The Milestone Universe returns with a new line of books featuring modern updates and revamps of their iconic characters. One of the biggest books to come out is one of the greatest Dwayne Mcduffie creations of all, Static!
After the events of Milestone Returns, Virgil Hawkins is trying to come to grips with his powers due to the side effects of the tear gas that he was exposed to at a protest rally. Not only has he gained these newfound powers, but others with ill intent have also gained abilities due to the same event. Virgil has to do something, but what can he do? Maybe he can’t right the wrongs as Virgil, but maybe, he can defend those who can’t defend themselves as Static!
Writing: Vita Ayala handles the writing on this book and does an amazing job at getting inside the mind of a modern-day iteration of Virgil Hawkins. This is a kid who is frustrated by the lack of accountability and transparency by those that are supposed to protect and serve the people of Dakota. To have experienced an event such as the Big Bang, and gain these powers, with no other means to vent nor process these newfound abilities. Just when readers might question whether or not Virgil had exposed himself using his abilities, Ayala thought very carefully about how his abilities can affect technology and electronic devices, which adds plausibility to Virgil’s need for anonymity. From the narrative, introspection, drama, and story, Ayala wastes no time and introduces all the players within this series, giving the cast personality reminiscent to what came before, with modern updates that open the door for new territory that hasn’t been explored in the original milestone books.
In regards to the art department, The artists on this book made sure to give their very best for a title such as this. Chris Cross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey give new life to Static, giving the book a visual charge that gets reader’s attention. Cross provided layouts while Ivey worked on the finishes and colors. It’s no surprise that this book looks as good as it does because both artists provide liveliness in both the panel layouts and gesture work. Ivey is well known for his work on Noir Ceaser’s Xogenasys and has consistently been developing his craft, combining western and eastern styles, blending manga /anime aesthetics with American flavor. That kind of effort is brilliantly shown within the art from the technology displayed in certain scenes, to the visual styles, and action. Coupled with Andsworld Design’s lettering, it all comes together as a beautiful action packaged book. It all feels kinetic and for a book such as this, the team understood and delivered just that. There are some moments in some panels that, had the artists been given more time, would have been paced more steadily, but given how much is delivered within this issue, it’s enough to easily forgive and overlook those minor flaws.
The original Milestone books were reflective of the LA Riots, the case of Rodney King, and many other events that occurred during the time of their launch. This modern take on static is no different. From the hairstyles to the fashions, to the dialogue, the entire team on this book made genuine effort to look at Static from the lens of a teenager living in 2021, not 1993 with the balls to reflect on where Static is now in a time where anonymity and truth are grey. It’s no surprise that there will be detractors that have never read the original milestone material, complain about this book being “woke” or “SJW trash”. But that’s entirely up to the readers who know what Mcduffie, Cowan, Leon, and Milestone have always been about to decide on. I personally enjoyed this book and everything that it managed to deliver as a thoughtful update on a classic character that has been left dormant for far too long. In a world going through massive changes, turmoil, and civil unrest, no other characters are suited to reflect that better than Static, and it shows within this book. I recommend picking this book up and Milestone Returns # 0, on new comic book day.
Newsdesk