Among the announcements to emerge from the DC FanDome event this weekend was one that, albeit lower profile than the likes of The Batman, is important for several reasons: the return of Milestone, including word that a Static Shock movie could become part of DC and Warner Bros.' slate.
For those who don't recognise the name, the imprint debuted as Milestone Media in 1993. Founded by Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, Derek T. Dingle and the late Dwayne McDuffie, Milestone was based on the belief that comics significantly underrepresented anyone outside of the dominant straight white demographic, with Milestone Media intended as a response to the problem. Its output, published through DC but retaining editorial and merchandise control internally, was set in the fictional city of Dakota, and referred to as the “Dakotaverse.”
Characters in the 'verse included Static (which became animated series Static Shock), Icon, Rocket and Hardware. In 2021, the company will relaunch, featuring an all-new Static Shock digital comic series written by Reginald Hudlin, now a full partner of Milestone, and drawn by a mystery artist, as well as an additional graphic novel by Hudlin, with art by Kyle Baker. A series reviving Icon And Rocket, by Hudlin and Milestone founder Denys Cowan will also launch.
Hudlin mentioned the possibility of the Static Shock movie as part of a panel chaired by journalist and TV writer Marc Bernardin.