DC Hopes Static Can Be a Thing in Comics Again

DC Comics is bringing back Static, the electrically powered superhero Virgil Hawkins, as part of the New Titans team in its upcoming issues. Static will officially join the team in New Titans #38, set to release in August 2026, with a four-page prelude appearing in issue #37 in July. The current Titans lineup includes Nightwing, Terra, Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), and Wonder Girl (Yara Flor), and the team’s next storyline will take them to the Amazon rainforest, where Static is expected to play a significant role. Static’s return marks another phase in his ongoing reintroduction to the DC Universe throughout the 2020s. Previously, he appeared in a Batman Beyond crossover, the Dakota Incident one-shot tied to New History of the DC Universe, and a DC K.O. tie-in that featured several of his future teammates. Joseph P. Illidge, co-writer of Dakota, described this period as “Act Two” of Static’s comeback, signaling DC’s intention to maintain the character’s presence beyond brief appearances. Despite these efforts, fans remain cautiously optimistic given Static’s history of intermittent returns and departures from the spotlight. The character originally gained popularity through the Milestone Universe imprint, which DC has periodically revived with varying degrees of success. By integrating Static into the New Titans, DC aims to provide a more focused and sustainable platform for the hero, potentially solidifying his role in the broader DC narrative. New Titans #38 and the preceding issue will be closely watched by fans eager to see if Static’s latest resurgence will endure. His inclusion in a prominent team and involvement in a major storyline could mark a turning point for the character, who has long been regarded as a fan favorite with untapped potential within the DC Comics lineup.