Name: Black Lightning
Universe: Earth-1
Alter Ego: Jefferson Pierce
Occupation: High School English Teacher
Marital Status: Divorced
Group Affiliation: The Outsiders
Base of Operations: Gotham City
Known Relatives: Parents (unnamed, deceased), Lynn Stewart (ex-wife)
Height: 6 ft. 1 in.
Weight: 182 lbs.
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
First Appearance: Black Lightning #1

History:
Growing up in Metropolis's Suicide Slum, Jefferson Pierce watched as his family struggled to make ends meet. When his father was accidentally shot to death, Jefferson and his mother soon found themselves taken under the wing of Peter Gambi, who had opened a small tailor shop underneath their apartment.

Determined to get out of the slum, Pierce trained himself to physical perfection, gaining national attention when he won the gold medal for the decathlon at the Montreal Olympics of 1976. After receiving a teaching degree from Kent State, Jefferson taught high school English in the city of New Carthage; until his mother's death brought him back to Suicide Slum.

Realizing nothing had changed in his old neighborhood, Pierce decided to stay and make things change, growing more and more angry as he watched a criminal organization known only as the 100 corrupt his students with drugs. Witnessing Pierce's frustration, Peter Gambi designed the costume and electronic power belt of Black Lightning, so that Jefferson could fight back against the 100 without placing himself in perpetual jeopardy and yet still serve as a positive example for the local youth.

After many months, Black Lightning finally defeated the 100 and their monstrous albino leader, Tobias Whale, and turned his attention to other criminals. He remained active until a young girl was accidentally killed as a result of his actions, after which Pierce hung up his costume and went into seclusion.

He finally resumed his Black Lightning identity several years later at the direct request of the Batman for a case that turned into the first mission of the Outsiders. Pierce now fights crime with his new friends and teaches at a Gotham City high school, inspiring others to reach for greatness.

Powers:
Originally, Black Lightning's power belt enabled him to surround himself with a protective electromagnetic force field and to throw bolts of electromagnetic energy. It also augmented his strength. In the course of his adventures, through as yet undisclosed means, these powers became internalized, and he can now throw bolts of bio-electrical energy generated by his body.

Pierce also maintains his Olympic-level physical conditioning giving him above-average strength, speed and endurance. Under the Batman's tutelage, he has become a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant.