Tony Isabella posing during Galaxycon. Photo Credit: Ismael David Mujahid
An epiphany more than 40 years ago continues to bring one writer from Cleveland more fame than most auteurs/writers receive in a lifetime. Despite having written hundreds of comics in a distinguished career, it is for one particular creation that Tony Isabella is largely remembered for today. The humble Ohioan could not be prouder that “Black Lightning,” a character made during his time at DC Comics, continues to inspire fans and readers around the world.
“It’s been an exceptional experience. People come up to me all the time and tell me how much they appreciate my work and it’s a feeling that is definitely reciprocated,” he told The Clarion in an exclusive interview.
Over the years, Isabella has become known for creating characters and stories that everyone can identify. He cites a comic fan club he founded in his youth as a catalyst for that approach.
“I was inspired to work with characters of color because I grew up in Cleveland, a heavily segregated city. I founded a comic book club on the West side of town, and we had friends who would travel from the East side of town just to talk about comics. I was 17 and we weren’t taught things about diversity back then. But I was saddened to see that these friends of mine, who loved comics, couldn’t see themselves in the books they loved.”
At Marvel, he would write stories featuring Luke Cage, Shang-Chi, and Ghost Rider. His list of created characters there including Misty Knight, Manphibian, and the vicious Helmut Zemo. But it was at DC where he would bring fellow Clevelander, Jefferson Pierce, to life.
“I always knew what we were doing was special but it didn’t really hit me until I went to a convention East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention 12 years ago. It really spotlighted comic book fans of color and I have really been embraced by the community. But there was one person that came up to me crying and gave me a hug because they said Black Lightning was the first time they saw a superhero they identified with,” Isabella said.
The longlist of people inspired by Black Lightning include educators, firefighters, and other creatives such as Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley. After a successful live action show on The CW, the hero’s legion of fans has only gotten bigger with time.
“I had many meetings with the showrunners and even made a cameo appearance in the third season. Trevor Von Eeden (the original artist of Black Lightning) and I got to play federal judges in one scene. I’m still close to several members of the cast,” Isabella said about the show.
The creative is still hard at work, writing and making himself available to fans across the country. He’s a regular on X (formerly known as Twitter) and has his own blog as well as plenty of ideas he’d like to write about. While they may be overshadowed by Jefferson Pierce, he could not be prouder to be associated with such an empowering character.
“I’ve written hundreds of comics, but I might only be remembered for Black Lightning. And if that’s the case, it’s a legacy to be proud of. You can’t ask for more.”
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor