Following my Captain Atom Vol. 1 Savage Hawkman Vol. 1 write-up, Static Shock Vol. 1 is up on the read list.
Scott McDaniel — Writer, Penciller
John Rozum — Writer
Andy Owens — Inker
Published 20 Jun 2012
Collects Static Shock 1 – 8 (7 Sep 2011 — 4 Apr 2012)
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Art
Static may be the only superhero with a costume that is at some times skin-tight and other times baggy.
Story
This book right in the middle of things with Static Shock relocated to New York City with his family as he interns at STAR Labs as he tries to figure out what happened to his perfectly cloned sister. A multitude of bad guys are introduced, in an elaborate vertical monopoly of evil from street level gangsters to super-powered enforcers for a shadowy government conspiracy. Quantum Juice, the substance that gave Static his powers, is purchased by the bad guy and tested on unwilling subjects. Infighting makes the conspiracy fall apart, and Static takes down the surprise ringleader with the help of his superhero mentor and his own clone, who disguised himself as Alkali to infiltrate the baddies. After the big showdown, his family decides to stay in New York and he continues to fight crime even though his “twin” sisters have accepted each other. Unfortunately, Static Shock was canceled after these eight issues, so I am not expecting much in the way of future resolution.
Connections
This book introduces Virgil Hawkins (Static Shock), Sunspot, Slate Gang, Trey Uhuru, Nico Patrollus, Jann Jon, Cole Brick, Kim Dagar, Dr. Curtis Metcalf (Hardware), Joey Scroccone (Piranha), Pale Man, Charles White, Kaitlin Stone, Emilio Marco, Tan Yeung, Virule, Jean Hawkins, Sharon Hawkins (and her clone), Robert Hawkins, Frieda Goren, Quentin, Dyson, Carlos, Nathan Flack (Dr. Nemo), Necahual “Necca” Martinez (Guillotina), Dr. David Davidson, Alkalie, 30 Weight, Biz Money B, Larry Wade, Tiffany Evans (Technique), Dr. Lewis, Vanessa, and Phayze. Hawkman, Captain Atom, Garrison Slate, Darkstar, Karmon Stringer (Rubberband Man), Giordano Family, and K’llumnus are mentioned. Pandora gets her cameo outside the Hawkins family residence as Virgil is asking his dad about getting a driver’s license. Besides his internship at STAR Labs, Hardware set up a secret base for Static at Wright Tools. The Manhattan volcano from Captain Atom Vol. 1 appears.
Next up, Savage Hawkman Vol. 1 Supergirl Vol. 1.