Justice League of America #173
In "Testing of a Hero!", Green Arrow pushes for Black Lightning’s inclusion in the Justice League, but doubts linger—so the team devises a trial where members pose as villains to test his resolve. Written by Gerry Conway and illustrated by Dick Dillin, with inks by Frank McLaughlin and colors by Jerry Serpe, this 1979 issue captures a pivotal moment of trust and integrity. The cover by Dick Dillin and Dick Giordano perfectly frames the tension as Black Lightning faces his greatest challenge yet—without ever revealing the outcome.
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Green Arrow wants the League to admit Black Lightning, but the others are unconvinced, so they devise a test in which Leaguers will pretend to be supervillains that Black Lightning must defeat. Black Lightning passes the test but refuses the offer of admission.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).