Black Lightning: Year One #4
	Writer: Jen Van Meter Penciller: Cully Hamner Colorist: Laura Martin Letterer: Sal Cipriano Editors: Rachel Gluckstern and Joan Hilty Published by: DC Comics 'Black Lightning' created by Anthony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

In what is probably the darkest issue of the series, at least from the ones done so far, there is another death. However, compared to the student who died at the end of issue #1, this one hits much closer to home both for Jefferson Pierce and for Black Lightning. Now even though I knew it would happen (after the revelation from the previous issue it was a given that this character would not make it out alive from this series), I did not expect it to occur so soon.

The majority of the issue is devoted to the “One Hundred” and just who he/it/they is/are. Additionally, revealed (in a way) is just what the hell is Ra’s Al Ghul's spoiled brat doing in this series. Still, the link between the One Hundred and the LoA still doesn't quite sell itself. Speaking of selling even the One Hundred itself hasn’t proven/shown its danger (to me at least). Even now its actions are more akin a generic drug-crime-lord than a half a millennia old being(s).

As for Black Lightning and his family, towards the end, things take a turn for the worse with the missus leaving, taking Jeff's momma and little Anissa with her. However, while it does result in a despondent Jefferson it did not seem quite real to me. While on one hand, her leaving could be genuine, it could just as well be part of a plan (between Jefferson and her) to draw out the One Hundred while keeping the Pierce family members safe, especially after the (thwarted) hit earlier in the issue. This confusion is in part due to the abrupt shift between the panels when Jefferson is talking to Talia to when his wife slaps him at the funeral.

Cully Hamner’s artwork is still kicking ass. The colours however leave some room for improvement. The blacks in the night/shadow/gritty panels are just a bit too black just too expansive.

In conclusion, as I thought (hoped) after reading the first issue, Black Lightning: Year One is turning out to be one of the better YO minis in quite some time…even despite Talia's being there.

RATING: 8/10