Warning! Spoilers for Static: Season One #2
The electrifying teenage superhero Static deserves to be the Justice League’s next recruit. Although Virgil Hawkins is only starting to figure his powers out in Static: Season One, he’s already proven himself a good fit for the big leagues.
As Static returns to comics in Milestone’s rebooted series, he’s starting to grow into the hero that longtime fans remember. At this point, Virgil has yet to take on his superhero name, or even wear the recognizable version of the suit, but he’s still showing off what he can do. With his new electromagnetic powers, he fights bully-turned-villain, Hotstreak, in Static: Season One #2, written by Vita Ayala with art by Nikolas Draper-Ivey and ChrisCross. Similar to Superman, Virgil will have to learn how to control his powers and use restraint. Even with Hotstreak’s surprise attack and Virgil’s limited experience as a metahuman, he manages to get the upper hand in the fight.
In recent years, the Justice League roster has changed a handful of times, and Static is a prime candidate to join the team. Although the League is composed of seasoned superheroes, Virgil’s youth shouldn’t be perceived as a defect. In the animated Static Shock, Virgil teamed up with the Justice League and various members on occasion, and demonstrated the energetic dynamic that comes with his partnership. Unlike Batman or Superman, Static is excited to use his powers to be a superhero, consistently impressing his heroic elders with his ingenuity and show of heart. While Static has always taken being Dakota’s protector seriously, the Justice League would show him the hero he could become in the future.
For a short time, Static was a member of the Teen Titans, which nearly felt like an audition for him to join the big leagues. So far, Cyborg has been the only Titan to make the transition to the Justice League, which has similarly proven to be a good fit for both Victor Stone and the rest of the team. Often portrayed as a superhero protege in his animated incarnation, Static’s longtime career is frequently teased, even within the first three issues of Static: Season One. For Static to eventually make the move to the DC Universe’s most famous roster would be the perfect way to follow through on his current journey.
The Justice League would benefit from Virgil’s earnest pursuit to make a difference in the world. Unlike Batman, Static hasn’t been jaded by his time as a superhero based in a city with frequent crime. Virgil’s membership on the League might seem like an opportunity for him to be encouraged, but Green Lantern and Wonder Woman could learn just as much from his example. Just as they would serve as great mentors, he would be an exemplary student. When the members of the League were Virgil’s age, they weren’t qualified for such a team, but he’s been a quick learner. Whether Static starts his own Justice League Dakota, or goes onto join DC’s biggest team someday, he has a lot ahead of him.
