Warner Bros. has released the first image of star Cress Williams (see “Geek TV News Round-Up”) in the Black Lightning costume in which he’ll appear in the CW series.  The costume was designed by Laura Jean Shannon, who has extensive geek credits including Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Blade: Trinity, and Iron Man.

Production is now underway in Atlanta under executive producer/writer/director Salim Akil, who has a personal connection to the character.  “Comics were a great way for me to escape,” he said.  I was about 13 when Black Lightning was created, and finally there was a Black Super Hero that gave a damn about our neighborhood and our lives….  [I]n updating the suit, it will signal to a new generation that it’s time to harness and release our power, and become our own super heroes.”

Comic writer Tony Isabella, who created Black Lightning with art by Trevor Von Eeden, recently reconciled with DC over the rights to the character (see “Black Lightning Creator and DC Make Up”).