While the DC Fandome event may have been stuffed to the brim with movie trailers, game announcements, and other news related to some of the world’s most well-known characters, there were relatively few announcements on the state of DC’s actual comics. Aside from the new Batman book by writer John Ridley, there was only one major announcement about comic books, and luckily for fans, it’s a big one. During DC’s secret comic panel they announced that Milestone Comics and Static Shock were returning in 2021.
Milestone Media is often forgotten in the modern age but was groundbreaking when it first launched in 1993. Founded by famed comic creators such as Dwayne McDuffie, Milestone was a line of comics handled entirely by Black creators. Though many fans might not be familiar with the line, most superhero fans should be more than familiar with the line’s most iconic character, Static. Before Miles Morales, Static questioned what a teenage hero like Spider-Man would look like if they were black. Fans of the Young Justice animated series will also recognize two more Milestone creations; Icon and Rocket. Throughout its four years of operation, Milestone’s books were grounded and unafraid to tackle serious social issues.
Though Milestone books were reviewed exceptionally well and attracted a devoted fanbase, the line suffered from middling sales due to lack of promotion by DC as well as a glut of new superhero universes. Famously, writer Dwayne McDuffie clashed with DC over a cover to Static Shock that featured Static making out with his girlfriend. Despite these problems, DC has attempted to integrate the Milestone characters into the DC universe a handful of times. Most notably Static joined the Teen Titans for a short time and had his own series launch as part of the New 52. Neither of these would last however as Static’s New 52 line would be canceled after six issues.
With the announcement of the relaunch though, it is clear that DC is putting their full weight behind Milestone’s rebirth. Static will be receiving a new ongoing series and graphic novel in February 2021 (to coincide with Black History month) with other characters such as Icon, Hardware, and Xombi following soon after. Just as exciting as the relaunch is the leadup. In September, DC will release Milestone #0 which will catch readers up on Milestone’s history. In addition to this, digital versions of classic Milestone comics will be reprinted before the relaunch in February.
Fans have good reason to be optimistic that DC is serious about the relaunch too. Original founders Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle are all returning with new talent such as writer Reginald Hudlin joining as well. DC also claimed to be ready to adapt Milestone properties into other mediums such as movies and videogames as well.
Contrary to public perception, comic readers have always been a diverse group, but that diversity hasn’t always been reflected by the people creating the books. Milestone was a revolutionary attempt to correct that when it was founded in 1993. Though the industry has undoubtedly improved since then, it is still refreshing to see one of the biggest comic companies in the world launch a line like Milestone. With this relaunch, DC has given a good reason to believe it won’t repeat its past mistakes. Fans can hope that this time, Milestone and Static Shock are here to stay.
