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Why should Wonder Woman get all the anniversary love? Today DC announced DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Speciala new one-shot launching in January commemorating the golden anniversary of the iconic electricity-wielding superhero. The 48-page one-shot features a main story from the co-authors. Jenny Isabel and Brandon Tomas and artist Ossio Figas well as additional stories from creators including Danny Lore, Greg Anderson Elysium, Al Letson, Karen Darboe, Darryl Banksand Sedat Özgen.
This is how DC describes DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special:
In the main story, the celebration finds Black Lightning in charge of protecting Metropolis while Superman is away. But as an old enemy plots his demise from the shadows, Jefferson will have to prove once again that protecting a community means more than simply winning the fight.
Jefferson Pierce has saved the world countless times, but with another battle for his destiny looming on the horizon, does he still have time to repair his relationship with his ex-wife, Lynn Stewart? As Jefferson considers what lies ahead for the two, his responsibilities as Black Lightning continue to pull him in all directions.
The anniversary special also explores the many relationships that have defined Black Lightning over five decades, from family and old friends to fellow heroes across the DC Universe. Jefferson fights alongside the Outsiders, including Katana, Signal, and Cassandra Cain; he crosses paths with his daughters, Anissa and Jennifer; and joins Mr. Terrific and Steel as the special explores the responsibilities, relationships and personal connections behind the hero. Black Lightning’s vision in DC KO also looms over the special, bringing Jefferson closer to a new role as a mentor to a young hero.
Black Lightning was created in 1977 by Isabella and the artist. Trevor Von Eedenand has been a pillar of the DC Universe, both in solo adventures and as a member of teams like The Outsiders and Justice League. The character has also appeared in other media, including four seasons of a CW television series starring watercress williams in the lead role. The most recent black lightning The comic series, a six-issue miniseries released in 2024-2025 as part of DC’s All In initiative, was written by Thomas and illustrated by Ossio.
In a statement announcing the one-shot, Isabella described returning to the character she helped bring into the world and working with the rest of the team on it:
“I’m excited about the special,” said Jenny Isabella. “As an elder on the team, I get to work with a group of talented ‘young people’ who love and respect my creation. Plus, we have an alternate cover by my friend Trevor Von Eeden, the first artist to draw Black Lightning and who is rightly considered a co-creator of the character and his world. I had a lot of fun returning to these characters. It’s a book that brings the action, the drama, the sense of danger, and the fun. So much fun.”
Isabella also described passing the torch of “ownership” of Black Lightning to Thomas, who responded with gratitude:
“As much as you can say that someone who doesn’t own a character can have a chosen successor, Brandon is mine,” Isabella added. “Collaborating with Brandon was incredible. He understands Jefferson Pierce in a way that only a few writers have. He’s an incredibly talented and hard-working writer. I think the comics world is just starting to realize how good he is.”
“I found out that Jenny felt this way a few weeks ago, long after we agreed to work together on this,” said Brandon Thomas, “and I was incredibly grateful and humbled by her support. It’s certainly one of the kindest things anyone in comics has ever said about my work and my quest to serve and honor characters like Jefferson Pierce. Any opportunity I have to contribute something to his and his family’s legacy will be made the most of, and doing it alongside his real creator is something I never imagined. possible.”
“It was an honor and an incredible amount of fun,” Thomas added, “and I think that will show in the story. The theme is simply love, for his family, his history and his presence within the DCU for 50 long years. Here’s to 50 more.”
DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special #1 will feature a main cover of Edwin Galmon & Andres Dalhouseand variant covers by Ossio & Tamra Bonvillainco-creator Von Eeden & Chris Sotomayorand Cully Hamner. The edition will arrive in stores and digitally on Wednesday, January 27.
