There's a storm brewing at Comic-Con International at San Diego. In anticipation of the first season of Black Lightning, stars Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams and executive producers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil shared new details about the upcoming series.

"Why Black Lightning? Because I think it's time. I think Jefferson Pierce is the epiotme of what black men are. He loves his wife. He loves his children. He loves his community," shared Salim Akil. "This family is like the Obamas of the superhero world... When we look on the news and we see there are 125 shootings in Chicago... there are no superheroes to go save them... that's why we need Black Lightning."

"Usually we see heroes who are trying to save the world, but he's saving the world one person at a time," Williams said.

James Remar will play Gamby. Inspector Henderson will be played by Damon Gupton.

"Through our lens... through our scope... we can see that we are all connected," Mara Brock Akil said.

"Our stories and what we're going to talk about and what we're going to explore... they're beyond color... it's about universal things that we're all going to relate [to]," Adams explained.

"The biggest challenge was accepting that this black man was running around in a suit. I mean, that's the easiest way to get shot by the police," Salim Akil said. "For us, we have been so character-based and we will continue to be character-based. I think it's about balancing out when this man uses his powers, how he used his powers and why... we really want people to get to know this family. Their powers, like their race, are part of who they are... Yes, there is definitely a problem with police brutality, and we will get into that."

"I don't have superpowers in the traditional sense, apart from love and kindness. In a way, I'm kind of the glue that holds them together," Adams explained.

"What's exciting to me is that, as superheroes, we always need support," Williams said. "Sometimes, our role... is how are we supporting each other through love."

"This is going to come from an authentic black male voice," Salim Akil said. "I love all of the other shows, and they have paved the way for this show, but I think this character will add something to the conversation... I also think we're going to be giving something back to the American culture... what I expect by this time next year... what I love is the idea that I will be able to see... little black boys and little black girls have a choice. They can be Batman, or they can be Black Lightning. They gave be Supergirl, or they can be Thunder or Lightning."

Debuting on the CW in 2018, Black Lightning is a production of Akil Productions starring Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams and Christine Adams.