Black Lightning is a superhero appearing in American comic book published by DC Comics. The character, created by writer Tony Isabella with artist Trevor Von Eeden, first appeared in Black Lightning #1, during the Bronze Age of Comic Books. Although his precise origin story has varied over the years, he is generally depicted as a metahuman superhero who uses the ability to generate and control electricity to defend his community – and the world – as Black Lightning. Although not the first black superhero to feature in DC Comics stories, Black Lightning was DC's first African-American superhero to headline his own series.
Black Lighting made his debut on Black Lightning #1 (April 1977). Art by Rich Buckler and Frank Springe.
Black Lightning, cover detail, Final Crisis: Submit #1 (December 2008). Art by Matthew Clark.
Cress Williams as Black Lightning as he appears in his self-titled TV series
Tony Isabella is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, 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.
Isabella at the 2024 WonderCon