DC Comics Hints at the Return of a Classic Forgotten Hero

1 day ago 5

Published May 21, 2026, 11:01 PM EDT

Growing up in rural Iowa as a reluctant reader, it all changed when he started reading the original Fantastic Four by Lee/Kirby. Now Austin can't stop reading. He has written about comics for Comic Book Yeti and he has also written tons of indie comics, best known for Big Guns Stupid Rednecks.

The past few years have shown a massive resurgence of Static in comics. DC Comics is teasing yet another new series with everyone's favorite Bang Baby Static.

Recently appearing in New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident and in a team-up miniseries with Batman Beyond, Static may be back again soon with his own series. This fan favorite has a cult-like following stemming from not only his original Milestone Comics, but also from his early 2000s animated series, Static Shock.

Static Fans Are Ready For More of the Character

Virgil Hawkins, aka Static, made his first appearance in the pages of a comic book in 1993. Originally part of DC's Milestone Initiative, he would later go on to star in a beloved animated series. Despite his popularity, he has been extremely underutilized until recently.

DC has not only been using him in newer titles like New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident and Elseworlds: Batman Static Beyond, but it has also reprinted his classic Milestone stories. DC seems to be slowly going all in on the character, ready to bring him back for old fans while introducing him to new ones.

The animated series Static Shock debuted in 2000, spanning four seasons and 52 half-hour episodes. During the show's run, Static crossed over with Batman and Superman while also appearing in the Justice League Unlimited cartoon. Virgil was voiced by legendary voice actor Phil LaMarr.

"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 textured, 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,” said Phil LaMarr in an interview with Deadline.

The show was not only loved by fans but also critically acclaimed. Static Shock was nominated for several awards during its run and won a few, including a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition and a Humanitas Prize in the Children's Animation category.

Being brought back into the mainline DC Universe through 2026's New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident, his return has been long-awaited by fans. Marquis Draper's post on X gives readers much to speculate about. Will Static finally get another ongoing solo title? Will DC Comics add him to a team like the Teen Titans or the Justice League?

This character has been on the shelf for far too long, which makes his return even more triumphant. While DC has a large cast of interesting characters, it only has one Static. Until an official announcement is made, fans can only speculate about what comes next for Virgil Hawkins. However, he appears next, it is certain to leave everyone shocked.

DC Comics featuring Static can be purchased wherever comics are sold.