Lightning Man #1 Review

 

Lightning Man #1 is an indie superhero comic written by my friend Leighton Conner (one half of the duo behind the Leopard Women From Venus and the author of Sedgwick). Physically it's digest/zine proportions with a color cover and 30 page black and white interior.

Blake Robinson is a frustrated teen. The adults in his life talk about potential, but he sees no good future for himself. One day he's hit by a mysterious lightning bolt and gains electric powers. He teams up with a classmate that's into cosplay that helps him become a superhero (the titular Lightning Man). Issue #1 also introduces us to a mysterious four-armed being with robot servants. Of course, before the issue ends, Lightning Man defeats them.

This was a fun first issue. I love Leighton's art. Blake is a relatable young protagonist. I think we've all felt overwhelmed and like what we do doesn't really matter at some point in our loves. I love the hopeful ending. Can't wait see what fate (or rather Leighton) has in store for Lightning Man.

You can order your copy of Lighting Man #1 here.

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And because I like to include gaming material in my reviews, here are stats for Lightning Man that can be used in your 5e supers games. These stats will be updated as I learn more. Last update: 7/26/23

Code Name: Lightning Man

Real Name: Blake Robinson

Team Affiliations: -

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Good

Armor Class: 14 (Dex, Costume, Static Field)

Hit Points: 76 (8d8+40)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 16 (+3) Con 20 (+5) Int 15 (+2) Wis 13 (+1) Cha 12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Con +5, Int +4

Skills: Insight +3, Perception +3, 

Damage Immunity: lightning

Senses: Perception 13

Languages: English

Traits

Regeneration: Lightning Man regains 10 hit points are the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point remaining.

Actions

Multiattack:  Lightning Man makes two Lighting Punch of Kraka-Zap! attacks.

Lightning Punch: Melee Attack. +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4+5) bludgeoning damage plus 3 (1d6) lightning damage.

Kraka-Zap!: Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, range 50/150 ft., one target, Hit: 9 (2d8) lightning damage. 

Kraka-Boom! (Recharge 5-6): Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, range 50/100 ft., one target, Hit: 36 (8d8) lightning damage and adjacent creatures must make a DC 13 Constitution save. They take 9 (2d8) lightning damage, half of that on a successful save.