Lightning strikes as a classic DC Comics hero joins DCTV Universe on The CW Network.
Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning made comic book history and he will soon jolt screens.
DC Comics, The CW, Warner Brothers Television shared a first look at Cress Williams in costume as Black Lightning.
Black Lightning was the first African-American DC super hero to have his own standalone comic title. The hero was created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden in 1977.
The television version is the story of a father drawn reluctantly back into the super hero game.
Here’s more about the upcoming series:
“Jefferson Pierce made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend — Black Lightning.”
In comics this metahuman has also been a member of the Justice League and Outsiders. Pierce possesses the power to generate and manipulate electricity and is a skilled martial artist.
Black Lightning executive producer, writer and Director Salim Akil explains this hero’s impact:
“I knew way too much about the world as a young boy growing up in Richmond, California. I was no stranger to violence, death, hopelessness or the feeling that no one cared about what was happening in my life.
“Comics were a great way for me to escape. I was about 13 when Black Lightning was created, and finally there was a Black Super Hero that gave a damn about our neighborhood and our lives.
“Resurrecting him at a time in our society when a sense of hope is lacking…Black Lightning will be that hope. And in updating the suit, it will signal to a new generation that it’s time to harness and release our power, and become our own Super Heroes.” he told DC Comics.
Greg Berlanti, Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil and Sarah Schechter are executive producers. Salim Akil is directing the pilot from a script he wrote.
By Editor