DC’s celebration of Black Historical past Month continues, and immediately we’re going to highlight considered one of my favourite households within the DC Universe—the Pierces. They’re greater than a dynasty of superheroes, they’re a household crammed with completed people who’ve damaged boundaries, survived adversity and led inspiring lives. Jefferson Pierce, his ex-wife Lynn, and their daughters Anissa and Jennifer is probably not a conventional household unit, however their legacy within the DC Universe is extraordinary.
Let’s begin with Jefferson Pierce, who was launched to comedian ebook readers in 1977’s Black Lightning #1. In case you erased all of Jefferson’s accomplishments as Black Lightning (that are many), he would nonetheless have one of the inspiring life tales within the DC Universe. As established in Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden’s origin story, Jefferson Pierce was an Olympic athlete who by no means forgot his roots. As an alternative of residing a life as a star athlete, he wished to present again to the group he grew up in. After receiving his instructing diploma, Jefferson returned to his previous Suicide Slum neighborhood and have become a instructor at his alma mater Garfield Excessive.
How many individuals would flip down fame and fortune to change into an underpaid instructor in an impoverished neighborhood? Jefferson did this as a result of he cared, and he knew how laborious it was to develop up in that neighborhood. The Black Lightning tv present spent a variety of time exploring Jefferson’s relationship along with his college students as a instructor and a principal, and it was probably the greatest elements of the collection. Cress Williams introduced the nurturing aspect of Jefferson Pierce to life and confirmed viewers that true heroism was extra than simply punching dangerous guys.
Jefferson can be one of many solely superheroes to ever serve within the Govt Department. In 2001’s Superman #166, President Luthor nominated Jefferson Pierce to function Secretary of Training. Pierce knew that Luthor was corrupt, however he noticed the job as a option to preserve the President in verify and repair the failings within the training system. Pierce stayed within the White Home till Luthor’s successor President Pete Ross requested for his resignation in 2004’s Outsiders #10. President Ross didn’t need the scandal that got here with having a member of your Presidential cupboard main a double life as a superhero.
Fairly a formidable life, and we haven’t even touched on his accomplishments in costume. As Black Lightning, Jefferson Pierce is the primary African-American superhero to headline their very own DC Comics collection. Black Lightning has saved numerous lives on his personal and combating alongside his teammates within the Outsiders and Justice League. Within the Younger Justice animated collection, Black Lightning at the moment serves because the chief of the Justice League, breaking down extra boundaries.
Lynn Stewart was launched in 1977’s Black Lightning #3, and he or she rapidly proved herself to be greater than a typical superhero love curiosity. Initially Lynn taught at Garfield Excessive alongside her ex-husband, however her ambition to do extra drove her to open her personal public relations agency. Lynn’s agency helped promote charitable initiatives worldwide, elevating cash for impoverished nations and feeding the hungry. Later comics established her as a lawyer who sought to combat corruption within the justice system.
Lynn Stewart was given an elevated function within the Black Lightning tv collection the place she was portrayed by Christine Adams. This model of Lynn was a neuroscientist who labored tirelessly to assist metahuman youngsters. At occasions, she was pressured to cross ethical strains with a purpose to assist victims of metahuman trafficking and preserve corrupt forces at bay. She struggled together with her habit to a super-powered drug referred to as inexperienced gentle, however was capable of overcome it with the assistance of her household.
Readers met Anissa Pierce in 2003’s Outsiders #1, and like her dad and mom, she excelled at every thing she put her thoughts to. As a toddler, Anissa found she had the ability to extend her physique’s density and create shockwaves. She instantly determined to change into a superhero like her father, however Jefferson made her promise she would end her training first. Anissa graduated school summa cum laude (a formidable feat by itself), and hours after her ceremony, she suited up as Thunder for the primary time. Thunder joined the Outsiders and developed a romance together with her teammate Grace Choi, turning into considered one of DC’s first lesbian superhero {couples}.
Nafessa Williams introduced Anissa to life on The CW’s Black Lightning, breaking floor as the primary African-American lesbian superhero in primetime tv. The collection explored new points of Anissa’s character, making a second identification for her referred to as Blackbird. Whereas Thunder fought crime alongside Black Lightning, Blackbird robbed from the corrupt and elite, giving again to the poor. This led to some ideological arguments between Anissa and her father.
Jennifer Pierce was first launched in Kingdom Come #1 earlier than being introduced in to mainstream continuity in 2008’s Justice Society of America #12. Like her father, Jennifer has the ability to generate electrical energy and makes use of her items to combat crime as Lightning. Whereas Jefferson wasn’t a fan of one other considered one of his youngsters turning into a superhero, he agreed to let her be a part of the Justice Society, reasoning that they might shield her whereas displaying her the ropes. China Anne McClain performed Jennifer on Black Lightning, the place her model of the character struggled with making an attempt to stay a traditional life as a teen whereas coping with the brand new duties her powers introduced.
The Pierces are usually not solely inspiring for what they’ve completed on their very own, however for what they’ve achieved as a household. Within the comics, Jefferson and Lynn have had many failed reconciliation makes an attempt, however it hasn’t stopped them from co-parenting their daughters. Check out their “parent-teacher convention” second in Justice Society of America #12—you’d by no means know they have been divorced. Like most households, the Pierces generally make errors and at occasions they quarrel, however that simply makes them appear extra actual. From their respective introductions, Jefferson, Lynn, Anissa and Jennifer have labored collectively to make the world a greater, extra simply and extra inclusive place, and because of this they’ve made the DC Universe a greater place.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, films and comics for DCComics.com, is a daily contributor to the Sofa Membership and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Comply with him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
