Shock to the System! Static Should Get a YOUNG JUSTICE Spinoff Series


Next to the more contemporary figures of comic books, one of my all-time favorite superheroes is Static. I recently wrote an article about how he and other fairer skinned heroes should get their own films (you can read it here). But after watching some episodes of Young Justice: Invasion and seeing his cameo on Justice League: War, I’d settle for another cartoon series featuring the high voltage hero.

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DC Comics obviously shares my appreciation of Static (aka Virgil Hawkins) since they keep bringing him back to the mainstream. Years after his comic book was cancelled in 1993, the young hero was saved from obscurity in the form of the television series Static Shock. After three seasons and a guest appearance on Justice League Unlimited, he was integrated into the main DC Universe, became a member of the Teen Titans and got his own solo series with the New 52.  Sadly that book was cancelled after only eight issues.

Static was once again saved by being one of the new characters in Season 2 of Young Justice, even though he and the other new kids were a nod to the affirmative action heroes of the Superfriends era. To this day, I think Young Justice was cancelled too early and should’ve gotten at least one more season under its belt. With a spinoff series, the show can continue and open us up to new adventures.

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I know some of you are thinking “How can Static have a show with all the Bang Babies if he already has powers?” That’s quite simple actually. I noticed that in Young Justice, Virgil’s powers seemed a bit weaker than what I’m used to seeing. Seriously, he could barely hover a few feet off the ground when using his powers. A new series can start a few months after the end of the show and have Virgil’s friend Larry Wade (who was a drug dealer/gang member in the comics and TV show) going to the big gang brawl. Virgil, as a motivated new hero, could investigate and get caught up in the Big Bang. The Quantum Juice (which gives Bang Babies their powers) could be developed by Alva Industries as a result of studying The Reach’s drinks and leftover technology. Since it would be slightly different from what Virgil was originally exposed to, the process could affect his powers and make them stronger. Because of the need to protect his city from the new metahumans, Static could put himself on the reserve list of The Team and continue his story in Dakota City.

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A show like that could keep the action and tone of Young Justice but add some wisecracking and geeky humor that teenage heroes like Static tend to have. It can also use characters from both Static Shock and Static’s original comic book so that he has his own rogues gallery and supporting characters. Throw in one or two Team focused episodes in the first season, a team up episode with Icon and Rocket, and some mentoring moments from Black Lightning (who did offer it to him), and you’ve got a solid new show for all to enjoy.

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The only things I would suggest is to give Virgil an actual costume (he only wore a sweat suit and a t-shirt in the show) and making Frieda Goren, Virgil’s best friend in the comics, the only one to know his secret identity. Don’t get me wrong, Richie/Gear was a nice touch for Static Shock, but this particular universe (aka Earth-16) is filled with teenage heroes. They’ll get along fine without one more.

Do you think Static should get another series? Would you want to see some new Young Justice episodes? Drop a comment below!