DC celebrates 50 years of BLACK LIGHTNING in new DC POWER one

Why should Wonder Woman get all the anniversary love? Today DC announced DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special, a new one-shot out in January that commemorates the golden anniversary of the iconic electricity-wielding superhero. The 48-page one-shot features a main story by cowriters Jenny Isabella and Brandon Thomas and artist Fico Ossio, as well as additional stories by creators including Danny Lore, Greg Anderson Elysée, Al Letson, Karen S. Darboe, Darryl Banks, and Sedat Özgen.

Here’s how DC describes DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special:

In the main story, the celebration finds Black Lightning entrusted with protecting Metropolis while Superman is away. But as an old enemy plots his demise from the shadows, Jefferson will once again have to prove that protecting a community means more than simply winning the fight.

Jefferson Pierce has saved the world countless times, but with another battle for its fate looming on the horizon, does he still have time to repair his relationship with his ex-wife, Lynn Stewart? As Jefferson considers what comes next for the two of them, his responsibilities as Black Lightning continue to pull him in every direction.

The anniversary special also explores the many relationships that have defined Black Lightning across five decades, from family and old friends to fellow heroes throughout the DC Universe. Jefferson fights alongside the Outsiders, including Katana, the Signal, and Cassandra Cain; 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 K.O. also looms over the special, pushing Jefferson closer to a new role as mentor to a young hero.

Black Lightning was created in 1977 by Isabella and artist Trevor Von Eeden, and has been a mainstay of the DC Universe, both in solo adventures and as a member of teams like The Outsiders and the Justice League. The character has also appeared in other media, including four seasons of a CW TV series starring Cress Williams in the title role.The most recent Black Lightning 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 the old lady of the team, I get to work with a bunch of talented ‘youngsters’ who love and respect my creation. Plus, we have an alternate cover by my pal Trevor Von Eeden, the first artist who drew Black Lightning and who is justifiably considered a co-creator of the character and his world. I had a blast returning to these characters. It’s a book that brings the action, the drama, the sense of peril, 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 it can be said that someone who doesn’t own a character can have a chosen successor, Brandon is mine,” added Isabella. “Collaborating with Brandon was amazing. He gets Jefferson Pierce in a way only a few writers have. He’s an incredibly gifted, hardworking writer. I think the comics world is just beginning to realize how good he is.”

“I discovered Jenny felt this way a few weeks ago, well after we’d agreed to work together on this,” said Brandon Thomas, “and I was incredibly grateful and humbled by her support. It is without a doubt one of the kindest things anyone in comics has ever said about my work and my pursuit to serve and honor characters like Jefferson Pierce. Any opportunity I have to contribute something to his and his family’s legacy will be embraced to the fullest, and doing so alongside his actual creator is something I never imagined possible.”

“It was an honor and an incredible amount of fun,” added Thomas, “and I think that will show in the story. The theme is quite 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 by Edwin Galmon & Andrew Dalhouse, and variant covers by Ossio & Tamra Bonvillain, co-creator Von Eeden & Chris Sotomayor, and Cully Hamner. The issue is set to arrive in stores and digitally on Wednesday, January 27th.