Powers: Jefferson uses a belt that allowed him to generate a force field and project electrical bolts. Abilities: Electric generation and manipulation Electric transportation Energy absorption Force field generation Expert martial artist Olympic-level athlete Peak physical conditioning
Synopsis: One of the first black superheroes to appear in DC Comics, Black Lightning debuted in 1977 by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden. With the power of electro-magnetism, he can generate and manipulate electricity using a variety of methods. In addition to working as a solo hero, Black Lightning has been a member of Batman’s group, The Outsiders, as well as a member of the Justice League. He has also been shown to have some serious martial arts skills.
When he isn’t performing acts of superheroism, he is known as Jefferson Pierce and has been an Olympic decathlete and a high school principal, not to mention a father. Black Lightning’s daughters, Jessica and Anissa, have also become heroes themselves. Anissa took the name “Lightning” and became a member of Outsiders like her father, while Jessica became “Thunder” and a member of the Justice League. Last year, it was announced that Black Lightning and his daughters will appear in a new Black Lightning television series currently in development.
Interesting Facts: His powers allow him to absorb energy in order to make himself stronger. Black Lightning can then make himself stronger, faster, heal quicker and produce more lightning. Any source of electricity will do, but he has a fondness for absorbing lightning from thunderstorms. He can even drain power plants, which give him a huge boost, even if it does shut down power for the rest of the city sometimes. He can also use this power in an offensive way by draining energy from machines that might be attacking him.