Static Season One: Series Review

Milestone Returns

This is my second review of Milestone's Season One comics, in this review I’ll be discussing their most notable superhero Static a.k.a. Virgil Hawkins. Static is particularly pivotal because he skyrocketed in popularity due to his animated series “Static Shock” back in 2000. So it’s with great pleasure that I review a story of a character rooted in my childhood experiences of Black representation. Static is a very grounded character in part because of his teenage wit, charisma, and human fallibility. He deals with common concerns that make his character feel relatable. With that being said let’s dive into the review and discuss Static's current status.

Static Season One: #1

This iteration of Static(Virgil) is one that is much different in his style, personality, and identity; in a way that feels rooted in a teenager who’s dealing with turmoil, unlike his original depiction. In Mcduffie’s issue, his depiction felt more class clown and charismatic, often using humor as a weapon to disarm the reader. The entry of this issue shows a reimagined character, Virgil is shown using his powers publicly at school against Francis a well establish antagonist in the Static chronicles. This brazen display is a tonality shift, showing a rawness of emotions simmering to the top like a pot that’s been on the stove too long. Virgil is dealing with the struggles of being endowed with powers at the hands of police brutality during a protest(affectionately known as the “Big Bang”), while concurrently being transparent about his power in a way like never before. Writer Vita Ayala paints a picture of Virgil that makes his processing felt, understood, and silent as if reading braille. Demonstrating a heaviness of tone with an illustration of art that communicates a message without giving explicit detail.

There’s a temperature felt by Virgil throughout the issue, one which feels like it’s at its boiling point. As Virgil is walking a tightrope of emotions while trying to balance, school, social life, and his newfound powers. Another element that is different from his origin, is Virgil having the influence of his family Robert(Dad), Jean(Mother), and Sharon(Sister) who are very supportive in his process of coping. A beautiful display of a Black family showing love for each other.

This issue is themed by its series of challenges that bring forth character-building moments for Virgil, there’s a tension steadily building that follows him. This is manifested when Francis otherwise known as Hotstreak, arrives at Virgil’s doorsteps and wants revenge for his previous encounter where Virgil handily beat him. From this, a furious battle ensues as Virgil yet again has a challenge, this one being more personal as Hotstreak threatens the life of his family. Virgil is confronted with the dilemma of Hotstreak’s rage while seeking to keep his family safe, the issue closes with his family safe, but his home in flames. A well-written issue underscored by its tone, dialogue, and art.

Static Season One: #2

Issue two highlights the socio-cultural implications and complexities of having a Black child in America who has to deal with the imposition of "power". From the shading which illustrated the ominous and contentious undertone of the conversation, to the tug-of-war juxtaposition of Robert and Jean's approach in what they view as the "correct" approach. The conflict is accentuated by the illustration that reflects the crucible of war, leaving both the home and the family shattered by the events that transpired. What is seen is a family collectively striving to navigate what is a complicated situation, a son endowed with powers while being in a nation that devalues him.

Robert's perspective stems from an awareness of the inhumane acts white medical professionals have committed, using Black bodies as "experiments". While Jean's counter-argument highlights her awareness of such realities as she’s a medical professional, taking on a “systems change” approach that seeks to transform system practices. Jean communicates a position of empathy as she’s concerned about Virgil’s mortality. The scene shows the complexities that come with making tough choices as it relates to raising a Black child, particularly when the parent’s mutual love for that child looks different when regarding responses.

Seeing supportive Black parents’ shared love for their son lead to a deeper discussion was beautiful. Issue two does well with making the tone of this experience feel palpable.

Static Season One: #3

Virgil is experiencing a multitude of changes, and as a result, this creates internal doubt regarding his identity. In such a time of uncertainty, Virgil seeks guidance from his father, culminating in what so many Black boys are missing at times from their father—validation. Robert affirms Virgil with love and reassurance in a time of vulnerability. A key moment that shows a Black man who is present for his son in a time of need. An image that is often obscure and rarely shown, by that very fact this is a radical image. Issue three is a process of self-discovery for Virgil as he looks to find his footing in establishing who he is as both teenager and hero, showing the trials of such a journey.

Virgil’s childhood experiences play a role in the purpose of his journey, adding a layer of deeper meaning to his process of creating the ideal costume. The pacing of his character in this issue is reminiscent of the original characterization, as Virgil is more lighthearted and charismatic. This portion of the story bridges a connection between the plot and character development in a way that sets up the impending climax of events to come.

Static Season One: #4

Virgil is challenged with the threat of being detained by government agents, an imposing reality that brings a stormcloud of negative possibilities looming over his head. This causes intense deliberation over the "correct" course of action, with varying views across the board.

You can feel the undertone of fear and doubt; a level of descriptive writing that brings you into the human experience of the family seeking to protect Virgil. There's an exploration of ideas and sensibilities in this dialogue; stemming from Robert discussing the stress cops bring about.

In a conversation that is all too common in many Black homes, Robert and Jean are shown normalizing discussions of vulnerability. There's an impassionate exchange on behalf of Virgil, who feels compelled to utilize his power to protect others. To this point, Robert and Jean in their parental intuition feel obligated to protect him. This exchange brings about a charged response to make his parents live up to the values they instilled in him, such as "a community only works if we all have each other's back".

Jean is contending with trepidation, as she fears for Virgil's well-being. Robert plays a voice of reason as he seeks to appease both sides and reach a collective understanding. This scene excellently portrayed the tedious task of making courageous decisions to honor a "call to action", which isn't always the easiest thing to do. The collective processing that took place forged the power of unity over individualism.

Virgil's conviction reflects Dr. King’s quote "It's never the wrong time to do the right thing."

Static Season One: #5

Virgil is on his first official mission as Static as he seeks to protect captured “Bang Babies” from A.T.F facilities, this is an action-packed event that involves a rematch between Static and Hotstreak. Joined by his friends Darius, Frieda, and Richie; the story is an adventure filled with tension and split-second decisions. Static is battle-tested like never before as he successfully neutralizes Hotstreak and releases the captured Bang Babies, however, “no good deed goes unpunished”. What was thought to be a rescue mission, quickly shifts when it appears that the Bang Babies who were released have their own plans in mind for how they want to use their powers. Static finds himself in a precarious position as the tables have turned and the Bang Babies whom he rescued look to turn on him by the end of issue five.

Static Season One: #6

Static finds himself in the eye of the storm as a tornado of events transpires in seconds, when a group of the Bang Babies reveals they have been given immunity and will be rewarded for their loyalty to A.T.F. Static’s hand is forced and must defend himself and his friends in an intense exchange that shows his grit. Issue six is explosive in its action sequences, showing a range of Static’s abilities as he neutralizes the Bang Babies’ imposing threat. Along the way, Static also seeks to assert a message of collective experiences to challenge the police force that unjustly attacked them. This shows the social justice ideology that anchors Static’s cause to serve the community and fight for what is right. The best part is Virgil’s efforts to fight for the community are shown honored by his parents.

Static Season One is a fresh take on Virgil and his journey to becoming a superhero in his community. The rich themes of community, family, and life choices underscore what makes season one most relatable. Issue six leaves enough on the table to pique the interest of what’s yet to come with Static, ultimately making for a satisfying season one run.