Jenny Blake Isabella: The Creative Force Behind Black Lightning Comes Out as Transgender
In a heartfelt revelation, Jenny Blake Isabella, known for creating one of DC Comics' pioneering Black superheroes, Black Lightning, has publicly come out as transgender. Taking to her personal blog, Isabella shared her journey and reflected on her career, while also expressing plans for future projects.
Announcing her new identity, Jenny emphasized that while she embraces her new name, she does not consider her previous name, Tony Isabella, as a deadname. She intends to continue her professional work under both names, maintaining her established legacy while also charting new paths. Isabella's dual representation reflects her desire to honor her past contributions to the comic industry.
Reflecting on her groundbreaking work, Isabella recounted the creation of Black Lightning in 1977, together with artist Trevor Von Eeden. As DC Comics' first African-American superhero to headline his own series, Black Lightning was a significant milestone in representation within the comic book world. The series was lauded for addressing critical issues such as police brutality, racial poverty, and generational trauma, themes that remain pertinent today.
In the wake of her announcement, Jenny posted an image on social media declaring, "Keep calm and yes I'm transgender," asking for privacy and respect for herself and her family during this time. She received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues, bolstering her courage to embrace her public transition.
On social media, Jenny shared personal moments, including a cherished Christmas ornament given to her by a friend, symbolizing the love and acceptance she has received from her community. Additionally, she documented her first hair appointment at the Green Opal Salon, a personal milestone in her journey.
During a recent blog post, Isabella opened up about selecting her new name. "I've always liked the name Jenny," she revealed, adding that "Blake comes from Marvel's Doctor Don. Once a Marvel maniac, always a Marvel maniac." Despite her transition, she reassured fans of her ongoing commitment to her craft under both her old and new names.
Notably, Isabella announced her upcoming work on a new comic series featuring a transgender superhero. "I have created a new trans super-hero," she excitedly shared. "I love her more every day. I envision her as a contemporary Peter Parker for both queer and straight audiences." With her new character, Jenny aims to tackle issues pertinent to the transgender community, bringing them to the forefront of her storytelling.
Through her creative endeavors, Isabella continues to challenge norms and push boundaries, much like she did with Black Lightning. As she prepares to introduce her new superhero to the world, Jenny remains steadfast in her commitment to retaining creative control over her creation, ensuring that her vision remains intact.
This new venture promises to expand the landscape of representation in comics, providing a platform for diverse stories and voices. Jenny's ongoing contributions to the comic book industry underscore her role as a trailblazer, advocating for inclusivity and authenticity in storytelling.
As Jenny Blake Isabella embraces her journey and prepares to share her new superhero with the world, her story serves as an inspiration to many within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Her courage and creativity continue to pave the way for future generations of storytellers and heroes.
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