User reviews

Virgil Hawkins (Phil LaMarr) is a high schooler from Dakota City. Virgil lost has paramedic mother to stray gunfire from gang violence some years back and lives with his widowed father Robert (Kevin Michael Richardson) a social worker who runs the Freeman Community Center, and older sister Sharon (Michele Morgan) who attends college and volunteers at the community center. When Virgil stands up against bully Francis "F-Stop" Stone (Danny Cooksey), the fight goes poorly until a rival gang of F-Stop's protects Virgil but soon demands Virgil's loyalty in return. After being pressured to attend Virgil is brought to the docks where a fight among Dakota's gangs is happening, but the police firing tear gas causes a chain reaction that leads to an explosion of volatile chemicals and gasses, in what becomes known as the Big Bang, that start to mutate everyone at the docks into super powered beings known as "Bang Babies" including Virgil. When Virgil awakens the next morning, he discovers he has developed powers to manipulate electricity and magnetic fields and with his best friend and confidant Richie Foley (Jason Marsden) Virgil becomes the hero Static.

Created in 1993 by Milestone Media, a coalition of African-American writers and artists Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle, the character was the second longest running Milestone comic behind Hardware. Following the cancelled development of an X-Men esque series called The New Guard the team, which consisted of veterans involved in both Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series were assigned to work on adapting the Milestone character Static. While the comic's initial creative team had no direct involvement in the development of the series, series/character co-creator Dwayne McDuffie would be hired on eventually as a story editor and writer on the show in a capacity he'd serve to the series' conclusion. The show became a staple of Kids WB throughout the early '00s and reignited interest in both Static and associated Milestone Media characters. The show also lead Dwayne McDuffie to work on other animated series such as Justice League and Justice League Unlimited as well as the Teen Tians cartoon series and Ben 10: Alien Force. Static Shock has a few rough spots as you'd expect from a gritty early 90s comic retrofitted for Saturday Morning television, but in terms of creating a memorable hero and engaging world Static Shock succeeded.

As with the comic book upon which it was based, Static Shock takes a lot of influence from Stan Lee's Spider-Man. Much like Peter Parker, Virgil Hawkins is a typical teenager still finding his way in the world. There are some key differences such as the loss of a family member serving as a motivating force and despite Virgil's dead mother the show doesn't copy the "Uncle Ben" framework regarding it and its purpose is a more subtle motivation rather than the overt "With great power comes great responsibility" guiding phrase of the Spider-Man books. The show, especially during its first two seasons, tackles issues related to gang violence, bullying, racism/bigotry, mental illness and even homelessness. The strongest episodes of the show are where Virgil/Static comes across a supervillain or even a regular person who's tied to some real world societal failure with haunting episodes like bullying/school shooting episode "Jimmy", Homelessness/Mental Illness episode "Frozen Out", Racism/Bigotry episode "Sons of the Fathers", and even episodes about stalkers like "Now You See Him...". Static Shock when it addressed these issues did so in a way that was relatable and approachable to its target audience without ever feeling pandering or condescending. Yes episodes like Jimmy had a fourth wall breaking epilogue directly addressing the audience, but when you approach a topic like school shootings on a show aimed at children it kind of goes without saying you need something like that, even when adult shows like American Crime tackled this subject the episode was intercut with testimonials from survivors of the Columbine Massacre. Despite showing a willingness to tackle "real" subject matter, Static Shock still allows itself to be fun and enjoyable as well. With a varied assortment of rogues for Static to square off against, the show has plenty of opportunities for action and adventure, and even allows for some metanarratives to play in the background such as Rubberband Man's character arc from villain to hero, meta human She-Bang trying to escape her past, or billionaire Edwin Alva trying to rectify wrongs between him and his son. The show also features entertaining exchanges between Virgil/Static and his best friend and eventually partner Richie with Phil LaMarr and Jason Marsden exhibiting solid chemistry.

And then there's those "growing pains" I mentioned. Over the course of the show's run Static Shock had a tendency to do a large number of cross-overs and celebrity guest spots from seasons 2 through 4. While on occasion they were reasonably unintrusive with guest spots from AJ McLean or Lil Romeo working somewhat in context with the established music industry scene as it relates to Rubberband Man's career as musical artist Adam Evans, some of the cameos felt pretty forced such as the episode Static Shaq where Shaquille O'Neal comes to the Freeman Community Center for a charity event or the season four episode Hoop Squad which features NBA players Steve Nash, Yao Ming, Karl Malone, and Tracy McGrady as a superhero team taking down a mad scientist named Dr. Odium. Admittedly these episodes are corny and pretty harmless and from what I've heard the writing staff only did them because The WB forced these premises on the team and they had fun recording with the guest celebrities so I glad about that, but it is the type of thing the screams "executive notes". I also felt the show got a bit more crossover crazy with other DCAU shows with Static crossing over with Batman: TAS 3 times (technically 2 and a half), Justice League twice (three counting the Green Lantern episode), Superman: TAS once, and Batman Beyond once. While there is a novelty to seeing Static crossover with other DC Superhero shows you know and love, the seasons only being 11-15 episodes long felt like this was taking away from time that could've been spent building characters established in Static's universe rather than fighting the spillover from other series.

Static Shock stumbles a few times, but when you're trying to do a show like this without much of an established supporting framework you're not going to begin with the smoothest stride. The show features strong superhero action as well as addressing of real world topics in a way that feels well thought out. The show did have a tendency to get a bit bogged down in DC crossovers as well as celebrity appearances that didn't feel all that well integrated, but outside of those relatively minor hiccups Static Shock was and remains a good show and its late showrunner Dwayne McDuffie has left an endearing legacy and character behind that helped expand the superhero landscape.

STATIC SHOCK (2000-2004) was such a great series. I have great fond memories watching it growing up. While in some ways it was pretty typical in terms of hero stories, there's still a lot of entertainment value. Static Shock is still a very cool show and certainly worth watching.

"In the city of Dakota, a teenage boy, Virgil Hawkins, with electricity based powers, with the help of his inventive friend, fights crime as a superhero."

Not sure if there was any "blaxpoitation" going on, as some have previously said or just early attempts of representation, but either way this Superhero series was a really cool show, and one of the earlier series that had a black superhero lead characters (Blade, Spawn, Storm, Bishop, Black Panther etc.), especially in a time when there were very few of them. So that should count for something. Static Shock was a fun show, regardless of race and definitely worth notice. It shouldn't have been cancelled.

Static Shock was most definitely not bad, but you could tell that the writers put their big effort in other projects simultaniously in production like Justice League, and unlike the previous show in the DCAU from mostly the same writers which aired on the Kids WB, Batman Beyond, this was more geared towards a younger audience.

And therefore it has its limitations in how high it can raise the stakes. Most of the show is this uninspired trope of coping with new found superpowers and learning how to be a true hero which has been done to death millions of times before.

But when the show dedicates some episodes to cross over with other parts of the DCAU it gets a little more exciting, and that's sadly the highest praise I can give Static Shock as a TV-show. I didn't have a strong nostalgic connection to it, so if you like it that's great, and I appreciate that. And thanks to this show for giving people of color some representation in superhero cartoons.

I first saw Static Shock several years ago on the Kids WB! morning schedule.

This program is honestly one of the smartest and funniest on children's television today. Virgil Hawkins is a teenaged superhero who is given powers in "the Big Bang," a chemical sort of explosion. With the help of his friend Richie, he turns himself into Static Shock. Static fights the "Bang Babies" who go crazy and steal or hurt others.

One of the best things about this show is how real life topics such as school shootings and gangs are easily worked into the plot without feeling fake. The stories feel relatable. Other topics include racism, judging by appearance, the loss of a family member, and more. Virgil and Richie make the best friends duo work without coming across as cheesy or unreal, and they both deal with the problems they face maturely.

The only bad thing about the show is how guest stars are not well worked into the script. The only exception of this was Shaq. The guest stars take some getting used to, and sometimes distract from the rest of the show, but they usually don't feel too out of place. One of the most amusing things is when Virgil and Richie talk about superheroes and get starstruck. At least the show is believable, and highly recommended.

Static Shock is a good attempt at what WB kids was trying to do. Except they over shot it with making Static "coooool." All be it, Static is a teenager trying to be cool. Which does make the show appealing to a younger audience.

All in all the show did have it's moments that childhood television needs. Having episodes that dont sugar coat real issues like racism, bullying, and gun violence. Instead, Static deals with these episodes head on and doesn't look back.

The crossover episodes are always the ones I look forward too, which is kind of the reason I watch the show. Static is kind of a bland character and more of DC's way of trying to tell a Spider-man story.

Overall Static Shock is a decent show that unfortunately does not have the same impact the way the rest of the DCAU shows like Batman, Superman, or Justice League has. 2 or 3 episodes must be watched, but the rest can be skipped.

Next to justice League and Young Justice, this is one of few great DC animated shows that have been made in the last 15 years. I won't go into detail about how well the writing in this show is whether I'm talking about the theme of an episode, or the actual dialogue, but man oh man this is awesome. I remember watching this show when I was younger (only 16 now) but this was a cartoon that I only got to "sometimes" watch. The feeling I got when it aired was something I haven't felt from a show in a while. This show basically covers all things such as racism, finding yourself, and even simpler things as accomplishing a goal. Only of shows were made like this now a days... sadly there are no DC animated shows anymore and it breaks my heart. PROPS TO STATIC SHOCK.

I'm pleased that you all like the show. I love "Static Shock". It is indeed (or at least was) one of the better toons on TV. Though every now and then, it appears to go a little over-board with the whole racism awareness biz, the show was definitely an anchor point for individuals who felt that they were not equally represented in the pool of superheroes that we know of today.

However, I must bring forth the fact that Static is not a new character. He isn't the first African – American superhero either. In fact, his character was taken from an earlier DC character named Black Steel.

Also, FYI… Green Lantern, Cyborg, BumbleBee, Herald and HotSpot are all African American – in addition to Static.

But I agree with all of you – Bring Static back! Induct him into the Justice League – as a matter of fact, BRING BACK THE JUSTICE LEAGUE!!!

In my opinion of the show's fate, I think that warner brothers officials were wrong to cancel this show, although it lasted 4 seasons it could've been at least 3 more seasons until the did what they did...

As for this whole comic book movie battle between DC and MARVEL, I think that DC/WARNER BROS. should make a live action version of static shock and bring it to the big screen. Not that many people knew who Blade was until Wesley Snipes played the role

So in the end, if DC wants to introduce new product to the big screen, why not give Static his time in the spotlight...I mean c'mon, they gave Jonah Hex his own film later this year.

I'm a DC fan but this show is trash in all aspects. It even makes Batman look bad. It has no depth, filled with stereotypes, extremely boring dumb villains that have no origin. I could go own. Of course it has a little "woke" liberalism but not nearly as bad as today. This show is horrible in all aspects!

I think this is one of the best Cartoon shows KidsWB has! It's really cool! I think it's neat because it talks about current issues, like bigots, homeless folk, gangs, guns...... each eppie they try something new! And the fact that Static has LIMITS is rather cool! I mean, he can actually get knocked out, feel tired, and has social obligations! Plus he's a normal kid in a abnormal situation! 2 Thumbs Up for this series!!

Diversity, socioeconomic class issues, and a coming of age story rolled up into a cartoon. This is what I'd want my kids to see.

I loved this cartoon. I used to watch it with my son. Wish it still came on. Really good cartoon!!! Please put this back on at least have some repeated episodes on. I want to watch new episodes but at least repeats. Hopefully this means that really soon it will come back on cable really soon. I know my son also would like to watch cartoon again. Please put it on within next few months. Once again I am saying that want it to repeat on cartoon channel. It is not okay that have to write this many lines because do not have much to say. But I really do like this cartoon and maybe new episodes will come on sometime soon because me and my children like this show.

I'm 25 now and when people ask me my favorite cartoon when I was younger this show immediately pops into my head. Great voice acting and a great mix of originality and old school superhero fun! And bringing on guests or doing crossovers into the bigger DC Universe was great as well! Almost makes me wonder if they could ever pull the show off in a live action big screen movie!

This show is very good. I have never seen any cartoon that feature African Americans as the main character. It is about time cartoons started being "real". As far as trying to be too black, I think that most teenagers act that way. Name two no one show similar to this, HA you can't. I like this show, it is real nice, now it only they had a girl version. Very good I hope they keep it on for a while.

I watched Static Shock on Kids WB reruns and rewatched it on Youtube after seeing a review of it. I forgot how clever it was written. It showed the harsh reality of life at times especially for many groups. The "Bang Babies" are so interesting how some become villains and how Static became a hero because he was inspired by another black superhero. I love how it takes a typical superhero backstory a chemical explosion and Virgil just goes along with it and becomes a superhero; suit and all. However it does show more than just fighting crime, its a mix between daily life and superhero life. Its not just about the Bang Babies though it shows that a lot of people go though struggles. The harshest episode is Jimmy. I can't believe that an earlier 2000s episode shown an almost school shooting. Even seeing a real gun and not a water gun like 4kids would have done. Static is a great character. He's kind and funny. I really wish we could get another adaption of Static Shock. Its a great Saturday morning cartoon with a lot of good lessons and some more serious episodes. It feels more realistic than other superhero shows. The crossover between the Batman was great because they're both amazing superhero cartoons. I really recommend watching this especially if you like Spiderman and Batman or early 2000s cartoons.

the reason it was knocked off air is because it ws being ran by the wb kids cw7 came in and bought it the wb company let it finish it's season and cw7 decided to be total ret$rds and not allow it to finish all seasons to be aired this show was highly important for more than one reason for starters static got himself a role in the justice league in a future that may or may not come now because of the canceling so another words any show to come to air thats justice league related in any way may never have static in it while in a time travel episode it was said that static would be if not one of the greatest superheroes he would be the greatest superheroes not sure which but cw7 they are complete absolute 100% ret$rds for what they didn't do with the show it was awesome

When you look under, the definition of "underrated" Static Shock will be there. Not batman. No underwear wearing heroes. No gloomy darkness. Only a teenager that has an electric shock to discharge all over the place. SS is underrated as a show and as a character. Ever since this show died SS has been underused while the same boring batman keeps annoying. He was Miles of DC. Again the show was perfect all over I can't think of a flaw.

Last Words: A shocking show!!

Static Shock is one of my favorite cartoons.It's so cool, with action, animation and funny dialogues. Virgil Hawkins is a boy who have been affected by a strange nuclear cloud called "The Big Bang".With the explosion, he gained superpowers to control electricity.But Virgil wasn't the only person that had been affected by the Big Bang. Many school bullies had gained powers, and then they terrorize people in not only in school but also in the whole city.Then Virgil uses his power to defeat the bullies! In the second series, Virgil meets many famous superheroes, such as Batman, Superman, and others. His friend Richie also transforms into a superhero, known as Gear. Static Shock is a very cool cartoon. I give a score of 9.5/10.

I love Static. This is easily one of my favorite cartoons on television, and Static has always been one of my favorite Super heroes. Static will cross over into a live action show or movie franchise one day because he is a deep character and he has mass appeal. The creator of Static, Dwayne McDuffie, did try to get a live action TV Show of Static developed, but The WB passed up the script, which is sad because I really think that Static would make good Smallville-type drama.

Some Static episodes are light-hearted, but some deal with serious issues like racism, death, and social issues. But what I absolutely love the most about this show is the crossover episodes they have with other DC characters like Batman, Robin, the Justice League, and even Batman Beyond. Static is good stuff. I hope that one day he crosses over into other media forms, outside the comics or the animated series. Static the animated series has all kind of cool Meta-humans that us comic fans can't get enough of, and Phil Lamar's voice work is genius. Static gets 10 stars out of 10!

Okay,so it needs so things ironed out,but in all this one of the better variety of quality cartoons that comes on Kids WB(The WB Network)which is mostly seen on Saturday Mornings. Its also one of the ONLY shows that features an African-American teenage superhero!! The show does start out kinda of slow at first,but it pickes up speed very quickly and the action doesn't stop. By the way,where do you have special guest stars who appeared like Batman one week(where the Caped Crusader and Static battle with the evil Joker),and then the next week have Shaquille O'Neal battling evil doers(with a basketball)all in a half-hour and at the end of the show,the animators display the characters as they are drawed on paper and showed in detail to the audience?

Only on Static Shock! Catch it on Kids WB!

Static Shock is an excellent show, for modern Saturday Morning fare. It is based on Static, one of Milestone Comics' flagship titles, and a very good comic book. The title character, an African-American teenage superhero with electromagnetic powers is portrayed as a real kid, both in and out of costume, and not as a walking stereotype of either black youth, or superhero. All the voices are done quite well, also. It is refreshing to see different faces on television than what we're "used to". Kids WB has a winner with this one. If they're smart, they'll keep it around.

It's sad that Static Shock isn't being made any more, because I thought by far it was the greatest show on animation since 2000-. At least it is still on. Dwane McDuffie and Phil LaMarr really did a great job, along with of the other cast too of course. I hope that this show well stay on forever and ever. That would be cool! I don't know why it was ever canceled, and I want to!!!! I really thought that Static Shock was more than just a super hero, he was kind of like an idol because they made him human. He wasn't born a meta human, but he got into trouble and that all led up to becoming Static Shock, and I think that that is the most possible thing I have seen yet as far as super heroes. I especially like how they cover the issues that people face today like racism and gang fights. Again its a bummer that STATIC got canceled.

I LOVE STATIC SHOCK (super hero Static Shock woo hoo!)

Peace and out, your forever #1 fan,

-Ame