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Created by: Tony Isabella (writer) Trevor Von Eeden (artist)
First Appearance: Black Lightning #1 (April 1977).
Essential Reading
Black Lightning (1977) #1
Outsiders (2009) #28
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what do you consider "Black Lightning" essential reading material?
Powers: Black Lightning can manipulate bio-electric currents that exist within all aspects of the body, from the nervous system, heart and muscles, whether his own or his targets. He can generate and channel his own bio-electrical energy, and absorb electrical energies from external sources. His electrical discharge can vary in color (Blue, Yellow, Red, Purple, etc.). The electrical currents are capable of killing someone or stunning them, depending on his control. The upper limit of the electrical energy Black Lightning can generate and manipulate is unknown.
Black Lightning can increase his electrical output by ionizing the hydrogen atoms in the atmosphere, creating ultra-high level static discharges and having the potential to create electrical storms that release hundreds of lightning strikes per minute (the average lightning strike contains a billion volts of electricity). He can discharge streams of electricity in the form of arc-strands, ball lightning, and/or single arcs that resemble lightning bolts, to attack his opponents. Black Lightning is capable of discharging destructive electrical energy that flows through the air negating all resistance that may be received from air or space. The destructive electrical energy is capable of destroying a wide area of effect.
my man's damn-near an elemental
All aspects of Black Lightning's powers become dramatically more powerful the madder he gets, becoming overall stronger, faster, more durable, more electrically potent, and so on, the angrier he is. On occasion, Black Lightning can generate and control literal black lightning which ignores the limitations and weaknesses of normal lightning. Black Lightning can wield it like normal electricity, and also use its mystical power for a wide variety of attacks and effects.
By absorbing electrons, Black lightning can stimulate molecules and renew damaged cells, effectively healing himself or others using electricity. Black Lightning can also release and surround himself in electrical energy for defensive and offensive purposes, becoming almost untouchable and granting him various enhanced physical capabilities such as speed, strength and durability. he can also use Electromagnetism to manipulate matter similar to telekinesis. Black Lightning can also manipulate electrical fields and generate electromagnetic fields of his own to create highly concentrated electric force fields capable of withstanding tremendous physical attacks, and various other purposes.