact as a hero. His tireless efforts towards the betterment of his community, coupled with his deep-seated concern for his own family, make the narrative incredibly relatable.

Regarding the artistic aspect, Ossio effectively infuses energy and movement into each piece, even when the scene isn’t particularly action-heavy. Given that Black Lightning and Thunder possess power sources and many of the emerging metahumans seem to have energy-based abilities, this adds a fitting touch. Combined with the narrative flow, the story manages to move swiftly, even during complex scenes establishing the mechanics of the altered metahuman genes in the post-Waller scenario.

Although Black Lightning #1 may seem somewhat sparse in its exploration of societal and cultural themes, it excels in showcasing the character’s strengths. By focusing the narrative and its enigma on personal matters, particularly family, Black Lightning #1 constructs a captivating tale that not only strikes a chord but also provides insight into the post-Absolute Power setting. It’s an engaging read, and I’m eager to see where future issues will take us.

Published by: DC Comics

On: November 13, 2024

Written by: Brandon Thomas

Art by: Fico Ossio

Colors by Ulises Arreola

Letters by Lucas Gattoni

Cover by Ossio & Arreola

2024-11-13 17:10

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