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A review by ashlightgrayson
Static: Season One by Vita Ayala, Nikolas Draper-Ivey
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a heartwarming and impressive reintroduction for Static's character. I could not help grinning with glee as I read through it. I can't help but think about how stoked Dwayne Mcduffie would be to see this. Static's origin as a bang baby is retconned to tie in with modern issues such as protests about racial equality and police brutality. It made Virgil feel like a real person from the get-go and made him a lot more relatable as a teenager living in the 2020s.
Additionally, I have to give kudos to the artists for all of these issues. The art style is reminiscent of manga/anime and it gives all of the characters and backgrounds a sleek, modern, but detailed look. I also love that they included a lot of diversity in the cast of characters. Ritchie is still represented as an LGBTQ+ character and his friendship with Virgil is as strong as ever. Ritchie, Frieda, and Virgil's family are all privy to his powers and the consequences of the bang baby incident pretty quickly. I appreciated that Virgil's relationship with his sister is depicted as close and loving, if not teasing. His family cares for him deeply and it is clear that Virgil's well-being is their priority. Despite being a teenager, Virgil's family respect his wishes and allow Virgil to argue his case, even when they disagree. It's so refreshing to see such a healthy family dynamic, for people of color especially. It is common to see a lot of representation for people of color of negative and unhealthy family dynamics. Hence, this is a breath of fresh air.
I would say that if you liked Into the Spiderverse, this has similar energy and is very hopeful, adventurous, fun, and heartfelt. I'm looking forward to reading season two. If you are not familiar with the character of Static, in my opinion, this is a phenomenal introduction.
Additionally, I have to give kudos to the artists for all of these issues. The art style is reminiscent of manga/anime and it gives all of the characters and backgrounds a sleek, modern, but detailed look. I also love that they included a lot of diversity in the cast of characters. Ritchie is still represented as an LGBTQ+ character and his friendship with Virgil is as strong as ever. Ritchie, Frieda, and Virgil's family are all privy to his powers and the consequences of the bang baby incident pretty quickly. I appreciated that Virgil's relationship with his sister is depicted as close and loving, if not teasing. His family cares for him deeply and it is clear that Virgil's well-being is their priority. Despite being a teenager, Virgil's family respect his wishes and allow Virgil to argue his case, even when they disagree. It's so refreshing to see such a healthy family dynamic, for people of color especially. It is common to see a lot of representation for people of color of negative and unhealthy family dynamics. Hence, this is a breath of fresh air.
I would say that if you liked Into the Spiderverse, this has similar energy and is very hopeful, adventurous, fun, and heartfelt. I'm looking forward to reading season two. If you are not familiar with the character of Static, in my opinion, this is a phenomenal introduction.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Racism