"From time to time we receive letters from readers who wonder why there’s so much moralizing in our mags. They take great pains to point out that comics are supposed to be escapist reading and nothing more. But somehow, I can’t see it that way. It seems to me that a story without a message, however subliminal, is like a man without a soul." - Stan Lee (1970)
I took the time to listen to you and I appreciate your input, I do remember the STATIC SHOCK tackling race issue but regardless I love the show, I am still thinking of just collecting all the old STATIC SHOCK comics and getting a Blu-ray DVD of STATIC SHOCK original series. Cause he is one of my favorite African American superheroes!
my dislike is when they do it in a way that doesn't fit well with the story, or when it starts looking like a psa rather than a story, static tends to mix politics and story fairly well so in regards to static i have no complaints.
I am perfectly fine fine with the changes to statics origin. This origin makes more sense to me as despite peer pressure and gang violence being a common occurance in life, him going to a gang fight felt of for me and with the alterations in Virgil's home life in the new version that makes the protest even more of a natural thing for Virgil to do. I have always loved static since I first saw the show and this comic book has got me hyped so much
The boy's mom died in the show in a town-wide riot, his best friend endured anti-gay sentiment in the comics, and in the show he dealt with the temptation of joining a gang due to bullying, PLUS got his powers during a fight between gang members and police. To claim Static is too political is to ignore his very history as a character.
@@OEMPlus it’s real life. To you, being one who doesn’t live this life, it’s propaganda. Maybe it’s exposing you and others like you to a world you don’t know but too often criticize without knowledge.
I think the issue is that the way the new comic handled it was too on the nose. In the old comics, Vergil got his powers via coincidence. He was a victim of bullying, and one day he got so tired of it, that he tried asking a gang leader for help with dealing with his bully problem. In hopes of recruiting him, the gang leader gave him a gun, and it just so happened that his bully was a member of a rival gang. Vergil arrived at the docks to find the two gangs fighting, and hid so he would not be spotted when he took the shot- he was trying to psyche himself up to pull the trigger, but he had a crisis of conscience that helped him not to pull the trigger. As he was about to sneak off, the police showed up in helicopters to deal with the gangs and in the ensuing firefight, a stray bullet struck gas canisters storing experimental mutagen gas. This resulted in everyone present being exposed to the gas, and later gaining powers. This is common knowledge, but i bring it up in order to contrast it with the near one-sided portrayal of both Vergil and the riot police in the new comics. They are called in to monitor a BLM protest out of fear it will become a riot, which Vergil is attending, and the police happen to be equipped with 'experimental' anti-riot gas grenades. As things escalate, the police leader orders them to use the experimental grenades, and when an officer questions the ethics of using untested chemical weapons on civilians, the squad leader says something along the lines of "Look at them, they deserve it". This portrayal is the first issue I have with the new comic, because it completely removes any nuance of the gassing being an accident and the nuance of Vergil's character, directly contrasting both the old comics and the TV show. the clear malice of the squad leader towards the protesters, portrays the police as brutal assholes who don't value the lives of innocent civillians, and is a blunt allegory about real world events. However, portraying vergil as a harmless victim, comes back to bite the writers on the ass with how they portray Vergil one he discovers he has powers. In the new comics, he faces his bully and with his new powers, begins to torture him as payback. This is the scene that put off many fans, because it makes Vergil act like a psychopath. He confronts his bully at school, and decides to torture him with electricity, freaking out his friend (Gears) who begs Vergil to stop, to which he eventually listens... but he doesn't stop because he remembers his moral values or out of a sense of remorse, he isn't fazed by the risk of killing him- He only stops because he realizes that the guy's screams are drawing attention and that "It would make him look bad if he was caught torturing him". This not only directly contradicts how he was presented in the protests, but offers not a single sign of nuance. THAT is not the behavior of a good person, much less someone who wants to be a superhero.
It really does because it shows that even with the bullying and threats you don't have to be part of that lifestyle. If there was any real world connection between the show and black society is that moment right there. To many people I know personally came to that same crossroad with bad results
the speech Virgil's dad gives about the world changing around bigots without them noticing is really....extremely relevant to these people who always complain about wokeness in their favorite comics. Most of them were challenging politics at the time, but we don't notice that as a kid, so we don't think of those issues as political when we grow up, because that's just how much the world changed.
I think the issue lies on the fact that a lot of people can’t distinguish between a story that contains “woke” messages vs. an inclusivity piece that happens to tell a story.
@@runningbetweenspaces Woke is a catch-all term, for the center-right and the Right, to describe Far Left ideals and messages. Saying there is racism and that racism is bad is not "woke". Saying that racism is everywhere, all the time and that white people are *born racist* (yes, some major Far Left figures believe this) is "woke". Saying that gay-bashing is a thing that is bad and should be stopped is not "woke". Saying that not allowing trans-identifying people to participate in Women's *competitive* sports is akin to Genocide is "woke". Having the male protagonist of a show or movie being the only person who makes mistakes (or the vast majority of the mistakes) and never (or almost never) does the heroic things or (especially) saves the female character is "woke" (See: "Wendy & Peter Pan" & the live action "Little Mermaid"). Creating a new show or movie that primarily stars "people of color" (I hate that term) is not "woke". Deliberately changing well established characters from white to "people of color" is "woke" (See: every example of a redhaired fictional character changed out to with a black actor... see the *dozens* of examples in WotC's "reimagining" of the Lord of the Rings character art). "Woke" isn't *a* thing, or even *a* point of view... it can range from subtle, to blatant. But, like the famous quote about pornography: "I know it when I see it".
Yea issues like a power plant exploding basically in your face from a shoot out and experimental tear gas giving you power it happened to me last week (this is a joke btw)
There's a lot of non white characters in comics. A lot. Nobody does anything with them though. That's the problem. If you don't believe me go to Wikipedia and type in non white or minority comic book characters. Or just African American comic book characters.
I honestly didn't know Static was political, I would try to wake up early on Saturdays and watch it as a kid, and I loved it. A few years ago watching Young Justice Static made an appearance and I was like "Static?" with a big grin on my face. Political or not Static is awesome, easily one of my favourite heros ever. It can be politcal as much as the creators want, good, I love when stories have elements of real life in them, for me they make the story more emotional and worth investing in.
The best lesson is the one you don't notice being told. Static Shock cartoon did a TON of good while being surprisingly subtle, yet not subtle at all. That's what's missing from the current comic books. It's not that I don't WANT to see that messege. It's that I don't trust modern writers to tackle it correctly.
@@playahsan No no its not. Demon in a bottle. Speedy's drug addiction. The best lesson is the lesson itself not some generic watered down analogy for the lesson.
The episode of Static referenced that tackles racism from his best friend's father was 1) fantastic, and 2) recently shown in its entirety, without any ad breaks, at DC Fandome. That completely free, online event that I thought a bunch of us DC nerds showed up to watch. I would think that the episode, its core messages, and the political nature of Static and Milestone would be fresh on peoples' minds after Fandome where I believe this comic was first announced along with the Milestone relaunch. I personally love it when comics can balance very real and important themes/messages with their super heroism. You get the best of both worlds really, a fun, action packed adventure with cool characters, and the opportunity through story telling for the characters and audience to learn about how other people see the world. Static pulled this balance off extremely well in its time and I hope this new comic and manage the same.
When Drake played the clip I was honestly surprised they actually used the word "racism." Not enough stories, especially those directed at kids, say it so blatantly and it's great
@@owenslaughter9438 I agree, I said in my comment how the episode of the show referenced in the video was fantastic, the show did the same balancing act with super hero/teen antics and heavier messaging to its audience as the early comics did. I hope the same for this new material.
@@jackkelly9048 Oh agreed just had to throw a joke in there. I totally agree. I just have little hope for the comics and new shows because they don't have the same maturity that a show aimed at kids in the early 2000s.
I honestly prefer the original origin story. It felt more personal to Vergil and got its political points across just fine. Saying he’s involved with BLM is one thing (which I honestly felt the original Static would’ve been a part of if it happened back then), but having that as his origin story kinda feels like he had nothing to learn from this. The original had him learn that he had to be the bigger man and not simply kill his tormentors (throwing away the gun), this version sounds like he already knows that (peaceful protesting, not getting involved with the criminals, etc) and it kinda just feels like he’s being punished for standing up for his beliefs.
A way they could have kept the gun part in is by having a racist that was in the fight drop a gun and it lands infront of him. He sees all the hate, fighting and idiocy around him and hes filled with anger himself. He picks up the gun and aims it at a white old guy but then eventually stops himself and decides to be the bigger person. Realizing that hate against hate only leads to more hate. Sure it still would've been about blm mostly but what is racism? Bullying. So it still would've kept the original message but it just wouldn't be personal to him.
@@maximumforce8275 Why a racist? Why not another black person or a so called Ally. I agree Hate against hate is bad a bad thing but what you just said proves a bias. Why not have him doing an Actual march that people involved start to riot and loot and have him realize that not everyone there is for a purpose only a selfish gain, have it show the muddled grey than a black and white. When you paint with broad strokes it doesn't help find the issues it just creates more, because now you have a good Cop who is deemed evil just because a cop in a different state did something bad, and it's not he police who keep these people on the force it's the Police unions that threaten strikes and boycotts against the Departments.
@@rannenw6207 you do realise the ones who started the whole thing is the racists right? Since when were the protesters rioting before hand? Your comment is just hypocritical because now it shows your bias XD let's just agree to disagree here and leave it at that.
@@maximumforce8275 No because the world isn't that black and white. There are people who just go to these protests to hurt other and have a selfish gain there are police who are bad people and should never wear the badge ,but as I said the world is grey never black and white there is no good and evil just various greys. Do I agree with a white Supremacist no ,but do I agree with a CRT that all white people are racist no. Because I'm not willing to narrow my world view. I'll keep my eyes and ears open and learn from those around me regardless of race and make my own opinions of the world and treat people as their character deems not the look of them something it seems you haven't yet seem to learn.
As long as they keep the moral Complexity of static I'm happy. Because that what made static so interesting is he used to be in the wrong alot. Like dude was gonna kill a bully or i think was starting to become on later. And his dad told him you can't. Because we need to talk about the social issue of the time but not define the character in them. That why I love captain America he went from just being the poster boy of America to being what America should stand for
This, a big reason I liked Static was that despite all the stuff he was involved in or witnessed, he still saw the best in people, he was an altruist first before anything else. It was this nature he gained from his dad and it was because of this nature that they were even willing to give a racist a chance, which ultimately ended up changing his views a bit.
@@Void_Out yeah argee! I think sometimes because we want our heroes to he right we make them flawless. But I learned stuff because static could be wrong too but he got better. So I'm curious to see what they do with the character long term and ik some people are just gonna hate but man it so cool seeing one of my favorite in the limelight he deserves
That's why people are mad, before his origin story came with personal growth and that whole momento of "taking accountability for your own actions" like in spider-man, he was out seeking blood and got involved in something horrible, now it's just like he has no agency, it's just someone else fault, now he is a victim rather than someone that while trying to stop being a victim was about to become a murderer, those moments of growth are what made the character so compelling to everyone, now he is just poster boy for BLM
@@miguelmacias2401 Yeah I much prefer an Origin where a character grows and learns something through it that's why Spider-mans is easily one of the most iconic with this New origin I just find it to be way less interesting since Virgil Doesn't really learn anything from it I'm not against BLM being in it I feel like they could have easily had static going to a violent protest and breaking things up or something like that
@@miguelmacias2401 And how when he was about to murder the person he didn't care about if he was gonna kill them or not. He cared about his own image of what they'll think of him.
@@jaredfisher-ramos7744 And that's awareness, that's agency, that's the character making choices that moves the story, that was good story telling, his actions took him where the story begins, instead of the story coming to him
I'm not a writer but there is a simple yet fundamental lesson I learned about writing characters from playing D&D. Character development isn't all contained in the origin story. While that particular event can only occur at the beginning of the story and wouldn't make much sense later on, it might have even a better developed character by the end of the new comic run than the original cartoon or comics. It might be optimism but regardless, the worst case scenario is a less impactful story for the reboot. Honestly I see few reasons to complain as now, maybe later on we'll all hate the new comic together who knows.
This is just like when people say MLK wouldn't be like that.... even when he was accused of being too "political" by many of his contemporaries. A common attack meant to remove perceived legitimacy of a cause.
The Static Shock show is remembered fondly, and one of those reasons is b/c it didn't treat its audience like dumb little kids and brought up real world problems that they would inevitably experience. Also, when it did talk about real world problems, it wasn't shoved them down your throat. It was well written b/c the writers cared about the message and put effort into teaching that message. More writers need to take notes from Static Shock.
I feel like that whole era of tv especially animated series is just a lost and forgotten. Even Disney Chanel shows were tackling real issues with a nuanced thoughtful approach. I feel really lucky that I grew up in that time cause I’m sure they’ve had a huge impact on me and why I don’t fall for bigotry and hate speech like many do today
@@porassrivastava8242 depends on if he knows any of these caracters. Many comics tend to make it so only superman are well know, or only he exists. At least until they get teamed up with them
People that say comics shouldn’t be political seem to forget a huge amount of their favourite superheroes made their first appearances punching Hitler.
@@bool_aid_man510 so long as they’re responsible for the suffering of others based on characteristics they can’t control, they’re both worthy of being punched by a superhero
@@bool_aid_man510 no it's not. Oppression and murder is the same no matter what your name or job title is. Being a cop doing suddenly make it ok to break the law and hurt others
I'm more upset that the setting put Vergil on the moral high ground from the start he was ready to kill someone in cold blood and needed the responsibility of his powers to become better
Character development, they could have still brought in that element of the story while keeping current politics. Maybe he seeks revenge for the police officer who killed Brianna taylor. But they trapped themselves because then if he learns any sort of lesson from his origin then it would go against the political message. They could have used a fictional but similar story to Brianna and then added their own nuance, but they didn’t. And that’s just bad writing, real world events have no place in fiction. Fictional stories that can dive deeper into the real life story and events absolutely do.
This is why I like your channel, it's not afraid to go political when it's necessary and you bring up facts from past comics and shows that prove its not too different from past politics. Every thing isn't black and white with politics as most people think, there is a Grey area where people choose not to think about.
Dude, no. It's not simply because the new comic is "political", many are oblivious to the real problem. The comic is a propaganda in disguise, and it's biased. BLM's leaders profit by exploiting black people, and use that money to buy private mansions. Meanwhile, poor black people receive almost nothing. BLM is just a demagogic scam.
@@Ronin-lb5ij the comic is literally the experience of a black teenager in modern times of course it's going to be political and BLM is going to be mentioned and how police brutality happens on a daily basis and the impact on Virgil life, so yes BLM Will be mentioned who knows the founders buying that mansion may be mentioned this is the first issue give it a chance. Drake did an absolutely wonderful job in describing the issue.
Yes exactly, it's also really important that a white dude like Drake (or me) is out there saying these things because we need to be part of the solution, and the first step is not being afraid to talk about.
@@ureadthisurgay1057 you're definitely trolling but I'm saying this for the audience: cis white men also suffer under the patriarchy, and our boy Drake here is *obviously* talking to his fellow men, while reminding his audience that *there are better sources* for these kinds of topics. We're working as allies.
A big reason I prefer the original is it explained pretty simply why most of the bang babies were assholes or straight-up Villians. They were gangsters; of course, when given REAL power, they’re going to push up their bullshit. Peaceful protesters in power are more likely to stick to their morals, less easily explaining the villian ratio.
The only way I can think of how they can fix this is if there’s only a small percent chance of getting super powers and most of Virgil’s rogues gallery come from outside the protest. Otherwise… I’d prefer if they stuck to the original origin.
Getting super powers and looking the same is cool, but I would imagine getting outcast by family and friends because you look like a mutant would make people angry with those who caused it. Especially at a peaceful rally. That’s abuse of power…
@@SHS08Tweezy but in the original they only hated metahumans because they were villains, like, the story takes place in the same universe the justice league exist
The sons of the father episode stuck hard with me...when I was younger I was kinda kicked out of my best friends house by him because his dad came home and found me there in 6th grade then again in 10th...no reason more than being black but noone understood what that felt like...that episode made me feel like I wasn't alone
When I was young we often had to get on the floor because of constant shootings in the projects and it was done by other people who looked like me. But I’m sure you had it worse…
@@xstarsxromenguyen9854 I don't think that is what he was comparing himself too🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ he just made a statement... What happened to you was wrong as well but don't make it seem like what happened to him was somehow less effective in his life ... I didn't have either experience but I empathize with both of you because your my brothers and I actually care what you have gone through and what you go through... Where not supposed to be tearing each other down that's what they want us to do so stop it .. thank God your still alive and a stray bullet didn't find you .. because many have died from them you should definitely understand that part..
I agree 100% with your video. Saying the new Static Shock is "too woke" is nonsense because it always had important real-life issues such as homelessness, hopelessness, race, biggotry, drug abuse, gun violence and even general injustice. I will say that you being a White male and being so passionate about all of this speaks volumes and I am glad you did this. I've never been one to hate anyone based on race or sexual orientation. Stupid comes in all races and all genders, and so does goodness. Hell, I'm mixed with so much shit that if I was racist, I'd only be hating part of myself. I could go on and on, but I'll just end this by saying I look forward to more Static Shock and more of your content. Subscribed!
Yes, supporting an organization that screwed, robbed and murdered people for an incident manipulated for political interest to make a criminal aggressor of a saint. If you continue to support BLM, let's see how much money you gave them because they kept it and didn't help anyone lol hahaha PS: Go read RippaVerse better, that's a comic like before, not this new shit that they ruined.
The fact that I grew up to look almost just like Virgil on accident is hilarious to me I mean brown eyes? Check. Black/dark brown hair? Check. Brown skin? Check. Dreadlocks? Check. 5’8? I’m 5’8 and a half so that’s close enough. Male? Check. And I’m a actor. I mean... if they still casting for the static shock movie 👀👀👀
@@montebeverly237 "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." You should at least try. It would be really cool to see a random commenter on a Comics Drake video be cast in a Hollywood DC movie. Lol
I know making "controversial" videos is probably not fun because you have to deal with all the hate that comes with it but good got standing up and stating the truth Drake.
@@zegsi364 Fellas, is wanting basic human rights and fighting against the systems that are stopping you terrorism? Sometimes, but certainly not in this case
@@zegsi364 That's just your definition bud. Are there some that are more aggressive than others? Yes. But most often, a lot of them are peaceful. And if you wanted to make that judgement for an entire group just based off certain people, then you would have to make that argument for any other social activism or political group.
@@henrytm188 I hate that. Not realistic. People want politics and realism, meanwhile they don't want consequences of such realism? So do you want it or not? Picking and choosing is so inconsistent and lacks the integrity of a really good story. I want problems in my stories. Not "everything is perfect here" tropes.
@@ShadowProject01 there's actually a lot of hero stories with in tact families. It's just that Americans and other westerners tend to read mainstream American stories which have some family death here and there. Mostly because of so many reboots they have to shake things up to get old readers back. Heck, even some mainstream stories have intact families. Animal Man, for example.
@@ShadowProject01 miles mother dead af bro. Thats canon. Cyclops was still an orphan till they made that retcon that his dad is a space pirate lol. Fantastic 4 are all superheroes so they a bit different
I used to be majorly bigoted towards all sorts of groups, be it African Americans, gays, Trans people, etc. Growing up with my family didn't really help. All it really takes is to get informed. I was incredibly ignorant, and was in an echo chamber of that same ignorance. Part of my rehabilitation has been the creators I looked up to speaking the facts against this ignorance, and I can't thank you enough for providing the same to so many people.
I feel like a lot of these anti-woke, anti-sjw types want the characters they read to have mistreatment that's allegorical. So they can sympathize with the plight that mutants face in X-Men comics, but not real life marginalized communities. It doesn't make much sense, when you think about it.
I mean, for a long while the prevailing thought was to try and get people to think about things by using allegory rather than directly confronting the issue and thereby side step some of the prejudices. And it definitely works to an extent, but now it feels like people who grew up with controversial issues always being allegory don't like it when media shows the actual issue. They're OK talking about the AIDS epidemic and the treatment of gay people by society through metaphor, or have characters like Jadzia Dax who is a pretty big trans allegory, but not actually trans, but the moment you actually include gay people or trans people though, they freak out and say it's "Too political!"
>It doesn't make sense I think it makes perfect sense! If you read about fictional oppression you can just wiggle your finger against fictional Oppressors and forget about it. If it's a REAL marginalised group you have to acknowledge the failings of your society and can either decide to be indifferent about it or do something about it. Both are infinitely more challenging than just saying that Magneto has a point or that people in the Marvel universe are senseless bigots.
This is almost as stupid as that time everyone complained that watchmen got political. Comics are allowed to be political, and really, always have been.
It's funny how people trashed the sequel show on HBO because it dared to talk about racism in America and that it made Watchmen political despite the comic always being political. Hell, Rorshach was an Alt-Right lunatic. It shows that people who complain about politics don't read comics, even if they do, they don't understand the political messaging.
@@radexyz4918 But you were able to come to your own conclusions on it. Even with Green Arrow and Green Lantern which was a very political book, They really hit hard on the Liberal theme and how good they were, but they also showed that Green Arrow could be wrong and human and his ideas could at times just as wrong as conservative ones.
There's a difference between comics About politics and comics being used as politics. The former is amazing and has given us amazing stories and later has always been cringe and virtue signalling.
On some level everything is political. People hide behind "it's too political" when they're really saying they just want to silence political perspectives that aren't their own. Great video btw. I really like Static Shock and got introduced to him via the cartoon. It's cool to see he's still relevant today.
Well put, I mean people politicized mask wearing so it's not shocking that people think a comic saying "Don't be racist" is somehow supposed to be on one side of the aisle. Feels Freudian.
Saying that black lives matter shouldn't be political. It's not that only black lives matter. It's that often times black people lives are treated as lesser
Black lives matter. There's a difference between that statement and the organization black lives matter, which we know has used all of their donations to buy mansions for their founders instead of actually helping black people. I say this as a black person myself. I think most of the controversy over 'black lives matter' comes from the conflation with the organization BLM
And that the gas that mutated then was throw by the police and was supossed to track then? And that gang violence and the pipeline that forces black and poor kids to join then are the central conflict for most of the run? Like wtf
I’ve always loved Static. I’m white and was born into a lower middle class family in a predominantly white small town. My first exposures to the ideas or racism, school shootings, and gang violence were from the Static Shock cartoon. It really helped me get how pointless and stupid racism is, and why it shouldn’t be encouraged or celebrated. Unfortunately the world seems to be getting worse in that regard. Especially in the US since the 2016 presidential election.
I think you mean the 2020 presidential election. Since people seemed to want a president that spoke highly of a leader of the KKK, authored a crime bill that targeted black people, and called black people "super predators."
@@ZaxsP Was it the same one who said "if you don't vote for me, you ain't black" and claimed that you could either be white or you were poor? The one that was anti-LGBT and pro-segregation for his half a century of politics? We ended up with him as president, so time for talking about the 2020 election has well passed its time.
@ZaxsP - The super predators statement is a deviation from something Hillary Clinton said not Biden. Biden did create the crime bill decades ago & did apologize for it. Biden has not spoke highly of the KKK that was Trump reguarding Charlottesville. And during BLM protests at Lafayette Square Trump wanted protestors beat and possibly killed despite them being mostly peaceful.. Additionally Trump and his party have targeted Black People & Other Minorities from a variety of angles such as voting rights, supporting police brutality, odd financial laws and so on and so on. Black people voted for Biden because he wasn't a literal racist criminal lunatic causing people to die from a disease unlike Trump. And yes I am aware that you are likely a troll or an lying alt righter/someone pretending to be an alt righter. Either way its clear your twisting the facts.
I can agree on the political part, but shouldn't that conflict on the gang problem and all the villains? There was a logical explanation why most of the people affected by the gas became super villains, since they were already criminals. Now that most of the people are legit protesters, the origin of lots of villians over a legit protest cause may do more harm than good. I am saying this without reading the material, since I live in Brazil and have no possibility to reach it, speacially because my currency over dollar is ridiculous.
Making it BLM was a given, but I'd rather they do something along the lines of Static being an already established hero in Dakota with this protest giving way for a new Big Bang; thus introducing some new metas into the world. That way it doesn't get rid of the growth he had in his origin through him getting rid of his gun n whatnot. No disrespect to Mcduffie's colleagues, but they aren't him. They had huge fights and creative differences back in the day, which led up to Milestones downfall. I hope the new books good but given the current writer's track record, I'm not holding my breath.
I agree. For me the issue wasn't including BLM, there was no way that wasn't going to happen in a Static comic written in 2021, it was that it took away from Mcduffie's original Static origin which was a very powerful story that should have been kept. People don't mess with the core concepts of Batman or Spider-Man's origin story. Static shouldn't have been any different. It was timeless and still relevant to today's world.
Just Phil So are you saying he wouldn't associate blm with his comic? I doubt he wouldn't. I know a lot of whyte people have probably gotten people like you to turn against a movement that simply affirms black lives, but maybe don't take on the sentiments and perspectives of people who might be part of the problem. And find every reason they can to b!tch about black people in media as long as the media champions black people
@@Scoring57 He didn’t say that. He was hoping to keep the established origin static had and use the protest as a new starting point. Shifting away from a new origin about a young static to an established static dealing with a fallout of new metas from a second Big Bang. Sort of like how they revisit high school Spider-Man often but some fans prefer adult Spider-Man because context is different especially if the original audience has matured.
I love static and I am happy he is back . But I think people dislike of his new origin isn’t because it’s political it’s just that back then the situation of execute force was more relevant and they cut out the things like gang violence and Virgil going to shoot his bullys. It’s like if Spider-Man never let the criminal get away to kill uncle Ben. Peter learns with his power comes responsibility and also the responsibility to not be selfish with it and stop crime. Like he learnt all this because he did something bad because he as a character messed up . And I think that if static doesn’t have flaws he won’t be engaging . Like in this he is just a victim who gets powers doing good. Even The perfect character is flawed or else what do they have to learn. Just doing good because it’s in your nature and being perfect isn’t relatable. His restraint to kill his bully’s after having power to do so even tho he is compelled to by emotion not only makes him relatable for havin said emotion but makes him better and aspiring for that restraint . And the new version cuts that out and he is nearing merry sure status in perfection. Not to mention people’s personal beliefs on BLM protest . Personally idm as they are with good intention it’s just comparing it to issues that plagued the era of static shock is unfair to people who went through that . Either way I really don’t care as I am happy to see him return I just don’t want him to get messed up as a character because he was honestly just cool.
i haven't read the new comics, but i think they still could have used the way static got his powers to show him having flaws, like he starting to belive he is like "the choosen one" to use his powers to end racism in, idk just his city maybe, and gets biased thinking every white person is racist, something happens and he ends up harming an innocent white dude because idk, he misunderstood a situation where the white dude and his black friend where rosting each other as joke and blind from power he harms the dude and after learning everything was a misunderstanding he snaps and realize that he was wrong and blinded for his own power and that becomes his new "uncle ben moment". i'm not a writer so pretty sure it would be 100 times better lol
the issue that I have with the new storyline is that its just social media based it takes out a lot of the emotion of the original concept. Like take his family relation its now butchered and static originally tackled issues in a way that wasn't forcing it to be the main concept in a sence. Stick with the original it was a perfect piece already it didn't need an update. The og showed static as a nerdy normal kid who was tryibg to balance his new life but also just enjoying life learning and handling lessons. The new one just shoves issues in your face and takes away from the core ties of static like how his mothers sacrifice and her death from a gun made him have a conflict of using one and joining in the gang riots. even with racism it was a ep that they put into teaching points but showing it in a teachable way thats how it put most of their lessons not like the new version that makes it the "in your face" of everything just starting off with it. I think it should've just been a continuation of the new 52 or just left alone especially since McDuffie passed
Static Shock is a black teenager that dealt with the problems and social issues a black teenager in an urban environment deals with. Its always been political.
That’s not political at all. The fact that you believe that shows how much the world has been corrupted by elites. That is about problems that people face. Racism is not political nor is anything else you said. Realize that first
These people complaining about wokeness either haven't been alive long enough to have read Dwayne Mcduffie's comics in the 90s or have seen the cartoon in the early 2000s. Why did I have to become an adult in the height of a changing political climate?
I'd say that the new origin story is not that creative compared to the previous one. Old one had layers, and started off Vergil in a dark and vulnerable place. With the discovery of powers raising him to become a hero. For the new one, you can argue that he already is a "hero" because he is peacefully protesting for a good cause which results in conflict from other protestors, which I'm guessing is going to be propolice, with police being seen as the direct antagonist for the series.
You have a pojt but depending on how they they do it it could work really well. With him being someone who was already a hero but powerless to to learning to use his newfound power as a hero. I don't think it'll be easy to do though. It might come down to how his character develops over time. If it develops.
Virgil actually was the center of WHY there was a fight at the protest leading up to the big bang. He's also struggling with the anger he has inside towards everything that happened INCLUDING how his family and friends are treating him. It depicts A LOT of the internal turmoil we as African Americans have everyday. I remember saying/thinking very similarly as Virgil in the new comic when I was his age.
I think part of it is nostalgia love. Honestly the original story has a place in my heart and is a lot more interesting than the BLM spin on it. I don’t care if it’s political. The original series actually did so good at political topics. I just think the original was a lot more interesting and touches on something that not many media touches on. We see BLM in the media all the time. Gang violence is something that happens a lot in my area that everyone fears, but no one in the media talks about. But I think I may have a bias because I love historical pieces and looking into pieces of the past. I love historical fiction. So I’m very interested in historical issues.
Never read the comic as a kid-might not have even seen it to be honest-but I loved the show as a kid. That said, I don’t remember it being all that political because I was young enough for some of that to fly right over my head. Looking back on it? It was certainly political and I am okay with that.
im not even american, but a lot of things were clearly political, gear's dad was racist, there is that episode were they go to africa and discover a different persepect about being black, and all metahumans being treated is villains even if some of them were not gang members when the big bang happened and had to turn to gangs later, because they weren't accepted by society, even athletes and musicians, there is that episode whit a drug dealer (that gave addicting super powers)
@@devforfun5618 Yeah, looking back on it now, I see that. However, if you see my other comment I go way further in depth on this than I will here, but a lot of what you might call “political” I used to call, and kind of still do, “common decency.” I kind of always thought of politics as pertaining to policies and that sort of thing, more than just treating people with respect and decency. So, in that way, I may have not seen the show nearly as political as others, based on a different context of what constitutes “being political” means to each of us. Also, I never saw the episode(s) of Static going to Africa as a kid. I only caught the show every so often, which might have also contributed to my view of the show.
@@bluefaolan i agree with you, it wasn't political(tm) at the time, they were real life problems that exist for real, but now acknowledging it is called being political, but even as a kid i realised how serious the show was compared to other cartoons, it didn't flew over my head, like, black culture in Brazil is different from black culture in the USA, but the racism is a lot similar, it might be what they call western civilization
Look I can understand getting mildly peeved about certain politically charged issues being put in the media you consumed when they weren't before. Static always had them though. You think a comic book about a black teen originally written decades ago wasn't gonna have stories pertaining to race in America? Come on now.
the problem like drake pointed out is that most people watching it for the first time didn't absorb or remember that message. they just remembered "Cool hero dude with zappy powers and flying disk", not any of the messages or meaning.
@@kerricaine I watched the original show as a kid and I still remember those episodes and messages. I think the problem isn't that it's political or always political is that it, as the kids say "goes too hard". Virgil gets his powers during a blm protest for George Floyd and Brianna Taylor. I think it's become exhaustive nowadays when those two are constantly being brought up ad nauseum. Like how you can't go a few episodes of Grey's Anatomy without covid being in it. (Hope you get might point)
@@DjPrimeVideos So...your problem is that it advocates for societal change and anti-racism...too much? I don't normally like to gatekeep but are you even remotely familiar with the Static series? Those issues and going hard about them are a fundamental core part to the series, to the point where you clearly aren't familiar with the source material if you have a problem with it now and only now.
@@ravenfrancis1476 1. You clearly only read the low half of what I typed. 2. Lemme be clear here...no I don't have a problem with it, its the simple fact that they're just using the same thing over and over again. Media has basically ran the whole blm George Floyd/Brianna Taylor scenario into the ground to a point where its become obnoxious and groan inducing.
@@DjPrimeVideos Probably because we've yet to see actual justice for them done and there's yet to be any change to prevent this from happening again, as evidenced by the fact that the police killing an innocent black person is practically a weekly event at this rate.
When I first heard people say Static is getting too political, my thought was, "didn't they have an episode about school shootings in the early 2000s? And a lot of antagonists came from gangs?" I don't remember a lot of individual episodes, but the gun violence one stuck with me, along with the one where the Hawkings go to Africa. But I did think Static was awesome, and I have a hard time believing Robert Hawkings not raising his kids to stand up for what they believe in.
Let's be fair though: "political" is VERY different from today's "identity politics." I think that's what some of these people are trying to get at, where they don't want all the "woke" stuff thrown in. Hell, most people of every race can't stand that.
I don't think I've ever had a problem with politics being in a comic book. More just when it's poorly handled. When it comes across as a preachy from a top my pedestal I'm better than you. I think I like the original origin more but I can get behind this new one. Honestly I'm just happy to have static back. And even better hes getting a live action movie I really hope they do that I've always wanted to see him on the big screen.
The problem is anyone can use such an objection regardless of intent malicious or not which they do. While at the same time fanning the fires of "anti PC". I've seen it happen too many times. Not doubting your personal views but it turns into a shit hole real quick
People usually feel something is preachy/I’m better then you when they know that there actions and or beliefs are wrong but don’t want to admit it and change.
@@aaaaaaaaaa7699 So you're basically saying that because a show has a good message that makes it good or beyond criticism? Do you lack critical thinking skills?
@@bluenotes11-n6u you mean a show where some people are better than others depending on how they were born giving them a higher status in society. A show where a system fails people and makes villains. You mean those politics on mha?
It was so good. The only one I’ve heard before is the one specifically showing why “All Lives Matter” protesters make no sense. “If you go to a breast cancer awareness march or fundraiser and start screaming about “ALL CANCERS MATTER”, the whole point of this is that this is to bring awareness to this specific cancer that affects certain people. While you’re technically not wrong, you’re diminishing the effects of this problem and you’re just an asshole.”
I have created a new backstory forStatic. It keeps Virgil getting bullied by Heatwave and his revenge plot, but it has updated circumstances in the origin. He grabs his dad's gun to kill Heatwave. He finds Heatwave, Heatwave's gang and other gangs, causing riots using the "BLM" movement, to justify their actions, but they don't believe in the cause and just want to cause chaos. So, Virgil using his dad's gun tries to stop Heatwave, and proclaim that Heatwave doesn't believe in the BLM movement. Then the police come in teargassing the rioters and Virgil- This tear gas as you expect give them superpowers. The rioters and Virgil manages to escape. __ I think this backstory address and reflects on how people try to use the BLM to cause chaos -Jake Paul Meanwhile other people, who actually believe in the movement stop these rioters. Edit: Yes, I mixed up with heatwave and hot streak, my bad. Add ons: We will still have Wade peer pressuring Virgil to take action against hotstreak, but instead Virgil takes one of his father's gun. After the Big Bang, Virgil would throw away the gun, since everyone loves that moment, and is integral to his character growth. The Big Bang would still happen on Blood Island.
Why is it so important for non black people that static picks up a gun? I don't understand yalls attachment to him picking up a gun. That was an issue 30 years ago not today. Static would touch a gun today this isn't og static because Dwayne McDuffie is dead and the lesson he wanted to teach then was taught. And now with this new lesson why is it uber important for yall to keep writing terrible origin stories that don't fit today at all and keep him attached to guns? That makes no sense. So please explain it to me
@@Aries_5916 "non-black"? I'm black and I wanted Static to pick up the gun because it shows character. He had the opportunity to kill his bully and get away with it yet didn't because he CHOOSES not to kill the guy. This shows the audience the type of character he is before gaining superpowers. Why he is a superhero and not a supervillain.
I’ve been going back and reading a lot of the old Milestone comics as they’ve been uploaded to the DC Universe app. Anyone saying that they’ve only become political now has never read those comics.
@@devilslayer3548 He just f^cking told you it's political and you're still arguing. And why should people have to hide political aspects of a story? If you disagree with the idea that black lives matter or become upset that the idea is expressed in a comic cause it's a relevant and harmful issue then you're probably just racist.
I mean, I do understand people not liking politics in their comics, but, when the comic was political from the start, that is kinda dumb to get mad at.
I think they're more upset because of the way writers have been writing the comics, but I see way more people were upset about how Static gets his powers more than the BLM arc itself, me included.
@@yusifudo46I haven't actually read the new comics, so I don't really have much of an opinion, but I do understand people not liking it involving real world politics. But this does kinda sound like the new star wars movies, where people have issues with the book, and everyone blames the politics, not the possible writing issues, or personal taste.
It’s not really politics though, which is what I don’t get. I think people reacted coz they heard BLM, rather then reading the issue and realise that BLM has nothing to do with the actual comic.
When these people complain about politics in movies or books and say keep it out of them what they mean is keep mine or the sjw politics out. But when it’s politics or movies or books that talk down about sjws look how quick they are to applaud,lol or put up they are on the right side of the argument.
No doubt no doubt. I see and hear what your saying and I agree it’s honestly a no wonder why manga and other comic brands are doing better,than the big main 2. They have too many events going on at once and it’s hard to keep up to the point you say f**k it the good thing about manga and other comic brands is that they have a beginning middle and end.... but I remember back in 2017’2018 dc had put out new comics with new characters but no one bought them. In my opinion if anything they need to go the same route as manga and others.
@@shadowwolf8434 Static's original origin was based on an amalgam of gang and police violence of the 80s and 90s. Plus a little dab of "pollution" bad storage of waste products on top. This new one feels edgy because it just happened and they're turning up the edge because it's also easy.
@@shadowwolf8434 The big bang wouldn't be anything but a shootout. If somebody stored chemical products in their proper place. That's why its' a small yet still a valid nod
This is kind of off topic, but I actually really like your takes on this stuff, because I'm tired of the right wing views of ew politics I don't agree with I HATE, or centrists that believe no politics should be in stories but... That's the point of stories. The point is that they have something to say and should be impactful, they are the most powerful invention of humanity because they are humanity themselves. I also like how unapologetic you are about this stuff. Thanks for the videos bro
The original comics and tv show, they were already impactful, so why was the change needed? I prefer the original origin myself, because that’s what I grew up with, and so what’s wrong with wanting to keep it the same? I’m not the only one who thinks this. Can so many be wrong? It’s like changing the origins of Bruce Wayne.
@@alexitorico6686 Orgin is fine getting mad at the polictal thoughts behind it isnt. Lots of people are uspet pver the blm part even tho it makes as much sense in the story as Batman dislking guns since they killed his parents. Both make sense for the characters.
I really think there is something to be said for revisiting stories we loved as kids and learning they were “political” before we were. It’s comforting to know creative people have cared about justice even if it sucks that we’re still fighting the same battles.
This is my second video of yours that came up in recommended that I watched, and your take on this more than earns my sub and my intent to watch your videos. Thank you for making this video and for your stance on this. Long live the return of Static!
This is what I have always said! If you like it GREAT if not THATS OK TOO you do not have to like everything move on and read a different comic watch a different show or play a different game.
Never forget the story about American Nazis at the time threatening Lee and Kirby after that and Kirby letting them know that he would be waiting in the lobby if they wanted to make a thing of it. Which they did not.
@@carbootstudios2459 It's better to just ignore it, they always try the "racist are outraged about X or Y" tactic to try to sell anything, when they flop it's not because what they made was bad or because, in this case at least, black people weren't going in hordes to buy this and make it succeful but because those damn racist are so racist they didn't buy the comic that calls them racist, that's why american comics are going out of bussiness, the outrages actually comes down to "people didn't like it, they will no longer buy or consume anything from this new iteration" and that's somehow problematic
Yoo, you reminded me of why I loved Static Shock as a kid. As a non-American, it was interesting to see a perspective of a black hero's experience and life. Had static came out in this era, reactionary garbage will call it 'woke', even for its time.
As someone who hates the new Static origin let me explain. It's not that it's political, it's that it takes away a core concept of Virgil's character. When he was powerless he was peer pressured into joining a gang and actively thought about killing his school bullies. Yes Virgil makes the right decision and tosses the gun before becoming Static, but in a moment of powerlessness he almost becomes a gangbanging murderer. It lets him connect to the villains he fights because he was almost there. To me that's a core concept of the character that's gone if he just got his powers from a BLM protest because then Virgil no longer has a past that lets him connect to villains. The only way he stays the same is if you see attending a BLM protest as a bad thing. I don't. I don't take issue with Virgil attending BLM protests, your video more than highlights moments from the original series of comics and cartoons that support that for his character, I take issue with the gang elements being completely eliminated from Virgil's origin.
JAC 073 Typical excuse making. It's *NEVER* for the reason that thousands of people are stating is it? Even though most of these people are politically driven and are saying in plain english that they hate it cause it's "political" somehow that isn't true just cause of you? Your reason for being part of bigoted and anti-black movements is always something other than being anti-black. Even though these kinds of reactions only come towards inclusive characters
The new origin makes me concerned that some of the supervillains will come from the BLM side. Otherwise, you’ve got an entire group of protestors on the BLM side with superpowers, which kind of lowers the stakes for Static as a superhero as he’ll have way too many allies helping him out. Static should be able to tackle BLM without changing his origin story.
As a person who was a fan of the Static show when I was a kid. I enjoy Static and never had a problem with the political talk (mostly because they did a better job addressing it than most Hollywood media.) Seeing people getting mad and saying Dwayne is rolling in he’s grave. Clearly hasn’t watched the original nor do they know Dwayne personal. If I was Dwayne I would be glad that these stories are being told.
@@Sherdderworld Considering the fact that this comic just came out have you not considered that this the beginning of the reboot version journey and that later on he’ll grow into a more mature and better hero. One who thinks first before acting out. No hero’s beginning should be seen as perfect. Take Batman for example there was a time during he’s beginning where he did things that weren’t on he’s level of professionalism. In summary it’s best to give this character sometime to grow. Give the character that chance or at least read 5 volumes. If you don’t like him by then or you’re still not seeing any progress beyond that number then don’t read the reboot’s comics anymore and just stick to the original.
@@X_Blake I’ll give it a chance for now but I feel like that an improvement is unlikely due to the personality type they are writing for him is very common in modern comics and most of not all comics characters that have it never change and remain in that toxic mindset
9:53 Or they know full-well that he's political, but don't like it because it's not politics *that they like.* Let's be real here, it's absolutely that.
I've got to admit, I've been watching and enjoying more of your videos as they show up in my recommended section but since I've never been a hardcore comic book fan it always felt like it was a niche I wasn't sure I needed to add to my already sizeable queue. But then I clicked on this video, and you spoke so well about so many important topics that you immediately got a sub from me. Thank you for taking such care in being as clear and concise as possible on this topic. Too many nerd spaces, even those on the right side of history, refuse to speak up about important political issues like this even when the stories themselves tend to be so inherently drenched in these issues. While I was definitely enjoying the random videos that caught my eye in the recommended, I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing your content in my TH-cam queue for your new releases.
@@codyhumble7855 sadly comics have always been about a lot of propaganda. Think about it. What better way to influence youth than to shoehorn it into their entertainment. And honestly a lot of it can be good. Great. The sad thing is, the path to hell is paved with good intentions. People use good motivation practices for pure selfish means. And always end up like a wolf in sheep's clothing to get everyone to side with them, so that the herd willfully is manipulated by them.
Yeah, I remember a lot of episodes with Virgil being extremely progressive and "woke" as some would call him now a days. The show was big on trying to push a more progressive message while also tackling many problems kids, teens, and even adults had to deal with and still have to deal with. Hell, many of the episodes are still relevant today, be them gun violence and shootings, gang violence, homelessness, mental illness, bullying, racism, ignorance and blind hatred. I feel like Static is needed now more than ever BECAUSE we're not getting better, and kids today need a role model like him again.
No he wouldn't. Why would he go to some ethnic baiting shit show whose head honcho was caught embezzling money from donations and buying 4 houses in While neighborhoods? His father definitely wouldn't want him going.
I dont think the problem is that it's "too political", just that the original gang war thing is much better and talks about a lot more issues including police brutality and bullying
This one still contains the police using experimental gas on protesters, and for the bullying portion being missing is a valid point. There are new points from this rendition that are added on. Hopefully cover bullying later!
Odd-Eyes Of course we're always going to have that person making it seems like what's happening isn't what's happening. There are people complaining that it's political, no one said anything about a gang war. So stop interpreting on other people's behalf
@@Scoring57 so bullying should be left out? Bullying is arguably is on the same level as racism because it can effect a wide range of individuals of all backgrounds… not just a few.
Drake may not get to pay attention to his older comments but I really resonated with the creator who had to deal with essentially being big and black. I used to be a muscular 350+ lbs 6’3” Afro Caribbean man who got all types of strange or disapproving looks, run-in’s with police as well and just generally living a life where I felt like a lot of people were afraid of me. I’m a guy who tries not to kill insects or pests and just tries to carry them outside of where I live instead. Among a whole host of other things. I am nowhere near a threat. Today after a Sleeve Gastrectomy I am 220 lbs still 6’3” slim build and people are so much less afraid of me I don’t get any looks from officers anymore nobody is concerned of me being a threat. It has been completely disgusting to notice that difference over me just being visually smaller. The world can be a terrible place but there’s also beauty. Try your best to live in the beauty.
I never questioned whether or not superheroes were political and i did read all 45 issues of static. But what i am about to say isn't critical of the new static comics (partly because i haven't read them and therefore can't judge them one way or another) but rather modern comics in general, specifically those i did read. My issue isn't whether or not they discuss politics but HOW they discuss them. Nuance plays a huge role in how effective the message is. Taking the static cartoon as an example, yes richie's dad was a racist but he had to reflect on whether his love for his son outweighed his prejudices and he saw the consequences it had on their relationship. Yes jimmy was a school shooter, but we also see why he became one and how virgil was powerless to stop it, no matter what actions he would have taken. Going back to the racial prejudice aspect, there have been a number of klansmen irl who quit the klan because they realized the error in their beliefs, but losing their prejudices also meant losing their family and friends. I am sure there are dozens of members who also want to leave but are too scared to because of their fear of losing the safety of community. The greatest nuance of storytelling and in history is that the villains don't always see themselves as the villains. Sometimes they believe they themselves are the heroes or commit villainy for the greater good of to rectify something they personally view as unjust. But lets focus on the method of writing. There is a difference between writing a character experiencing injustice in a way that puts you in the shoes of the character vs smacking you in the face with the concept of injustice. The character needs to be relatable...and i don't mean blank to fit the lowest common denominator, but have legitimate strengths, weaknesses, interests and progressions to make you want them to succeed. I relate to Mae Jemison because while i might not be black nor a woman, i, much like her was told by family and by teachers that i won't accomplish my goals, and it was through reading about her triumphs that made me want to go into medicine. And it was because of her that I developed an interest in star trek, and i could relate to characters like checkov and le forge and seven of nine. Peter parker and virgil hawkins were my favorite supers of their respective universes and samus was my favorite video game character. In the end, it comes down to whether you do things the "black lightning" season 2 way or the "supergirl" season 4 way, and i would prefer the "black lightning" season 2 way a 108 times over.
I see a lot of people in the comics pointing out in his debuted Capt. America was punching Hitler. That was controversial at the time as America hadn't yet entered WWII. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were harassed over it due to the opinon that america should get into WWII, and because of anti-semites who were pro Nazi. Hell, let's not forget how controversial Sam Wilson becoming Capt. America was (both in the comics and the MCU). I could go on, citing how Batman used to focus a lot more on police corruption and the broken justice system. How superman has been an allegory for xenophobia repeatedly. But that's not the point. So, why do I bring all this up? Because it's no different now, people need to pipe down and let the creators have messages. Good, important, messages that can have an impact on making the world a better place. I would rather have a comic that has a good message splashed all over it, than a fluffy feel good story that lets me turn off my brain. I have other media for that. Static as part of BLM? Not only is that realistic, but it's an important messages that people need to see today: heroes standing up for the right thing. And if that hero ends up being someone people can look up to, despite being fictional? that's fine in my book. And if the response is "super heroes are meant to be fantasy" ... How many folks keep wanting a "realistic and gritty" take on super heroes? Cause it feels like Static has been doing "Realistic and Gritty" longer than I've been alive.
I don't care about the BLM protest thing, but if Static isn't learning that he SHOULDN'T kill people then it's losing a lot of emotional impact compared to the original run. Why not let him go to the protest knowing his bully will be there trying to shoot him like in the original?
@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment I like the heroes being looked up to. It's funny because he was protesting before he got his powers. There's a saying, either you stand for something or fall for anything. Your comment was great. @@tonysmith9905 This seem like a tired answer but it's true; he's a kid. Kids make the worst decisions. I was gonna have this long response but that's kind of it.
@@thabal601 Answer to what huh? I don't get your reply to me, it has nothing to do with what I wrote. Unless you're saying what I came up with is a good way to both?
@@tonysmith9905 You asked why would Virgil be at a protest knowing his bully would be there trying to shoot him. I said because he's a kid and kids make bad decisions.
@@thabal601 No you misread. In the original comics he starts out hunting his bully down so he can shoot him, that's when he gets involved in the gasing that turns him into Static. What I'm trying to propose is that why couldn't they just have him going to a rally trying to find his bully to put a bullet in his head? Simple way to do both and keeps the feel of the original.
Im glad to hear static is back definitely one of the best comic characters. I like that they modernized his story because thats what helps an audience get the characters point of view and their feelings because it hits close to home. Or at least thats what I think
One of Superman's first stories involved him dealing with America's neutrality in WWII... They've Literally been Political from the start, I don't get some people
i know this video is a year old but i just have to thank you for telling the truth about static i watched the show as a kid i never read the comics but it taught me alot about myself & my culture if you think that static was not politcal your dreaming all comics were at one point in time I grew up proud to have learned what really goes on in the world & it inspired me to create my own comics I miss you Dwayne we all do & static is my all time favorite to keep the peace in the world Nuff Said
My problem with the new static is the fact he never go to the point of: "I shouldn't be taking lives" He can support BLM even though there are alot of BLM riots that go mad due to: -Bad eggs (people arent supporting them at all) -Police inflitrants -Selfish assholes -People who take it too far. If "in my opinion" I would do it like this. He can be a peacefull BLM protester, but just put in some bullies that will show: "Hey look at these loser, siding with rioters." Of course.. the bullies would be told: "They are peacefull, those who riot are not BLM but just people who want chaos." Then the bullies would go too far to sabotage the BLM protest into a riot, wich the group tries to stop, but they tipped off the police and even before the bullies COULD RIOT with Vergil stopping them. The grenades are launched. Note that Vergil at this point would have a weapon on him in an intent to harm the bullies and get them away. As they do beat up Vergil and his friends. This way Vergil right before he would confront the bullies... would actually opt not to use the weapon (tazer, knife, gun, wahtever) and let the bullies do the rioting while the rest of the group would just back away from them and let them deal with the horror of police brutality. To only have everyone caught in this! I think the BLM movement's intentions are pure but the problem is and I state: "Some people just get extreme" Good BLM protest: Educate, inform, peacefull and spread the message. Bad BLM protest: Belittle, attack, berate, yell and dismantle. Now politcal tagent aside. I think him just being BLM and getting hit by cops doesn't reflect the whole problem in general and kinda makes Vergil a Gary Stu. "He's good, he does good, but then the MAN put him down and he gets powers." While the original was: "He's a kid down on his luck, tries to make the ultimate choice, decides not to do it, gets caught up in something bigger." So yea.. in my opinion... I think the new static's problem is the fact he doesn't get the whole: "Staring into the abyss thing" The reason we loved static is because: "He knew he was gonna be wrong and used his powers for good." Now that part is stripped away... Is my "idea" of the bullies/opposers a good idea? Probaly not how I written it XD but... atleast it keeps in the biggest thing why we love Static as a hero. "The choice of taking a life"
Thank you for putting into words my issue with the new static. I don't hate the fact that he's a blm protester in fact I think it's a good mordenization of the character however I think that they are mishandling him. When he fights hotshot for the first time in school and damn near kills him he feels absolutely no guilt at all. He doesn't stop and think maybe I'm wrong or hesitate to use his powers on him. Hell he doesn't even stop until a bystander begs him to stop and in the aftermath he isn't even shaken or have a oh god what have I done moment, something the original run of the character would have been. He is just concerned about how he looks. That's not static . Static has always been about anger at the injustice of the world and how to channel it. That's why ebon is staics greatest enemy and threat. They're the same character the only difference is that ebon is willing to be a monster while static isn't.
@@razorflossrazor2937 While Drake is right that some people just go with "TOO POLITICAL" Drake also voiced this similiar opinion about: "This is not how static was" I just added my own parts and opinions too. Static is suppose to follow the super hero code of: "You don't kill and take it too far" Also remember that Static helps these people with powers find their way to do things right again. Give them a supporting shoulder and show that you can create a better world for all and make your own justice.
While yes I do think they’re annoying and are hypocritical, I can see where they are coming from. I think what they are trying to say is that politics shouldn’t be in your face and inserted into the story when it isn’t really needed. And I do get that, no one wants to read a comic that lectures them
I didn't read the comics, but some of my favorite episodes are also political. Sons of the Fathers, Jimmy, Frozen Out, and Hard as Nails. 1st 3 are discussed in this video, but Hard as Nails is about a bang baby who is drawn in and baited by Harley and Ivy. It's a great episode warning against the dangers of minors agreeing to meet strangers online. This show helped me to be less ignorant about my own privelages as a white middle class person with both my parents, who grew up in a safe neighborhood, wasn't bullied to the point of violent retaliation, and my mental/physical disabilites aren't so bad that they prevent me from functioning as an adult per societal expectations. Sure, I was bullied, and still have struggles due to my gender and disabilites, but nowhere near close to the same level as some people out there. I am a white woman, and I can honestly say that Static is my favorite super hero.
Thank you for making this video. I really enjoyed it, truly. I never read the old Static comics (I have 2 modern volumes, but I haven’t read them yet), and it’s been a long time since I rewatched the cartoon. However, you refreshed my memory on the political aspects of the show. Especially the episode about the racist father (I actually referenced that episode in a college project, which was a good 9-10 years ago). I love(d) Static Shock and love(d) how it would tackle certain issues every so often because they were important ones. Thank you for shedding light and facts on something I didn’t even know was going on in the comic book world. :)
I love Static Shock and think it would've been great to see Dwaine's take on the the movement. I don't think he would've been so bold as to have the cops literally shoot the experimental gas on purpose with zero cover-up as having people literally acting like movie supervillains is not in the typical fashion of his writing, except for the few people who were literal supervillains, and even they had nuance to their motives and actions. It's a little too on the nose in this case, and I feel like he also would've inserted internal protesters going rogue and getting violent. At least from what I could tell from his creations, he was great at showing how good people could do wrong, or be led astray; how bad actors could get inside and manipulate an event; and how there are just plain normal people caught up in the messes everywhere, hence Virgil having to deal with his own anti-semitism in the comics, the shooter being his and Richie's good friend and bully victim and the bully just being a dumb guy who thought he was just messing around. Static is well loved because of how real and honest it felt. This more direct, on the nose type of approach, from what admittedly little I've seen thus far, seems like a bit much to me. But I'd never say the original creators would be totally against this reboot. Still, there's a reason DC based media was flourishing through the 90s and 2000s and has since completely fallen off the map of relevancy or what the general audiences would consider "high quality"
@Garry Snail Didn't the gas come from canisters that were being stored at the gang fight that got hit in the shootout and blew up? I know they end up discovering that the gas was put there on purpose, but it was publicly framed as an accident where the canisters just happened to be there, if my memory serves me correctly. This one appears to be really blatant about it and I just don't dig the whole "villains are openly evil" thing unless it's a comedy. It just takes me out of the experience.
@Garry Snail There's a difference between using tear gas and purposefully launching an experimental gas that you either don't know what it does or you're aware that it causes mutations. At least tear gas is a known quantity. This is human experimentation. That's like equating tear gas to Nazi gas chambers. Not the same just cause they're both gas. There's also a difference between the intent of "We gotta do whatever we can to stop this gang war" and "Let's fuck up these protesters". Maybe that's a subtlety that is just beyond your ability to comprehend, but it's pretty important to the story.
@@TheRenegade... Human rights are just that, a Right. Society makes it a political issue due to the ignorances and prejudices of the dregs of the world.
@@MrLourie The concept of human rights didn't even exist until the enlightenment. Since the baseline is no rights and the elite benefit from no rights, the people must procure their own rights from the elite. Conflict between the elite and people is inherently political.
Static is a great example of politics enhancing the characters & the setting rather than just being there. It’s never politics = bad to me it’s implementation & learning how to do that helps spread a message more
I hate it that whenever there is an African-American character present in the comic people start whining about how it's "too political" or if there's a female character (that isn't replacing a male) is feminist propaganda. I mean, look at Falcon and The Winter Soldier. It's about a black man becoming Captain America, which stands as an inspiring story for racial minorities everywhere, and yet people cry about not wanting realism in their stories, and then whine how Marvel isn't "real" enough.
I’m not sure if people even know what they want anymore. People cry for things to be different, but they never elaborate on how they want things to change. I wish I could say why that is, but I have no clue.
@@aleckbo Oh they do though. They'd like equal pay and equal treatment. They'd like some of the responsibilities of the police to be done by better qualified people. They'd like equal funding for schools. They'd like over policing and heavier sentencing to be a thing of the past. And they've said all of that at every protest and rally for decades now
In the series of FATWS (which i liked) it feels a little weird having Sam as the Cap if you only know the MCU, becuase there wasnt much room to develop their friendship and stuff But when you look in the comics, oh boy! In the comics hes totally deserving of it, he was with the Cap since the 70s, more time than Bucky, and when Bucky tried being Cap he sucked at it, so the logical step its to give it to him
@@notelliot70 I'm sorry, I should have clarified. I was referring to people whining about things in movies and pop culture (i.e. women and minorities being the protagonists). My intent was to build on what the original commenter said, not the discussion on Black people in America.
@@kellz1703 But at least it got the actual Watchmen comic's psychic squid 'aliens' adapted rather than the movie's Doctor Manhattan scapegoat replacement.
So happy that Static has stayed in the public discourse all these years despite the lack of any real media for him. Shows that he really is one of DCs most beloved heroes up there with the Trinity
Being honest, I think that comics are actually a good medium for discussing sensitive political issues. I honestly agree with your views and think that Static being political actually helps the character stand out and helps younger demographics understand that these problems exist and that they can be part of the solution.
Static was basically my childhood, i lived the cartoon and learn a lot of things from it, that's why when i saw that people were hating on the reboot for being political i thought " so, you're hating static as a hole, because it was always political, like, the hole thing started from a police violence incident".
@@mrgoat_jpg How? how is that the same, in the original it was about two extremes coliding, violent gangs vs violents cops, now is just "cops bad am i right", the first one had ambiguity and let's you think for yourself what the real problem was, was it the gang fault? was it the police fault? maybe both? that's for you to decide, now it's all "police bad, BLM victims", the problem is not that is political, is that is stupidly political and it's telling you what the "good" answer is
@@miguelmacias2401 the point that i meant was, "it was always political", and about the ambiguity, dude thats yours personal opnion, i didnt read the reboot so i will not start an argument about it, but the point tha i was trying to bring out was, "it was always political".
@@mrgoat_jpg And i didn't disagree with that, it was political before, now it's political and stupid, also thank you for agreeing with it being ambiguous, it's obvious you got a completely different experience and message than me from that comic and that's exactly why it was good, because it was still good regardless of how you or me read what the author was trying to say.
Im still shocked that, to this day, certain people STILL say stuff like “but comic books arent supposed to be political” even though they’ve been political SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING!
You're telling me that when Siegel and Shuster had Superman stop wars and battle abusive prison wardens and corrupt politicians they were making some kind of political statement? HOLY SHIT Mind blown! /s
@@galactic85 my favorite is always when someone goes like “My favorite non political comic book is Watchmen” and everyone with at least a quarter of their brain is just sitting there like 😐
Technically it is political themed not political there is a difference but clearly people like you can't see the difference between them. Lets not forget that most if not all had politics in the background not in peoples faces.
I just wanted to say hit every point on the head and I really enjoyed this video..as a black male, I loved watching Static as a kid and those themes of each episode still stick with me as an adult. Glad you laid out all the facts!
These same people called X-Men "too political" when the plight of mutants was literally an allegory for racism. Sometimes I wonder if these people even read comic books.
"From time to time we receive letters from readers who wonder why there’s so much moralizing in our mags. They take great pains to point out that comics are supposed to be escapist reading and nothing more. But somehow, I can’t see it that way. It seems to me that a story without a message, however subliminal, is like a man without a soul." - Stan Lee (1970)
I took the time to listen to you and I appreciate your input, I do remember the STATIC SHOCK tackling race issue but regardless I love the show, I am still thinking of just collecting all the old STATIC SHOCK comics and getting a Blu-ray DVD of STATIC SHOCK original series. Cause he is one of my favorite African American superheroes!
my dislike is when they do it in a way that doesn't fit well with the story, or when it starts looking like a psa rather than a story, static tends to mix politics and story fairly well so in regards to static i have no complaints.
@@josephhood8759 true but it fits well with this individual character
@@terrenceharris-hughes4436 I can agree with that
I am perfectly fine fine with the changes to statics origin. This origin makes more sense to me as despite peer pressure and gang violence being a common occurance in life, him going to a gang fight felt of for me and with the alterations in Virgil's home life in the new version that makes the protest even more of a natural thing for Virgil to do. I have always loved static since I first saw the show and this comic book has got me hyped so much
The boy's mom died in the show in a town-wide riot, his best friend endured anti-gay sentiment in the comics, and in the show he dealt with the temptation of joining a gang due to bullying, PLUS got his powers during a fight between gang members and police.
To claim Static is too political is to ignore his very history as a character.
@@OEMPlus Propaganda can be good. Black Lives Matter
@@OEMPlus If you hate propaganda then you must hate Captain America, given that he's blatant propaganda for America
@@OEMPlus it’s real life. To you, being one who doesn’t live this life, it’s propaganda. Maybe it’s exposing you and others like you to a world you don’t know but too often criticize without knowledge.
@@aetherkid lol. . . . .:eyeroll:
I think the issue is that the way the new comic handled it was too on the nose. In the old comics, Vergil got his powers via coincidence. He was a victim of bullying, and one day he got so tired of it, that he tried asking a gang leader for help with dealing with his bully problem. In hopes of recruiting him, the gang leader gave him a gun, and it just so happened that his bully was a member of a rival gang.
Vergil arrived at the docks to find the two gangs fighting, and hid so he would not be spotted when he took the shot- he was trying to psyche himself up to pull the trigger, but he had a crisis of conscience that helped him not to pull the trigger. As he was about to sneak off, the police showed up in helicopters to deal with the gangs and in the ensuing firefight, a stray bullet struck gas canisters storing experimental mutagen gas. This resulted in everyone present being exposed to the gas, and later gaining powers.
This is common knowledge, but i bring it up in order to contrast it with the near one-sided portrayal of both Vergil and the riot police in the new comics. They are called in to monitor a BLM protest out of fear it will become a riot, which Vergil is attending, and the police happen to be equipped with 'experimental' anti-riot gas grenades. As things escalate, the police leader orders them to use the experimental grenades, and when an officer questions the ethics of using untested chemical weapons on civilians, the squad leader says something along the lines of "Look at them, they deserve it".
This portrayal is the first issue I have with the new comic, because it completely removes any nuance of the gassing being an accident and the nuance of Vergil's character, directly contrasting both the old comics and the TV show. the clear malice of the squad leader towards the protesters, portrays the police as brutal assholes who don't value the lives of innocent civillians, and is a blunt allegory about real world events. However, portraying vergil as a harmless victim, comes back to bite the writers on the ass with how they portray Vergil one he discovers he has powers.
In the new comics, he faces his bully and with his new powers, begins to torture him as payback. This is the scene that put off many fans, because it makes Vergil act like a psychopath.
He confronts his bully at school, and decides to torture him with electricity, freaking out his friend (Gears) who begs Vergil to stop, to which he eventually listens... but he doesn't stop because he remembers his moral values or out of a sense of remorse, he isn't fazed by the risk of killing him- He only stops because he realizes that the guy's screams are drawing attention and that "It would make him look bad if he was caught torturing him". This not only directly contradicts how he was presented in the protests, but offers not a single sign of nuance.
THAT is not the behavior of a good person, much less someone who wants to be a superhero.
Shout out to my friend Nikolas Draperivery he’s the illustrator/Artist behind the new comic...proud of you my guy
Your friend is very talented. I love how unique his art style is.
Word, Nik killed that shit. So glad he didn't let the internet stop him from executing his vision.
🔥🔥🔥 facts
Fellow blerd and game developer and game tester
Respect 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Nice :)
Static throwing away the gun seems like way more of a defining moment honestly.
True but in the new one he has the chance to kill the bullies but he doesn't
@@10tailedbijuu imma take a leap here and say the active behavior or stopping to kill someone is usually a morality tied one
It really does because it shows that even with the bullying and threats you don't have to be part of that lifestyle. If there was any real world connection between the show and black society is that moment right there. To many people I know personally came to that same crossroad with bad results
Batman approves this message
This is a way they can actually work that in he can Template going to use the gun, but instead of taking a life he goes to a protest to spare lives
the speech Virgil's dad gives about the world changing around bigots without them noticing is really....extremely relevant to these people who always complain about wokeness in their favorite comics. Most of them were challenging politics at the time, but we don't notice that as a kid, so we don't think of those issues as political when we grow up, because that's just how much the world changed.
And its litterally season 1
I think the issue lies on the fact that a lot of people can’t distinguish between a story that contains “woke” messages vs. an inclusivity piece that happens to tell a story.
@@Watermelon_Man blm Is far from inclusive.
@@Watermelon_Man define woke
@@runningbetweenspaces Woke is a catch-all term, for the center-right and the Right, to describe Far Left ideals and messages. Saying there is racism and that racism is bad is not "woke". Saying that racism is everywhere, all the time and that white people are *born racist* (yes, some major Far Left figures believe this) is "woke". Saying that gay-bashing is a thing that is bad and should be stopped is not "woke". Saying that not allowing trans-identifying people to participate in Women's *competitive* sports is akin to Genocide is "woke". Having the male protagonist of a show or movie being the only person who makes mistakes (or the vast majority of the mistakes) and never (or almost never) does the heroic things or (especially) saves the female character is "woke" (See: "Wendy & Peter Pan" & the live action "Little Mermaid"). Creating a new show or movie that primarily stars "people of color" (I hate that term) is not "woke". Deliberately changing well established characters from white to "people of color" is "woke" (See: every example of a redhaired fictional character changed out to with a black actor... see the *dozens* of examples in WotC's "reimagining" of the Lord of the Rings character art).
"Woke" isn't *a* thing, or even *a* point of view... it can range from subtle, to blatant. But, like the famous quote about pornography: "I know it when I see it".
Static was an iconic character because his stories we're about real-world issues.
yeah this comic has real world issues like black lives matter but I agree the old origin is better
Yea issues like a power plant exploding basically in your face from a shoot out and experimental tear gas giving you power it happened to me last week (this is a joke btw)
Don’t ever dis static chock again
@@blacktionjackson7133 🤣🤣🤣 you gotta be kidding
Just feels lazy now dontcha think?
Milestone was literally created because of a lack of minority characters
Wow
There's a lot of non white characters in comics. A lot. Nobody does anything with them though. That's the problem. If you don't believe me go to Wikipedia and type in non white or minority comic book characters. Or just African American comic book characters.
@@treacherousjslither6920 now but not when he was created so u r dismissed
@@DoDo-ku4lv wrong
@@DoDo-ku4lv you're not just wrong you're really really wrong
The art for the comic is amazing though.
I know the guy its nikolas drake ivy
Absolutely I love the stylized look of the comic
The art of modern comics have been amazing it's the writing which sucks
That's about all that's good about this issue because the story is not good
True
I fell in love with static because of the real world story plots. He faced real problems real issues and that's what made him a really cool hero.
I honestly didn't know Static was political, I would try to wake up early on Saturdays and watch it as a kid, and I loved it. A few years ago watching Young Justice Static made an appearance and I was like "Static?" with a big grin on my face. Political or not Static is awesome, easily one of my favourite heros ever.
It can be politcal as much as the creators want, good, I love when stories have elements of real life in them, for me they make the story more emotional and worth investing in.
Bro i love his character in YJ, he's honestly just so lovable
Relating so hard to watching it on tv early in the morning.
That part
The best lesson is the one you don't notice being told. Static Shock cartoon did a TON of good while being surprisingly subtle, yet not subtle at all. That's what's missing from the current comic books. It's not that I don't WANT to see that messege. It's that I don't trust modern writers to tackle it correctly.
@@playahsan No no its not. Demon in a bottle. Speedy's drug addiction. The best lesson is the lesson itself not some generic watered down analogy for the lesson.
This video deserve an award
Yes
I’m sorry but this is bugging me it’s meant to be deserves.
Dam my boi Scru on here much respect brother
Well ok you're here
Don't know why I didn't expect Scru to be here, but I shoulda.
The episode of Static referenced that tackles racism from his best friend's father was 1) fantastic, and 2) recently shown in its entirety, without any ad breaks, at DC Fandome. That completely free, online event that I thought a bunch of us DC nerds showed up to watch.
I would think that the episode, its core messages, and the political nature of Static and Milestone would be fresh on peoples' minds after Fandome where I believe this comic was first announced along with the Milestone relaunch.
I personally love it when comics can balance very real and important themes/messages with their super heroism. You get the best of both worlds really, a fun, action packed adventure with cool characters, and the opportunity through story telling for the characters and audience to learn about how other people see the world. Static pulled this balance off extremely well in its time and I hope this new comic and manage the same.
That's not fair Static Shock was an amazing and extremely well written show. cartoon that was as aimed at kids released in the early 2000's
balance
When Drake played the clip I was honestly surprised they actually used the word "racism." Not enough stories, especially those directed at kids, say it so blatantly and it's great
@@owenslaughter9438 I agree, I said in my comment how the episode of the show referenced in the video was fantastic, the show did the same balancing act with super hero/teen antics and heavier messaging to its audience as the early comics did. I hope the same for this new material.
@@AeonKnigh432 agreed, honestly shock value can be valuable as to leave no stone unturned while discussing important/heavy subjects.
@@jackkelly9048 Oh agreed just had to throw a joke in there. I totally agree. I just have little hope for the comics and new shows because they don't have the same maturity that a show aimed at kids in the early 2000s.
I honestly prefer the original origin story. It felt more personal to Vergil and got its political points across just fine. Saying he’s involved with BLM is one thing (which I honestly felt the original Static would’ve been a part of if it happened back then), but having that as his origin story kinda feels like he had nothing to learn from this. The original had him learn that he had to be the bigger man and not simply kill his tormentors (throwing away the gun), this version sounds like he already knows that (peaceful protesting, not getting involved with the criminals, etc) and it kinda just feels like he’s being punished for standing up for his beliefs.
A way they could have kept the gun part in is by having a racist that was in the fight drop a gun and it lands infront of him. He sees all the hate, fighting and idiocy around him and hes filled with anger himself. He picks up the gun and aims it at a white old guy but then eventually stops himself and decides to be the bigger person. Realizing that hate against hate only leads to more hate. Sure it still would've been about blm mostly but what is racism? Bullying. So it still would've kept the original message but it just wouldn't be personal to him.
@@maximumforce8275 Why a racist? Why not another black person or a so called Ally. I agree Hate against hate is bad a bad thing but what you just said proves a bias. Why not have him doing an Actual march that people involved start to riot and loot and have him realize that not everyone there is for a purpose only a selfish gain, have it show the muddled grey than a black and white. When you paint with broad strokes it doesn't help find the issues it just creates more, because now you have a good Cop who is deemed evil just because a cop in a different state did something bad, and it's not he police who keep these people on the force it's the Police unions that threaten strikes and boycotts against the Departments.
@@rannenw6207 you do realise the ones who started the whole thing is the racists right? Since when were the protesters rioting before hand? Your comment is just hypocritical because now it shows your bias XD let's just agree to disagree here and leave it at that.
@@maximumforce8275 No because the world isn't that black and white. There are people who just go to these protests to hurt other and have a selfish gain there are police who are bad people and should never wear the badge ,but as I said the world is grey never black and white there is no good and evil just various greys. Do I agree with a white Supremacist no ,but do I agree with a CRT that all white people are racist no. Because I'm not willing to narrow my world view. I'll keep my eyes and ears open and learn from those around me regardless of race and make my own opinions of the world and treat people as their character deems not the look of them something it seems you haven't yet seem to learn.
Learn from what? Well somebody doesn’t do their research. He’s obviously learn a lot with BLM involved and learn from it.
As long as they keep the moral Complexity of static I'm happy. Because that what made static so interesting is he used to be in the wrong alot. Like dude was gonna kill a bully or i think was starting to become on later. And his dad told him you can't. Because we need to talk about the social issue of the time but not define the character in them. That why I love captain America he went from just being the poster boy of America to being what America should stand for
This, a big reason I liked Static was that despite all the stuff he was involved in or witnessed, he still saw the best in people, he was an altruist first before anything else. It was this nature he gained from his dad and it was because of this nature that they were even willing to give a racist a chance, which ultimately ended up changing his views a bit.
@@Void_Out yeah argee! I think sometimes because we want our heroes to he right we make them flawless. But I learned stuff because static could be wrong too but he got better. So I'm curious to see what they do with the character long term and ik some people are just gonna hate but man it so cool seeing one of my favorite in the limelight he deserves
@@princewya i think to to early to tell yet but he has movement of flaws and weakness in all the comics and cartoon. So I want to see how its handled
They will remove the moral complexity
I honestly prefer his original origin with him learning to throw away the gun it’s kind of his uncle Ben moment
That's why people are mad, before his origin story came with personal growth and that whole momento of "taking accountability for your own actions" like in spider-man, he was out seeking blood and got involved in something horrible, now it's just like he has no agency, it's just someone else fault, now he is a victim rather than someone that while trying to stop being a victim was about to become a murderer, those moments of growth are what made the character so compelling to everyone, now he is just poster boy for BLM
@@miguelmacias2401 Yeah I much prefer an Origin where a character grows and learns something through it that's why Spider-mans is easily one of the most iconic with this New origin I just find it to be way less interesting since Virgil Doesn't really learn anything from it I'm not against BLM being in it I feel like they could have easily had static going to a violent protest and breaking things up or something like that
@@miguelmacias2401 And how when he was about to murder the person he didn't care about if he was gonna kill them or not. He cared about his own image of what they'll think of him.
@@jaredfisher-ramos7744 And that's awareness, that's agency, that's the character making choices that moves the story, that was good story telling, his actions took him where the story begins, instead of the story coming to him
I'm not a writer but there is a simple yet fundamental lesson I learned about writing characters from playing D&D.
Character development isn't all contained in the origin story.
While that particular event can only occur at the beginning of the story and wouldn't make much sense later on, it might have even a better developed character by the end of the new comic run than the original cartoon or comics.
It might be optimism but regardless, the worst case scenario is a less impactful story for the reboot.
Honestly I see few reasons to complain as now, maybe later on we'll all hate the new comic together who knows.
Dwanye McDuffie is rolling in his grave,
from people using him to criticize the politics that they're uncomfortable with
This is just like when people say MLK wouldn't be like that.... even when he was accused of being too "political" by many of his contemporaries. A common attack meant to remove perceived legitimacy of a cause.
Is this what he just did to confirm his own thoughts ?
@@princewya evidence?
Yes I too sometimes feel as though I am entitled to speak for the dead. Lol
Dwayne McDuffie... man, what he did as show runner for JLA and JLA Unlimited was awesome. RIP to a great one.
The Static Shock show is remembered fondly, and one of those reasons is b/c it didn't treat its audience like dumb little kids and brought up real world problems that they would inevitably experience. Also, when it did talk about real world problems, it wasn't shoved them down your throat. It was well written b/c the writers cared about the message and put effort into teaching that message. More writers need to take notes from Static Shock.
I feel like that whole era of tv especially animated series is just a lost and forgotten. Even Disney Chanel shows were tackling real issues with a nuanced thoughtful approach. I feel really lucky that I grew up in that time cause I’m sure they’ve had a huge impact on me and why I don’t fall for bigotry and hate speech like many do today
You cannot define how some shows "shove politics down your throat" while others don't, complete gibberish
Static: Sometime I wish there was a black superhero back home to look up to.
John Stewart: Am I a joke to you?
To be fair he's in space most of the time.
@@Gundam_JAY black lightning? Cyborg? Wallace west? Vixen? Come on bruh
@@porassrivastava8242 yeah but they’re not in Dakota
@@porassrivastava8242 depends on if he knows any of these caracters. Many comics tend to make it so only superman are well know, or only he exists. At least until they get teamed up with them
I think Vergil is talking about his city, Dakota
"Sons of the Fathers" best episode. Virgil's dad was the best in that episode.
I see Robert Hawkins as one of the best comic book fathers out there.
People that say comics shouldn’t be political seem to forget a huge amount of their favourite superheroes made their first appearances punching Hitler.
Difference between punching Hitler and punching a cop.
@@bool_aid_man510 tomato, Tomato
@@bool_aid_man510 so long as they’re responsible for the suffering of others based on characteristics they can’t control, they’re both worthy of being punched by a superhero
@@bool_aid_man510 no it's not. Oppression and murder is the same no matter what your name or job title is. Being a cop doing suddenly make it ok to break the law and hurt others
@@cflame14 cops aren't all good nor all bad while Hitler and the nazis were all bad
I'm more upset that the setting put Vergil on the moral high ground from the start he was ready to kill someone in cold blood and needed the responsibility of his powers to become better
May be another "perfect protagonist" problem that we see all too much of in this day and age
Character development, they could have still brought in that element of the story while keeping current politics. Maybe he seeks revenge for the police officer who killed Brianna taylor.
But they trapped themselves because then if he learns any sort of lesson from his origin then it would go against the political message.
They could have used a fictional but similar story to Brianna and then added their own nuance, but they didn’t. And that’s just bad writing, real world events have no place in fiction. Fictional stories that can dive deeper into the real life story and events absolutely do.
@@SomberP so Captain America punching Hitler is bad writing because he was a real person?
This is why I like your channel, it's not afraid to go political when it's necessary and you bring up facts from past comics and shows that prove its not too different from past politics. Every thing isn't black and white with politics as most people think, there is a Grey area where people choose not to think about.
Dude, no. It's not simply because the new comic is "political", many are oblivious to the real problem. The comic is a propaganda in disguise, and it's biased. BLM's leaders profit by exploiting black people, and use that money to buy private mansions. Meanwhile, poor black people receive almost nothing.
BLM is just a demagogic scam.
@@Ronin-lb5ij haven't you listened to what Drake said in the vid?
@@Ronin-lb5ij the comic is literally the experience of a black teenager in modern times of course it's going to be political and BLM is going to be mentioned and how police brutality happens on a daily basis and the impact on Virgil life, so yes BLM Will be mentioned who knows the founders buying that mansion may be mentioned this is the first issue give it a chance.
Drake did an absolutely wonderful job in describing the issue.
Yes exactly, it's also really important that a white dude like Drake (or me) is out there saying these things because we need to be part of the solution, and the first step is not being afraid to talk about.
@@ureadthisurgay1057 you're definitely trolling but I'm saying this for the audience: cis white men also suffer under the patriarchy, and our boy Drake here is *obviously* talking to his fellow men, while reminding his audience that *there are better sources* for these kinds of topics. We're working as allies.
A big reason I prefer the original is it explained pretty simply why most of the bang babies were assholes or straight-up Villians. They were gangsters; of course, when given REAL power, they’re going to push up their bullshit. Peaceful protesters in power are more likely to stick to their morals, less easily explaining the villian ratio.
This
The only way I can think of how they can fix this is if there’s only a small percent chance of getting super powers and most of Virgil’s rogues gallery come from outside the protest. Otherwise… I’d prefer if they stuck to the original origin.
Getting super powers and looking the same is cool, but I would imagine getting outcast by family and friends because you look like a mutant would make people angry with those who caused it. Especially at a peaceful rally. That’s abuse of power…
@@SHS08Tweezy but in the original they only hated metahumans because they were villains, like, the story takes place in the same universe the justice league exist
@@devforfun5618 no it didn't. Milestone comics had their own universe called the Dakotaverse. The universes didn't fuse until 2009.
The sons of the father episode stuck hard with me...when I was younger I was kinda kicked out of my best friends house by him because his dad came home and found me there in 6th grade then again in 10th...no reason more than being black but noone understood what that felt like...that episode made me feel like I wasn't alone
When I was young we often had to get on the floor because of constant shootings in the projects and it was done by other people who looked like me. But I’m sure you had it worse…
That episode is brave enough to teach kids racism is stupid
@@xstarsxromenguyen9854 How about both… that’s my experience. Get off your, likely right wing, high horse.
@@xstarsxromenguyen9854 I don't think that is what he was comparing himself too🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ he just made a statement... What happened to you was wrong as well but don't make it seem like what happened to him was somehow less effective in his life ... I didn't have either experience but I empathize with both of you because your my brothers and I actually care what you have gone through and what you go through... Where not supposed to be tearing each other down that's what they want us to do so stop it .. thank God your still alive and a stray bullet didn't find you .. because many have died from them you should definitely understand that part..
@@xstarsxromenguyen9854 passive aggressive much? Your statement is sus as hell
I agree 100% with your video. Saying the new Static Shock is "too woke" is nonsense because it always had important real-life issues such as homelessness, hopelessness, race, biggotry, drug abuse, gun violence and even general injustice. I will say that you being a White male and being so passionate about all of this speaks volumes and I am glad you did this. I've never been one to hate anyone based on race or sexual orientation. Stupid comes in all races and all genders, and so does goodness. Hell, I'm mixed with so much shit that if I was racist, I'd only be hating part of myself. I could go on and on, but I'll just end this by saying I look forward to more Static Shock and more of your content. Subscribed!
The old Static Shock even got into homophobia a lot too. His best friend is a gay jew!
Yes, supporting an organization that screwed, robbed and murdered people for an incident manipulated for political interest to make a criminal aggressor of a saint. If you continue to support BLM, let's see how much money you gave them because they kept it and didn't help anyone lol hahaha
PS: Go read RippaVerse better, that's a comic like before, not this new shit that they ruined.
The fact that I grew up to look almost just like Virgil on accident is hilarious to me I mean brown eyes? Check. Black/dark brown hair? Check. Brown skin? Check. Dreadlocks? Check. 5’8? I’m 5’8 and a half so that’s close enough. Male? Check. And I’m a actor. I mean... if they still casting for the static shock movie 👀👀👀
Good luck if you get the chance to go to an audition for Static! Or any audition for that matter
@@michaeltrevino8234 I’m probably not going to but that would be amazing casting
@@montebeverly237 "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." You should at least try. It would be really cool to see a random commenter on a Comics Drake video be cast in a Hollywood DC movie. Lol
Put a shock to yo systems.
@@Hey-Its-Dingo trueeeeee
I know making "controversial" videos is probably not fun because you have to deal with all the hate that comes with it but good got standing up and stating the truth Drake.
I agree
@@zegsi364 Fellas, is wanting basic human rights and fighting against the systems that are stopping you terrorism? Sometimes, but certainly not in this case
@@zegsi364 Finally someone says it.
@@zegsi364 proof please
@@zegsi364 That's just your definition bud. Are there some that are more aggressive than others? Yes. But most often, a lot of them are peaceful. And if you wanted to make that judgement for an entire group just based off certain people, then you would have to make that argument for any other social activism or political group.
The only surprise to me was that Virgil's mom was still alive.
She's alive in the original comics. She's only dead in the show which Dwayne McDuffie didn't like.
A hero with both parents? Wooow
@@henrytm188 I hate that. Not realistic. People want politics and realism, meanwhile they don't want consequences of such realism? So do you want it or not? Picking and choosing is so inconsistent and lacks the integrity of a really good story. I want problems in my stories. Not "everything is perfect here" tropes.
@@ShadowProject01 there's actually a lot of hero stories with in tact families.
It's just that Americans and other westerners tend to read mainstream American stories which have some family death here and there. Mostly because of so many reboots they have to shake things up to get old readers back.
Heck, even some mainstream stories have intact families. Animal Man, for example.
@@ShadowProject01 miles mother dead af bro. Thats canon. Cyclops was still an orphan till they made that retcon that his dad is a space pirate lol. Fantastic 4 are all superheroes so they a bit different
I used to be majorly bigoted towards all sorts of groups, be it African Americans, gays, Trans people, etc. Growing up with my family didn't really help. All it really takes is to get informed. I was incredibly ignorant, and was in an echo chamber of that same ignorance. Part of my rehabilitation has been the creators I looked up to speaking the facts against this ignorance, and I can't thank you enough for providing the same to so many people.
I and many others are incredibly proud of you for making this journey! :)
@@wjjajshshdbdnnsndhbauhwhshs tysm, it means a lot
I'm glad you made it out of that.
This is the way.
I feel like a lot of these anti-woke, anti-sjw types want the characters they read to have mistreatment that's allegorical. So they can sympathize with the plight that mutants face in X-Men comics, but not real life marginalized communities. It doesn't make much sense, when you think about it.
I mean, for a long while the prevailing thought was to try and get people to think about things by using allegory rather than directly confronting the issue and thereby side step some of the prejudices. And it definitely works to an extent, but now it feels like people who grew up with controversial issues always being allegory don't like it when media shows the actual issue.
They're OK talking about the AIDS epidemic and the treatment of gay people by society through metaphor, or have characters like Jadzia Dax who is a pretty big trans allegory, but not actually trans, but the moment you actually include gay people or trans people though, they freak out and say it's "Too political!"
Idk it's a whole complicated thing.
>It doesn't make sense
I think it makes perfect sense!
If you read about fictional oppression you can just wiggle your finger against fictional Oppressors and forget about it.
If it's a REAL marginalised group you have to acknowledge the failings of your society and can either decide to be indifferent about it or do something about it.
Both are infinitely more challenging than just saying that Magneto has a point or that people in the Marvel universe are senseless bigots.
@@shinyagumon7015 i agree it you but just because it makes sense doesn't make it right
@@Gabe600 I never said that it was right.
Sorry I couldn't portray my whole disgust
This is almost as stupid as that time everyone complained that watchmen got political. Comics are allowed to be political, and really, always have been.
It's funny how people trashed the sequel show on HBO because it dared to talk about racism in America and that it made Watchmen political despite the comic always being political. Hell, Rorshach was an Alt-Right lunatic. It shows that people who complain about politics don't read comics, even if they do, they don't understand the political messaging.
@@carbootstudios2459 it was like that in the comic also
@@radexyz4918 no I don't think it was.
@@radexyz4918 But you were able to come to your own conclusions on it. Even with Green Arrow and Green Lantern which was a very political book, They really hit hard on the Liberal theme and how good they were, but they also showed that Green Arrow could be wrong and human and his ideas could at times just as wrong as conservative ones.
There's a difference between comics About politics and comics being used as politics. The former is amazing and has given us amazing stories and later has always been cringe and virtue signalling.
On some level everything is political. People hide behind "it's too political" when they're really saying they just want to silence political perspectives that aren't their own.
Great video btw. I really like Static Shock and got introduced to him via the cartoon. It's cool to see he's still relevant today.
Well put, I mean people politicized mask wearing so it's not shocking that people think a comic saying "Don't be racist" is somehow supposed to be on one side of the aisle. Feels Freudian.
Saying that black lives matter shouldn't be political. It's not that only black lives matter. It's that often times black people lives are treated as lesser
Yeah
@Cuddly Savage so one person's actions speaks for a WORLD WIDE social movement?
@Cuddly Savage
Everything is political.
What, the u.s. war of independence wasn't political?
@Cuddly Savage about what exactly?
Black lives matter. There's a difference between that statement and the organization black lives matter, which we know has used all of their donations to buy mansions for their founders instead of actually helping black people. I say this as a black person myself. I think most of the controversy over 'black lives matter' comes from the conflation with the organization BLM
*New Static is too political*
Uhh, did these people forget that his Mom literally died to police brutality?
I suspect most of the folks memory of Static doesn't extend beyond him being a black superhero with cool powers.
And that the gas that mutated then was throw by the police and was supossed to track then?
And that gang violence and the pipeline that forces black and poor kids to join then are the central conflict for most of the run?
Like wtf
His mom was killed in a gang war originally. They changed it just to be political and score woke points.
@@SuperNeos2 oh brother 🤦🏿♂️
Static shock as always been political from day one. The whole reason milestone comics was created was to show minority centric stories.
I’ve always loved Static. I’m white and was born into a lower middle class family in a predominantly white small town. My first exposures to the ideas or racism, school shootings, and gang violence were from the Static Shock cartoon. It really helped me get how pointless and stupid racism is, and why it shouldn’t be encouraged or celebrated. Unfortunately the world seems to be getting worse in that regard. Especially in the US since the 2016 presidential election.
🤟🏽💯
Respect+
I think you mean the 2020 presidential election. Since people seemed to want a president that spoke highly of a leader of the KKK, authored a crime bill that targeted black people, and called black people "super predators."
@@ZaxsP Was it the same one who said "if you don't vote for me, you ain't black" and claimed that you could either be white or you were poor? The one that was anti-LGBT and pro-segregation for his half a century of politics? We ended up with him as president, so time for talking about the 2020 election has well passed its time.
@ZaxsP - The super predators statement is a deviation from something Hillary Clinton said not Biden. Biden did create the crime bill decades ago & did apologize for it. Biden has not spoke highly of the KKK that was Trump reguarding Charlottesville. And during BLM protests at Lafayette Square Trump wanted protestors beat and possibly killed despite them being mostly peaceful.. Additionally Trump and his party have targeted Black People & Other Minorities from a variety of angles such as voting rights, supporting police brutality, odd financial laws and so on and so on. Black people voted for Biden because he wasn't a literal racist criminal lunatic causing people to die from a disease unlike Trump. And yes I am aware that you are likely a troll or an lying alt righter/someone pretending to be an alt righter. Either way its clear your twisting the facts.
They did Dwayne McDuffie HORRENDOUS by claiming he's rolling on his grave, that's just disrespectful
I can agree on the political part, but shouldn't that conflict on the gang problem and all the villains? There was a logical explanation why most of the people affected by the gas became super villains, since they were already criminals. Now that most of the people are legit protesters, the origin of lots of villians over a legit protest cause may do more harm than good. I am saying this without reading the material, since I live in Brazil and have no possibility to reach it, speacially because my currency over dollar is ridiculous.
Sucks that people are dumb, but that ART STYLE THO
it really looks amazing
the art style is shit lmao. the concept that were revealed look cool, but the actual art inside the book is lazy
The guy who did the drawings' instagram is @nikolasdraper-ivey
@@kobe-wankenobi6843 appreciate it g
@@bluenotes11-n6u do better then
Making it BLM was a given, but I'd rather they do something along the lines of Static being an already established hero in Dakota with this protest giving way for a new Big Bang; thus introducing some new metas into the world. That way it doesn't get rid of the growth he had in his origin through him getting rid of his gun n whatnot.
No disrespect to Mcduffie's colleagues, but they aren't him. They had huge fights and creative differences back in the day, which led up to Milestones downfall. I hope the new books good but given the current writer's track record, I'm not holding my breath.
I agree. For me the issue wasn't including BLM, there was no way that wasn't going to happen in a Static comic written in 2021, it was that it took away from Mcduffie's original Static origin which was a very powerful story that should have been kept.
People don't mess with the core concepts of Batman or Spider-Man's origin story. Static shouldn't have been any different. It was timeless and still relevant to today's world.
✔✔✔✔✔
Just Phil
So are you saying he wouldn't associate blm with his comic? I doubt he wouldn't. I know a lot of whyte people have probably gotten people like you to turn against a movement that simply affirms black lives, but maybe don't take on the sentiments and perspectives of people who might be part of the problem. And find every reason they can to b!tch about black people in media as long as the media champions black people
I like this see that make sense
@@Scoring57 He didn’t say that. He was hoping to keep the established origin static had and use the protest as a new starting point. Shifting away from a new origin about a young static to an established static dealing with a fallout of new metas from a second Big Bang. Sort of like how they revisit high school Spider-Man often but some fans prefer adult Spider-Man because context is different especially if the original audience has matured.
I love static and I am happy he is back . But I think people dislike of his new origin isn’t because it’s political it’s just that back then the situation of execute force was more relevant and they cut out the things like gang violence and Virgil going to shoot his bullys. It’s like if Spider-Man never let the criminal get away to kill uncle Ben. Peter learns with his power comes responsibility and also the responsibility to not be selfish with it and stop crime. Like he learnt all this because he did something bad because he as a character messed up . And I think that if static doesn’t have flaws he won’t be engaging . Like in this he is just a victim who gets powers doing good. Even The perfect character is flawed or else what do they have to learn. Just doing good because it’s in your nature and being perfect isn’t relatable. His restraint to kill his bully’s after having power to do so even tho he is compelled to by emotion not only makes him relatable for havin said emotion but makes him better and aspiring for that restraint . And the new version cuts that out and he is nearing merry sure status in perfection.
Not to mention people’s personal beliefs on BLM protest . Personally idm as they are with good intention it’s just comparing it to issues that plagued the era of static shock is unfair to people who went through that .
Either way I really don’t care as I am happy to see him return I just don’t want him to get messed up as a character because he was honestly just cool.
i haven't read the new comics, but i think they still could have used the way static got his powers to show him having flaws, like he starting to belive he is like "the choosen one" to use his powers to end racism in, idk just his city maybe, and gets biased thinking every white person is racist, something happens and he ends up harming an innocent white dude because idk, he misunderstood a situation where the white dude and his black friend where rosting each other as joke and blind from power he harms the dude and after learning everything was a misunderstanding he snaps and realize that he was wrong and blinded for his own power and that becomes his new "uncle ben moment". i'm not a writer so pretty sure it would be 100 times better lol
Who’s mad, I promise I’m not gonna cyberbully them.
I'm not mad heck a modern static sounds cool especially with all the tech we hav today
100th like, hell yeah
Im mad we are not getting a new cartoon of static shock... as far as I know
I’m excited for the comic, I’m just mad people are being stupid and acting like the Dakotaverse isn’t political.
I am. (I’m not actually but I’d like some free cyber bullying.)
"Wait their comics were political?"
"Always have been,asshole."
Am really happy to see Static back!!
Yes but back then it was done far better and allowed for both sides of politics to be treated equally
@@DgardsGaming well Republicans became a clown fest.
@@womanofdemise1661 i'd say Dem are equally as clowns
@@womanofdemise1661 And so did the dems. Joe Biden? Vote blue no matter who? Wtf?
@@DgardsGaming don't bother no matter how much you explain this they never see the stark contrast to how it is now.
Static is back. Hell yes
the issue that I have with the new storyline is that its just social media based it takes out a lot of the emotion of the original concept. Like take his family relation its now butchered and static originally tackled issues in a way that wasn't forcing it to be the main concept in a sence. Stick with the original it was a perfect piece already it didn't need an update. The og showed static as a nerdy normal kid who was tryibg to balance his new life but also just enjoying life learning and handling lessons. The new one just shoves issues in your face and takes away from the core ties of static like how his mothers sacrifice and her death from a gun made him have a conflict of using one and joining in the gang riots. even with racism it was a ep that they put into teaching points but showing it in a teachable way thats how it put most of their lessons not like the new version that makes it the "in your face" of everything just starting off with it. I think it should've just been a continuation of the new 52 or just left alone especially since McDuffie passed
Static Shock is a black teenager that dealt with the problems and social issues a black teenager in an urban environment deals with. Its always been political.
That’s not political at all. The fact that you believe that shows how much the world has been corrupted by elites. That is about problems that people face. Racism is not political nor is anything else you said. Realize that first
@@Zoinkin89 I have no words, I'll just let someone else chime in cause I am too busy hollering.
@@ubermaster1 you think it’s political?
@@Zoinkin89 just shut your screen off
@@ZzIAmNOTLegendzZ how is racism political? Please tell me
These people complaining about wokeness either haven't been alive long enough to have read Dwayne Mcduffie's comics in the 90s or have seen the cartoon in the early 2000s. Why did I have to become an adult in the height of a changing political climate?
I'm 17 and I read the comics from 90s
@@carbootstudios2459 you read the old comics from the 60s and 70s about spiderman batman black lighting black panther superman fantastic four
@@carbootstudios2459 no I'm asking what kind of comics you read as a kid that was born in the early 2000s like me
@@Liqo315 I think he means complaining about wokeness and such from works such as static shock
@@Gundam_JAY Ohhhhhh thanks for telling me because I was confused what was going on
I'd say that the new origin story is not that creative compared to the previous one. Old one had layers, and started off Vergil in a dark and vulnerable place. With the discovery of powers raising him to become a hero. For the new one, you can argue that he already is a "hero" because he is peacefully protesting for a good cause which results in conflict from other protestors, which I'm guessing is going to be propolice, with police being seen as the direct antagonist for the series.
I agree with you. I think the writers may be afraid of having flawed women or minorities. Static's original origin is not so black and white.
I agree the new storyline isn't as creative and just makes me uncomfortable how they're using real life events to tell a story
You have a pojt but depending on how they they do it it could work really well. With him being someone who was already a hero but powerless to to learning to use his newfound power as a hero. I don't think it'll be easy to do though. It might come down to how his character develops over time. If it develops.
Even the original took back story took inspiration from a real event though it was just lesser known so main audience wouldn’t know it.
Virgil actually was the center of WHY there was a fight at the protest leading up to the big bang. He's also struggling with the anger he has inside towards everything that happened INCLUDING how his family and friends are treating him. It depicts A LOT of the internal turmoil we as African Americans have everyday. I remember saying/thinking very similarly as Virgil in the new comic when I was his age.
I think part of it is nostalgia love. Honestly the original story has a place in my heart and is a lot more interesting than the BLM spin on it. I don’t care if it’s political. The original series actually did so good at political topics. I just think the original was a lot more interesting and touches on something that not many media touches on. We see BLM in the media all the time. Gang violence is something that happens a lot in my area that everyone fears, but no one in the media talks about.
But I think I may have a bias because I love historical pieces and looking into pieces of the past. I love historical fiction. So I’m very interested in historical issues.
Never read the comic as a kid-might not have even seen it to be honest-but I loved the show as a kid. That said, I don’t remember it being all that political because I was young enough for some of that to fly right over my head. Looking back on it? It was certainly political and I am okay with that.
im not even american, but a lot of things were clearly political, gear's dad was racist, there is that episode were they go to africa and discover a different persepect about being black, and all metahumans being treated is villains even if some of them were not gang members when the big bang happened and had to turn to gangs later, because they weren't accepted by society, even athletes and musicians, there is that episode whit a drug dealer (that gave addicting super powers)
@@devforfun5618 Yeah, looking back on it now, I see that. However, if you see my other comment I go way further in depth on this than I will here, but a lot of what you might call “political” I used to call, and kind of still do, “common decency.” I kind of always thought of politics as pertaining to policies and that sort of thing, more than just treating people with respect and decency. So, in that way, I may have not seen the show nearly as political as others, based on a different context of what constitutes “being political” means to each of us. Also, I never saw the episode(s) of Static going to Africa as a kid. I only caught the show every so often, which might have also contributed to my view of the show.
@@bluefaolan i agree with you, it wasn't political(tm) at the time, they were real life problems that exist for real, but now acknowledging it is called being political, but even as a kid i realised how serious the show was compared to other cartoons, it didn't flew over my head, like, black culture in Brazil is different from black culture in the USA, but the racism is a lot similar, it might be what they call western civilization
Here’s the thing. Static is too perfect as a powerful black character that I cannot find a flaw. Let Static be Static babeh
Look I can understand getting mildly peeved about certain politically charged issues being put in the media you consumed when they weren't before. Static always had them though. You think a comic book about a black teen originally written decades ago wasn't gonna have stories pertaining to race in America? Come on now.
the problem like drake pointed out is that most people watching it for the first time didn't absorb or remember that message. they just remembered "Cool hero dude with zappy powers and flying disk", not any of the messages or meaning.
@@kerricaine I watched the original show as a kid and I still remember those episodes and messages. I think the problem isn't that it's political or always political is that it, as the kids say "goes too hard". Virgil gets his powers during a blm protest for George Floyd and Brianna Taylor. I think it's become exhaustive nowadays when those two are constantly being brought up ad nauseum. Like how you can't go a few episodes of Grey's Anatomy without covid being in it. (Hope you get might point)
@@DjPrimeVideos So...your problem is that it advocates for societal change and anti-racism...too much? I don't normally like to gatekeep but are you even remotely familiar with the Static series? Those issues and going hard about them are a fundamental core part to the series, to the point where you clearly aren't familiar with the source material if you have a problem with it now and only now.
@@ravenfrancis1476 1. You clearly only read the low half of what I typed.
2. Lemme be clear here...no I don't have a problem with it, its the simple fact that they're just using the same thing over and over again. Media has basically ran the whole blm George Floyd/Brianna Taylor scenario into the ground to a point where its become obnoxious and groan inducing.
@@DjPrimeVideos Probably because we've yet to see actual justice for them done and there's yet to be any change to prevent this from happening again, as evidenced by the fact that the police killing an innocent black person is practically a weekly event at this rate.
When I first heard people say Static is getting too political, my thought was, "didn't they have an episode about school shootings in the early 2000s? And a lot of antagonists came from gangs?" I don't remember a lot of individual episodes, but the gun violence one stuck with me, along with the one where the Hawkings go to Africa. But I did think Static was awesome, and I have a hard time believing Robert Hawkings not raising his kids to stand up for what they believe in.
Let's be fair though: "political" is VERY different from today's "identity politics." I think that's what some of these people are trying to get at, where they don't want all the "woke" stuff thrown in. Hell, most people of every race can't stand that.
Yup, now the gang members are BLM protesters.. wait...
I don't think I've ever had a problem with politics being in a comic book. More just when it's poorly handled. When it comes across as a preachy from a top my pedestal I'm better than you. I think I like the original origin more but I can get behind this new one. Honestly I'm just happy to have static back. And even better hes getting a live action movie I really hope they do that I've always wanted to see him on the big screen.
The problem is anyone can use such an objection regardless of intent malicious or not which they do. While at the same time fanning the fires of "anti PC". I've seen it happen too many times. Not doubting your personal views but it turns into a shit hole real quick
People usually feel something is preachy/I’m better then you when they know that there actions and or beliefs are wrong but don’t want to admit it and change.
@Power Wash So does that mean Captain Planet wasn’t preachy? And that anyone who didn’t like it hated recycling?
@@moonlitebrite9317 do you not like it because he teaches recycling and being a good steward of the environment?
@@aaaaaaaaaa7699 So you're basically saying that because a show has a good message that makes it good or beyond criticism? Do you lack critical thinking skills?
9/10 people who say that there shouldn't be politics in comics have never read a comic
Meanwhile they'll continue to hold up Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns as gospel while missing the point behind both series.
@@shinzero0271 for real they completely missed the point
@@shinzero0271 Don't forget the Joker movie.
please tell me how political mha is.
@@bluenotes11-n6u you mean a show where some people are better than others depending on how they were born giving them a higher status in society. A show where a system fails people and makes villains. You mean those politics on mha?
The broken arm analogy was perfection.
seriously!
That’s actually an analogy I’ve used a few times to explain BLM, so I’m glad he used it as well.
It was so good. The only one I’ve heard before is the one specifically showing why “All Lives Matter” protesters make no sense.
“If you go to a breast cancer awareness march or fundraiser and start screaming about “ALL CANCERS MATTER”, the whole point of this is that this is to bring awareness to this specific cancer that affects certain people. While you’re technically not wrong, you’re diminishing the effects of this problem and you’re just an asshole.”
I have created a new backstory forStatic.
It keeps Virgil getting bullied by Heatwave and his revenge plot, but it has updated circumstances in the origin.
He grabs his dad's gun to kill Heatwave.
He finds Heatwave, Heatwave's gang and other gangs, causing riots using the "BLM" movement, to justify their actions, but they don't believe in the cause and just want to cause chaos.
So, Virgil using his dad's gun tries to stop Heatwave, and proclaim that Heatwave doesn't believe in the BLM movement.
Then the police come in teargassing the rioters and Virgil- This tear gas as you expect give them superpowers.
The rioters and Virgil manages to escape.
__
I think this backstory address and reflects on how people try to use the BLM to cause chaos -Jake Paul
Meanwhile other people, who actually believe in the movement stop these rioters.
Edit: Yes, I mixed up with heatwave and hot streak, my bad.
Add ons: We will still have Wade peer pressuring Virgil to take action against hotstreak, but instead Virgil takes one of his father's gun.
After the Big Bang, Virgil would throw away the gun, since everyone loves that moment, and is integral to his character growth.
The Big Bang would still happen on Blood Island.
@@princewya oh I gotta be honest, I did not know that, thank you.
Why is it so important for non black people that static picks up a gun? I don't understand yalls attachment to him picking up a gun. That was an issue 30 years ago not today. Static would touch a gun today this isn't og static because Dwayne McDuffie is dead and the lesson he wanted to teach then was taught. And now with this new lesson why is it uber important for yall to keep writing terrible origin stories that don't fit today at all and keep him attached to guns? That makes no sense. So please explain it to me
@@Aries_5916 "non-black"? I'm black and I wanted Static to pick up the gun because it shows character. He had the opportunity to kill his bully and get away with it yet didn't because he CHOOSES not to kill the guy. This shows the audience the type of character he is before gaining superpowers. Why he is a superhero and not a supervillain.
I’ve been going back and reading a lot of the old Milestone comics as they’ve been uploaded to the DC Universe app. Anyone saying that they’ve only become political now has never read those comics.
But it wasn’t in your face like it is today obviously you miss the point
@@devilslayer3548 Buddy, I know you haven’t read these books. Or, if you did, you read them when you were way too young to know what you were reading.
@@devilslayer3548
He just f^cking told you it's political and you're still arguing. And why should people have to hide political aspects of a story? If you disagree with the idea that black lives matter or become upset that the idea is expressed in a comic cause it's a relevant and harmful issue then you're probably just racist.
I mean, I do understand people not liking politics in their comics, but, when the comic was political from the start, that is kinda dumb to get mad at.
I think they're more upset because of the way writers have been writing the comics, but I see way more people were upset about how Static gets his powers more than the BLM arc itself, me included.
@@yusifudo46I haven't actually read the new comics, so I don't really have much of an opinion, but I do understand people not liking it involving real world politics. But this does kinda sound like the new star wars movies, where people have issues with the book, and everyone blames the politics, not the possible writing issues, or personal taste.
It’s not really politics though, which is what I don’t get. I think people reacted coz they heard BLM, rather then reading the issue and realise that BLM has nothing to do with the actual comic.
@@garrettlaturski6703 but as this video clearly demonstrates, static has ALWAYS been about real world political issues.
When these people complain about politics in movies or books and say keep it out of them what they mean is keep mine or the sjw politics out. But when it’s politics or movies or books that talk down about sjws look how quick they are to applaud,lol or put up they are on the right side of the argument.
But is it satire? Or at they being for real? I think they are being for real, givin on how many videos they make.
No doubt no doubt. I see and hear what your saying and I agree it’s honestly a no wonder why manga and other comic brands are doing better,than the big main 2.
They have too many events going on at once and it’s hard to keep up to the point you say f**k it the good thing about manga and other comic brands is that they have a beginning middle and end.... but I remember back in 2017’2018 dc had put out new comics with new characters but no one bought them. In my opinion if anything they need to go the same route as manga and others.
This new origin story is way better tho!!
@@shadowwolf8434 Static's original origin was based on an amalgam of gang and police violence of the 80s and 90s. Plus a little dab of "pollution" bad storage of waste products on top. This new one feels edgy because it just happened and they're turning up the edge because it's also easy.
@@shadowwolf8434 The big bang wouldn't be anything but a shootout. If somebody stored chemical products in their proper place. That's why its' a small yet still a valid nod
This is kind of off topic, but I actually really like your takes on this stuff, because I'm tired of the right wing views of ew politics I don't agree with I HATE, or centrists that believe no politics should be in stories but... That's the point of stories. The point is that they have something to say and should be impactful, they are the most powerful invention of humanity because they are humanity themselves. I also like how unapologetic you are about this stuff. Thanks for the videos bro
The original comics and tv show, they were already impactful, so why was the change needed? I prefer the original origin myself, because that’s what I grew up with, and so what’s wrong with wanting to keep it the same? I’m not the only one who thinks this. Can so many be wrong? It’s like changing the origins of Bruce Wayne.
@@alexitorico6686 Orgin is fine getting mad at the polictal thoughts behind it isnt. Lots of people are uspet pver the blm part even tho it makes as much sense in the story as Batman dislking guns since they killed his parents. Both make sense for the characters.
I really think there is something to be said for revisiting stories we loved as kids and learning they were “political” before we were. It’s comforting to know creative people have cared about justice even if it sucks that we’re still fighting the same battles.
This is my second video of yours that came up in recommended that I watched, and your take on this more than earns my sub and my intent to watch your videos. Thank you for making this video and for your stance on this. Long live the return of Static!
People will complain just to complain, ignore them. Enjoy what y’all wanna enjoy and don’t let anyone ruin that for you!
This is what I have always said! If you like it GREAT if not THATS OK TOO you do not have to like everything move on and read a different comic watch a different show or play a different game.
I just hope it approaches the situations the same way the old series did and am excited to see where they go with the characters
For the people that say comic are supposed to be not political just remember that in the first issue of Captain America Cap was punching Hitler
Before we were at war on top of that.
Never forget the story about American Nazis at the time threatening Lee and Kirby after that and Kirby letting them know that he would be waiting in the lobby if they wanted to make a thing of it. Which they did not.
But see, those people do care about politics. *Their own politics* and not the ones others push
Who wouldn't want to punch hitler?
@@LupineShadowOmega Oh, I didn't hear about that. Where's the article. I want to read that.
Why are people mad this time because honestly I thought this static comic was tons of fun.
@@carbootstudios2459 figures why am I not surprised
Because people like to complain?
@@carbootstudios2459 It's better to just ignore it, they always try the "racist are outraged about X or Y" tactic to try to sell anything, when they flop it's not because what they made was bad or because, in this case at least, black people weren't going in hordes to buy this and make it succeful but because those damn racist are so racist they didn't buy the comic that calls them racist, that's why american comics are going out of bussiness, the outrages actually comes down to "people didn't like it, they will no longer buy or consume anything from this new iteration" and that's somehow problematic
@@carbootstudios2459 honestly at this point this shouldn't be a surprise anymore given the mainstream media like you said wants outrage 24/7.
@@princewya you do remember that that statics origin involves him trying to murder his bully right?
Damn. It's a comic. Let's just enjoy. I've been looking forward to this for years.
And your 'soapbox rant' was awesome.
Yoo, you reminded me of why I loved Static Shock as a kid. As a non-American, it was interesting to see a perspective of a black hero's experience and life. Had static came out in this era, reactionary garbage will call it 'woke', even for its time.
As someone who hates the new Static origin let me explain. It's not that it's political, it's that it takes away a core concept of Virgil's character. When he was powerless he was peer pressured into joining a gang and actively thought about killing his school bullies. Yes Virgil makes the right decision and tosses the gun before becoming Static, but in a moment of powerlessness he almost becomes a gangbanging murderer. It lets him connect to the villains he fights because he was almost there. To me that's a core concept of the character that's gone if he just got his powers from a BLM protest because then Virgil no longer has a past that lets him connect to villains. The only way he stays the same is if you see attending a BLM protest as a bad thing. I don't. I don't take issue with Virgil attending BLM protests, your video more than highlights moments from the original series of comics and cartoons that support that for his character, I take issue with the gang elements being completely eliminated from Virgil's origin.
Exactly. Well said.
JAC 073
Typical excuse making. It's *NEVER* for the reason that thousands of people are stating is it? Even though most of these people are politically driven and are saying in plain english that they hate it cause it's "political" somehow that isn't true just cause of you? Your reason for being part of bigoted and anti-black movements is always something other than being anti-black. Even though these kinds of reactions only come towards inclusive characters
Facts
I agree the new origin story felt hollow and empty
The new origin makes me concerned that some of the supervillains will come from the BLM side. Otherwise, you’ve got an entire group of protestors on the BLM side with superpowers, which kind of lowers the stakes for Static as a superhero as he’ll have way too many allies helping him out.
Static should be able to tackle BLM without changing his origin story.
As a person who was a fan of the Static show when I was a kid. I enjoy Static and never had a problem with the political talk (mostly because they did a better job addressing it than most Hollywood media.) Seeing people getting mad and saying Dwayne is rolling in he’s grave. Clearly hasn’t watched the original nor do they know Dwayne personal. If I was Dwayne I would be glad that these stories are being told.
@@princewya what are you talking about
@@X_Blake Static used to talk first not use his fist the first thing the new Static did was nearly kill a guy
@@Sherdderworld Considering the fact that this comic just came out have you not considered that this the beginning of the reboot version journey and that later on he’ll grow into a more mature and better hero. One who thinks first before acting out. No hero’s beginning should be seen as perfect. Take Batman for example there was a time during he’s beginning where he did things that weren’t on he’s level of professionalism.
In summary it’s best to give this character sometime to grow. Give the character that chance or at least read 5 volumes. If you don’t like him by then or you’re still not seeing any progress beyond that number then don’t read the reboot’s comics anymore and just stick to the original.
@@X_Blake I’ll give it a chance for now but I feel like that an improvement is unlikely due to the personality type they are writing for him is very common in modern comics and most of not all comics characters that have it never change and remain in that toxic mindset
@@Sherdderworld Yeah, but some people are different. You may never if it’ll turn out well or not.
9:53 Or they know full-well that he's political, but don't like it because it's not politics *that they like.* Let's be real here, it's absolutely that.
@@mysteryniggadel491 Nope.
@@princewya I'm not sure if you noticed, but punching someone in the face is a big fucking difference from *shooting them.*
@@princewya Nope.
@@princewya I've gotta say, if someone called my friend a slur, I'd punch the shit out of them, too.
@@princewya That would be nice if even a single word you just said was remotely true in any conceivable way.
I've got to admit, I've been watching and enjoying more of your videos as they show up in my recommended section but since I've never been a hardcore comic book fan it always felt like it was a niche I wasn't sure I needed to add to my already sizeable queue.
But then I clicked on this video, and you spoke so well about so many important topics that you immediately got a sub from me.
Thank you for taking such care in being as clear and concise as possible on this topic. Too many nerd spaces, even those on the right side of history, refuse to speak up about important political issues like this even when the stories themselves tend to be so inherently drenched in these issues.
While I was definitely enjoying the random videos that caught my eye in the recommended, I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing your content in my TH-cam queue for your new releases.
And again, internet acts like they know everything without searching for the whole story.
Nice LupinRed pfp.
@@lizzzbenoist Thanks, I need to complete the series ahahaha
@@henriqueabreu9706 It's my second favorite Sentai :D. It has fun characters.
The internet does know everything, the people who use it. Do not.
You know
Twitter
Leaving aside how the new origin might effect the storytelling, it would be out of character for the Virgil I remember to *not* go to BLM protests.
@@codyhumble7855 sadly comics have always been about a lot of propaganda. Think about it. What better way to influence youth than to shoehorn it into their entertainment. And honestly a lot of it can be good. Great. The sad thing is, the path to hell is paved with good intentions. People use good motivation practices for pure selfish means. And always end up like a wolf in sheep's clothing to get everyone to side with them, so that the herd willfully is manipulated by them.
Yeah, I remember a lot of episodes with Virgil being extremely progressive and "woke" as some would call him now a days. The show was big on trying to push a more progressive message while also tackling many problems kids, teens, and even adults had to deal with and still have to deal with. Hell, many of the episodes are still relevant today, be them gun violence and shootings, gang violence, homelessness, mental illness, bullying, racism, ignorance and blind hatred. I feel like Static is needed now more than ever BECAUSE we're not getting better, and kids today need a role model like him again.
@@jish55 Here, here!!
No he wouldn't. Why would he go to some ethnic baiting shit show whose head honcho was caught embezzling money from donations and buying 4 houses in While neighborhoods? His father definitely wouldn't want him going.
I dont think the problem is that it's "too political", just that the original gang war thing is much better and talks about a lot more issues including police brutality and bullying
This one still contains the police using experimental gas on protesters, and for the bullying portion being missing is a valid point. There are new points from this rendition that are added on. Hopefully cover bullying later!
Disabilities and Homelessness are two examples.
Odd-Eyes
Of course we're always going to have that person making it seems like what's happening isn't what's happening. There are people complaining that it's political, no one said anything about a gang war. So stop interpreting on other people's behalf
And blm is all about police brutality and it talks about racism which I think is better than talking about bullying
@@Scoring57 so bullying should be left out? Bullying is arguably is on the same level as racism because it can effect a wide range of individuals of all backgrounds… not just a few.
Drake may not get to pay attention to his older comments but I really resonated with the creator who had to deal with essentially being big and black. I used to be a muscular 350+ lbs 6’3” Afro Caribbean man who got all types of strange or disapproving looks, run-in’s with police as well and just generally living a life where I felt like a lot of people were afraid of me. I’m a guy who tries not to kill insects or pests and just tries to carry them outside of where I live instead. Among a whole host of other things. I am nowhere near a threat. Today after a Sleeve Gastrectomy I am 220 lbs still 6’3” slim build and people are so much less afraid of me I don’t get any looks from officers anymore nobody is concerned of me being a threat. It has been completely disgusting to notice that difference over me just being visually smaller. The world can be a terrible place but there’s also beauty. Try your best to live in the beauty.
I bet they didn't watch or read static shock
@@princewya well you know more than me I didn't finish the tv series or comics the first time I heard his name was in young justice
I never questioned whether or not superheroes were political and i did read all 45 issues of static. But what i am about to say isn't critical of the new static comics (partly because i haven't read them and therefore can't judge them one way or another) but rather modern comics in general, specifically those i did read. My issue isn't whether or not they discuss politics but HOW they discuss them. Nuance plays a huge role in how effective the message is. Taking the static cartoon as an example, yes richie's dad was a racist but he had to reflect on whether his love for his son outweighed his prejudices and he saw the consequences it had on their relationship. Yes jimmy was a school shooter, but we also see why he became one and how virgil was powerless to stop it, no matter what actions he would have taken. Going back to the racial prejudice aspect, there have been a number of klansmen irl who quit the klan because they realized the error in their beliefs, but losing their prejudices also meant losing their family and friends. I am sure there are dozens of members who also want to leave but are too scared to because of their fear of losing the safety of community. The greatest nuance of storytelling and in history is that the villains don't always see themselves as the villains. Sometimes they believe they themselves are the heroes or commit villainy for the greater good of to rectify something they personally view as unjust.
But lets focus on the method of writing. There is a difference between writing a character experiencing injustice in a way that puts you in the shoes of the character vs smacking you in the face with the concept of injustice. The character needs to be relatable...and i don't mean blank to fit the lowest common denominator, but have legitimate strengths, weaknesses, interests and progressions to make you want them to succeed. I relate to Mae Jemison because while i might not be black nor a woman, i, much like her was told by family and by teachers that i won't accomplish my goals, and it was through reading about her triumphs that made me want to go into medicine. And it was because of her that I developed an interest in star trek, and i could relate to characters like checkov and le forge and seven of nine. Peter parker and virgil hawkins were my favorite supers of their respective universes and samus was my favorite video game character.
In the end, it comes down to whether you do things the "black lightning" season 2 way or the "supergirl" season 4 way, and i would prefer the "black lightning" season 2 way a 108 times over.
Beautifully said, sadly this will get ignored
Fucking Beautiful
I see a lot of people in the comics pointing out in his debuted Capt. America was punching Hitler.
That was controversial at the time as America hadn't yet entered WWII.
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were harassed over it due to the opinon that america should get into WWII, and because of anti-semites who were pro Nazi.
Hell, let's not forget how controversial Sam Wilson becoming Capt. America was (both in the comics and the MCU).
I could go on, citing how Batman used to focus a lot more on police corruption and the broken justice system.
How superman has been an allegory for xenophobia repeatedly.
But that's not the point.
So, why do I bring all this up? Because it's no different now, people need to pipe down and let the creators have messages. Good, important, messages that can have an impact on making the world a better place.
I would rather have a comic that has a good message splashed all over it, than a fluffy feel good story that lets me turn off my brain. I have other media for that.
Static as part of BLM? Not only is that realistic, but it's an important messages that people need to see today: heroes standing up for the right thing. And if that hero ends up being someone people can look up to, despite being fictional? that's fine in my book.
And if the response is "super heroes are meant to be fantasy" ... How many folks keep wanting a "realistic and gritty" take on super heroes?
Cause it feels like Static has been doing "Realistic and Gritty" longer than I've been alive.
I don't care about the BLM protest thing, but if Static isn't learning that he SHOULDN'T kill people then it's losing a lot of emotional impact compared to the original run.
Why not let him go to the protest knowing his bully will be there trying to shoot him like in the original?
@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment I like the heroes being looked up to. It's funny because he was protesting before he got his powers. There's a saying, either you stand for something or fall for anything. Your comment was great.
@@tonysmith9905 This seem like a tired answer but it's true; he's a kid. Kids make the worst decisions. I was gonna have this long response but that's kind of it.
@@thabal601 Answer to what huh? I don't get your reply to me, it has nothing to do with what I wrote. Unless you're saying what I came up with is a good way to both?
@@tonysmith9905 You asked why would Virgil be at a protest knowing his bully would be there trying to shoot him. I said because he's a kid and kids make bad decisions.
@@thabal601 No you misread. In the original comics he starts out hunting his bully down so he can shoot him, that's when he gets involved in the gasing that turns him into Static.
What I'm trying to propose is that why couldn't they just have him going to a rally trying to find his bully to put a bullet in his head? Simple way to do both and keeps the feel of the original.
Im glad to hear static is back definitely one of the best comic characters. I like that they modernized his story because thats what helps an audience get the characters point of view and their feelings because it hits close to home. Or at least thats what I think
I'm really happy he is back
As a Blerd I must say "THAAAAAANK YOOOOOUUUU!"
HAHAHA! "Blerd" Black+Nerd. I get it. I'm a Blerd too!
That word is actually taking off? Its nice to be black and a nerd, but there's also times when it feels better to just be *a* nerd too...
@@br9760 indeed, there's a whole Facebook community
@@backroadchronicles2476 it's a comic con too
Fellow Blerd and game developer and tester here
Comics are inherently political? Not all but a lot are based on some form of moral grounding, which lead into what? Politics.
One of Superman's first stories involved him dealing with America's neutrality in WWII... They've Literally been Political from the start, I don't get some people
@@tyrxian6452 hell, even the pre "Clark Kent" superman is political.
i know this video is a year old but i just have to thank you for telling the truth about static i watched the show as a kid i never read the comics but it taught me alot about myself & my culture if you think that static was not politcal your dreaming all comics were at one point in time I grew up proud to have learned what really goes on in the world & it inspired me to create my own comics I miss you Dwayne we all do & static is my all time favorite to keep the peace in the world Nuff Said
I just recently just watched the Death Battle between Static and Miles.
I’ll just say that Xeno Robinson does a fine job as Static.
That rap battle as the background music was amazing.
My problem with the new static is the fact he never go to the point of: "I shouldn't be taking lives"
He can support BLM even though there are alot of BLM riots that go mad due to:
-Bad eggs (people arent supporting them at all)
-Police inflitrants
-Selfish assholes
-People who take it too far.
If "in my opinion" I would do it like this.
He can be a peacefull BLM protester, but just put in some bullies that will show: "Hey look at these loser, siding with rioters."
Of course.. the bullies would be told: "They are peacefull, those who riot are not BLM but just people who want chaos."
Then the bullies would go too far to sabotage the BLM protest into a riot, wich the group tries to stop, but they tipped off the police and even before the bullies COULD RIOT with Vergil stopping them. The grenades are launched.
Note that Vergil at this point would have a weapon on him in an intent to harm the bullies and get them away. As they do beat up Vergil and his friends.
This way Vergil right before he would confront the bullies... would actually opt not to use the weapon (tazer, knife, gun, wahtever) and let the bullies do the rioting while the rest of the group would just back away from them and let them deal with the horror of police brutality.
To only have everyone caught in this!
I think the BLM movement's intentions are pure but the problem is and I state: "Some people just get extreme"
Good BLM protest: Educate, inform, peacefull and spread the message.
Bad BLM protest: Belittle, attack, berate, yell and dismantle.
Now politcal tagent aside.
I think him just being BLM and getting hit by cops doesn't reflect the whole problem in general and kinda makes Vergil a Gary Stu.
"He's good, he does good, but then the MAN put him down and he gets powers."
While the original was:
"He's a kid down on his luck, tries to make the ultimate choice, decides not to do it, gets caught up in something bigger."
So yea.. in my opinion... I think the new static's problem is the fact he doesn't get the whole: "Staring into the abyss thing"
The reason we loved static is because: "He knew he was gonna be wrong and used his powers for good."
Now that part is stripped away...
Is my "idea" of the bullies/opposers a good idea? Probaly not how I written it XD but... atleast it keeps in the biggest thing why we love Static as a hero. "The choice of taking a life"
Thank you for putting into words my issue with the new static. I don't hate the fact that he's a blm protester in fact I think it's a good mordenization of the character however I think that they are mishandling him. When he fights hotshot for the first time in school and damn near kills him he feels absolutely no guilt at all. He doesn't stop and think maybe I'm wrong or hesitate to use his powers on him. Hell he doesn't even stop until a bystander begs him to stop and in the aftermath he isn't even shaken or have a oh god what have I done moment, something the original run of the character would have been. He is just concerned about how he looks. That's not static . Static has always been about anger at the injustice of the world and how to channel it. That's why ebon is staics greatest enemy and threat. They're the same character the only difference is that ebon is willing to be a monster while static isn't.
@@razorflossrazor2937 While Drake is right that some people just go with "TOO POLITICAL"
Drake also voiced this similiar opinion about: "This is not how static was"
I just added my own parts and opinions too. Static is suppose to follow the super hero code of: "You don't kill and take it too far"
Also remember that Static helps these people with powers find their way to do things right again. Give them a supporting shoulder and show that you can create a better world for all and make your own justice.
I feel like the people who get mad about comics being political haven't really read alot of comics
Agreed!!!
Holy shit this
Facts. That or their privilege did not allow them to make the connection.
While yes I do think they’re annoying and are hypocritical, I can see where they are coming from. I think what they are trying to say is that politics shouldn’t be in your face and inserted into the story when it isn’t really needed. And I do get that, no one wants to read a comic that lectures them
Most twitter warriors don't engage in most of the hobbies they claim to be defending.
I didn't read the comics, but some of my favorite episodes are also political. Sons of the Fathers, Jimmy, Frozen Out, and Hard as Nails. 1st 3 are discussed in this video, but Hard as Nails is about a bang baby who is drawn in and baited by Harley and Ivy. It's a great episode warning against the dangers of minors agreeing to meet strangers online. This show helped me to be less ignorant about my own privelages as a white middle class person with both my parents, who grew up in a safe neighborhood, wasn't bullied to the point of violent retaliation, and my mental/physical disabilites aren't so bad that they prevent me from functioning as an adult per societal expectations. Sure, I was bullied, and still have struggles due to my gender and disabilites, but nowhere near close to the same level as some people out there. I am a white woman, and I can honestly say that Static is my favorite super hero.
Thank you for making this video. I really enjoyed it, truly. I never read the old Static comics (I have 2 modern volumes, but I haven’t read them yet), and it’s been a long time since I rewatched the cartoon. However, you refreshed my memory on the political aspects of the show. Especially the episode about the racist father (I actually referenced that episode in a college project, which was a good 9-10 years ago). I love(d) Static Shock and love(d) how it would tackle certain issues every so often because they were important ones. Thank you for shedding light and facts on something I didn’t even know was going on in the comic book world. :)
I love Static Shock and think it would've been great to see Dwaine's take on the the movement. I don't think he would've been so bold as to have the cops literally shoot the experimental gas on purpose with zero cover-up as having people literally acting like movie supervillains is not in the typical fashion of his writing, except for the few people who were literal supervillains, and even they had nuance to their motives and actions. It's a little too on the nose in this case, and I feel like he also would've inserted internal protesters going rogue and getting violent. At least from what I could tell from his creations, he was great at showing how good people could do wrong, or be led astray; how bad actors could get inside and manipulate an event; and how there are just plain normal people caught up in the messes everywhere, hence Virgil having to deal with his own anti-semitism in the comics, the shooter being his and Richie's good friend and bully victim and the bully just being a dumb guy who thought he was just messing around. Static is well loved because of how real and honest it felt. This more direct, on the nose type of approach, from what admittedly little I've seen thus far, seems like a bit much to me. But I'd never say the original creators would be totally against this reboot. Still, there's a reason DC based media was flourishing through the 90s and 2000s and has since completely fallen off the map of relevancy or what the general audiences would consider "high quality"
@Garry Snail Didn't the gas come from canisters that were being stored at the gang fight that got hit in the shootout and blew up? I know they end up discovering that the gas was put there on purpose, but it was publicly framed as an accident where the canisters just happened to be there, if my memory serves me correctly. This one appears to be really blatant about it and I just don't dig the whole "villains are openly evil" thing unless it's a comedy. It just takes me out of the experience.
@Garry Snail There's a difference between using tear gas and purposefully launching an experimental gas that you either don't know what it does or you're aware that it causes mutations. At least tear gas is a known quantity. This is human experimentation. That's like equating tear gas to Nazi gas chambers. Not the same just cause they're both gas. There's also a difference between the intent of "We gotta do whatever we can to stop this gang war" and "Let's fuck up these protesters". Maybe that's a subtlety that is just beyond your ability to comprehend, but it's pretty important to the story.
Black Lives Matter is NOT a political issue. It's a matter of Human Rights.
Human rights are and always have been political. Saying BLM isn't political is like saying abolitionism wasn't political before the Civil War.
@@TheRenegade... Human rights are just that, a Right. Society makes it a political issue due to the ignorances and prejudices of the dregs of the world.
@@MrLourie The concept of human rights didn't even exist until the enlightenment. Since the baseline is no rights and the elite benefit from no rights, the people must procure their own rights from the elite. Conflict between the elite and people is inherently political.
Static is a great example of politics enhancing the characters & the setting rather than just being there. It’s never politics = bad to me it’s implementation & learning how to do that helps spread a message more
I hate it that whenever there is an African-American character present in the comic people start whining about how it's "too political" or if there's a female character (that isn't replacing a male) is feminist propaganda. I mean, look at Falcon and The Winter Soldier. It's about a black man becoming Captain America, which stands as an inspiring story for racial minorities everywhere, and yet people cry about not wanting realism in their stories, and then whine how Marvel isn't "real" enough.
I’m not sure if people even know what they want anymore. People cry for things to be different, but they never elaborate on how they want things to change. I wish I could say why that is, but I have no clue.
@@aleckbo Oh they do though. They'd like equal pay and equal treatment. They'd like some of the responsibilities of the police to be done by better qualified people. They'd like equal funding for schools. They'd like over policing and heavier sentencing to be a thing of the past.
And they've said all of that at every protest and rally for decades now
In the series of FATWS (which i liked) it feels a little weird having Sam as the Cap if you only know the MCU, becuase there wasnt much room to develop their friendship and stuff
But when you look in the comics, oh boy!
In the comics hes totally deserving of it, he was with the Cap since the 70s, more time than Bucky, and when Bucky tried being Cap he sucked at it, so the logical step its to give it to him
@@notelliot70 I'm sorry, I should have clarified. I was referring to people whining about things in movies and pop culture (i.e. women and minorities being the protagonists). My intent was to build on what the original commenter said, not the discussion on Black people in America.
@@aleckbo Aahh...got it. Just kinda hit a sore spot for me. People say that about the conversation in general a lot. Kinda grinds my gears
The worst was when hbo made a new watchmen show and people claimed that it was too political.
The show sucked
@Kellz agreed
@@kellz1703 it did, but not because it was too political.
@@kellz1703 But at least it got the actual Watchmen comic's psychic squid 'aliens' adapted rather than the movie's Doctor Manhattan scapegoat replacement.
@@kellz1703 i mean if you're gonna go after white people, might as well be the triple K
So happy that Static has stayed in the public discourse all these years despite the lack of any real media for him.
Shows that he really is one of DCs most beloved heroes up there with the Trinity
Being honest, I think that comics are actually a good medium for discussing sensitive political issues. I honestly agree with your views and think that Static being political actually helps the character stand out and helps younger demographics understand that these problems exist and that they can be part of the solution.
Static was basically my childhood, i lived the cartoon and learn a lot of things from it, that's why when i saw that people were hating on the reboot for being political i thought " so, you're hating static as a hole, because it was always political, like, the hole thing started from a police violence incident".
It started from a police response a gang violence that was happening! That was in the show! How do you keep missing that part
@@DarkChocolateGamer Oh yeah, sorry, i miss that part, but the point stills the same.
@@mrgoat_jpg How? how is that the same, in the original it was about two extremes coliding, violent gangs vs violents cops, now is just "cops bad am i right", the first one had ambiguity and let's you think for yourself what the real problem was, was it the gang fault? was it the police fault? maybe both? that's for you to decide, now it's all "police bad, BLM victims", the problem is not that is political, is that is stupidly political and it's telling you what the "good" answer is
@@miguelmacias2401 the point that i meant was, "it was always political", and about the ambiguity, dude thats yours personal opnion, i didnt read the reboot so i will not start an argument about it, but the point tha i was trying to bring out was, "it was always political".
@@mrgoat_jpg And i didn't disagree with that, it was political before, now it's political and stupid, also thank you for agreeing with it being ambiguous, it's obvious you got a completely different experience and message than me from that comic and that's exactly why it was good, because it was still good regardless of how you or me read what the author was trying to say.
Im still shocked that, to this day, certain people STILL say stuff like “but comic books arent supposed to be political” even though they’ve been political SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING!
You're telling me that when Siegel and Shuster had Superman stop wars and battle abusive prison wardens and corrupt politicians they were making some kind of political statement? HOLY SHIT Mind blown! /s
@@galactic85 my favorite is always when someone goes like “My favorite non political comic book is Watchmen” and everyone with at least a quarter of their brain is just sitting there like 😐
Or when people complain on politics in video games yet they defend games like metal gear or bioshock , either way I am happy static shock is back
*cough cough* Captain America *cough cough* X-Men *cough cough
Technically it is political themed not political there is a difference but clearly people like you can't see the difference between them. Lets not forget that most if not all had politics in the background not in peoples faces.
I just wanted to say hit every point on the head and I really enjoyed this video..as a black male, I loved watching Static as a kid and those themes of each episode still stick with me as an adult. Glad you laid out all the facts!
These same people called X-Men "too political" when the plight of mutants was literally an allegory for racism. Sometimes I wonder if these people even read comic books.