Static

[Ikonic]

So I'm sitting here watching Static Shock and for the life of me, can't figure out why this guy doesn't have his own title. This show is so friggin' cool! Where's my book to go with it? A Static book would open up the city of Dakota to a lot of fans. It's a whole new world for DC to buildup and explore. The iron is hot...why not strike?

(And Teen Titans ain't enough)

[Free-Man]

I don't really want tohave to play the race card, but when the Shield, the Web, and then the Thunder Agents get their own books but Static, the one who had his own 45 issue series, and is probably the most widely known current Teen Titan can't get his own book, I'm thinking it's because DC doesn't trust a black superhero to carry a book anymore.

[Ikonic]

Anything that can pull in all the viewers that Static Shock can on TV, can pull enough of an audience for a monthly comic. There is a big enough audience out there for it. I check other sites (non-mainstream ones as well) and one thing is unanimous: Static needs an on-going. He a a character that has made history. I bet he'd do better numbers than a quite a few of DC's existing books.

[galactica]

DC is at a phase where they are only putting out books that will probably get canceled at around issue #25.

I think the Red Circle introduction was just done is a better way. They drove the entire thing on just the name of JMS, which is why they confirmed two series before any of JMS' one-shots came out.

The Milestone introduction on the other hand was done in a JLA title that was getting close to the event horizon of a black hole created the editors. It seemed to be just another in a long line of forced tie-ins. Static's DCU introduction was in Terror Titans and moved to the regular TT title which has as much problems as JLA and also parted with the regular writer recently.

I think a mini-series focusing on a few characters would have been a better way to introduce the Milestone characters. I think it has more to do with bad decisions that race.

As it is I think it's up to other DCU writers, especially the team book writers, to use them and we can hope that McDuffie has something set in the DCU coming up.

[Ikonic]

I don't really want tohave to play the race card, but when the Shield, the Web, and then the Thunder Agents get their own books but Static, the one who had his own 45 issue series, and is probably the most widely known current Teen Titan can't get his own book, I'm thinking it's because DC doesn't trust a black superhero to carry a book anymore.

And don't worry. That's not 'playing the race card'. It's just stating reality. You don't have to be blind to it.

[shawn739]

Static and Icon are about the only ones that could make it on there own. both are strong character. Static was good when he did have is own. It would be great to see him on the titans and in Dakota and see what happens when his family finds out hes not dead

[superchick]

I was shocked they didn't test him in the back of Teen Titans. Their ravager choice was baffling

[Freakzeek]

Wow , this is wierd! I was just gonna create a thread asking this same question I mean I really enjoy Static. Honest to goodness, he’s one of the best “new” characters to hit in the ’90s. I think that McDuffie & Co. did a wonderful job creating and realizing him. They took the Spider-Man prototype and took it to the next logical level.
Static is probably the most accurate depiction of a young black male to ever hit comics. I haven’t read every comic ever, but Static just rings true on basically every level.
http://media.photobucket.com/image/virgil%20Static/ashleyjordanbrown2/Static%20Shock/04s-1.gif
http://www.comicbookreligion.com/img/s/Static_Virgil_Hawkins.jpg

The easiest way to explain Static to your friends is that he’s Peter Parker for the ’90s. I don’t mean that he was derivative or anything. He was pretty much to the ’90s what Peter Parker was to the ’60s. Peter was the nebbish, smart and funny but with no way of showing that to his peers. Virgil is more outgoing and class clownish, but he’s no idiot. He wants to fit in just like everybody else, but he’s not one of the popular kids, either. His big mouth gets him into more than one fight, to boot. He’s multifaceted. He’s cool, but not. He’s at the point where a boy becomes a man, but he hasn’t made that leap. He’s conscious of this, I think.

He wouldn’t even have gotten his powers if he didn’t want to show that he was a real man. He was thoroughly embarassed in school by a bully in front of the new girl, Frieda. Later, he’s speaking to her on the phone and she basically calls him a wuss. He doesn’t take it well.

He gets a gun from a friend and goes to show this kid what-for. He breaks out, takes aim, and realizes that he isn’t a killer. He dumps the gun and ends up getting gassed along with tons of other gangsters and kids. He wakes up and finds out that he has powers. He does the only sensible thing and hooks up a costume and fights crime.

There’s a lot of talk about an “everyman.” Peter Parker is one of them. The everyman is a POV character that most people can instantly relate to in some way, shape, or form. Despite his hot, supermodel wife, Peter Parker is the everyman of the Marvel U. Virgil Hawkins is the everyteen. He goes through the same problems that real kids do, whether it’s worrying about losing his virginity to his girlfriend, keeping his secrets close to his chest, or simply fitting in at school and making sure he’s well-liked.

I was pushing ten years old when Static hit the streets, so I was also pretty able to relate. He’s a great character and his show on the WB was actually quite good. It kind of says a lot when your show gets more viewers than Pokemon or whatever, yet DC Comics can’t seem to properly promote your series so that it’ll sell.

[superchick]

What I like most about Virgil is his appeal to young black guys as role model. There is no other like him in comics. Coming out of the 90's where boys grew up with men involved in stupid and pointless gang wars he is still relevant not only because that is going on but because he is the exact opposite of the image black celebs are pushing. No generation should grow up seeing women as objects and sex as a masculine symbol. We don't want any P.I.M.P.s we want Statics.

[[]D[]/\/\[]D @ Nite/So-tite]

I was shocked they didn't test him in the back of Teen Titans. Their ravager choice was baffling

It's because pre-Beetle and pre-Static (and also post-Superboy/Robin/Bart), she was popular and had the largest fanbase out of the current line up, and still does (behind Jaime's and Static's fanbases, in addition to the "big three"). So it seems DC is trying to both take advantage of and grow that fanbase.

And out of of Mckeever's run, she's also the character he writes the best in addition to being his favorite. So hence...


I'm still glad Jaime has his back-up feature and I would like to see one for Static.

[superchick]

Ravager has a fanbase? I always considered her to be filling out the numbers but I consider most of the team to do that these days

[Scavenger]

I don't really want tohave to play the race card, but when the Shield, the Web, and then the Thunder Agents get their own books but Static, the one who had his own 45 issue series, and is probably the most widely known current Teen Titan can't get his own book, I'm thinking it's because DC doesn't trust a black superhero to carry a book anymore.

Puhlease...next thing you're going to say that DC fired the well respected black writer off of JLA on a trumped up excuse to replace him with a white guy whos kicking out most of the minority members of the team. :confused: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Ikonic]

Puhlease...next thing you're going to say that DC fired the well respected black writer off of JLA on a trumped up excuse to replace him with a white guy whos kicking out most of the minority members of the team. :confused: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

You just couldn't resist, could you? So unnecessary...

Aaaaanyway, I wasn't aware of a Ravenger fanbase until now.

[Werehunter]

The reason Ravenger got the back up feature is because DC noticed every time there was a cover for Teen Titans where she was the focus, the sales for the book included a bit. Not a huge amount but enough that it was noticeable. That's also why she was the focus of Terror Titans, it was pretty much a test to see if she could possible carry her own title. In the end they decided to use her as a back-up feature.

As for Static, to be honest I think it's best not to give him his own title at the moment. Titles for new heroes or ones that are not considered part of a larger franchise don't seem to do well at the moment. All of the post IC titles have been canceled and Marvel has encountered the same thing with a number of books they've tried doing in the past few years. So I think it's best to firmly establish Static as part of the Teen Titans franchise before tossing him into his own book. I don't think DC really expects many of the books listed here to really take off, it's just that they don't really have a place the characters will fit in with. Static however does have a spot with the Teen Titans.

[BrianT]

I think it's due to their plans for the Milestone Universe. Isn't there supposed to be a "tie up" story for the original Milestone Universe? Maybe they're waiting for that. Maybe they were waiting for something that got derailed during McDuffie's JLA run or McDuffie (or whom ever would be the creators on it) has to wait for a schedule opening?

IMO, the Milestone trades are being rolled out waaaay too slowly. What is it like 4 months between them? This is my issue with the whole Milestone launch.

How well did the new printing of the Static trade sell? That could have played a factor.

And remember, the Red Circle characters were originally supposed to have a similar launch in THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, but that was changed late in the game.

[Free-Man]

As for Static, to be honest I think it's best not to give him his own title at the moment. Titles for new heroes or ones that are not considered part of a larger franchise don't seem to do well at the moment. All of the post IC titles have been canceled and Marvel has encountered the same thing with a number of books they've tried doing in the past few years. So I think it's best to firmly establish Static as part of the Teen Titans franchise before tossing him into his own book. I don't think DC really expects many of the books listed here to really take off, it's just that they don't really have a place the characters will fit in with. Static however does have a spot with the Teen Titans.

But if that's true, why is DC giving solo titles and co-features to the Archie heroes? Or Rebels for that matter?

[galactica]

But if that's true, why is DC giving solo titles and co-features to the Archie heroes? Or Rebels for that matter?

JMS. Simple as that. They are launching the Red Circle titles on the strength of JMS' name. I don't think either The Shield(with The Inferno co-feature) or The Web(with The Hangman co-feature) will run for very long. Personally I'll get both because I like the creative team on The Shield and The Web may be the first title ever written by a Black woman at DC or Marvel.

REBELS is out there because it was time to try out a cosmic ongoing after Planet Heist, Rann-Thanagar War, Omega Men, Mystery in Space, Countdown to Adventure, Rann-Thanagar Holy War, Strange Adventures. They had done a bunch of cosmic mini series so they tried out a cosmic ongoing.

[BrianT]

Coincidentally, this just showed up in my Inbox (the writer is a little behind sending out his notifications):

Philadelphia Daily News: Static Return Shorts Out (http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20090216_Static_return_shorts_out.html)

[West Mantooth]

Isn't this, "there's a huge demand for X" character getting a little repetitive? When we all know the outcome is the character opens modestly then quickly fades. Witness Power Girl.

I agree with Werehunter. Let Static show up in some good stories that endear him to the more readers as a mainstay of the new DCU then build up to his own series.

[Werehunter]

But if that's true, why is DC giving solo titles and co-features to the Archie heroes? Or Rebels for that matter?

I never said that's why DC is doing it, but that why I think it's best that DC is handling Static the way he is.

[galactica]

I think the biggest problem in this started with how DC decided to role out these characters in the DCU. With the Red Circle characters you got 4 one-shots from an A-list writer detailing the origins and purposes of 4 characters.

With the Milestone characters they just appeared in the JLA title that was being slowly destroyed by editorial. It seemed like the editors were forcing yet another tie-in just as they did with the Tangent characters, Salvation Run, Final Crisis, and others. We don't have a DCU origin for any of the Milestone characters. Not everybody read the original Milestone stories and whether you read those stories or not there still needs to be something to reintroduce these characters, their origins and roles in the DCU. And so far there doesn't seem to be anything in the works to correct this.

Would it be that much effort to do 4 one-shots dedicated to 4 Milestone characters, say Static, Icon, Hardware and ___________?

[Free-Man]

With the Milestone characters they just appeared in the JLA title that was being slowly destroyed by editorial. It seemed like the editors were forcing yet another tie-in just as they did with the Tangent characters, Salvation Run, Final Crisis, and others. We don't have a DCU origin for any of the Milestone characters. Not everybody read the original Milestone stories and whether you read those stories or not there still needs to be something to reintroduce these characters, their origins and roles in the DCU. And so far there doesn't seem to be anything in the works to correct this.

Would it be that much effort to do 4 one-shots dedicated to 4 Milestone characters, say Static, Icon, Hardware and ___________?

Yeah, but that just makes too much sense.:tongue:

[Werehunter]

How were the sales of the Milestone books compared to the Red Circle books? That might play a part in how they are choosing to introduce the characters to the DC readers.

[Free-Man]

How were the sales of the Milestone books compared to the Red Circle books? That might play a part in how they are choosing to introduce the characters to the DC readers.

Do you mean how did they sell as seperate imprints, or how have the books featuring them in the DCU so far sold?

[Werehunter]

I was referring to the original runs with these characters. I honestly can see an argument that could be made that if the Milestone characters were more popular during their first run that they shouldn't need as big of an introduction as the Red Circle characters. Of course I can also see an argument turning that the other way as well, but I have a rather usual way of looking at things.

[Ikonic]

I look at it like this: Static was/is more popular than all four Red Circle characters and the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents all rolled into one. Static should have been announced as having an on-going already. What they are doing with him is slow and what I feel is counterproductive. They can keep him in Teen Titans and still give him a solo. I want to read about Static!!!

[Karlfernswich]

Looking at it there was definetly more of a call for Static to get his own series over Magog and regards the Titans Static could not of joined at a worse time with most of the main Teen Titans missing from the book and with a lot of the readers leaving as well cause there not there.

[huailiu919]

I look at it like this: Static was/is more popular than all four Red Circle characters and the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents all rolled into one. Static should have been announced as having an on-going already. What they are doing with him is slow and what I feel is counterproductive. They can keep him in Teen Titans and still give him a solo. I want to read about Static!!!

I feel just the same.

[BrianT]

I was referring to the original runs with these characters. I honestly can see an argument that could be made that if the Milestone characters were more popular during their first run that they shouldn't need as big of an introduction as the Red Circle characters. Of course I can also see an argument turning that the other way as well, but I have a rather usual way of looking at things.

There's not really a comparison that can be made there. I don't think either were published around the same time. The Red Circle characters are at least from the '60s. DC's last line with them, Impact, ended prior to Milestone debuting, I believe.

There's likely a larger comic book body of work for the Red Circle characters.

------
Again, neither the Milestone nor the Red Circle characters were meant to debut in their own titles. The RC characters were supposed to be in B&B first, but they changed the plans somewhere along the way.

IMO, it's better to build an audience for these characters before just rolling them out cold. These may not be new characters, but they haven't been in comic form in over 10 years. If you look at DC's cold launches over the past several years, you'll see that very few, if any, survived. In the long run, the Milestone characters have a better chance of survival building a comic book fanbase in titles like TEEN TITANS, JLA, B&B, etc.

Personally, I just wish the trades of the original runs were coming out faster. Although these sales numbers on the first STATIC trade aren't too impressive:

88 STATIC SHOCK REBIRTH OF THE COOL TP $19.99 DC 1,278

[Kage Kisaragi]

Isn't this, "there's a huge demand for X" character getting a little repetitive? When we all know the outcome is the character opens modestly then quickly fades. Witness Power Girl.

I agree with Werehunter. Let Static show up in some good stories that endear him to the more readers as a mainstay of the new DCU then build up to his own series.

If Power Girl is doing bad its not because of Power Girl herself, its because it wasn't what people either wanted or expected. I'm personally pleased. You could count the people who thought negatively of it on this board on one hand, maybe 2 and thats it. It wasn't like DC had a blimp flying across country promoting her, or News Articles in daily papers or even on the 10 oclock news promoting her either. Karen is doing just fine to those who ARE reading her book because they knew who she was before they started the series.

Now the difference between Static and PG is, is that Static would have had more exposure thanks to his TV show and having had a good on going comic solo career. So all it would take again is getting the word out that Static has a new comic book and if the supposed fans of the show wanted to check out hsi futher adventures they could.

[Ikonic]

With a genuine promotion from DC, Static will be a success. Give as many pages of promotion that they gave to the Red Circle characters. Static's the kind of book that they can really promote in other medias. With the success the show is having they have to be able to figure out how to reach those kids. Marketing.

[BrianT]

If Power Girl is doing bad its not because of Power Girl herself, its because it wasn't what people either wanted or expected. I'm personally pleased. You could count the people who thought negatively of it on this board on one hand, maybe 2 and thats it. It wasn't like DC had a blimp flying across country promoting her, or News Articles in daily papers or even on the 10 oclock news promoting her either. Karen is doing just fine to those who ARE reading her book because they knew who she was before they started the series.

Now the difference between Static and PG is, is that Static would have had more exposure thanks to his TV show and having had a good on going comic solo career. So all it would take again is getting the word out that Static has a new comic book and if the supposed fans of the show wanted to check out hsi futher adventures they could.

To say that POWER GIRL is already suffering in sales is beyond premature. Numbers are only available for the first two issues (the third's should be out within the week) and that's way too early to determine any trends. Besides, the numbers for #2 were 36K! There's nothing wrong with that. That's more than healthy. It's outselling WONDER WOMAN, TEEN TITANS and SUPERGIRL and just below SUPERMAN/BATMAN.

And it took DC over three years to launch this series after Power Girl's popular JSA: CLASSIFIED story. So, DC's timing isn't exactly great.

[BrianT]

With a genuine promotion from DC, Static will be a success. Give as many pages of promotion that they gave to the Red Circle characters. Static's the kind of book that they can really promote in other medias. With the success the show is having they have to be able to figure out how to reach those kids. Marketing.

We gotta be realistic. DC's not going to launch a multimedia promotional campaign if there's an eventual STATIC series. They didn't do it for the new printing of the trade or his debut in the Titans books.

A more useful exercise would be to discuss ways we can spread the word ourselves.

[Werehunter]

Outside of the Batman books, DC really isn't that good at marketing or even hyping things up that well.

[Ikonic]

We gotta be realistic. DC's not going to launch a multimedia promotional campaign if there's an eventual STATIC series. They didn't do it for the new printing of the trade or his debut in the Titans books.

A more useful exercise would be to discuss ways we can spread the word ourselves.

You speak truth.

[oanswat]

So I'm sitting here watching Static Shock and for the life of me, can't figure out why this guy doesn't have his own title. This show is so friggin' cool! Where's my book to go with it? A Static book would open up the city of Dakota to a lot of fans. It's a whole new world for DC to buildup and explore. The iron is hot...why not strike?

(And Teen Titans ain't enough)

Was the show not canceled a LONG time ago? I wouldn't mind seeing static get more face time in comics but maybe D.C. is wary to put a black man in his own series, I mean, it hasn't worked out that well in the past. Would they want to put money into a character if he's just going to get canned six months later. Comic shops arent known for thriving in "black neighborhoods". Plus, they already have Black Lightning, wouldn't it be a little redundant considering they aren't legacy characters or related in any real way, other than that they're both black and use lightning powers of course, but getting them together BECAUSE they're black would be a little racist wouldn't it?

[Werehunter]

Slightly off topic but didn't see a point for a new thread for this one simple question. What was Static's original series called?

[Ikonic]

Was the show not canceled a LONG time ago? I wouldn't mind seeing static get more face time in comics but maybe D.C. is wary to put a black man in his own series, I mean, it hasn't worked out that well in the past. Would they want to put money into a character if he's just going to get canned six months later. Comic shops arent known for thriving in "black neighborhoods". Plus, they already have Black Lightning, wouldn't it be a little redundant considering they aren't legacy characters or related in any real way, other than that they're both black and use lightning powers of course, but getting them together BECAUSE they're black would be a little racist wouldn't it?

1)Static Shock reruns comes on Disney XD alongside Spectacular Spiderman and is doing very well.
2)Static's comics technically never got cancelled. It was that the company went under along with a slew of other comic companies when the industry's bubble burst.
3)Static and Black Lightnings powers differ greatly. BL primarily shoots electricity and can create a force field. Static is closer to Magneto with what he can do plus a whole lot more. His powerset is amazing!
4) They've already met in Brave and the Bold #24. They were teamed because of their base power, not ethnicity.

[West Mantooth]

If Power Girl is doing bad its not because of Power Girl herself, its because it wasn't what people either wanted or expected. I'm personally pleased.

Now the difference between Static and PG is, is that Static would have had more exposure thanks to his TV show and having had a good on going comic solo career. So all it would take again is getting the word out that Static has a new comic book and if the supposed fans of the show wanted to check out hsi futher adventures they could.

These two statements, especially the bolded part are why new series don't work. A certain number of people will read Supes and Bats no matter what. They will never drop below a set number. You can't say that about the PG and Static kind of characters. People will abandon those books too quickly let alone not knowing how many will actually buy it in the first place.

We've seen too many times with internet hype not backing up what the reality is.

[Kage Kisaragi]

To say that POWER GIRL is already suffering in sales is beyond premature. Numbers are only available for the first two issues (the third's should be out within the week) and that's way too early to determine any trends. Besides, the numbers for #2 were 36K! There's nothing wrong with that. That's more than healthy. It's outselling WONDER WOMAN, TEEN TITANS and SUPERGIRL and just below SUPERMAN/BATMAN.

And it took DC over three years to launch this series after Power Girl's popular JSA: CLASSIFIED story. So, DC's timing isn't exactly great.

And you're telling me this because of what? Don't you think you should be pointing those facts towards the critics? ie the person who I was quoting?

[Free-Man]

Slightly off topic but didn't see a point for a new thread for this one simple question. What was Static's original series called?

Just "Static".

[Werehunter]

Just "Static".

ok thanks.

[enyggma]

I saw an episode of Static Shock for the first time the other day. It was the one where he teamed up with Batman and Robin to take down the Joker. I thought it was great. I also enjoyed his appearance in B and B with Black Lightning.

I'd buy a Static book!

[BrianT]

And you're telling me this because of what? Don't you think you should be pointing those facts towards the critics? ie the person who I was quoting?

Yours was the last statement in that particular line of conversation. I was agreeing with you.

[Laminator_X]

... they already have Black Lightning, wouldn't it be a little redundant considering they aren't legacy characters or related in any real way, other than that they're both black and use lightning powers of course, but getting them together BECAUSE they're black would be a little racist wouldn't it?

Well, in this case I'd say the similarity of powers trumps any Black Superhero Club concerns. It makes sense for an up and comer to be mentored by an older, established character with similar abilities, even without having a common racial and/or ethnic background.

[Ikonic]

I can't wait for a Static on-going! Let's go, DC!!!

[Kage Kisaragi]

Yours was the last statement in that particular line of conversation. I was agreeing with you.

Sorry, I must have misunderstood, I thought you were critizing me.

[BrianT]

Sorry, I must have misunderstood, I thought you were critizing me.

No problem. I could have worded it better.


-----
On a separate note, I realize this isn't Static, but I think any exposure of Milestone characters is good for all of them, so I wanted to point out that Xombi teams with The Spectre in this week's THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #26.

[MEGA TON]

How did the series end? I was only frequently keeping up with the show. If this was already answered in this ready, sorry about that.

[Everything and Nothing]

Ah, it is sad that reality will not like African American to have its own book. Though I really like the series. It would of been awesome if he was on the Teen Titans anime I suppose. Though is their ongoing series of books?:confused:

[Ikonic]

Ah, it is sad that reality will not like African American to have its own book. Though I really like the series. It would of been awesome if he was on the Teen Titans anime I suppose. Though is their ongoing series of books?:confused:

I'd like to answer you but I can't understand what you wrote. Can you reword it a bit?

[Froggy]

How did the series end? I was only frequently keeping up with the show. If this was already answered in this ready, sorry about that.

his series sort of abruptly ended then they had the dc crossover, with the return of the cool miniseries about someone kidnapping bangbabies

YOU SHOULD GET IT

[OrpheusTelos]

How did the series end? I was only frequently keeping up with the show. If this was already answered in this ready, sorry about that.

The series itself kinda ended abruptly with a school shooting if I remember correctly. Several years later because of the popularity of the show, a limited series called Rebirth of Cool was released that, while it was mainly about Static, served as a send off for the Milestone Universe in general with multiple bang babies (including members of both Shadow Cabinet and Blood Syndicate) getting kidnap. At the end of the series, Virgil decides to go into semi-retirement or sorts, saying he'll be a hero when they need him.

[Ikonic]

I've read the trade and I'm still reading through back issues. I'm lovin' it!!! Static is such a great character. Definitely check it out.

[Dwayne McDuffie]

The series itself kinda ended abruptly with a school shooting if I remember correctly. Several years later because of the popularity of the show, a limited series called Rebirth of Cool was released that, while it was mainly about Static, served as a send off for the Milestone Universe in general with multiple bang babies (including members of both Shadow Cabinet and Blood Syndicate) getting kidnap. At the end of the series, Virgil decides to go into semi-retirement or sorts, saying he'll be a hero when they need him.

The Rebirth of the Cool miniseries came out *during* Static Shock's first season, it was recently reprinted in a trade paperback collection called "Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool." The trade also contains the first four issues of the original Static, his origin arc. It's available at your local comic book retailer.

The Static Shock school shooting episode was the Humanitas Award-winning "Jimmy," which actually ran during the third of Static Shock's four seasons. Static Shock the TV series ended after 52 episodes with "Power Outage," wherein Ed Begley Jr. plays a scientist who comes up with a cure for the Bang Babies. I didn't care for it much, but it wasn't abrupt, it was a real series finale.

[FrogMan]

New Static series, please!!!!! (comic I mean, but hurry up and get the tv show on DVD!)

[Ikonic]

What would anybody think about a live-action Static movie?

[Ullar]

What would anybody think about a live-action Static movie?
If done right it would be awesome. I just doubt that it will be done right.

[noh-varr]

Alright, some of the comments I'm going to make deal with the general "character X needs a series" and some will deal with Static specifically and maybe some with Milestone characters in general too.

First off, this whole I demand Static gets a series... done by who? There hasn't been a suggestion made, just lots of moaning that Static needs a series. But who would write and draw this theoretical series that MUST HAPPEN NOW!?!

Static is a strong character who has made Warner Bros lots of cash. This does make it seem silly to not have a book of his own. I don't think it's because he's black (I at least hope it's not something that stupid and hateful). I really think it's one of two reasons. One they want a big name to help launch a new series with a character (they wrongly assume) is a bit of a gamble because no one has a memory past a few months ago (unless it is bringing back ANOTHER stupid dead Silver Age character) since no big name has anything, why do it? This can be extended to no one really having a good enough pitch for what they think would be a good Static story or they could be waiting for him to get some more time in Titans and then announce it. The other reason could be involving McDuffie. We know the whole hubub about that where DC screwed him and he talked about it, which made them drop him. While I think both sides screwed up on that (really DC give mandates to the guy who made a series that made the Vigilante cool with just a few appearances? hell just let him go and say don't kill any of the big guys. And you don't publicly vent about your job imo, you talk to your boss and deal with things or you leave, but that's my work ethic). Maybe the whole deal screwed over or postponed a Static launch.

I think those two options also apply to the rest of the Milestone characters. I believe McDuffie was going to put Icon (think I even read as much) on the JLA and that would have lead to more Milestone stuff. But with him off the book, no Icon on the League. I'd like to see Hardware (or Steel for that matter) join the JLA and be the tech guy, I think both are great characters and fill similar Iron Man/tech roles. Though looks like Ray Palmer will be that guy instead.

Most of the Milestone guys aren't instant books with no lead up. Static is really the only guaranteed sell. Which is why I hope DC has found a good creative team to make such a book happen. Icon could be interesting tied into another book that would either lead to his own book or something. He's being watched by the government after the whole Kryptonian thing, his status makes him "above" GL law. Hell there are two stories can instantly toss him into, a Superman book or a GL book. Sadly can't see a GL thing for a few more months thanks to the whole Darkest Night thing, maybe a Brave and the Bold? But a guest spot in a Superman book dealing with the government could be interesting. The only worry is him looking like a black Superman and nothing else. Which his power set makes him look like one, but many other characters are clones of the big S. His persona does make him interesting and there are stories to tell.

The above is just a quick little thought of one non Static character. I think they should be making appearances in other books if need be. I do wish they had prepared something in advance, but a true creative process can't always be rushed. I think an African American super hero can easily hold their own comic book and be a success. I don't think DC is racist, stupid maybe, but not racist. It may take a while though, we don't know the exacts of McDuffie's plans and what are happening with them, or what other creators have in mind or don't have in mind. Maybe everyone is set on other things. DC seems to sit on something wait until 6 issues or so are DONE and then announce it. Maybe it's right around the corner and we don't know it.

[Dwayne McDuffie]

Maybe it's right around the corner and we don't know it.

If so, I don't know it either.

[Free-Man]

What would anybody think about a live-action Static movie?

Like someone said, it would be great if done right. But Hollywood isn't gonna greenlight a superhero movie with a non-white lead unless they have a big name star attatched (Hancock, Blade).

Hell, they didn't even have enough respect for Avatar to cast Asian actors!:mad:

[AdamYJ]

If so, I don't know it either.

Y'know, Mr. McDuffie, I'm sure they're just waiting for the right pitch or project to come along for Static and the rest of your characters.

I mean, it doesn't make any sense. They pay money to license a whole stable of characters from you and your partners and only for the sake of putting Static in the Teen Titans and having a few other guys appear in JLA and Brave and the Bold. :confused: I mean, that's not very good business sense at all. If you pay money to use something, then you should use it.

[Kasper Cole]

Slightly off topic but didn't see a point for a new thread for this one simple question. What was Static's original series called?


Static

Then there was there was the Static Shock: rebirth of cool mini.

And now he's in the sub par Teen TItans book (love the static character but I'm not buying that boring book for nothing).

[Kasper Cole]

What would anybody think about a live-action Static movie?

With how Hollywood is I could only see this getting green if Will Smith was Executive producing......and then you just know his kid would be playing Virgil. :tongue:

[Ikonic]

With how Hollywood is I could only see this getting green if Will Smith was Executive producing......and then you just know his kid would be playing Virgil. :tongue:

That would be great but I think that it could still happen without him being attached. Static is such a unique character and I feel that his powerset is just begging to be realized in CGI rendering, flying disc and all.

[Ikonic]

This is the month to start pickin up Teen Titans! (Still would much more prefer a solo)

[4sake]

This is the month to start pickin up Teen Titans! (Still would much more prefer a solo)

I may check it out...