Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Tony Isabella
Penciled by: Trevor Von Eeden
Inked by: Frank Springer
Colored by: Liz Berube
Lettered by: P.G. Lisa
Editor: Jack C. Harris
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins in medias race, as Black Lightning battles some thugs. Black Lightning is going after Joey Toledo, and has to face some of his goons. Since Black Lightning is so skilled he makes short work of the henchmen and then he sets his sights on Joey. He shakes Joey down for some info then sets up a meeting for later. Lightning then retires to visit his friend/confidant/supplier Peter Gambini, and we see the man behind the mask, Jefferson Pierce.
We then are treated to a flashback that details the events that lead to Jefferson to don the disguise. It appears that on his first day as a teacher (at Garfield High) Jefferson tossed a dealer out of the school. Later that same day, while Jefferson was bonding with students Joey Toledo, and some thugs, came back looking for revenge. Jefferson fought them off with some help from Earl Clifford (Garfield’s star athlete.)
But since Joey works for the criminal organization The 100, they play to strike back at Pierce for messing with their operation, by attacking Earl. They then leave his corpse hanging in the school gym for Jefferson to find. At that point Jefferson vows to take on The 100. Gambini designs a costume to conceal Pierce’s identity. Jefferson designs a weapons belt and Black Lightning is born.
Isabella has crafted a credible origin here. Pierce affects a (bl)accent when Black Lightning as well as wearing a fro wig and mask to conceal his true identity. The dialogue is pretty believable, considering the era (1977!) The story moves along nicely. Starting in the middle is a great tactic, and the flashbacks work perfectly. Clearly Isabella was ahead of his time in conveying character thoughts in boxes as opposed to using though balloons (which was the practice at the time.) He also builds a mystery as to Tobias Whale.
The art is spectacular. The action looks very dynamic. And the difference in appearance between Black Lightning and Jefferson Pierce is very well conveyed. Did I mention that the artist is some guy named…Trevor Von Eeden? Oh, well how about the fact that he was just 17 years old? Great work.
This is a pretty good read. You should really go out and find this issue. Especially considering that Black Lightning will be popping up in Green Arrow, The Outsiders, and Superman/Batman (all pretty high profile books) and The 100 will play a role in the new Rose and Thorn book. This way you can play the comic book snob and say “Oh yeah, Black Lightning, I have his first appearance†or “I remember when Black Lightning fought The 100.â€
