The Return of Static Shock Brings Major Differences From The TV Show
The newly rebooted Static features major differences from the animated series, which popularized the teenage superhero among a younger generation.
You Are Reading :The Return of Static Shock Brings Major Differences From The TV Show
Warning! Spoilers for Milestone Returns: Infinite Edition #0
Milestone’s newly rebooted take on Static Shock includes some major differences from the iconic animated series, which popularized the teenage superhero among a younger generation. The changes were made to update the character for a modern audience.
Following a long hiatus, Milestone Media is returning with DC Comics to publish three digital-first series, including Static: Season One, Icon and Rocket: Season One, and Hardware: Season One. For many fans, their introduction to the character was with the DC Animated Universe’s adaptation of Static Shock. With the release of the digital-first preview Milestone Returns: Infinite Edition #0, audiences can finally see what to expect from the upcoming titles, and some elements might be surprising. The upcoming miniseries is written by Vita Ayala, including layouts by ChrisCross, art by Niklas Draper-Ivey, and covers by Khary Randolph.
In the preview issue, scenes from Static: Season One reveal notable diversions from the animated Static Shock. While some changes revert back to the comics of the ‘90s, others are brand new. Unlike the DCAU series, Virgil Hawkins’ mom Jean is still alive, just as she had been in past comic book iterations. When Static was created, writer Dwayne McDuffie had specifically intended for Virgil to have both of his parents, to diverge from stereotypes of separated families in black communities. With the animated series, this was changed to implement a tragic backstory for Virgil as his mom had been killed by gun violence while responding to a call as an EMT. Similarly, Static’s origin story has been adjusted, also detouring from racial stereotypes and fitting into current events. In the comics and the animated series, Virgil had received his electromagnetic abilities at the Big Bang, which occurred during a gang war at the Dakota Docks. Police intervened and dispersed a mysterious gas manufactured by Alva Industries that gave many kids unique powers, turning them into metahumans. In the upcoming Static: Season One, the Big Bang takes place during a Black Lives Matter protest, which Virgil attends with his friends from school.
Some alterations from the show are less impactful, such as the newly renamed Hotstreak, who is only called “Frank” instead of Francis Stone. However, his characterization as a school bully is still very much intact. Instead of teasing Virgil for simply being a nerd, Frank says he isn’t “black enough.” When Virgil stands up to Frank, he is quick to use his powers in front of other students, not giving much thought to discretion. Throughout Static Shock, Virgil was consistently careful about using his powers in daily life in front of others. Although Virgil might realize later on that using his abilities in public isn’t a good idea, it gives this version an additional sense of confidence and impulsivity. Readers will also take notice of Virgil’s best friend Richie Foley being absent, although he could still show up.
It’s possible that throughout the first season of Static, the comics will pay homage to the show, as it was an entry point for a large portion of the fanbase. Based on Static’s evolution over the years, with the animated series informing his most recognizable costume, it seems like there’s a good chance that there will be more echoes in the future. Whether Virgil’s mom is eventually killed off or Richie makes an appearance, fans hope that the new iteration shares the essence of the series that they connected with years ago. Milestone Returns: Infinite Edition #0 is available digitally and will release in print on Tuesday, May 25. Static: Season One kicks off a fresh era of Milestone, releasing digitally on Monday, April 12.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/static-shock-returns-differences-comic-tv-show/