Black Lightning

Black Lightning

Jefferson Pierce is a successful college graduate and Olympic athlete who moves back to "Suicide Slum" in Metropolis where he was raised. Pierce sees the area and its youngsters under the the control of The 100 and adopts the heroic identity Black Lightning (first appearance, Black Lightning No. 1, Apr 1977: "Black Lightning!"). Black Lightning derives massive electrical powers from a "power belt", and later, incorporates these abilities in his own metabolism. He begins his career in somewhat of a vigilante fashion, earning unwanted coverage from WGBS, the distrust of Inspector Bill Henderson, and a battle with Superman.

Later, when Metropolis is threatened by the dangerous "de-volver" powers of an energy being, Superman and Black Lightning team-up to stop it (DCCP No. 16, Dec 1979: "The De-Volver!"). Black Lightning turns down an invitation to join the Justice League of America but later becomes a member of Batman's team, the Outsiders.