New variant covers for Static: Season One have been released, previewing the upcoming Static Shock revival from DC Comics and Milestone Media. Virgil Hawkins’ return to comics has been a long time in the making, and the selection of covers for the debut issue are only adding to the hype.
Throughout the ‘90s, Milestone Media partnered with DC Comics to produce inclusive comics with characters who are representative of the readership. The late Dwayne McDuffie, along with Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle led Milestone as they broke new ground within the industry. They introduced a series of original characters, including Static, Icon, and Rocket, among others. After a long hiatus, the publisher is making a comeback, bringing fresh vision for their iconic superheroes. With the release of Milestone Returns #0: Infinite Edition on digital platforms and its print release coming up on May 25, fans can already get a taste of what’s to come.
Now, readers can also see what’s in store for Static: Season One, as a line of six eye-catching variant covers have been released. The variants are illustrated by series artist Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Shawn Martinbrough, Chris Sotomayor, and original Milestone creator, Denys Cowan. There is also a collaborative team variant cover created by Olivier Coipel and Brad Anderson. It is expected that retailers will carry their own exclusive variant covers, but they will be announced at a later date. The covers homage Static’s history in Cowan’s nod to the debut issue’s cover, while some tease Virgil Hawkins’ exciting future under the wings of Nikolas Draper-Ivey and writer Vita Ayala, with layouts by ChrisCross. The first issue of Static: Season One is set to release in print and digital on June 15.
The impressive look at the upcoming series conveys the energetic new vibe that the fanbase can likely expect from Milestone’s reboot. While each representation of Static is compelling, Draper-Ivey’s covers spark exciting possibilities for the title. Frank AKA Hotstreak is featured prominently in two of the variant covers, alluding to his presence in the first issue as Static’s first villain. Draper-Ivey’s cast cover also features Daisy, who fans of the classic animated series might recognize. Of course, Virgil’s other love interest Frieda is featured as well, who played a big part in previous iterations of the comics.
As Static is seen in his ‘90s debut attire in one cover, the only other alteration that appears to his costume in other covers is the logo. Popularized in the animated series, Static’s insignia was made to look like both a lightning bolt and the letter “S” at the same time. In Season One’s previously released art, it seems there is an emphasis on a sharp bolt, but in two of the covers, the animated Static Shock logo returns. It’s possible that this points to the most recognizable version of the symbol coming back in future issues.
