A Look Back at Static and Milestone Comics

[@comicpop]

Donate to the Dwayne McDuffie Fund! bit.ly/30wKJxv

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

*Me:* "Mention how McDuffie was a physicist. "Mention how McDuffie was a physicist. "Mention how McDuffie was a physicist." *Sal:* "In fact, he was a physicist." *Ethan:* "..." _visible interest_ "Oh yeah?" *Me:* _squeals_

[@lorehammer40k4]

@himode Wait... even though we all love (and, to be honest, prefer) Just Some Guy while he has a mustache, doesn't the fact that he has the mustache imply that, in fact, he is the evil duplicate? Or has media been lying to me when it comes to the correlation between facial hair and morality?

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

I still remember screeching the cartoon catchphrase in elementary school. "IMMA PUT A SHOCK TO YO SYSTEM! STATIC SHOCK!!"

[@JakeTylenol]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard Sal passive aggressively reference his past experiences as much as this book. CLEARLY a testament to the relatability of this title

[@jmsolano0516]

110%. Sounds like Sal related a lot to Static lol

[@Brainiac1138]

Relatable

[@TheShockVox]

God I miss Static. The show, his inclusion in Teen Titans comics, his solo books. I just miss him. And any chance we’re close to getting him it feels like he’s pulled away. We almost got him in Injustice 1 and 2, but they said naaaah. He’s in Young Justice but in season 3 he’s small time. We almost got Milestone comics back, but they stopped for legal regions. Hell, look at my profile pic. My profile NAME is based on the communicator he had in the show. I love the dude, and I wish we got him back.

[@TubezThe1]

Dude I went to college and came out trying to write a static shock movie, trust me I understand.

[@jonathanshaw9704]

TubezTheOne- Whoa, dude, you are working on a Static Shock movie script? Keep working on it man, that would be awesome.

[@idongesitusen5764]

@ShockVox What sucks most is that he had a series in the new 52, except much like Jaime Reyes' blue beetle DC's higher-ups apparently screwed the pooch on it.

[@TheShockVox]

@@idongesitusen5764 They did. I enjoyed it for what it was but I wasnt in love with that run. Still, I was bummed they cancelled it. I bought every issue as they came out

[@Dakonaton]

@@idongesitusen5764 I still think the Rebirth Blue Beetle series by Giffen was incredibly well done and it's a shame it only lasted about 20 issues

[@isaacthomas4166]

Growing up in the corn fields oh Ohio, the static cartoon was my first real introduction to black culture and really helped me deprogram the prejudices of my upbringing. It made me a better person and means the world to me.

[@hammerheadcorvette4]

Cheers to you my friend

[@WannabeWryter]

That's why shows like this are important.

[@DormammuDawg]

thats dope. im glad the show had a positive influence on you.

[@Aliaskitfisto]

Best comment I could read today. Cheers from Ohio

[@zach1425]

That's dope, but just making sure, you do understand we can't all shoot lightning yea?

[@cray-seacoral]

The three main archetypes: Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. Ah yes, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[@architeuthis3476]

Ssshhh, don't let Zack Snyder hear that

[@supaflycomix]

Lmaooooo

[@supaflycomix]

@@architeuthis3476 or Grant Morrison for that matter

[@architeuthis3476]

@@supaflycomix Grant Morrison would at least do a good job of that (and probably already has). Zack Snyder just makes garbage.

[@MyPikachu28]

That’s not how it works

[@roccoborghetti4693]

Man I miss Dwayne McDuffie. A true legend and a tragic loss of both his creative genius and the characters he created (for some stupid legal reasons).

[@LUISPRIME]

Seeing Spider Man in the title reminded me of Static Shock episode where Static meets Anansi, a African hero with a spider gimmick. And yes it had Spider Man references in it.

[@Crimsonknight700]

My friend and I talk about that episode all the time. Anansi episode was an amazing introduction to African folklore and got me into looking up Anansi stories.

[@galactic85]

Anansi was one of the coolest heroes in that show. He was like the good version of mysterio. I wish DC would give him an ongoing series or something.

[@morganrobinson8042]

Ya' know, thinking about it, shouldn't Anansi be part of the Spiderverse? Both Amalgam and more traditional crossovers haver happened, and both Marvel and DC have really embraced multiversal story telling for better or worse. I guess it depends upon how permeable the multiversal set overlap is. You know, whether or not somebody would get sued.

[@Crimsonknight700]

I loved this episode. I really wish DC would reprint Milestone comics so a new generation of readers can read the awesome stories created by McDuffy and his talented collaborators. I would love if y'all covered World's Collide as a follow up.

[@creed8712]

I thought the reason they hadn’t touched milestone or more importantly for many Static was because they had some legal shit that prevented them from really using all that they had

[@SophiaSanders61]

Have you had the opportunity to look at the Milestone Omnibus volume 1?

[@Stelly777]

How many people notice that the lantern in the background starts off black and then green and back to black

[@kevinhortachata9700]

thank you! I thought I was just tripping balls

[@Grievousish]

For the longest time I only knew Static Shock from the cartoon. I'm excited to find out what the comic was like

[@DashX1978]

I vaguely recall meeting Dwayne McDuffie at a Black Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in '92 or '93 when I was 13, right before the Static comic came out. He came across as really cool and laid back, and encouraged me to continue drawing.

[@jamcalx]

Honestly, Static over Miles Morales anyday. Also, the lack of ground level organic human interaction is what's missing now days in comics. This is what "the world outside your window" really is.

[@rjones6127]

Definitely. Miles is cool, but Static is more original. He also had better stories in my opinion.

[@jamcalx]

@@rjones6127 I dare to say that miles Morales feels like a token retread of Peter Parker, at least in turns of personality and the reason for his creation.

[@ihaveexactly1subscriber321]

Agree

[@RdNinja32]

@@jamcalx it feels like that at times when reading his comics, however I do love miles portrayal in the spiderverse film

[@masterrance]

JamCal-X Miles feels like a token because he was made by Bendis, a white guy who lacks the black experience. No hate for him doing so, but you can tell how they flesh out the impact of the characters’ race differently.

[@comicsmisexplained]

Thank you for mentioning the MOVE bombing in Philly. A lot of people are still unaware of that occurring. I had a great discussion with John Waters about it. He had a friend that lived there and has been trying to bring more attention to the travesty for 35 years now.

[@ChristopherZubin]

It's surprising but I think it's oddly had a big impact on comics, from Batman: Year One, Daredevil: Born Again, and here with the Big Bang

[@lukeroberts8473]

When I was a kid my who was black said: "I love Static Shock! He's just like me and do you know why Luke?" Me: Umm because youre black" My Friend: No idiot! It's cause he wears hats just like me." Me: " You don't wear hats!" My Friend: " Yeah but I can now cuz of Static." We were 9 at the time

[@thetrin]

That, btw, says volumes about representation. Representation sends an empowering message to people of color that they too can be heroes, be scientists, leaders, brave, courageous, etc. If all you see of people who look like you is villains and sidekicks, a kid starts to believe they CAN only be villains or sidekicks. Never the protagonists of their own stories. The Scully Effect is very similar. The number of women that applied to STEM programs in the US skyrocketed after the X-Files, because of Scully being represented as a capable, intelligent, educated woman.

[@deazy6453]

Maybe I'm overreacting because of everything that is going on, but y'all doing this book was really important and really appreciated by me. Thank you for doing this book. I've been thinking about a story for some time that starred a huge mixed cast of races, but that mainly focused on 3 black/mixed teens. This reasserted to me that this idea can still be done successfully, and still be enjoyed by everybody. I had such a mental block thinking that white people just wouldn't accept my story, but I realize now that was my own prejudice speaking and reminding me that I still have some things to work on. I didn't even really comprehend that I had any. My family is so mixed I thought I was color blind, but clearly it was more than that. I also appreciate you guys covering this in this time, and letting us know that the plan was never for Milestone to be the "Black" comic label. Not to ramble too too much, but it's similar to how I feel about the world I'd like to create. The focus might be on the black people for a moment, but it shifts around to everybody, ya know? Anyway, I just really appreciate yall. I kinda tears up while I was listening at work the other day.

[@thakabong6185]

too bad i feel like tiff lost the nerve to do anything like this again

[@deazy6453]

@@thakabong6185 why you think that?

[@thakabong6185]

@@deazy6453 she seemed so salty in the next video she posted about how the comments are about the controversy of the story. like she won't cover race sensitive topics again cause the bad outweighs the good i guess, not that i know Tiff. :p

[@comicpop]

Total misread of the situation.

[@thakabong6185]

@@comicpop Good!! Than keep covering stories not full of white heros!! love it. keep doin you.

[@BrowncoatAllywang]

Never seen that original Static costume before, it's really cool.

[@RamzalTimble]

You know what I love about this? You guys are covering a character that is a POC and it's approached the same way as any other comic you guys go over. So often do people who happen to be Caucasian approach topics relating to minorities with a degree of over caution or fear where its palpable. You guys, not at all. :) Although Tiffany's face when Sal explained that Icon was a slave was kind of priceless. It was the same face I had when my brother explained him to me when I was around...9 or so. I went: "Okay, he's a slave and with the powers of Superman basically.... And he didn't throw the nearest slave master into the sun ...why?" Anyway, loving the content as usual.

[@RamzalTimble]

Also, thank you for bringing light to the 1985 Phili issue.

[@NRG-REC]

God all this love Virgil's been getting lately makes me so happy. It really feels like we're finally reaching the beginning of a comeback thats been teased for almost 2 decades. To this day static is the only dc affiliated character with the traits to become their spiderman. Noone they've had before or since comes close. While I do feel like this superhero media age is winding down abit, we're not done yet so this is the perfect time to bring him back.

[@juk3boxh3r0]

A great fresh breath of realistic characterization. DC needs to reprint this line.

[@Cam0412]

As a black subscriber that has adored your Channel for the past 3 or so years now, I've been trying to figure out the perfect comment to make. I truly appreciate you guys I've lost interest in all the other comic KZbinrs but your genuineness, passion and humor keeps me coming back I love you guys thank you for shining more Light on this story.

[@ShawnWeeded510]

My body is ready. This is unexpected and totally awesome. Pleaae do more black superheroes.

[@architeuthis3476]

We're good on Spawn for a while though

[@ShawnWeeded510]

@@architeuthis3476 true. Spawn stories have never been that good imo.

[@architeuthis3476]

@@ShawnWeeded510 I kinda like Spawn. It might be a nostalgia thing, I don't know. My point is that everything worth saying about Spawn has already been said by ComicPop.

[@radicalthinking5651]

@@architeuthis3476 spawn is a lot like ghost rider, a really really cool picture and that's all

[@architeuthis3476]

@@radicalthinking5651 Eh, I kinda like Spawn. I kinda like Ghost Rider too (especially Robbie Reyes). Clearly the the character design came first and the characterization is an afterthought, but still, I like it.

[@priceyyeti4058]

Well this was a shock to my system. What have I written?

[@paige7576]

This kinda video is what got me into comic pop tbh yall are just having fun and talking and telling a story. It's so great

[@AP-pk6mk]

I remember reading that Dwayne McDuffie studied condensed matter physics, specifically device physics, which makes sense. I read long ago on a blog from a friend of his (I don't think the blog is up anymore so take it with a grain of salt) that his research involved devices that involved heat seeking which was then to be used for the military. What I do know is that Dwayne was sent to a gifted school as a kid. His dad worked for the Fed in finance/econ and became progressively blind. His mom was a nurse. Dwayne dreamed of being an astronaut but he was too tall (about 6'6"). His story is really inspiring for me as someone who grew up loving comics, loving the DCAU and static Shock and who's studying physics as a black man. I also always loved writing.

[@chikidchris]

We need a Static Shock movie, Thank you so much for covering him. One of my all time favorites. Hopefully now that the lawsuit is settled we'll see more of Static.

[@mikeread7611]

I think a tv show could be better gives more time to explore the characters

[@Peecamarke]

Oh man! I remember these were like gold in the early 90s cause I could only find them in these African stores at the mall when i was a kid when they first came out and I discovered them in middle school after I drew my first drawing of a black batman (essentially my first fan art) for my friends in class. So i was enamored by them to say the least, but eventually I couldn't find them anymore and always wondered why they stopped coming out for the longest time

[@alexandergonyea4642]

I could write an entire essay about this, but in summary, Dwayne McDuffie wrote basically my entire childhood. From his work on the Justice League cartoons and even being brought in to work on both Ben 10: Alien Force and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Dwayne McDuffie has all but defined the way I look at superheroes, and all those shows remain safely in my heart as I grew up. Ironically enough, I didn't actually watch that much Static Shock, but I definitely recall seeing it a few times, and I've desperately wanted to learn so much more about these characters that he created, and have the utmost respect for the representation that he fought for.

[@thahotkidd]

God bless Dwayne Mcduffie( and the entire crew that worked on milestone really). the character of static was my first time seeing someone who looked like me put on a costume and try to do good just because it was the right thing to do and I thank him for it. Not to mention how much his work in the dcau and animated films inspired me creatively. I never got a chance to get into the other characters of the Dakotaverse but I really hope they see a comeback in mainstream comics sooner rather than later

[@nathanchaffin6380]

You made me really happy covering this book and all the incredible things you had to say about Dwayne McDuffie. I had no idea it was out of print.

[@shyb7847]

The character trait of Virgil have to be "tough" is relatable. Idk if anyone else can relate. But I often feel in the black community, kids are raised to be "tough". Being tough doesn't solve all your problems and isn't the only way to gain respect from people.

[@smrnr7074]

Thanks for covering Static and Milestone! I’m hoping that when/if Milestone gets relaunched either Milestone or DC make these comics more widely available in TPB form so scouring back issue bins isn’t the only way to read these stories.

[@davidserna1424]

Really enjoyed this back issue, I love Static & Dwayne Mcduffie was a genius and head of his time 🙌

[@cdubbart]

The name “Static” (as it’s said in the James Brown song) is also derived from the slang term for “trouble” or “conflict”. Hence the tag line from the original comic, “Don’t start none, won’t be none”, as in don’t start any trouble with me and I won’t start any trouble with you. Pretty common words to live by in the black community (especially when you’re used to being on the defensive) that can probably be interpreted a bunch of different ways within a bunch of different communities & cultures. So it’s not just an analog for Spidey’s tried & true “With great power comes great responsibility”. It’s much more aggressive. It’s a battle cry to evil doers. It’s a warning.

[@keon7742]

I remember borrowing the static and icon trades from the library when I was a kid back in middle school. Thanks for doing this guys, it just takes me back.

[@Timartyn]

Static continues to be my favorite superhero. I grew up in a conservative home in which my parents kept me away from comics. But when the Superman/Static team-up episode was advertised, I was given the go to tune in. It was the only superhero show on Kids WB at the time, and I was hooked. I think it was largely because Static was a kid, like I was, and the way he was resourceful in putting together a costume/finding a secret HQ in the gas station/etc appealed to me. At the same time, it had such well-written, thoughtful social commentary that's lacking from shows today. Tragically underrated and dismissed character, along with the broader Dakotaverse. Static will make a massive comeback someday, I'm just waiting.

[@JoshMunroe]

GBU having greater integrity than the Comics Code Authority is the truest thing I've heard on Back Issues.

[@jonathanshaw9704]

I like the Static Shock cartoon. Please do a Savage Screen on it.

[@aucarter]

Jonathan Shaw Sounds good!

[@TubezThe1]

My man! The Kilowatt kid! Superhero, Static Shock! (Woo woo)

[@kurtoogle4576]

Thanks for covering Milestone! I followed Blood Syndicate and several other titles until the collapse. It was all really refreshing!

[@Depthcharge2030]

We really do need more Static in our lives

[@architeuthis3476]

Static was huge when I was a kid! I always assumed he was part of the DC Universe (or at least the animated universe) because his show was always grouped with _Batman Beyond_ and _The Zeta Project._ I'll have to check out the comics!

[@EdertheJust]

I didnt even know about Milestone. I always thought of Static Shock as DC.

[@Robin-to8en]

Something I really liked about Young Justice, amongst other things, was their inclusion of the Milestone characters. Sal mentioned that Icon showed, but not only that, Rocket, Hardware and Static showed up and have mostly become characters

[@freddieawsome1]

Static lowkey had one of the coolest Rogues Gallery. When Milestone ramps back up, I hope they incorporate the TV show Bang Babies and Gear.

[@blackphoenix77]

I got the first issue of Static when it came out, along with Icon and Blood Syndicate. I hope they eventually reprint all of the original runs of Milestone Media because I was never able to read all of them.

[@ComicsLamar]

I’m one issue away from completing my Static collection. Can’t wait.

[@fearnloathingingeneral]

Thank you for this episode. I was born in the neighborhood the MOVE bombing took place. It only recently started to change and it's mostly through gentrification. I love Static

[@HollowGolem]

I don't even know what started the last 4 minutes, or what it was referencing, but it was hysterical.

[@andimtravis6358]

I was so genuinely happy when I saw the thumbnail for this episode. I’ve been trying to collect all the Milestone Books for years now and it’s felt like an uphill battle through EBay. These books are worth re-printing, and definitely still worth talking about.

[@dennisssmith430]

THANK YOU for keeping the “duck” conversation at the end!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@freegamer2677]

Please continue more Milestone stories. They're my favorite comics. I would love to here your thoughts on Hardware, Icon, and Blood Syndicate

[@xanderreimers4445]

Man a Dwayne macduffy miles morales book would’ve been crazy

[@ultimate_lance]

I saw the notification and immediately heard the theme song

[@ArgentoLives1610]

This is probably my all time most favorite back issues. Awesome work, doing Milestone. I honestly want it to come back faster than it is.

[@idongesitusen5764]

If Milestone books do come back, I hope to see a Static book that's like the show was. So many good characters like Gear, Ebon & the Meta-Breed would do well in DC.

[@daelen.cclark]

Wish granted.

[@davidreyna7410]

An absolute legend for putting a donation link in your description over a volume link ‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@12380738]

The new 52 costume was a mix of his old one and the tv show version It worked for me

[@Hardy34]

OMFG!!! Yo I've been waiting for this since I asked Sal about it on their 60k live special. I'm beyond hype! Static Storm, and Black Panther are my favorite super heroes some I'm too geeked for this!

[@LPJZ456]

To this day I still remember this show and rewatch certain episodes like the holiday episode dealing with not only diff religions but also homelessness and what its like to be homeless. That show was one of a kind

[@goblinking382]

Static is my hero! Thank you so much!

[@draiseg6178]

Love that hat Tiffany! Also love this episode!

[@Sqoobthedude]

This was entirely fun and exciting to hear all the way to the end! Defintiely one of the best episodes of back issues yet!

[@alzaronwayne5255]

Really excited for this episode. Wasn't reading comics during Milestone times but man I loved the cartoon.

[@jesserandle3519]

I'm definitely getting a copy. Thank you Comic Pop for making that an option

[@CinemaniacComicsCorner]

It’s nice to see videos about McDuffie and to hear about his career especially during these times. Loved this video as much as I did ComicTropes’ video. And speaking of Chris’ video I still can’t believe that McDuffie was the half-brother of Keegan-Michael Key. That’s just crazy.

[@Blackotakunerd]

Oh yeah saw my boy and I have to watch, the first comic book went into hunting down for.

[@Syntherus]

I believe Dwayne McDuffie would want his characters in the world so they can continue to do good. If they reprinted all of the Static issues in trades, I'd buy them all up in an instant. I've always wanted to read them.

[@jesselion915]

I only knew McDuffie as being responsible for so many of the good cartoons I watched as a kid and now I feel so bad for not knowing how involved he was with the comic industry :(

[@MagoDSnowman]

Come for Static, stay for the shark vs giant duck debate

[@treyhiggins5796]

Thank u guys so much for this video. U guys really are the best comic book channel on the platform.

[@k-dawgwestmore4643]

I would lovvveee for them to bring back Static. I loved the cartoon as a kid, and I wanna see him in the modern day. Maybe make a movie

[@drewchesher3232]

As a fan of the show, I’m excited... also because comments are good for the KZbin algorithm

[@ChristopherZubin]

When they're talking about "Mouths" all I could think of was the cover of Year of the Snitch....how unsettling...

[@Happyfanman]

I would love it if they brought static into DC regularly and also bring with him rubber band man! He was great

[@kevinhortachata9700]

This episode put a shock to my system!

[@jesserandle3519]

Guys guys guys guys GUYS GUYS IT'S HAPPENING!!!! LET'S GOOOOOO!!! All time favorite character

[@nole8146]

As a kid, for me, he was/is the first black Spiderman

[@marleytalbot7991]

Hell yeah, loved the Static Shock cartoon.

[@antdujar]

Easily one of my favorite back issues. As always, you guys deliver!

[@Exman33x9001]

Thanks guys, this was a nice story and an even better history lesson. Keep up the good work.

[@xanderreimers4445]

One of the best back issues ever

[@redjohniii8665]

Really enjoyed this back issues, especially figuring out how influential McDuffie was really interesting

[@mitchellregan21]

This is great. I never thought of s Static Shock as an episode.

[@MerylCheap]

I want Milestone to come back so badly! I need more Icon in my life!

[@infinitecarnage4177]

I cannot find a good trade for static I've been looking for a while. So I rewatch this backissues to satisfy my hunger

[@comicpop]

They're releasing the original issues on comixology and DC Universe Infinite so I'll bet a new trade is around the corner!

[@sapientunderground]

Excellent episode, much appreciated!

[@jonfrombuckland_3784]

What? Icon sounds cool as hell! I gotta read some of his stories

[@BaronOfHell666]

They also had The Blood Syndicate. They were a gang given powers in the big bang. So the entire thing was what would happen if you gave gang members super powers. Hardware had one of my favorite bad guys called Reprise. He could duplicate himself. I'm not sure if he had a limit to the number of copies he could make. He was because the copies didn't care if they lived or die. I never read the other comics but loved the Static Shock cartoon.

[@bradwatkins7564]

Great show. I loved Static.

[@smallmanbigmouth2699]

I watched this episode twice in a row....I regret nothing.

[@cameronsingletary8941]

i have a deal with the guy at my LCS any books with icon, or static he gets he gives me first dibs

[@Launch2011]

8:46 cause i feel like Tiffany thinks she's on the edge of some sort of race card, as a Chicano growing up in the 90's it was good to see any media with a lead role that had a person of color, growing up in the shitty side of town, but not letting that lifestyle consume you. To show that there's a better way of life. Not just for you, but for your community. I think that's generally what she was trying to say.

[@rainpunk]

Ending is gold!

[@N94able]

This is the first time Ive seen his orginal costume and I like it alot more. It is more superhero-y.

[@Sicod79]

Bought the Omnibus Vol 1 for Milestone as I missed out on Milestone except for seeing a bit of it in that crossover Sal mentioned in the review. Static's beginning is in it.

[@jamarlittle4550]

Dwayne McDuffie is the goat and i miss him like people miss Stan Lee

[@luciobitoyiv4116]

Ethan invented one of the most horrifying characters ever on a whim.

[@xxmunkiexx]

man I always heard milestone comics and immediately thought of old timey comics and avoided them. gonna see if I can track any of these down now.