View source for Static (DC Comics)

{{Short description|DC Comics character}}
{{distinguish|Static (Eclipse Comics)}}
{{redirect|Virgil Hawkins|the Florida attorney for whom the character is named|Virgil D. Hawkins}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| character_name = Static
| image = Static (Virgil Hawkins).png
| converted = y
| caption = Static as depicted in ''Static: Season One'' #6 (March 2022). Art by Nikolas Draper-Ivey.
| publisher = [[DC Comics]]
| debut = ''[[Icon (character)|Icon]]'' #1 May 1993 (preview)<br>''Static'' #1 June 1993 (full appearance)
| creators = [[Dwayne McDuffie]]<br />[[Denys Cowan]]<br />  [[Christopher Priest (comic book writer)|Christopher Priest]]<br />  [[Michael Davis (comics creator)|Michael Davis]]<br />[[Derek T. Dingle]]
| alter_ego = Virgil Ovid Hawkins
| species =[[Metahuman]]
| alliances = [[Justice League]]<br />[[S.T.A.R. Labs]]<br />[[Teen Titans]]<br />[[Young Justice]]<br />[[Heroes (comics)|Heroes]]<br /> ''[[Shadow Cabinet (comics)|Shadow Cabinet]]''
| aliases =Static
| powers = 
* [[Electromagnetism|Electromagnetic phenomena generation and manipulation]] (colored light violet)
* Electromagnetic manipulation
* Electromagnetic energy field manipulation
* Generation of electrostatic force-fields
* Electrokinesis
* Electrogenesis
* [[Electroreception]]
* [[Electrocommunication]]
* Energy absorption and redirection/transmutation
* Flight via electrostatic disc plate  
* Keen scientific mind
* Expert strategist
* Technopathy/Technokinesis/Mechanokinesis (via manipulation of electrical signals)
* Regenerative healing
* Electricity/Lightning empowerment
* Electricity absorption
* Electricity manipulation
* Electrical energy manipulation
* Electric charge manipulation
* Electricity element control
* Lightning manipulation
* Lightning element control
* Magnetic empowerment
* Electronic disruption 
* Psionic immunity 
* Manipulation of subatomic particles
* Data manipulation
| subcat = DC Comics
| hero = y
| villain =
| sortkey = Static (Milestone Comics)
}}
'''Static''' ('''Virgil Ovid Hawkins''') is a [[superhero]] appearing in [[American comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. The character was created by [[Milestone Comics]] founders [[Dwayne McDuffie]], [[Denys Cowan]], [[Michael Davis (comics creator)|Michael Davis]], [[Derek T. Dingle]], and [[Christopher Priest (comic book writer)|Christopher Priest]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/icon-vs-hardware-is-on-a-collision-course-with-the-dc-universe/ |title=Icon vs. Hardware is on a collision course with the DC universe |first=Sam|last=Stone|magazine=[[Games Radar]]|date=April 5, 2023}}</ref> The character first appeared in a 3-page preview in ''[[Icon (character)|Icon]]'' #1 (May 1993) with his first full appearance in ''Static'' #1 (June [[1993 in comics|1993]]), written by McDuffie and [[Robert L. Washington III]] and illustrated by [[John Paul Leon]]. He is a member of a fictional subspecies of humans with [[Superpower (ability)|superhuman abilities]] known as [[metahuman]]s. Not born with his powers, Hawkins' abilities develop after an incident exposes him to a radioactive chemical called "Quantum Juice", turning him into a "[[Big Bang (comics)|Bang Baby]]" (a sub-category of metahuman).

The character drew much inspiration and was in fact designed to represent a modern-era [[Spider-Man]] archetype. After the closing of Milestone Comics, Static was incorporated into the [[DC Universe]] and became a member of the [[Teen Titans]].

Static has made numerous appearances in other forms of media. The character has been featured in various animated series, including ''[[Static Shock]]'', a version of the storyline made slightly more suitable for a younger audience, as well as animated films and video games.

==Publication history==
[[File:Static vol. 1 1 Milestone Comics.jpg|upright|thumb|Static in his debut on the cover of ''Static'' #1 (May 1993), art by Denys Cowan and Jimmy Palmiotti.]]
An African-American teenager, Static was a key character of [[Milestone Comics]], an independently owned imprint of [[DC Comics]] founded by [[Dwayne McDuffie]], [[Denys Cowan]], [[Michael Davis (comics creator)|Michael Davis]], Derek T. Dingle, and [[Christopher Priest (comic book writer)|Christopher Priest]] with a greater representation of [[minority group|minority]] heroes. Originally developed for [[Marvel Comics]], Static would become a main staple of the Milestone line. When initially creating the first five characters for Milestone Comics, it was decided that Static should be a teenage hero, similar to Marvel's [[Spider-Man]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/staticshock/backstage/interviews/mcduffiewf.php |title=The World's Finest - Static Shock |publisher=Worldsfinestonline.com |access-date=2011-01-28}}</ref> Static's civilian identity, Virgil Hawkins, was named after [[Virgil D. Hawkins]], a black man who was denied entrance to the [[University of Florida]]'s law school due to his race in 1949.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/arts/design/24mcduffie.html |title=Dwayne McDuffie, Comic-Book Writer, Dies at 49 |first=Margalit|last=Fox|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> The character's superhero identity was suggested by Priest (who co-developed the original Milestone [[Bible (screenwriting)|bible]] with McDuffie), inspired by the song "[[Static (James Brown song)|Static]]" by [[James Brown]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U_B5pR4h64 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/_U_B5pR4h64 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=How Milestone Comics Reshaped The Comics Industry (Part 1) |publisher=YouTube |date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=February 18, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The character was introduced in one of the first four titles of [[comic book]]s published by Milestone in 1993. His early adventures were written by Dwayne McDuffie and [[Robert L. Washington III]], and penciled by [[John Paul Leon]]. Virgil Hawkins was fifteen years old when he became Static. In the comics, Virgil's family consists of his father, Robert, who works at Paris Island Hospital; his mother, Jean; and his sister, Sharon. Virgil attends Ernest Hemingway High School in the city of Dakota with his friends: Frieda Goren, Richard "Rick" Stone, Larry Wade, Chuck, Felix, and Daisy Watkins. In the guise of Static, Virgil eventually rescues "Rick Stone" from danger. Not unlike Spider-Man, the character has a propensity for witty banter and humor, especially when engaged with opponents. In addition, Virgil utilizes his knowledge of science and pop culture in various battles and scenarios as Static.

McDuffie described the character:<blockquote>"Like any other awkward 15-year-old, Virgil Hawkins worries about pocket money, getting beaten up, and drugs. But recently, he's had even ''more'' on his mind: stuff like his powers, his secret identity, and drugs.  Because, when innocents are in danger, and Virgil can slip away from class, the geeky youth becomes Static, the dashing, adventurous superhero!"{{citation needed|date=November 2012}}</blockquote>

During the [[DC FanDome]], Static voice actor [[Phil LaMarr]] stated:

{{blockquote|"Virgil is what I always wanted as a comic book kid growing up: Black Spider-Man. A good (comic-book) story can make you live it, feel it, and when it does, it resonates on a whole other level. It was so real world, and a textured story removed from the 1930s 'We are exhibiting the world'. I felt like it was drawn by somebody who lived in a building I could go into. It touched on archetypes as a comic fan that I loved, but also touched on my life as a Black man in the real world".<ref name="static shock movie">{{Cite web|last= D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=2019-10-17|title=Reginald Hudlin Says 'Static Shock' Movie In Development – DC Fandome
|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/reginald-hudlin-says-static-shock-movie-in-development-dc-fandome-1203020726/|access-date=July 13, 2020|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|language=en-US}}</ref>}}

A self-professed geek, Virgil is portrayed as avid comic book and video game fan, something that was retained for his animated incarnation. In the comics, Virgil regularly visits the local comic store, in addition to creating fan comics with his friends, and participates in [[HeroClix]]-style and other [[Tabletop role-playing game|tabletop role-playing]] games. In addition, he has been shown to be an avid video gamer at several points in both his series and the Teen Titans.<ref>''Static Shock: The Rebirth of Cool'' #1</ref> In the 2001 [[miniseries]] ''Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool'', it is shown that at that point in time, Virgil is into collecting [[Pokémon]] cards and he likes [[Pikachu]] (the flagship Pokémon of the franchise and a fellow user of electricity).

In an interview, former ''[[Teen Titans]]'' writer [[Geoff Johns]] expressed interest in having Static as part of the team: "I really wanted Static on the team, but there's so much red tape there that every time I requested it [[DC Comics|DC]] said 'not yet' and so I never got to have him" and later stating he had plans for the character since ''Teen Titans #1'' (vol. 3).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/003269399.cfm?page=2 |title=Wizard Entertainment |website=www.wizarduniverse.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214012335/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/003269399.cfm?page=2 |archive-date=14 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25783 |title=C2E2: DC Nation |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=2010-04-16 |access-date=2011-01-28}}</ref> Any obstructions were eventually resolved and Static appeared in the ''Terror Titans'', with his Milestone continuity folded in the mainstream ''New Earth'' continuity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080726-comiccon-mileston-DCU.html |title=Milestone is Back, and in the DCU |access-date=2008-07-27 |first=Matt |last=Brady |work=SDCC '08 |publisher=[[Newsarama]] |date=2008-07-26}}</ref>

Static joined to the mainstream [[DC Universe]] where he would be added to the Teen Titans. Static made his first canonical DC Universe appearance in ''Terror Titans'' #4, battling [[Rose Wilson]] in the final round of the Dark Side Club Tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=10871 |title=DCU &#124; Comics |publisher=Dccomics.com |date=2010-04-21 |access-date=2011-01-28 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070313/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=10871 |archive-date=2011-06-09}}</ref>

Static was expected to receive his own series in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/ |title=DC Universe: The Source |publisher=Dcu.blog.dccomics.com |date=2011-01-24 |access-date=2011-01-28}}</ref> The series was to be written by Felicia Henderson and drawn by [[Scott McDaniel]],<ref>{{cite web|author=Fri, 02/11/2011 - 9:00am |url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/02/11/static-shock-to-star-in-his-own-book-this-spring/ |title=Static Shock to star in his own book this spring &#124; DC Comics |date=11 February 2011 |publisher=Dcu.blog.dccomics.com |access-date=2013-02-13}}</ref> but was cancelled before the first issue could be released following the death of Static's creator, [[Dwayne McDuffie]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=32411 |title=Henderson Pays Tribute with "Static Shock Special" |date=23 May 2011 |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2013-02-13}}</ref> However, a very limited one-shot titled ''Static Shock Special'' was released in June 2011, written by Henderson and drawn by [[Denys Cowan]]. ''[[Batwoman]]'' artist [[JH Williams III]] provided the one-shot's cover.<ref>{{cite web |author=Matt WayneFelicia Henderson |url=http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=18407 |title=Comics &#124; DC Comics &#124; Comic Books, Digital Comics and Graphic Novels |publisher=DC Comics |date=2011-06-01 |access-date=2013-02-13 |archive-date=2011-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806200621/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=18407 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A new series featuring Static titled ''Static Shock'' was launched in September 2011 as part of DC's relaunch after the ''[[Flashpoint (comics)|Flashpoint]]'' event. The book is written by [[John Rozum]] and drawn by [[Scott McDaniel]], who also co-wrote.<ref>{{cite web|author=Wed, 06/08/2011 - 8:20am |url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/06/08/the-next-generation-of-justice/#comments |title=The Next Generation of Justice &#124; DC Comics |date=8 June 2011 |publisher=Dcu.blog.dccomics.com |access-date=2013-02-13}}</ref> As part of an effort to better integrate Static into the mainstream DCU, the title takes place in [[New York City]] rather than Dakota.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.com/5809827/exclusive-dc-gives-us-a-first-look-at-the-new-teen-titans-legion-of-superheroes-and-more |title=DC gives us a first look at the new Teen Titans, Legion of Superheroes, and more! |publisher=Io9.com |date=2011-06-08 |access-date=2013-02-13}}</ref>

A new ''Static Shock'' digital comic series was released in February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2020/08/22/a-shocker-new-static-shock-digital-series-coming-2021|title=A Shocker - New Static Shock Digital Series Coming 2021!|work=DC Comics|last=Taylor|first=George|date=August 22, 2020}}</ref>

=== Collected Editions ===
{| class="wikitable unsortable" width=98%
|-
! width="18%" | Format
! width="50%" | Issues collected 
! Pages
! Publication date
! style="width: 10em;" | ISBN
|-
| Hardcover
| Static Season One #1-6
| 200
| {{dts|7 June 2022}}
| {{ISBNT|978-1779514219}}
|-
| TPB
| Static Season One #1-6
| 200
| {{dts|30 May 2023}}
| {{ISBNT|978-1779520128}}
|-
| [[DC Compact Comics|DC Compact]]
| Static Season One #1-6
| 184
| {{dts|27 May 2025}}
| {{ISBNT|978-1799501541}}
|}

==Fictional character biography==
===Dakota Verse===
[[File:Static (Virgil Hawkins - circa 1994).png|thumb|upright|left|Virgil Hawkins as the teen superhero Static, as appeared in his original costume on a cover of his first eponymous series in 1994; art by [[M.D. Bright]].]]
Doused with an experimental chemical during a gang war he was caught up in, [[high school]] student Virgil Ovid Hawkins gains a variety of [[electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] powers and becomes a costumed crusader against crime. Like most teenaged heroes in the [[Spider-Man]] mold, he is often overwhelmed by the combined responsibilities of his career as a superhero and typical adolescent problems.

A resident of the city of Dakota, Virgil first gained his electromagnetic powers at a huge showdown between the gangs of the city, when he hoped to get revenge on a gang member who had been bullying him. The authorities arrive and release [[tear gas]] with what they believe to be a harmless [[radioactive decay|radioactive]] marker so that any gang members would not escape arrest. The cops do not know the marker had been further spiked with an experimental [[mutagen]] called Quantum Juice (Q-Juice). This event ultimately came to be known as the so-called "[[Big Bang (comics)|Big Bang]]". Those who were exposed came to be referred to as "bang babies" because the Big Bang was their [[metahuman]] birth.

When the agency behind the experiment tried to capture him, he fights back, discovering that he has gained the ability to generate, manipulate, and control electromagnetism. Virgil names himself "Static" and, armed with his wits and powers, became a [[superhero]]. For the most part, Virgil keeps his secret from his family, but his friend, Frieda Goren, learns his identity when he attempts to protect her from becoming a prize in a small skirmish between gangs.

Virgil is aided by friends Rick Stone and Larry Wade. He shows romantic interest in his friend and confidante Frieda Goren, but she is involved with Larry Wade. He dates a girl named Daisy Watkins, but his 'responsibilities' as Static interfere with their dates too many times and Daisy calls their relationship off. In ''STATIC SHOCK: Rebirth of the Cool'', Virgil is involved with a girl named Madison, but Frieda ends up fighting with her over him.

Static confronts numerous bang babies and other super powered adversaries: Hotstreak, Tarmack, [[Holocaust (DC Comics)|Holocaust]], Commando X, Puff, Coil, Snakefingers, Rift, The Swarm, Dr. Kilgore, Rubberband Man, Brat-atat-tat, Prometheus, Run, Jump & Burn, Boom Box, Powerfist, LaserJet, etc. Other Bang-Babies that Static has encountered include Virus, D-Struct and Hyacinth.

====Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool====
In the mini-series ''Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool'' it is revealed that Virgil has given up his superhero career as Static. He enjoys his time being a normal civilian again, but on occasion misses being a superhero where his friend and confidant Frieda gets him to begrudgingly admit.

Virgil eventually returns to his superhero persona after being persuaded by many of his fellow superheroes, including Blitzen and Hardware for one final battle.

After the final battle with a man named John Tower who is later revealed to have been the first and greatest superhero in the Milestone Universe, Virgil decides to fully return to his career as Static. Virgil then informs Frieda it likely won't be on a full-time basis as it was before.

====Working with other heroes====
Later in the comic line, Static is aided by allies: the [[Shadow Cabinet (comics)|Shadow Cabinet]], the [[Blood Syndicate]], and DCPD officer Captain Summers, who has a big interest in police cases involving Bang-Babies. Static teams up with Page, the sidekick to [[Kobalt (character)|Kobalt]], to stop a maddened Bang-Baby who had become half-fly. Static takes a moment to scold Page, who, in his opinion, seems more concerned with making excuses over their initial meet up than what was more important, stopping the danger.

Static ends up joining the unofficial group called [[Heroes (comics)|Heroes]]. Multiple superheroes come together to protect the town of Iberia from a dam break. Many innocent citizens perish, but the heroes are still recognized for their efforts in saving the survivors and doing what they could. Static appears among the group, quips ''"You started the [[X-Men]] without me"'', and talks his way onto the team. Minutes later, the [[Shadow Cabinet (comics)|Shadow Cabinet]], now corrupt, sends a death squad after a few of his newfound friends.

===DC Universe===
In ''[[Final Crisis]]'', [[Orion (character)|Orion]] kills his father [[Darkseid]], destabilizing the [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|multiverse]]. [[Dharma (character)|Dharma]] transfers the Milestone characters to the DC universe, altering history so that they always existed there.<ref>''[[Justice League of America]]'' (vol. 2) #34 (August 2009). DC Comics.</ref> Following this, Static joins the [[Teen Titans]].<ref>''Terror Titans'' #1-6 (December 2008-May 2009). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #69 (June 2009). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Teen Titans Annual'' (2009). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #75 (September 2009). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Brave and the Bold'' (vol. 3) #24 (August 2009). DC Comics.</ref>

====Return to Dakota====
Virgil finally decides to see his family again after learning that a deadly virus has been infecting citizens of Dakota, including Sharon. After returning home, Virgil reunites with his family as well as Frieda, and learns that his girlfriend Madison has left him during his absence. He discovers that whoever created the virus is also selling limited supplies of the vaccine, and attacks the lab where it is being made. Upon breaking into the facility, Static is surprised and knocked out by Holocaust.<ref>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #79 (January 2010). DC Comics.</ref>

After refusing to help Holocaust in his pursuits, Static is imprisoned in a specialized containment unit alongside [[Aquagirl]], [[Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark)|Wonder Girl]], and [[Bombshell (DC Comics)|Bombshell]]. Holocaust informs the heroes that he plans to kill them and weaponize their abilities to sell them, but is ambushed by the rest of the Titans before this can happen. Holocaust easily defeats them, only to be confronted by [[Cyborg (DC Comics)|Cyborg]], who has recruited former Titans [[Kid Flash]] and [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]].<ref>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #81 (May 2010). DC Comics.</ref>

The three are able to hold off Holocaust long enough for Virgil and the others to escape, and ultimately the combined might of all ten Teen Titans is enough to defeat the villain once and for all. After this, Virgil reconciles with Frieda and tells her that he has tricked his family into believing that he has taken part in a [[quantum physics]] fellowship, thus giving him an excuse to live in San Francisco with the rest of the Titans. He also makes one last attempt to win back Madison, but she silently rejects him. After this, Virgil and the other Titans decide to head home, with Superboy and Kid Flash as members again.<ref>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #82 (June 2010). DC Comics.</ref>

After a mission to another dimension to rescue [[Raven (DC Comics)|Raven]], Virgil returns home to find that he no longer has his powers. Furious and scared over his situation, as well as his inability to help [[Miss Martian]] awaken from her coma, Virgil attempts to leave the Tower and return to Dakota. He is stopped by Cyborg, who tells Virgil that he will be of no help to anyone back home without his abilities, and tells him that he has arranged for Virgil to be taken to [[Cadmus Labs]] to find a way to get his powers back. Superboy offers to travel to Cadmus to support his friend, but Virgil tells him that the Titans need him now. Following a farewell breakfast, Static leaves for Cadmus, with Wonder Girl assuring him that he will always have a place on the team.<ref name="Teen Titans 2010">''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #87 (November 2010). DC Comics.</ref>

===The New 52===
[[Image:New 52 Static.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Static's 2011 redesign and cover of his second key solo series (''Static Shock'' #1), art by [[Scott McDaniel]].]]
Following ''[[The New 52]]'' continuity reboot, Virgil and his family leave Dakota for New York after an unspecified tragic incident that, among other things, left his sister, Sharon, as two separate, identical entities.<ref>''Flashpoint'' #5 (October 2011). DC Comics.</ref> [[Hardware (character)|Hardware]] gives Virgil a new costume and modified flying disk, which enables the two to remain in contact despite living in different cities. Hardware also gives him an internship at [[S.T.A.R. Labs]] as an after school job; he has Virgil posing as a [[Child prodigy|prodigy kid]] that he (in his civilian identity, Curtis Metcalf) had recruited from the [[Juvenile delinquency|Juvenile Court System]], on a [[Commutation (law)|commuted sentence]], as his cover-story. During his first major battle, Static defeats the villain, Sunspot, and earns the attention of a criminal syndicate known as the Slate Gang.

''Static Shock'' was cancelled as of issue #8 as part of DC's "Second Wave" of ''[[The New 52]]'' titles and replaced by an alternative title.<ref name=SecondWave>{{cite web| last = Kushins| first = Josh| title = DC Comics in 2012-–-Introducing the "Second Wave" of DC Comics The New 52| work = The Source| publisher = DC Comics| date = January 12, 2012| url = http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2012/01/12/dc-comics-in-2012-–-introducing-the-“second-wave”-of-dc-comics-the-new-52/| access-date = January 14, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120115002335/http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2012/01/12/dc-comics-in-2012-%E2%80%93-introducing-the-%E2%80%9Csecond-wave%E2%80%9D-of-dc-comics-the-new-52/| archive-date = January 15, 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In ''Teen Titans'', Virgil designs the cape and wing apparatus of [[Tim Drake|Red Robin]]'s new costume while at S.T.A.R.<ref name=tt6>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 4) #6 (April 2012). DC Comics.</ref>

Later, while recuperating at S.T.A.R. Labs from a previous battle, the Titans seek Virgil's help in curing [[Bart Allen|Kid Flash]], whose cells Virgil discovers are rapidly deteriorating as a result of an alteration of his powers. Virgil provides Kid Flash with a new costume (based on a personal sketch for a variant of the Flash's costume) containing materials that realign his molecules while stabilizing his powers, saving Kid Flash in the process.<ref name=tt6 />

===2021 Milestone Returns===
{{expand section|date=April 2022}}
''Milestone Returns'' created a new version of Static, combining ideas from previous Static comics and the ''[[Static Shock]]'' TV series. Several villains original to the series - Ebon, Onyx, Shiv, and Talon - were incorporated into the comics, and pre-existing villains Puff and D-Struct were redesigned to resemble their animated counterparts. Additionally, Rick Stone was renamed Richie Foley and given his animated version's powers and status as the superhero Gear. 
 
Starting in ''[[Milestone Returns]]'' Issue #0, which takes place on Earth-93 (also known as Earth-M), 16-year-old Virgil Hawkins goes to a [[Black Lives Matter]] protest in the city of Dakota with his friends Frieda and Daisy, where the police use unstable, untested tear gas created by Alva Industries, inadvertently causing the "[[Big Bang (comics)|Big Bang]]" and granting several people metahuman powers. [[Hardware (character)|Curtis Metcalf]], a long-time employee of Alva Industries, anticipates Alva will blame him for the incident and goes into hiding. Virgil is found unconscious after the Big Bang and wakes up in the hospital, being watched by his parents and sister. While he is physically unharmed, he stays home from school, getting used to controlling his new powers.

When he returns to school two weeks later, he sees the school bully Francis Stone, now calling himself "Hotstreak", harassing other students. Virgil uses his powers in front of other students to stop Hot-Streak, stopping well before an officer comes to intervene. When the officer comes to see what is going on, Hot-Streak says he slipped. Elsewhere in Dakota, a classmate of Virgil's, Darius, livestreams about the people who have transformed, being called Bang-Babies by the media. Meanwhile, a man named Holocaust starts building an army of metahumans.

In ''Static: Season One'', the day after Virgil's fight with Hot-Streak, several students save for him and Virgil's friends believe someone else fought the bully. Seeking revenge, Hot-Streak attacks Virgil at his home, lighting it on fire. Virgil successfully keeps the damage to a minimum and defeats Hot-Streak once more, but his family develop concerns over his powers while he fears having to fight Hot-Streak again. Virgil contacts Metcalf, having met him previously during an "Inventors of Tomorrow" event, during which the latter informs him of a storage locker he owns. As Virgil explores the locker, the police arrive, believing him to be Metcalf. He dons a mask and suit, grabs as many items as he can carry, and escapes the police. Arriving home, Virgil modifies the suit.

After being captured by government armed forces and joining them in exchange for immunity, Hot-Streak helps them kidnap several Bang Babies. Virgil attempts to stop them, but is stopped by Darius. Hot-Streak and Agent Jones attempt to take Virgil from his home, but his parents bar the pair from entering. With the neighborhood watching, Hot-Streak and Jones are forced to leave empty-handed. As Virgil resolves to rescue the captured Bang Babies, Sharon provides him with glucose tablets so he can re-energize and an emergency line to her. With help from Darius, Frieda, and Ritchie, Virgil finds the facility containing the Bang Babies and takes the name Static.

Upon entering the facility, Virgil fights Hot-Streak, but is able to defend himself and restrain the latter. After Darius locates the Bang Babies, Virgil frees them, but a separate group of Bang Babies hired by the government attempt to stop the breakout. They attack Static, but he defeats them, convincing them that they need to work together. Sending forces to stop him, Jones uses an intercom to warn Virgil to surrender, but Richie discovers the location of Jones' servers, allowing Virgil to overload them while the others escape.

Days later, the Hawkins family reluctantly approve of Virgil becoming a superhero, with Sharon providing him with an updated suit. As the media attempt to spin a story about the Bang Babies attacking the government, Virgil hijacks the signals and tells the truth of what happened.

==Powers and abilities==
[[Image:Static Black Lightning.jpeg|right|thumb|250px|Static and [[Black Lightning]] discuss the differences between their abilities while facing an enemy (''The Brave and the Bold'' vol. 3 #24). Art by [[Howard Porter (artist)|Howard Porter]].]]

Static's powers allow him to control [[electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] phenomena, in particular allowing him to manifest and manipulate both electrical and magnetic energy—Static's powers could be best described as [[Superconductivity|superconductor]] [[electromagnetism]]; the latter is one of the [[Fundamental interaction#Electromagnetism|four fundamental forces of the universe]].<ref name="Teen Titans 2010" /> Using electricity, Static can telekinetically manipulate objects and generate force fields.

Furthermore, Static is immune to psychic attacks due to his [[Bioelectromagnetics|bioelectric field]].<ref>''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #80 (May 2010)</ref> He is highly intelligent and knowledgeable in pop culture.<ref name="tt6" /><ref>''Static Shock'' #2 (December 2011)</ref>

Static also wields a ''[[Bō]]''-staff and a special disc that he can levitate for transportation.<ref>''Static Shock'' #3 (January 2012)</ref>

==Supporting characters==
{{expand section|date=April 2022}}
Static has a number of supporting characters, from best friends Rick Stone, Larry Wade, and Frieda Goren to sometime love interest Daisy Watkins.

==Other versions==
Static appears as a major character in the 2010 limited series ''Milestone Forever'', a project designed to detail the final fates of the Milestone launch characters prior to being entering DC's continuity. In Static's tale, Virgil is retired and pursuing a career in medicine. Rick (now known by his television moniker of "Richie") is also now working as a director in Los Angeles, and is open about his homosexuality.<ref>''Milestone Forever'' #1 (February 2010). DC Comics.</ref> Ten years later, Virgil has become a doctor, married Frieda, and has two children, Larry and Sadie, both of whom inherited his electrical abilities.<ref>''Milestone Forever'' #2 (March 2010). DC Comics.</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
* Static appears in series set in the [[DC Animated Universe]] (DCAU), voiced by [[Phil LaMarr]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Static / Virgil Hawkins Voices (Static Shock) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Static-Shock/Static-Virgil-Hawkins/ |access-date=August 2, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
** Static first appears as the titular protagonist of ''[[Static Shock]]''. This version is a fourteen-year-old honors student at Dakota Union High School who lives with his widowed father and social worker, Robert Hawkins, and his sister Sharon Hawkins, a university student and counselor at the Freeman Community Center. Additionally, Virgil's mother, [[paramedic]] Jean Hawkins, was killed five years prior to the series during the Dakota Riots. Similar to the comics, Virgil gains his powers while reluctantly taking part in a gang war and getting caught in an explosion caused by mutagenic gas called "Quantum Vapor" in an event that would later be dubbed the "Big Bang" by the media. Everyone exposed to the gas gained powers and became known as "Bang Babies", with Virgil gaining electromagnetic powers and going on to become Static to battle villainous Bang Babies.
** An adult Static appears in the ''Static Shock'' episode "Future Shock" and the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "The Once and Future Thing, Part 2: Time, Warped". As of the future setting of preceding DCAU series ''[[Batman Beyond]]'', he has joined the [[Justice League]].
* Static appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Bryton James]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is one of several teens who were abducted and experimented on by the [[Reach (comics)|Reach]], through which he acquired his powers after they activated his latent meta-gene. After being rescued by the [[List of Young Justice characters#"The Team"|Team]], he and three other abductees are transferred to [[S.T.A.R. Labs]]' custody, but they escape and are later recruited by [[Lex Luthor]] to help the [[List of Young Justice characters#The Light|Light]] combat the Reach until [[Roy Harper (character)|Arsenal]] tells them the truth about Luthor. After working with [[Black Lightning]] to thwart the Reach's invasion of Earth, Static studies under his tutelage and joins the Team. Two years later, during ''[[Young Justice: Outsiders]]'', Static has honed his powers further with Black Lightning's help before going on to join the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]].
* Static makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'' episode "Four Hundred".
* A live-action ''Static Shock'' program by [[Warner Bros.]] from [[Reginald Hudlin]] was to be developed as part of the company's new Blue Ribbon Content digital division, and were eyeing [[Jaden Smith]] for the title role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/warner-bros-unveils-digital-short-form-studio-blue-ribbon-content-1201335504/|title=Warner Bros. Unveils Digital Short-Form Studio: Blue Ribbon Content|last=Spangler|first=Todd|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 21, 2014|access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/warner-bros-digital-division-announces-static-shock-live-action-project/|title=Warner Bros. Digital Division Announces "Static Shock" Live-Action Project|last=Sinu|first=Steve|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=October 21, 2014|access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2014/10/warner-bros-eyeing-jaden-smith-static-shock/|title=Warner Bros. eyeing Jaden Smith for Static Shock?|last=Garcia|first=James|website=Flickering Myth|date=October 26, 2014|access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref> Actor [[Tyler James Williams]] said in an interview that Smith was cast as Static, but this was not confirmed by Blue Ribbon Content or Warner Bros.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/news/jaden-smith-confirmed-as-static-shock-by-tyler-james-williams-/|title=Jaden Smith Confirmed As Static Shock By Tyler James Williams|last=Jayson|first=Jay|website=Comic Book|date=March 31, 2019|access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref>

===Film===
* Virgil Hawkins makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in ''[[Justice League: War]]''. This version's appearance is similar to his ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'' counterpart.
* When asked if Static would receive a feature film set in the [[DC Animated Universe]] as part of the [[DC Universe Animated Original Movies]], producer James Tucker responded that there was interest.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=903113719646871552|user=JTuckerAnimator|title=@An_EqualSociety There has always been interest in Static but it's not something I'm working on. I don't know the a…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=August 31, 2017}}</ref> However, there have been no further discussions for such a project.
* At [[DC FanDome]] held in August 2020, a live-action ''Static Shock'' film was revealed to be in development. The project will be a collaboration between [[DC Films]], [[Warner Bros. Pictures]], and [[Milestone Media]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/reginald-hudlin-says-static-shock-movie-in-development-dc-fandome-1203020726/|title=Reginald Hudlin Says 'Static Shock' Movie In Development – DC Fandome|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=August 22, 2020|access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref> By October of the same year, [[Michael B. Jordan]] joined the production team as co-producer alongside Reginald Hudlin. Jordan's company, Outlier Society, will serve as one of the production studios and Randy McKinnon was picked to write the film in March 2021.<ref name="Michae B Jordan">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/michael-b-jordan-outlier-society-to-produce-dc-movie-static-shock-exclusive|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Michael B. Jordan, Outlier Society to Produce DC Movie 'Static Shock' (Exclusive)|author=Kit, Borys|date=October 16, 2020|access-date=October 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/static-shock-movie-enlists-safety-writer-randy-mckinnon-exclusive|title=The Hollywood 'Static Shock' Movie Enlists 'Safety' Writer Randy McKinnon (Exclusive)|author=Kit, Borys|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 26, 2021|access-date=March 27, 2021}}</ref> 
* An animated film about Static and other Milestone heroes is currently in development at [[Warner Animation Group]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aquilina |first1=Tyler |title=DC developing Milestone animated movie based on classic Black superhero comics characters |url=https://ew.com/movies/dc-developing-milestone-animated-movie/ |website=EW.com |access-date=9 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

===Video games===
[[Image:Static Shock GBA.jpeg|right|thumb|200px|Cover of cancelled ''Static Shock'' [[Game Boy Advance]] video game.]]
* In May 2003, [[Midway Games]] announced the production of a [[platformer]] ''Static Shock'' video game for the [[Game Boy Advance]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/09/e3-2003-first-look-static-shock | title=E3 2003: First Look Static Shock | date=May 9, 2003 | author=Harris, Craig | work=[[IGN]] | publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]] | access-date=January 6, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016014816/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/09/e3-2003-first-look-static-shock | archive-date=October 16, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=game>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/15/e3-2003-hands-on-static-shock | title=E3 2003: Hands-On: Static Shock | date=May 14, 2003 | work=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis Media | access-date=January 6, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015161016/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/15/e3-2003-hands-on-static-shock | archive-date=October 15, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> While the game was displayed at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]],<ref name=game/> it was later cancelled.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/914924-static-shock/index.html | title=Static Shock for Game Boy Advance | work=[[GameRankings]] | publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] | access-date=January 6, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910031754/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/914924-static-shock/index.html | archive-date=September 10, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref> 
* Static appears in ''[[DC Universe Online]]'' as part of the ''Lightning Strikes'' DLC. This version is a member of the [[Teen Titans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/games/dcuo-flash-electricity-111117.html |title=FLASH FACT! Electricity, The Flash, Central City Join DCUO |publisher=Newsarama.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/11/18/interview-dc-universe-onlines-lightning-strikes-dlc-pack-is-on-the-way/ |title=Interview: DC Universe Online's 'Lightning Strikes' DLC Pack Is On The Way |publisher=mtv.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120080425/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/11/18/interview-dc-universe-onlines-lightning-strikes-dlc-pack-is-on-the-way/ |archive-date=2011-11-20}}</ref>
* Static appears as a downloadable playable character in the mobile version of ''[[Injustice: Gods Among Us]]''.
* Static was intended to appear as a playable character in ''[[Injustice 2]]'' before ultimately being cut.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chavez|first1=Steven|title=Static Shock almost made it onto the Injustice 2 launch roster, character designer shares concept art|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2017/may/25/static-shock-almost-made-it-injustice-2-launch-roster-character-designer-shares-concept-art/|website=eventhubs.com|date=25 May 2017|access-date=26 May 2017}}</ref>

===Miscellaneous===
In 2022, DC Comics, Milestone Media, and [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] partnered with [[Ally Financial]] and [[NASCAR]] to debut a sponsorship and new Static-based paint scheme for [[Alex Bowman]]'s No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for [[Hendrick Motorsports]], in support of DC's ''The Milestone Initiative'' program.<ref>{{cite press release |title= Ally, DC, Milestone Media, and Warner Bros. discovery reveal NASCAR paint scheme inspired by The Milestone Initiative |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ally-dc-milestone-media-and-warner-bros-discovery-reveal-nascar-paint-scheme-inspired-by-the-milestone-initiative-301578092.html |website=PR Newswire |access-date=17 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= First look: Bowman's No. 48 will have some 'Static' at Atlanta Motor Speedway |url=https://www.nascar.com/gallery/first-look-2022-hendrick-ally-chevrolet-alex-bowman-atlanta/ |website=NASCAR.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811225220/https://www.nascar.com/gallery/first-look-2022-hendrick-ally-chevrolet-alex-bowman-atlanta/ |access-date=17 March 2023 |archive-date=2022-08-11 |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://www.dccomics.com/characters/static Official DC Comics profile]
* [https://www.dcuniverse.com/encyclopedia/static/ Official DC Universe profile]
* [https://www.dcuniverse.com/collections/gtk-static Get to Know! Static] - DC Universe
* [http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/s/staticms.htm Static] at International Hero
* [http://toonopedia.com/static.htm Static] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. [https://archive.today/20240528070321/https://www.webcitation.org/6vXi7yIAb?url=http://toonopedia.com/static.htm Archived] from the original on December 7, 2017.
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=static Unofficial Guide to DC Comics entry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180821/http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=static |date=2016-03-03 }}
* [http://www.titanstower.com/static/ Titans Tower biography]
* {{IMDb title|title=Static Shock|id=0247729}}
* [http://www.dccomics.com/tv/static-shock-2000-2004 Official DCComics.com Static Shock profile]
* [http://www2.warnerbros.com/web/staticshock/home.jsp WB Static Shock] ''Static Shock'' WB Homepage
* [http://www.tv.com/static-shock/show/5217/summary.html Static Shock Animated Series Synopsis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808063054/http://www.tv.com/static-shock/show/5217/summary.html |date=2011-08-08 }} Page on TV.com about ''Static Shock''

{{Static (DC Comics)|Static}}
{{Milestone Media}}
{{Teen Titans}}
{{Justice League}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Static}}
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