Saturday, January 31, 2009

Give this under-rated hero a try: Black Lightning Year One #1


Most of the time, Metropolis seems like the crown jewel of the DC Universe. I mean, it IS Superman's home base, so it makes sense that it would be an awesome place to live. Citizens might have to deal with an occasional alien invasion or a giant robot stomping up the place, but the streets are clean and the people seem nice. Unfortunately, even Metropolis has its dark corners.

The Southside of Metropolis is one such corner. The viscious mix of poverty, crime, gangs, and corrupt politicians have turned Southside into a place residents call "Suicide." Jefferson Pierce grew up in Southside, but when his father, a man who tried to make a difference, was killed by the parasites who profitted from the people's misfortune, he left town for good. Jefferson became an Olympic athlete and an educator, and did his best to help people in places like Southside. After devoting his time and energy to fixing the rest of the world, Jefferson and his family decide that it is time to come back to "Suicide" and do something for the people he left behind.

Of course, Jefferson Pierce is not only an amazing teacher and athlete, he has some "special" gifts he has tried to keep under wraps. When he first arrives back home, he wants to help in more traditional ways. He takes over the high school, which has been claimed by the local gang the 100, and tries to get the kids back on track. The brutality and crime he discovers there leads him to believe he has to use his more unique gifts, like the ability to generate and control electricity, to become a more proactive force for justice in his home town. Afterall, Superman doesn't seem to be doing much for the people of Southside. Shouldn't every city have their own vigilante hero?

Black Lightning: Year One seems to be the first step in revamping this classic DC character. This limited series goes back to Jefferson Pierce's beginnings as the hero Black Lightning, and shows us why he had to fight to bring justice to his hometown. This 6 issue limited series is written by Jen Van Meter, with art by Cully Hamner. Even if you've never heard of Black Lightning, this origin story tells you everything you need to know about the character. The art is dark and forboding at times, but also presents Jefferson and his cause in an upbeat and hopeful light, perfectly capturing both aspects of Black Lightning's story.

This series gives readers a perfect chance to jump in at the beginning of one of DC's most under-rated characters, so don't miss the chance to try out Black Lightning: Year One now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed book of the week! Issues 1 and 2 are still in stock, so get them while you still can. Oh, and some nosy reporter named Clark Kent shows up in issue 2, and Superman usually turns up when he's around. People seem to like that guy.

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