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Black Lightning (Collected Editions) #1
Black Lightning, Vol. 1
Black Lightning&;s first solo series and origin story!
With the power to generate electricity from within, Jefferson Pierce has donned a colorful costume and the secret identity of Black Lightning! However, it will take all of his abilities to protect his Metropolis neighborhood of Suicide Slum from those who seek to destroy it. With guest appearances by Superman and some familiar villains, Black Lightning makes DC Comics history.
Collecting for the first time BLACK LIGHTNING #1-11 and WORLD&;S FINEST #260, featuring work by creators Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, along with veteran inkers Frank Springer and Vince Colletta!
With the power to generate electricity from within, Jefferson Pierce has donned a colorful costume and the secret identity of Black Lightning! However, it will take all of his abilities to protect his Metropolis neighborhood of Suicide Slum from those who seek to destroy it. With guest appearances by Superman and some familiar villains, Black Lightning makes DC Comics history.
Collecting for the first time BLACK LIGHTNING #1-11 and WORLD&;S FINEST #260, featuring work by creators Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, along with veteran inkers Frank Springer and Vince Colletta!
232 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
About the author
Tony Isabella
400 books24 followersTony Isabella is an American comic book writer, editor, artist and critic, known as the creator and writer of Marvel Comics' Black Goliath; DC Comics' first major African-American superhero, Black Lightning; and as a columnist and critic for the Comics Buyer's Guide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 15, 2022
This collects the original Black Lightning series from 1978. Jefferson Pierce was an Olympic level decathlete who returns home to teach high school at his alma mater when he sees the deplorable conditions in the Suicide Slum area of Metropolis. When he sees a student murdered, he becomes Black Lightning to correct injustices and take down the local gangs. Pierce is a fantastic character, full of compassion and conviction, always striving to do the right thing. This is a very good thing as DC's first idea for their first black superhero was to have a white supremacist who turned black when he got mad and his powers activated. Isabella covers this in his introduction and it's pretty horrifying.
Isabella also manages to tackle the issues of the day in human trafficking and runaways. Black Lightning crosses paths with some of Superman's supporting cast in Jimmy Olsen and Inspector Henderson and even Superman himself. While the dialogue is somewhat dated, with a "jive" thrown in there every once in a while, it still works for the most part. Black Lightning's design is pretty great but the villains all look atrocious. Tobias Whale looks like the Kingpin with a literal dickhead.
Isabella also manages to tackle the issues of the day in human trafficking and runaways. Black Lightning crosses paths with some of Superman's supporting cast in Jimmy Olsen and Inspector Henderson and even Superman himself. While the dialogue is somewhat dated, with a "jive" thrown in there every once in a while, it still works for the most part. Black Lightning's design is pretty great but the villains all look atrocious. Tobias Whale looks like the Kingpin with a literal dickhead.
April 12, 2017
Black Lightning is one of those classic DC series that, sadly, never quite found its audience. Part of that may have been the times. DC was going through a rough patch in the 70's with rising cover prices and falling sales. Black Lightning #1's thirty cents had almost doubled to fifty cents by the time issue #12 rolled around. Trevor Von Eeden's artwork was still in its infancy, far from the heights he would hit in the 80's. I can see him improving as the book progresses, but it's still mostly nothing to write home about. And while I have great love and respect for Tony Isabella, the ending of issue #7 is just a mess--it feels like he tried to cram too much plot into the last couple of pages or something.
That all said, there's a lot that this book gets right. Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning is a great character. His strength--moral and physical--and determination and sense of justice do more to make him a hero than any costume ever could. Although there are occasional missteps, character motivations are usually fairly believable. There's one particularly memorable issue featuring the Trickster as the villain that has some fun comedic touches. I note that the circus he's trying to rob of its famous gemstone is referred to as, "... the world-famous Bewsima Brothers Circus," and the owner casually mentions, "Worrying about [the diamond] being stolen pushed my brother right over the edge! Ker-plop! Now he sits in a small room and draws strange pictures all day!" leaving little doubt as to the Buscema ... excuse me, Bewsima that Tony was kidding with his reference.
This is an enjoyable book, a lovely look at one of DC's less well-known characters, who really deserves a second look. In the end, there's so much that's right about this book that I'm not willing to quibble about the bits that don't work as well. It's perhaps an acquired taste, but I feel it's worth recommending nonetheless.
That all said, there's a lot that this book gets right. Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning is a great character. His strength--moral and physical--and determination and sense of justice do more to make him a hero than any costume ever could. Although there are occasional missteps, character motivations are usually fairly believable. There's one particularly memorable issue featuring the Trickster as the villain that has some fun comedic touches. I note that the circus he's trying to rob of its famous gemstone is referred to as, "... the world-famous Bewsima Brothers Circus," and the owner casually mentions, "Worrying about [the diamond] being stolen pushed my brother right over the edge! Ker-plop! Now he sits in a small room and draws strange pictures all day!" leaving little doubt as to the Buscema ... excuse me, Bewsima that Tony was kidding with his reference.
This is an enjoyable book, a lovely look at one of DC's less well-known characters, who really deserves a second look. In the end, there's so much that's right about this book that I'm not willing to quibble about the bits that don't work as well. It's perhaps an acquired taste, but I feel it's worth recommending nonetheless.
February 14, 2018
Jefferson Pierce is a former Olympic Gold Medal-winning athlete and teacher, who returns to his Metropolis neighborhood, only to find it in the grasp of the "100"- crime syndicate. To fight the 100, he turns into.... "Black Lightning"!
I loved this series. Tony Isabella and Trevor von Eeden created a really likeable, down-to-earth character with Jefferson Pierce, a man with believeable problems and a convincing background. He's not a heir to a fortune, he's no former elite soldier, he's just a teacher and athlete who wants to protect his neighborhood.
While Lightning fights street-level thugs most of the time, there are enough elements that provide variety, like a betrayal by a character close to Pierce, an appearance by Superman himself, some silliness involving a Flash villain, a crime lord looking like a cross between the Kingpin and a whale... and we also see Supes' pal Jimmy Olsen getting punched after a ridiculous misunderstanding!
The only reason i don't give this 5 stars are the last two issues, written by Dennis O'Neil. I've never read anything of his Batman stuff, but the writing in these last two issues of Black Lightning is truly abysmal. clunky exposition, terrible "characters", no real narrative focus... urgh!
So, 4 stars for a really fine Bronze Age series, and the introduction of DC's first african-american superhero!
I loved this series. Tony Isabella and Trevor von Eeden created a really likeable, down-to-earth character with Jefferson Pierce, a man with believeable problems and a convincing background. He's not a heir to a fortune, he's no former elite soldier, he's just a teacher and athlete who wants to protect his neighborhood.
While Lightning fights street-level thugs most of the time, there are enough elements that provide variety, like a betrayal by a character close to Pierce, an appearance by Superman himself, some silliness involving a Flash villain, a crime lord looking like a cross between the Kingpin and a whale... and we also see Supes' pal Jimmy Olsen getting punched after a ridiculous misunderstanding!
The only reason i don't give this 5 stars are the last two issues, written by Dennis O'Neil. I've never read anything of his Batman stuff, but the writing in these last two issues of Black Lightning is truly abysmal. clunky exposition, terrible "characters", no real narrative focus... urgh!
So, 4 stars for a really fine Bronze Age series, and the introduction of DC's first african-american superhero!
March 12, 2026
One of my favorite heroes from back in the 1970s. good collection. Recommended
July 1, 2019
I really enjoyed reading the beginnings of such an awesome character! I liked that we were able to see a real development in not just how Black Lightning’s powers worked but also how his character and those around him grew and changed. I have previously read some of Lightning’s adventures with the Outsiders (I know I'm reading it backwards) and I can’t wait to see that version of him again and watch this interesting character develop even more.
June 15, 2016
I enjoyed this volume about Black Lightning. The character is finally getting the recognition he rightfully deserves. I enjoyed reading the volume and how Black Lightning had taken on villains like Meryln and Dr. Polaris. I do wish that there would be a new ongoing series in the present day DCU.
I definitely loved the series.
I definitely loved the series.
February 7, 2017
This book collects Black Lightning Issues 1-11, along with a planned issue 12 which appeared in World's Finest #260. All but the last two issues are written by the Character's creator Tony Isabella
In addition to the comics, the book also features a very fun to read introduction by Tony Isabella giving the origin of the series and how he managed to get DC to back down from a hilariously horrible idea for its first black Superhero to be a White racist.
The first eight issues focus on Black Lightning's battle against the 100, a big-time gang in Suicide Slum. There's lot to like about these issues.
First of all, the origin story is superb. It's really in Issues 1 an 2 both and in many ways, it's a familiar story of a tragic death leading someone to become a superhero, but I love the way they handled it. As the book opens, Jefferson Piece is a high school teacher who has returned to his old neighborhood. The person killed is a character Jefferson just met, but the book makes you care about the death and understand why he's doing it. It has an epic feel that draws you in and the story has a great sense of creating drama and action. It's a really fine epic start.
The arc's got a great villain in Tobias Whale. He's menacing but with a very whale-like look. He looks like a cross between the Kingpin and something out of Dick Tracy. Being in Metropolis, the series also has cameos for Superman and his pal Jimmy Olsen.
Black Lightning is put through his paces as he deals with tragedy and has to find the will to fight on even after a major betrayal. There are some nice touches. The Black Lightning Poem is epic, "Justice like lighting ever should appear. To some men hope and to other men fear," and the way it's used in one battle scene is a thing of beauty. It's also not afraid to subvert our expectations. One example is when a character dies and a big secret is learned and he leaves behind a letter, you'd typically see a long comic strip revealing the whole truth but Black Lightning does something different that surprised me but really felt true to Black Lightning.
After the arc, the book reverts to villain of the month format for the last few stories (with the exception of Issue 11 which has a more urban crime story without a supervillain.) These are all entertaining though not as enjoyable as the arc story.
Does the book have problems? Yes. My main complaint would be Piece's ex-Wife Lynn. She's introduced in the midst of the "100" arc and she really felt surplus to requirements. The stories were 17 pages in length, so she felt shoe-horned in. It might have been better to wait to introduce her. While I think Isabella concluded Black Lightning had been divorced, that could have been acknowledge without featuring her. As it is, she barely makes an impact.
Also the social message of the final issue is a little whacky and some of the plot points regarding the teen hotline someone calls are silly by today's standards.
However, by and large, this series is very well-done. It was cancelled far too soon. It offered readers who was different in many ways from many other DC character, while being no less heroic. It really deserved more than these 12 issues but it got cancelled way too soon. This holds up very well when compared to most comics of the era and it's definitely worth a read for fans of the Bronze Age of comics.
In addition to the comics, the book also features a very fun to read introduction by Tony Isabella giving the origin of the series and how he managed to get DC to back down from a hilariously horrible idea for its first black Superhero to be a White racist.
The first eight issues focus on Black Lightning's battle against the 100, a big-time gang in Suicide Slum. There's lot to like about these issues.
First of all, the origin story is superb. It's really in Issues 1 an 2 both and in many ways, it's a familiar story of a tragic death leading someone to become a superhero, but I love the way they handled it. As the book opens, Jefferson Piece is a high school teacher who has returned to his old neighborhood. The person killed is a character Jefferson just met, but the book makes you care about the death and understand why he's doing it. It has an epic feel that draws you in and the story has a great sense of creating drama and action. It's a really fine epic start.
The arc's got a great villain in Tobias Whale. He's menacing but with a very whale-like look. He looks like a cross between the Kingpin and something out of Dick Tracy. Being in Metropolis, the series also has cameos for Superman and his pal Jimmy Olsen.
Black Lightning is put through his paces as he deals with tragedy and has to find the will to fight on even after a major betrayal. There are some nice touches. The Black Lightning Poem is epic, "Justice like lighting ever should appear. To some men hope and to other men fear," and the way it's used in one battle scene is a thing of beauty. It's also not afraid to subvert our expectations. One example is when a character dies and a big secret is learned and he leaves behind a letter, you'd typically see a long comic strip revealing the whole truth but Black Lightning does something different that surprised me but really felt true to Black Lightning.
After the arc, the book reverts to villain of the month format for the last few stories (with the exception of Issue 11 which has a more urban crime story without a supervillain.) These are all entertaining though not as enjoyable as the arc story.
Does the book have problems? Yes. My main complaint would be Piece's ex-Wife Lynn. She's introduced in the midst of the "100" arc and she really felt surplus to requirements. The stories were 17 pages in length, so she felt shoe-horned in. It might have been better to wait to introduce her. While I think Isabella concluded Black Lightning had been divorced, that could have been acknowledge without featuring her. As it is, she barely makes an impact.
Also the social message of the final issue is a little whacky and some of the plot points regarding the teen hotline someone calls are silly by today's standards.
However, by and large, this series is very well-done. It was cancelled far too soon. It offered readers who was different in many ways from many other DC character, while being no less heroic. It really deserved more than these 12 issues but it got cancelled way too soon. This holds up very well when compared to most comics of the era and it's definitely worth a read for fans of the Bronze Age of comics.
May 16, 2016
This was an interesting choice of a collection by DC. This first (?) volume of Black Lightning collects all eleven issues of his title from the late 70s, plus a story from World's Finest that was meant to be the 12th issue before the title was canceled in the DC Implosion. All but two tales are scripted by Black Lightning's creator, Tony Isabella, with Trevor von Eeden providing most of the art.
The book traces the arrival of Black Lightning onto the scene of Suicide Slum in Metropolis. In his guise as a high school teacher, Jefferson Pierce knows that the gang lords are trying to push all sorts of stuff on the kids. With the help of his father figure, he fashions a new identity to protect his neighborhood.
Isabella crafts some decent stories here. Some of the dialog is a bit lame, but I was surprised at how well these held up in the aggregate. Isabella uses some known DC villains like the Trickster, and creates some of his own, to motivate Black Lightning into keeping up the good fight. The supporting cast is pretty good too, and there's judicious use of Metropolis's most famous denizens, Superman and Jimmy Olsen. The last two stories by Denny O'Neil are ok, but seem more about making social commentary on runaways and human trafficking.
The drawback for this book is the art. Von Eeden is actually a decent artist, and did some stellar work on the very first Green Arrow mini-series and the first six or so issues of the classic 80s comic Thriller. Part of it is that he was probably just getting started here, and so some of his figures aren't as well proportioned as they could be. I blame, however, the really, really crappy inks of Vince Colletta, who was known in the industry for being quick, but whose inks sacrificed a lot of detail in the name of expediency. There are many panels with no background at all, and although Von Eeden may have not drawn these backgrounds, it wouldn't surprise me if Colletta just didn't bother with them. Frank Springer also inked some stories, and his very rough style doesn't work with the pencils, either. Springer drew the Invaders over at Marvel, and I like his pencils because they remind me of the crude drawings of the Golden Age. Here, though, his inks are too thick and just louse up the whole job. Between Colletta and Springer, poor Trevor von Eeden didn't stand a chance. Mike Nasser drew the last two stories in this volume.
So, I was pretty surprised I enjoyed this. I once had the last, eleventh issue of this book, and it was not one of the highlights. It was a very pleasant surprise to read some really good stories, even though the art made it at times hard to enjoy. 3.5/5
The book traces the arrival of Black Lightning onto the scene of Suicide Slum in Metropolis. In his guise as a high school teacher, Jefferson Pierce knows that the gang lords are trying to push all sorts of stuff on the kids. With the help of his father figure, he fashions a new identity to protect his neighborhood.
Isabella crafts some decent stories here. Some of the dialog is a bit lame, but I was surprised at how well these held up in the aggregate. Isabella uses some known DC villains like the Trickster, and creates some of his own, to motivate Black Lightning into keeping up the good fight. The supporting cast is pretty good too, and there's judicious use of Metropolis's most famous denizens, Superman and Jimmy Olsen. The last two stories by Denny O'Neil are ok, but seem more about making social commentary on runaways and human trafficking.
The drawback for this book is the art. Von Eeden is actually a decent artist, and did some stellar work on the very first Green Arrow mini-series and the first six or so issues of the classic 80s comic Thriller. Part of it is that he was probably just getting started here, and so some of his figures aren't as well proportioned as they could be. I blame, however, the really, really crappy inks of Vince Colletta, who was known in the industry for being quick, but whose inks sacrificed a lot of detail in the name of expediency. There are many panels with no background at all, and although Von Eeden may have not drawn these backgrounds, it wouldn't surprise me if Colletta just didn't bother with them. Frank Springer also inked some stories, and his very rough style doesn't work with the pencils, either. Springer drew the Invaders over at Marvel, and I like his pencils because they remind me of the crude drawings of the Golden Age. Here, though, his inks are too thick and just louse up the whole job. Between Colletta and Springer, poor Trevor von Eeden didn't stand a chance. Mike Nasser drew the last two stories in this volume.
So, I was pretty surprised I enjoyed this. I once had the last, eleventh issue of this book, and it was not one of the highlights. It was a very pleasant surprise to read some really good stories, even though the art made it at times hard to enjoy. 3.5/5
January 19, 2018
After so long, I went back to this very old series. I had some of these issues as a kid and I remember being fond of the character and I was wondering how they would read right now.
I have to say that the series was definitely ahead of its time. Tony Isabella put some magic in here. While it did have a very slow start, the book picked up and the first story arc closed beautifully. I remember having that 7th issue as a kid, no wonder I was always so fond of Black Lightning.
I'm glad Black Lightning is getting its own TV show. This character deserves to shine.
I have to say that the series was definitely ahead of its time. Tony Isabella put some magic in here. While it did have a very slow start, the book picked up and the first story arc closed beautifully. I remember having that 7th issue as a kid, no wonder I was always so fond of Black Lightning.
I'm glad Black Lightning is getting its own TV show. This character deserves to shine.
May 6, 2021
The 1970s, Black Lightning comes out of nowhere from DC, a superhero that operates out of Suicide Slum in the outskirts of Metropolis. Great stories and great writing that tackle the social issues of the time. Race, class, immigration, etc. but they knew how to write stories that touched on social issues without ruining every thing by being “woke” and following the SJW agenda of today. This is the correct way to tell stories. Unfortunately, now, companies would rather lose money and close down rather than go against the “woke” crowd.
December 23, 2016
I liked this allot. If you find earlier comic's "dated" then get lost.
This is a great example of '7o's comic. I little verbose in the narration, but BL is a guy you can totally get behind and feel for.
I wonder if they did a reboot? Anyone know?
This is a great example of '7o's comic. I little verbose in the narration, but BL is a guy you can totally get behind and feel for.
I wonder if they did a reboot? Anyone know?
July 11, 2018
A little while ago (January this year!), I reviewed "Black Lightning, Year One." (Published Jan 2018.)
And I loved it.
Well, this is the original Black Lightning storie(s), and it's equally as good. Maybe better!
Tony Isabella (the creator) brings, if not an authentic voice, then one that serves just as well. It's all here! Peter Gambi! The costume! A lightning belt that somehow transforms our hero into someone with inherent lightning powers! Tobias Whale! The 100! Betrayal!
Awesomeness in a comic book.
And I loved it.
Well, this is the original Black Lightning storie(s), and it's equally as good. Maybe better!
Tony Isabella (the creator) brings, if not an authentic voice, then one that serves just as well. It's all here! Peter Gambi! The costume! A lightning belt that somehow transforms our hero into someone with inherent lightning powers! Tobias Whale! The 100! Betrayal!
Awesomeness in a comic book.
October 14, 2019
Much better than the second series. Enjoyable story and art.
July 12, 2016
If the CW is looking for another superhero show might I suggest BLACK LIGHTNING? The concept is simple enough to be engaging, and this trade would be a great start off point. Sure, some of the writing and art is dated, but the story of a former olympian, turned teacher, leading a double life to protect the neighborhood he is from, is very relevant today. he's street level and smart!
May 28, 2020
This should be required reading when people study the 70s. It's just so... super 70s. Turkey! Stoolie! Calling an Asian person "Pajamas!" (Because he's a ninja, see 🙄 this is peak boomer humor btw)
Honestly though, there was a lot of heart here, and it's fun to juxtapose the origins of the character against the show.
Honestly though, there was a lot of heart here, and it's fun to juxtapose the origins of the character against the show.
March 10, 2019
The first eight issues ought to be canonized as modern classics, introducing Black Lightning and the 100 to Metropolis. The back third of the books reads closer to the topical GL/GA run, but it’s surprising how fresh the first eight still read.
May 19, 2018
Suprisingly decent for 70s comics. For the most part, 70s comics do not age well (take Luke Cage as the quintessential example) but this one is an exception to the rule. Black Lightning has a solid origin story that's different when compared to other black heroes. He's a school teacher who fights the 100, an underground gang in the "hood" of metropolis. Black lightning works on a few levels: he's not overpowered, he's mortal, he can be shot (at least in the first few issues) and he has to think outside the box and be a bit strategic in order to win. He geniunely wants to get rid of gang violence, fears himself becoming more violent and takes some harsh hits and losses as well. Despite some of the cheesy lines, this volume ages fairly well. There are many parts that would work well for an adaptation (especially if they were done right in his TV show), it's a shame he never got too popular because you could see the potential this had. long story short, this volume had heart, some darkness and just the right amount of cheesiness to work.
April 3, 2022
This one surprised me as, while I've read a lot of Tony Isabella's work... most of it good, I've read just as much of his work that has been... well... substandard. But I think every writer has projects they take 'because it's an assignment' and ones they take because they are labors of love. it is clear, not only from his essay but from the work itself, that for Isabella, Black Lightning is the latter.
Even those last two issues in the book, after Isabella either left the title or was fired, depending on who you ask, a pretty damn good. Then again, DC handed the book over to Dennis O'Neil who in the 70s could almost do no wrong. But here's the thing... the first TEN issues of Black Lightning, you're getting Tony Isabella firing on all cylinders producing a comic he CLEARLY loves doing. Whereas O'Neil, while telling some fine stories, clearly doesn't quite have his heart in. Even 70s Dennis O'Neil on an off day is better than most people at the time on a good day, but I still like those Isabella issues more.
Even those last two issues in the book, after Isabella either left the title or was fired, depending on who you ask, a pretty damn good. Then again, DC handed the book over to Dennis O'Neil who in the 70s could almost do no wrong. But here's the thing... the first TEN issues of Black Lightning, you're getting Tony Isabella firing on all cylinders producing a comic he CLEARLY loves doing. Whereas O'Neil, while telling some fine stories, clearly doesn't quite have his heart in. Even 70s Dennis O'Neil on an off day is better than most people at the time on a good day, but I still like those Isabella issues more.
May 30, 2018
Black Lightning's first solo series and origin story!
With the power to generate electricity from within, Jefferson Pierce has donned a colorful costume and the secret identity of Black Lightning! However, it will take all of his abilities to protect his Metropolis neighborhood of Suicide Slum from those who seek to destroy it. With guest appearances by Superman and some familiar villains, Black Lightning makes DC Comics history.
Collecting for the first time BLACK LIGHTNING #1-11 and WORLD'S FINEST #260, featuring work by creators Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, along with veteran inkers Frank Springer and Vince Colletta!
With the power to generate electricity from within, Jefferson Pierce has donned a colorful costume and the secret identity of Black Lightning! However, it will take all of his abilities to protect his Metropolis neighborhood of Suicide Slum from those who seek to destroy it. With guest appearances by Superman and some familiar villains, Black Lightning makes DC Comics history.
Collecting for the first time BLACK LIGHTNING #1-11 and WORLD'S FINEST #260, featuring work by creators Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, along with veteran inkers Frank Springer and Vince Colletta!
July 4, 2020
The Tony Isabella stories in this ground-breaking series (DC's first solo African-American comic) are fantastic and grounded and appropriately gritty and nuanced in their characterization and plot. I have no idea why Isabella was kicked off his own book after only 10 issues, but the 2 Dennis O'Neil written issues take a noticeable turn toward bombast and slight bit of stereotyping that distract and erode some of the groudwork that Isabella established in the first 10 issues. This collection, though, shows storytelling depth from DC at a time when they weren't necessarily producing their best stuff.
March 20, 2022
Fighting in the ghetto is a good change of pace.
Love the character. Stories are fun and fully of cheezy lines during fights.
Some of it was silly good stuff like the flashes villain TRICKSTER.......other was more gritty like green arrow social justice.
Only downside is they remove all other elements from the original comic, like the second stories.....i would have enjoyed reading the RAY. I like the original ads too.
The color and art is fantastic...way better than my original 40 year comics which were dull and cheap paper.
Love the character. Stories are fun and fully of cheezy lines during fights.
Some of it was silly good stuff like the flashes villain TRICKSTER.......other was more gritty like green arrow social justice.
Only downside is they remove all other elements from the original comic, like the second stories.....i would have enjoyed reading the RAY. I like the original ads too.
The color and art is fantastic...way better than my original 40 year comics which were dull and cheap paper.
December 29, 2023
“Justice, like lightning should ever appear to some men, hope and to other men, fear!” This black lightning run is an absolute classic and memorable run. Full of amazing characters and storylines that lay the groundwork for the world of black lightning. But not without its flaws. It does have quite a few artistic errors, and fast paced storylines. Unfortunately also due to DC implosion it does not get the proper ending it deserves, making only issues 1-9 worth it. But worth it they still are if you love black lightning and want to see where it all came from.
October 30, 2020
The first issue of BLACK LIGHTNING I read was #11 in the summer of 1978. The series was canceled with that issue, and though I read the Black Lightning feature going forward in WORLD'S FINEST COMICS and DETECTIVE COMICS, I never sought out the back issues to read. It was good to finally read the entirety of Black Lightning's first series. Maybe it was revisiting the kid in me, but I had fun reading these stories.
January 31, 2018
I had only known the character from appearances in The Outsiders and other books. I could never fathom his popularity. Having now read the original run, I get it. For a book written in the 70's it holds up surprisingly well. Yes, there are some cringe-worthy moments, but not nearly as many as say those in Luke Cage. Von Eedon's artwork has certainly improved over time. All in all, nicely done.
June 11, 2020
I found this Vol. No. 1 to be blacksploitive, which is probably a sign of the time in which is was written. Black Lightning uses his power to fight off drug dealers in his neighborhood. The plot at times seems misdirected. There were one our two frames of reasonable character development. There is very little depth in this book. The art is decent, however.
March 22, 2023
Excellent comic from the period, combines street level crime drama, integration into a superhero universe and social commentary really well. (I can see their experience from working on Luke Cage before this).
Some elements do date it but still less so than many from 45 years ago
Some elements do date it but still less so than many from 45 years ago
September 24, 2019
i could not help reading this and feeling that the show had made some great choices. This really lacks some of the depth that the show has.
July 16, 2021
Fascinating look into the first appearances of Black Lightning. There was a definite clear vision early on with Isabella’s direction and it’s interesting in light of the tv series.
September 19, 2020
I've been trying to cull my comic collection and went after a lot of 70s DC books. Most of them, I only made it through an issue or two before deciding to ditch, as they're usually boring, overwritten, basic superhero stories written by the same five dudes. Black Lightning was different. When I started reading this, I didn't want to stop. It's far more interesting for the focus on Jefferson as a character and the ongoing threat of "The 100," I really like the serialization (especially over the first 8 issues), and the caption and dialogue style rarely approaches the excess of its contemporaries. Von Eeden's art also occasionally does something interesting with layout or design to set itself apart. The negative is that I wish there was a black writer to truly understand and impart that experience to the character, but what we get is thankfully not as stereotypical as most black characters from the time.
At the end of the day, it's still a 70s DC superhero comic. It's just better than most others.
At the end of the day, it's still a 70s DC superhero comic. It's just better than most others.
Read
April 9, 2019This is a good start for Jefferson Pierce. He's a great character, so likable and relatable, and always striving to do good. These early stories are at their best when delving into Jefferson's human side, like his family and role as a teacher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews