First ‘Black Lightning’ photo released

WIth the pilot for ‘Black Lightning’ currently filming in Atlanta we’ve got our first official look at Cress Williams (‘Heart of Dixie’) in costume.

Black Lightning was created back in 1977 and was the first African-America hero in the DC Comics universe to get his own standalone series. An early synopsis for the series notes that Jefferson Pierce (Criss) has retired from life as a superhero, only to be pulled back into action thanks to one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other a star student being recruited by a local gang.

The series is executive produced by Salim Akil who recently spoke in the press about his love for the character.

I knew way too much about the world as a young boy growing up in Richmond, California. I was no stranger to violence, death, hopelessness or the feeling that no one cared about what was happening in my life. Comics were a great way for me to escape. I was about 13 when Black Lightning was created, and finally there was a Black Super Hero that gave a damn about our neighborhood and our lives. Resurrecting him at a time in our society when a sense of hope is lacking. Black Lightning will be that hope. And in updating the suit, it will signal to a new generation that it is time to harness and release our power, and become our own Super Heroes.

Brining ‘Black Lightning’ into the Arrow-verse on The CW will also be Executive Producer Greg Berlanti. ‘Black Lightning’ joins the roster of CW DC shows which includes ‘Arrow’, ‘The Flash’, ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’ and ‘Supergirl’.

‘Black Lightning’ stars Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams and Christine Adams.