Deron Generally
Deron Generally
The Other History of the DC Universe #5
DC Comics
Written by John Ridley
Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Cucchi
Colors by José Villarrubia
Letters by Steve Wands
The Rundown: Anissa Pierce tells the story of her life including her fight to accept all of who she is.
Anissa Pierce reflects on life as the child of a superhero. From her parent’s divorce to the discovery of her superpowers, Anissa always struggled with who she is and where she stands with the people in her life. The most difficult part of that life has always been keeping secrets. Whether it’s keeping the first secret that her father is Black Lightning to the discovery of her own powers and ultimately her sexuality, Anisa has always felt alone even within a group.
When she finally begins to break free of her father’s legacy and judgment, her first forays into the world of being a superhero come with a new set of complications. As she finally starts to embrace who she is, she finds a new family with one of her teammates. As her personal and professional life continue to be complicated, things come to a head when she must confront the person she’s been afraid to, her father.
The Story: Ridley continues to craft a compelling narrative that transcends normal superhero conventions. What’s unique about the story is how the family dynamics drive both the drama and the action. Anissa’s story and her history are deeply personal and that gives the plot a level of engagement that’s different than some of the others. The conflicts in both her sexual and superhero identities make Anisa a unique and interesting character in the DC universe. Ridley does a really good job of capturing those dynamics.
The Art: Camuncoli and Cucchi continue to deliver some beautiful imagery throughout this issue. The art always seems to find a personal tone and connects with the reader on that level.
The Other History of the DC Universe #5
