CW’s Black Lightning superhero TV series found its leading man in actor Cress Williams earlier this year. While the studio continues to release trailers for the upcoming show, it seems nobody really cares.
The CW is getting a new superhero in January and, unlike other superheroes in the Arrowverse, there hasn’t been much noise about the African-American hero. Maybe it’s the ridiculous costume. Or perhaps it’s because the market is overpopulated with superhero culture at the moment. Either way, Black Lightning doesn’t seem to be getting a lot of love from comic book fans. Our guess is that it probably has something to do with the fact that the show is focused on a black superhero.
Black Lightning, originally created by Tony Isabella in 1977, is one of the DC universe’s first black heroes and, as the name suggests, he has the ability to shoot blasts of electricity, among other things.
Of course, he wouldn’t be the first black superhero to come under fire or controversy in recent years. Black Panther has received a lot of heat about its all-black cast and Luke Cage, which was set in Harlem, also came under a lot of scrutiny about not having enough white faces. Is the market ready for a black superhero who isn’t a sidekick or a secondary character? Is the comic book community able to support and promote an African-American hero? CW has faith in its audience and is willing to take the gamble.
“Do you remember why you became Black Lightning? You wanted to give the people hope. You wanted the evil that’s out there to have something to fear,” a voice narrates in the new promo. Maybe it’s time we all sat up and listened to what he has to say.
“Based on the DC Comics character, Black Lightning centres on Jefferson Pierce, a former superhero who hung up his suit and secret identity. However, he is pulled back into the fight when one daughter becomes hell-bent on justice and the other, a star student, who is recruited by a local gang.”
Written by Akil and Brock Akil, based on the character created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden, and to be directed by Akil, Black Lightning, the fifth Arrowverse series, centres around a DC Comics superhero who can generate and control lightning. It marks the first show in the Berlanti DC universe that will focus on a black superhero.
The CW will debut the first episode of Black Lightning on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
I Care I Even Have a Facebook Group Called TEAM BLACK LIGHTNING THE TV SHOW, and here is a Link to it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/366046767086805/?ref=bookmarks
No offense, but pulling out the race card as a main reason it’s not getting much attention smacks of a slightly political viewpoint. The more obvious issues, such as not being advertised as heavily, not a particularly well known character, and not having any appearances before hand in any of the Arrowverse series are more likely the reasons it’s not getting much attention. Personally, I’ve enjoyed most of what’s come from CW, so as long as he’s included in crossover episodes to bring him in as a more prominent role in the universe as a whole it should be worth a watch.
Static Shock is way cooler
Yes I heard static shock might come out but hopefully it does well
Yes I heard static shock might come out but hopefully it does well
Is that Static Shock?
Is that Static Shock?
No, but I do everything I can to avoid any superhero show on The CW.
Comparatively however, it looks pretty good.
No
Is it just me or does it look like the 2017 answer to Meteor Man? I think I’ll stick with Luke Cage, thanks.
Black who?
Black who?
I will give it a shot, but all the other DC shows are shit so I will go in with low expectations
I will give it a shot, but all the other DC shows are shit so I will go in with low expectations
I honestly don’t. And the reason being is that it is separate from the Arrowverse, which is silly. If it were tied in, I would be hype.
Somewhat but not really because it just Luke Cage with Lighting powers on CW that it.
I’ll definitely give it a chance. Definitely going to watch the first few weeks to see what it can do
Another DC character that they screwed up with “alternate” origin stories and made up sidekicks.
Black Bolt it a nobody in the comics as well.
Actually he was a very crucial character in the late 70’s. He lives in Metropolis and was hand picked by Batman to head the Outsiders.
Black wut?
Who wouldn’t want to watch a 50 year old man running around dress up with lightning on his chest. I’ll watch it!!
I’d rather have another season of Constantine
They havent introduced him in any way shape or form. Like every other hero show on the cw they had a cameo in other shows to introduce them. Ill be watching regardless its been on my radar for awhile
Again, they should have went with a live action teenage Static Shock. Virgil would have fit in nicely into the Arrowverse, and been perfect for the crossover events.
I bet Cress Williams does
Lol I’m sorry but I kept thinking your profile pic was an eyelash on my screen, and I kept blowing on my screen until I realized it wasn’t coming off. Only then I realized it was your pic ?
i just did exactly the same lol
me too!! I thought it was a hair!
Same ??
I do. It looks like a break from the drama of the other shows.
I’ve given up trying to watch the others. My friend is currently only watching Arrow and Gotham but dropped the rest.
yah instead it will be black drama instead of inserted white charecters into black charecters