DC is celebrating 50 years of Black Lightning with a new anniversary special that brings Jefferson Pierce back together with his family, longtime allies, and fellow DC heroes. DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special will arrive on January 27, 2027, with a 48-page one-shot featuring new stories from a team of creators led by the character’s original creator, Jenny Isabella.
The main story, written by Isabella and Brandon Thomas with art by Fico Ossio, sees Black Lightning entrusted with protecting Metropolis while Superman is away. However, an old enemy is plotting against Jefferson from the shadows, forcing the hero to confront another threat to the city while balancing the responsibilities that have defined his life both in and out of costume.
The special will also revisit Jefferson’s relationship with his ex-wife, Lynn Stewart, while bringing his daughters, Anissa and Jennifer, back into the story. Elsewhere, Black Lightning will team up with the Outsiders, including Katana, the Signal, and Cassandra Cain, while Mr. Terrific and Steel will also appear. The story will explore Jefferson’s legacy and his potential future as a mentor to a younger hero, with his vision in DC K.O. also playing a role.
Additional stories will be written by Danny Lore, Greg Anderson Elysée, and Al Letson, with art by Karen S. Darboe, Darryl Banks, and Sedat Özgen.
Isabella expressed her excitement about returning to the character she created, praising the opportunity to collaborate with a new generation of talent. She also offered high praise for Thomas, describing him as her chosen successor when it comes to writing Jefferson Pierce. Thomas, in turn, called the opportunity to work alongside Isabella an honour, saying the special’s central theme is love for Jefferson’s family, history, and 50-year presence in the DC Universe.
The main cover comes from Edwin Galmon and Andrew Dalhouse, with variant covers by Ossio and Tamra Bonvillain, Trevor Von Eeden and Chris Sotomayor, and Cully Hamner, whose contribution will be a glow-in-the-dark variant. Von Eeden was the first artist to draw Black Lightning and is considered a co-creator of the character and his world.
DC Power: Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special will be available at participating comic book shops and digital retailers on January 27, 2027, for $5.99 US.