Energy never dies, it just changes - and with Static: Season One the iconic hero Static returns in a modern revamp by Milestone veterans and a new generation of creators. As we get closer to its June 15, we now have more on the series - from a synopsis to variant covers, and even a look inside at the comic.
Revamped as part of a broader revitalization of Milestone Media's heroes in a unique partnership with DC, Static: Season One reimagines Virgil Hawkins and his city of Dakota thanks to writer Vita Ayala with artists ChrisCross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey.
"Bullied nerd Virgil Hawkins wasn't the kind of kid you'd normally find on the streets at a protest - but like everyone else in the city of Dakota, he was fed up," reads DC's description of Static: Season One #1.
"Unfortunately, the first time he stood up to raise his voice, the world turned upside down. The experimental tear gas released that day left some of his classmates maimed or dead… but it left Virgil, and others, with stunning new abilities. Virgil has power inside him now - real power, the ability to channel and manipulate electromagnetic fields.
"But there's anger burning inside him, too," the description continues. "What is he supposed to do about all of this? And first and foremost - what is he supposed to do about his bullies, now that they've got superpowers too?"
Series artist Nikolas Draper-Ivy says that the titular hero's initial look and his freeform dreadlocks were originally inspired by the late artist Basquiat. While on the other hand, Daisy Watkins looks are a homage to Halle Berry's role as Angela in Boomerang.
Here's a look at Static: Season One design sketches by Nikolas Draper-Ivy.
"All I can say is that this iteration combines elements from both the animated series and OG comics, while still being its own thing," says Draper-Ivy on Facebook. "I think you folks are really gonna like it. Nothing will ever beat the original, but we’re gonna do our best to put as much love into this project as possible. I promise, y’all about to eat."
In addition to the primary cover seen above by Khary Randolph, Static: Season One #1 will also have variants by Shawn Martinbrough/Chris Sotomayor (an 'old school' variant), Nikolas Draper-Ivy (a 'new school' variant), Denys Cowan/Brad Anderson (1:25 variant), Olivier Coipel/Brad Anderson (a 'team' variant), and Kyle Baker (a TFAW exclusive variant).
Several additional variants exclusive to certain retailers are also planned, but as-yet-unrevealed.
Static: Season One #1 (of 6) goes on sale on June 15. A hardcover collection of Static: Season One is already scheduled for February 15, 2022.
Respect the original - read our review of Static Shock: The Rebirth of Cool.
