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Black Lightning creator Jenny Blake Isabella comes out as trans
Jenny Blake Isabella Isabella; Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands (2018) cover artwork.
"This is real. I'll have more to say soon," the Marvel and DC comics writer explained.
To quote Bridgette Lundy-Paine as Maddy in I Saw the TV Glow: "There is still time."
Jenny Blake Isabella, best known for creating the DC Comics character Black Lightning, is proof that it is never too late to embrace being your most authentic self.
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A former writer for both Marvel and DC comics, Isabella is known for creating the characters Misty Knight and Tigra, as well as the DC staple superhero Black Lightning.
Over the weekend, Isabella came out as transgender with an X post that included a "Keep Calm and Yes I'm Transgender" meme. She elaborated further in the caption, writing: "This is real. I'll have more to say soon. In the meantime, I ask you respect my privacy and especially that of my wife and our children. Thank you."
Jenny Blake Isabella is married to Barbara Isabella, and the couple has two children together. Even though the DC comics writer is now using the name Jenny Blake in her personal life, she announced in a Facebook post that she'll continue to write under both names she's had (before and after disclosing she is trans).
Isabella subsequently shared another X post listing the "things that make me happy." The statement reads:
"Coming out as transgender on my social media was one of the scariest things I have ever done. The love and support I was shown lifted my spirits and gave me hope. I'll have more to say soon. For now... thank you."
While there were some hateful responses to Isabella's coming-out posts, there has also been plenty of support from fans celebrating this new chapter in the DC Comics legend's life.
Good for you and I hope that you and your family are doing well and everyone is safe and happy.
— Chris B. | Cowboy Christopher (@KryptonianBlerd) February 9, 2025
"Good for you and I hope that you and your family are doing well and everyone is safe and happy."
To quote a TV show I quite like: “every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place, so thank you.“
— The Mayor of Christmas🎄🎅🏿🧛🏻♂️🎁 (@TinseltownMayor) February 9, 2025
"To quote a TV show I quite like: 'Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place, so thank you.'"
Congratulations and you have the support of your true fans.
— Comic not Cosmic (@Comic_Geek94) February 9, 2025
"Congratulations and you have the support of your true fans."
Full support for you. Thank you for creating a hero and their family that my family could enjoy
— Blaze…Laser…and Blazer (@Traenmane) February 9, 2025
"Full support for you. Thank you for creating a hero and their family that my family could enjoy."
Thank you for sharing and speaking out. It won’t be easy, but it is never too late and you have a lot of siblings out there who will support you and cheer you on as you work out how to express yourself. You’re doing this to be your best self and live with joy.
— Lain Kaplan 🏳️🌈💜🏳️⚧️Black Trans Lives Matter (@LainKaplan) February 10, 2025
"Thank you for sharing and speaking out. It won't be easy, but it is never too late and you have a lot of siblings out there who will support you and cheer you on as you work out how to express yourself. You're doing this to be your best self and live with joy."
As someone who ran into burning buildings as a career for just shy of three decades, this is absolutely the bravest thing that I have ever seen! Respect!
— Advent Comics - 15th Anniversary on 8/1/24 (@AdventComics) February 9, 2025
"As someone who ran into burning buildings as a career for just shy of three decades, this is absolutely the bravest thing that I have ever seen! Respect!"
