Who is Static? DC’s Favorite Milestone Superhero Explained

Virgil Hawkins is Dakota’s teenage superhero, Static! After receiving electromagnetic powers, he uses his knowledge to creatively use his abilities.

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As comic readers look forward to what’s in store for the new year in comics, the return of Static Shock and the rest of Milestone Media is topping lists. Since it’s been a while since Static had his own title published, a refresher might be in order for old fans and a new generation alike.

Created by the late Dwayne McDuffie, along with Derek T. Dingle, Denys Cowan, and Michael Davis, Static has always been a fan favorite superhero from the original Milestone lineup, most known for his 2000-2004 animated series set in the DCAU.

The Origin Of Static

When Virgil is peer pressured to go to the Dakota Docks, a gang war breaks out which leads police to disperse radioactive chemicals. The event which is later referred to as “the Big Bang” kills some gang members and turns others into meta-humans, each with their own superpowers. As many of them go onto becoming villains, Virgil leverages his electromagnetic abilities to become a superhero, fulfilling his own comic book fantasy. Virgil puts together a homemade costume and adopts the name “Static.” Although he keeps to himself at school, his alter ego gives him the space to let loose and express who he really is, using jokes to lighten the mood on the job. Virgil also manages to keep his secret identity from his family, including his parents, Robert and Jean, and his older sister, Sharon.

Soon, Static learns that his former high school bully and racist Martin Scaponi has become a meta-human with the ability to control and weaponize fire, now calling himself “Hotstreak.” As Static’s adventures continue, he only fights more of these metas who become known as “Bang Babies.” Virgil also joins forces with local heroes like Icon and Rocket, setting him on the trajectory of eventually joining the Teen Titans for a short time.

With Virgil’s scientific understanding, he consistently finds new and creative ways to implement his electromagnetic abilities into crimefighting. Initially charging a trashcan lid and turning it into his own personal hover-board, he’s been flying since his debut appearance. Along the way, he’s learned how to make the most of his powers, discovering a wide range of uses. When he faces other meta-humans, he has the advantage to generate force fields.

Arguably the most critical power aside from flight is Static’s ability to tap into radio frequencies to detect police reports. It’s comparable to Superman’s long-distance hearing, as this is how Virgil often learns about crimes to respond to as Static. Similar to Black Lightning’s powers, Static creates bursts of electricity from his hands during battles to combat Bang Babies. When he takes down a villain, he uses static cling to attach them to a wall or a ceiling until the police show up. Eventually, Virgil can become exhausted from overexerting himself, but by accessing phone lines or other sources of electricity, he can recharge at a moment’s notice.

With a recently announced movie in the works and an upcoming digital comic, there is a lot fans have yet to see from Dakota’s teen superhero. Now that the animated series Static Shock is also coming to HBO Max, there might be a surge in Virgil’s popularity. For a hero who has always had timely stories, Dwayne McDuffie’s creation is likely set to impact a whole new audience with the release of Milestone Zero. Readers can prepare for exciting new twists to Static and the other Milestone heroes as they return for a new era in February.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/static-shock-milestone-powers-origin-explained-dc/