Posted in: Comics | Tagged: black lightning, dc comics, john ridley

The Presidents Of The Other History Of The DC Universe #5 (Spoilers)

Published Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:57:11 -0500

he Other History Of The DC Universe is a much-delayed retelling of the history of the DC Universe, from the point of view of characters from marginalised groups, who often don't get the spotlight to give their version of events. Written by John Ridley, screenwriter of 12 Years A Slave, Guerilla, and writer of The Next Batman comic books, as well as Black Panther later in the year. It has taken DC Comics characters and told their story as a chronological narrative that began with Black Lightning in the late seventies and ended with the new Black Lightning, right about now. And, as well as fives into DC Comics continuity, the passing of the real world is also reflected, often by the President and the impact felt by each. The first book gave us Black Lightning becoming a father in the seventies, illustrated by a Ronald Reagan 1980 campaign badge, that reflected Watchmen, as well as a slogan with just as much foreboding.

The final issue, with Anissa Pierce, the new Thunder all grown up sees challenges in her life, reflected in the passing Presidents. The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" doctrine of Bill Clinton is a policy that prevents her, as a gay young woman, from joining the military, in favour of being a superhero.

While a proposed-but-unpassed bill promoted and supported by George W Bush, alienating her further.

While Barack Obama's presidency is presented as a bit of a damp squib.

Any chance of a Trump-era sequel?

OTHER HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE #5 (OF 5) CVR A GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI & MARCO MASTRAZZO (MR)
(W) John Ridley (A) Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Cucchi (CA) Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marco Mastrazzo
Being a superhero runs in Anissa Pierce's family. It's been a part of her life in one way or another since her father, Jefferson Pierce, first started to fight crime as Black Lightning. Despite what her parents tell her, despite what the world tells her, Anissa knows that she has the same calling as her father. But as Anissa takes on the mantle of Thunder, she must grapple with a very different world than the one that her father first patrolled. The critically acclaimed creative team of Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Let It Fall) and artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Cucchi bring The Other History of the DC Universe to a close.
Retail: $5.99 In-Store Date: 07/27/2021