REVIEW: ‘Black Lightning’ Issue #1 (2024)

Black Lightning #1 (2024) is published by DC Comics. It was written by Brandon Thomas, with art by Fico Ossio, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Lucas Gattoni. Black Lightning # 1 (2024) is part of DC’s All-In relaunch. Black Lightning balances being a family man and a member of the new Justice League, with new powers emerging everywhere.

Black Lightning #1 (2024) uses more of the post-Absolute Power storyline than any other series so far. Thomas taps into the new Justice League, including Black Lightning in the roster, and the confusion generated when the superpowers were restored. Not all powers have returned to the right person, leading to chaos and calamity. The first section of the comic is a direct flashback to Absolute Power, providing context to a moment that was only mentioned during the vent.

This also establishes the uneasiness that is present throughout the whole book. Black Lightning’s inability to protect his family in that moment affects him for the rest of the book. Black Lightning #1 (2024) has an interesting structure, splitting the members of the Pierce family and following the story between all of them. This book is more focused on helping than hurting. Each action sequence, filled with excitement and impressive stakes, is about protecting people and helping them in their hour of need. This changes the tone of the book entirely.

Everything in Black Lightning #1 (2024) is focused on the family. The biggest mystery is why Black Lightning is adventuring with two daughters in the flashback and only one in the present day. Fighting alongside Thunder and Lightning is both a blessing and a curse. Although Jefferson Pierce has backup, he is also vulnerable, as he cares so much for his daughters. If one of them falls into trouble, it deeply affects him and his mental health.

Thunder and Lightning have important roles in this issue, too. Lightning is also part of the Justice League; her excitement is enthralling and adorable. Thunder is supposedly in New Orleans, but secrets within her storyline disrupt the entire series. Another exciting part of this new series is the high amount of guest stars. Thomas makes the most of Black Lightning’s Justice League membership, with several cameos that all have a purpose beyond face value.

The art is fantastic. Ossio combines action with the large amount of attention given to the family drama within the issue. During the flashback, there is a split scene that showcases a fight against some of Amanda Waller’s Amazo robots and a therapy session for Black Lightning. The intense and dramatic battle has a direct consequence on how Jefferson reacts.

There are beautiful details in both scenes. Black Lightning’s face gets crewed up in shame and pain, while the panic is palpable as the Amazos ruthlessly steal the abilities of all members of the Pierce family. All the costumes look impeccable, from Black Lightning to all the cameos that appear. The contrast between sci-fi and domestic is often placed side by side, featuring the most important aspects of this character.

The colors are sensational, again working as a contrast. The energy from Black Lightning and Lightning is bright and vibrant, sparking and moving around each other. The blue and orange lightning moves around the page, glowing and thrilling. The people with new powers they come across have much more volatile energy explosions, with their entire bodies covered in orange light. This instantly draws attention and showcases the danger that the emerging metahumans may pose. The lettering is big and clear, with some excellent uses of sound effects.

Black Lightning #1 (2024) is family-focused. Thomas takes pieces from Absolute Power that very few other series have utilised. There are powers going to the wrong people and a watchtower in space that has any other hero at their disposal. However, despite the action and the outside influences, the book’s core remains about a father and his daughters.

Almost every page in Black Lightning #1 (2024) is a conversation about how Black Lightning is constantly trying to be a good father and protect his daughters, who have grown up and are on opposite ends of their lives. The blending of the superhero and family life is fantastically written, making it a book of excitement and emotions.

Black Lightning #1 is available where comics are sold.