Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1

Writer: Tony Isabella Artist: Clayton Henry Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: November 1, 2017 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 18 User Reviews: 8
7.9Critic Rating
8.2User Rating

All-new mini-series by original creator Tony Isabella teamed with superstar artist Clayton Henry! Black Lightning is back and things are not the same! In his home town of Cleveland, high school teacher Jefferson Pierce is a role model for his students. As Black Lightning, he's fighting to keep them safe, even as his city's streets are invaded by local gangs with deadly super-weapons. And wait until you see who their supplier is! Real-world issues in a super-hero world! Expect the unexpected!

  • 9.5
    On Comics Ground - James Portis Nov 11, 2017

    Other than my fanboy sadness him starting back at virtually ground zero, Black Lightning: Cold Dead hands #1 is an amazing start to a mini series that looks to bring this hero back into the collective consciousness of the comic book community and it does it amazingly and just in time for his television debut. Be sure to pick up issue 2 Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    Black Nerd Problems - Keith Reid-Cleveland Nov 1, 2017

    Issue #1 is the perfect jumping on point for anyone who wants to get familiar with the character. Even if a show featuring him weren't on the horizon, this would still be a required reading as far as I'm concerned. The issue does a great job as both an introduction into Black Lightning and an homage to his past stories. Both audiences will be able to get comfortable with the story that's being told. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Bin - Leroy Douresseaux Dec 18, 2017

    Isabella increases the obstacles against his hero and that makes a compelling story that will, in turn, make readers want to come back for more. I want to come back for more. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    GWW - Deron Generally Oct 31, 2017

    A solid first issue that sets up some personal and interpersonal conflicts as well as a villain that seems like a challenge to the hero on more than one front. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    DC Comics News - Shean Mohammed Nov 3, 2017

    Buy, as this story is definitely of the current times but a superpowered twist that will have readers re-reading this book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Batmanaruto Nov 1, 2017

    In conclusion, I would recommend this as it does start and finish in a really intriguing way. The villain is set up well and we can empathize with the Black Lightning, as he tries to be a hero. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicsverse - Aaron Young Nov 2, 2017

    Black Lightning returns in this fantastic new series BLACK LIGHTNING: COLD DEAD HANDS. This issue excels from Tony Isabella's fascinating writing style and gorgeous art. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze Nov 1, 2017

    Real-world issues in a super-hero world. I don't think there is ever a better string of words to put together to grab a reader's attention today. We like to see real heroes dealing with the things that matter to us in the world that we live in. Black Lightning is the genuine article and Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands is not a story to sleep on for that bit of truth. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Nov 1, 2017

    Thats this book as a whole. Its not the best book Ive read all year, but it immediately felt like one Ive happily picked up and enjoyed throughout 2017. Hopefully this will find an audience as Black Lightning has long deserved a proper spotlight. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick Nov 1, 2017

    After years of disputes between DC and the creator, Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 sees writer Tony Isabella return to the character he devised. With him comes a sharp contemporary political focus, an expected facility with the main character, and a familiar if solidly entertaining return to form for a character ready for the spotlight. The issue isn't going to break any new ground, but it may just remind everyone why Black Lightning has garnered and retained his fans over the years as well as confront some relevant issues. With Isabella and artist Clayton Henry at the helm and giving it their all, the character's got his best shot in years. Here's hoping lightning strikes twice. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Corps - Pierre Arnette Nov 1, 2017

    Black Lightning Cold Dead Hands #1 is a must buy.  The writing is stellar because it introduces Black Lightning while telling a new story, and the dialogue is just a joy throughout the issue.  Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Nov 3, 2017

    Isabella's writing is as strong as ever, though the artwork by Clayton Henry seems oddly flat with characters that are a little too smooth and streamlined. Still, there's enough right with this book to make it a must-read for anyone curious about the character in the wake of the approaching CW series and fans of the classic comics. Read Full Review

  • 7.3
    Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson Nov 1, 2017

    With a new TV series on the horizon, it is about time Black Lightning got back in the DCU. With Black Lightning #1 (Cold Dead Hands part 1 of 6), he gets back into the fold. While not a perfect starting point for new fans, it does a serviceable job of introducing Black Lightning and starts off the series with some twist and turns. The art is very bold and does definitely catch the reader's attention more than the story does. While it is good to haveJefferson Pierce back in comic book form, I am not sure if this is his best outing. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway Nov 1, 2017

    A character primer for the new and a familiar tale for long-time fans, Tony Isabella does a great job writing a Black Lightning that feels relevant in the twenty-first century. Now when this Black Lightning does something substantive, we could see some great comics. Read Full Review

  • 6.4
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Nov 2, 2017

    It's a solid return for the character, but it could have been something more. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    AIPT - Eric Cline Nov 1, 2017

    This issue shows potential with good ideas and solid art, but awkward narration and a lack of interesting antagonists prevent it from being a satisfying read. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Nov 2, 2017

    Im definitely a fan of Black Lightning, but this comic doesnt make great use of the character. I respect the attempt to be culturally relevant, especially making use of the term DWB. However, the pacing is overenergized, and the social commentary feels shallow. If you like Black Lightning, feel free to pick this one up. However, I cant recommend this one to everyone. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Big Comic Page - Connor Stephens Nov 1, 2017

    But regardless, judging this issue on its own merits leaves it a tad disappointing. Because for all the great character and artistry in this issue, the lacklustre story feels like a fairly flat and basic event for the return of character like Black Lightning! Heres to the next issue, though. And a good TV show! I definitely appreciate all the love Black Lightning is getting here DC, and you should too. Read Full Review

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