Jenny Blake Isabella, the creator of DC Comics’ iconic series Black Lightning, has publicly come out as transgender. The 73-year-old comic book writer made the announcement on her personal blog, where she shared her journey and answered questions from fans. While Isabella’s preferred name is now Jenny, she emphasized that she does not consider her former name, Tony Isabella, a “deadname.” Instead, she plans to continue using both names, with her professional work still being credited under Tony Isabella for the time being.
Isabella is widely known for her groundbreaking work in the comic book world. In 1977, she and artist Trevor Von Eeden co-created Black Lightning, making it the first comic series to feature a Black superhero as its lead character. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of mainstream comic books, as Black Lightning became a trailblazer for African American representation in the genre. The character went on to become a cornerstone of DC’s superhero universe.
In a February 9 post on X (formerly Twitter), Isabella shared an image with the message, “Keep calm and yes I’m transgender,” confirming her announcement. Alongside the image, Isabella requested privacy for herself and her family during this period of personal transition. She followed up by revealing her preferred name on Facebook, sharing more details about how she plans to balance her professional identity with her new identity.
Reflecting on her journey, Isabella wrote that coming out was one of the most challenging experiences of her life. Despite the fear, she expressed immense gratitude for the support and love she’s received from her fanbase since her announcement. Isabella also shared a lighter moment on social media, posting a picture of a Christmas ornament her friend had made for her following her decision to publicly reveal her new name.
On February 11, Isabella expanded on her coming-out experience in a blog post on her website, where she answered fan questions and shared deeper insights into her decision to continue using her previous name professionally. “I’ve always liked the name Jenny,” she explained, while also revealing that “Blake” is inspired by Marvel’s Doctor Don, acknowledging her longstanding love for Marvel Comics.
Isabella expressed her intention to continue writing under both her former and current names. She clarified that DC Comics had offered to change the credits on her previous works, including reprints of Black Lightning, to reflect her new name but left the decision up to her. She added, “Darn thoughtful of them,” highlighting the publisher’s respectful and supportive approach to her transition.
In addition to her personal revelation, Isabella shared exciting news about her professional future. She announced that she is working on a new comic book series centered around a transgender superhero. Isabella expressed her excitement about the character, saying, “I love her more every day. I think she can be a contemporary Peter Parker for queer and straight kids alike.” She made it clear that she is determined to retain creative control over the character, stating that she is not interested in giving up rights or selling the character to any publisher or partner without a fair and mutually beneficial agreement.
Isabella’s announcement and new comic project continue her legacy of promoting diversity and representation in the comic book industry. Black Lightning was lauded not only for its groundbreaking portrayal of a Black superhero but also for addressing significant social issues, including police brutality, racial poverty, and generational trauma. The series’ impact continues to be felt today, particularly through its inclusion of Thunder, the lesbian daughter of Black Lightning, who also inherits superpowers.
It is possible that Isabella’s new transgender superhero series will similarly explore the issues faced by the transgender community, offering a contemporary commentary on the challenges and triumphs of transgender individuals in society. Isabella’s commitment to creating inclusive stories that reflect diverse experiences continues to inspire both fans and fellow creators in the comic book world.
As a trailblazer in the industry, Isabella’s decision to come out publicly serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and representation, not only in comics but in all forms of media. Her willingness to embrace her true self while continuing to contribute to the world of comics ensures her place as a lasting figure in both LGBTQ+ and comic book history.
