Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #3 Review

Writer: Tony Isabella / Artist: Clayton Henry / DC Comics In the past, Black Lightning’s stories have been used as outlets to examine issues that affect black communities; in many instances, gang violence and poverty. While these issues are still prevalent throughout many black communities, Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands comes to us during a time where other issues are currently under the spotlight — namely police violence and the distrust it creates. Issue #3 of Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands dives even deeper into the issue as two young boys are treated as armed and dangerous fugitives from the law after their parents were shot dead in the street before their very eyes. [Yeah, this is heavy stuff.] Black Lightning dons some newly rebooted abilities to try and reach the kids before they’re wrongfully harmed by the same Cleveland Police Department that also considers him a fugitive from the law.

Kudos to Tony Isabella for using this platform to spark a necessary discussion. And kudos to Clayton Henry for being able to bring so much emotion out of the characters on the page. For a story with art that’s so clean, you wouldn’t normally expect for the story to get this dark and gritty. I’ve said this twice, and I’ll say it again. Make this an ongoing series. This story will surely be wrapped up well in six. But there’s surely enough to keep going after that, especially on the heels of the CW’s Black Lightning television series premiering soon. 8.75 electromagnetic fist bumps…