Quick Read

• DC Comics reveals a new animated film featuring Milestone Heroes.
• The feature film will showcase several heroes from the Dakotaverse.
• The Milestone Initiative Development Program was launched to attract new talent.
• A live-action Static Shock movie is currently being developed.

Revitalizing Milestone Comics

After years stuck in publishing limbo, the heroes of Milestone Comics finally made their triumphant return in 2026, as part of DC Comics’ new initiative to revitalize the Milestone brand and introduce classic characters like Static, Icon, and Rocket to a new, modern audience. At a time when DC has been focusing on showcasing a more diverse range of stories featuring marginalized characters, it’s logical that they would invest efforts into Milestone in comic form. However, at this year’s DC Fandome, the publisher emphasized that their plans are not limited to just books.

Announcement of Panel at DC Fandome

During a discussion about Milestone’s future, led by Arrow’s Echo Kellum, Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan and producer Reggie Hudlin revealed that Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment are developing a new animated feature film. The screenplay, penned by Hardware Season One writer Brandon Thomas, will feature a range of heroes from the Dakotaverse. Although Cowan didn’t provide details, he mentioned that the project is something that “Milestone fans have been dreaming about for a long time.”

New Static Shock Film

Following the announcement of Warner Bros. approving a new live-action Static Shock film, produced in collaboration with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society production company, comes the news of a new animated feature. It’s highly probable that Static will also feature in this new film. This upcoming Milestone movie marks the first animated project centered on Milestone characters since the 2000 Static Shock animated series. DC appears eager to generate a renewed surge of excitement around its Milestone properties soon.

Milestone Initiative Growth Plan

Alongside the upcoming release of a new Blood Syndicate series expected next year, DC is collaborating with Ally Bank to introduce the Milestone Initiative Development Program. This new talent recruitment effort falls under the Next Generation DC umbrella. In a public announcement, Daniel Cherry III, DC’s senior vice president and general manager, portrayed the program as the perfect launch for Next Generation DC and an important step in DC’s mission to diversify its current pool of talent.

“Cherry stated, ‘Our recent Milestone titles have achieved significant critical acclaim and sales success, broadening our loyal fanbase and attracting new readers to the ‘Dakotaverse’ and its heroes. Milestone holds a special place in the comic book heritage of many Black and diverse artists and writers, and we are grateful to collaborate with Ally to amplify these new voices while continuing to build on Milestone’s legacy.'”

Summary

The reveal of a new animated Milestone Heroes film at DC Fandome brings thrilling news for Dakotaverse enthusiasts. This endeavor is a component of a larger strategy by DC Comics to rejuvenate the Milestone label and present diverse characters to contemporary viewers. In conjunction with this, DC is initiating the Milestone Initiative Development Program to attract and nurture diverse talent within the industry.

Q&A

Quick Read

• Static and Batman Beyond collaborate in a special one-shot comic titled “Static Beyond” to celebrate Milestone’s 30th anniversary.
• The narrative centers on an elder Virgil Hawkins who encounters a novice Terry McGinnis in Neo-Gotham.
• The 30th Anniversary anthology of Milestone will feature a variety of stories centered around characters such as Icon, Rocket, and Hardware.
• The individuals participating include Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Stephanie Williams, Chuck Brown, and Denys Cowan.
• Two miniseries, “Static: Shadows of Dakota” and “Icon vs. Hardware,” are scheduled for release in February 2026.
• A documentary detailing the history of Milestone can be found on HBO Max.

Bringing Icons Back to Life: Static and Batman Beyond

Among the numerous DC animated series from the ’90s and early 2000s, KidsWB’s Batman Beyond and Static Shock have remained popular with fans. Recently, both characters have been featured in their own comic book series, as DC has revived Static along with other Milestone Comics. Now, these two heroes are reuniting for a special event.

A Standalone Comic for the 30-Year Celebration of Milestone

Unveiled at New York Comic-Con, “Static Beyond” is a futuristic short story featuring an older Virgil Hawkins encountering Terry McGinnis in Neo-Gotham. Authored and illustrated by Nikolas Draper-Ivey, this standalone piece will be included in an anthology commemorating Milestone’s 30th anniversary, which started its publications in 1993.

Previous Collaborations

Static and Batman Beyond initially encountered each other in the season four episode of Static titled “Future Shock,” in which Virgil unintentionally traveled into the future. Both heroes also featured in the two-part “Justice League Unlimited” episode “Once and Future Thing.” In these instances, they served as members of the League during their respective time periods.

The Special 30th Anniversary Milestone

The special will spotlight narratives centered on Milestone characters like Icon, Rocket, and Hardware. In addition to Draper-Ivey, the team of creators comprises Stephanie Williams, Chuck Brown, and Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan. Moreover, two miniseries are scheduled for release in February 2026: “Static: Shadows of Dakota” by Vita Ayala, Draper-Ivey, and ChrisCross, and “Icon vs. Hardware,” co-authored by Reggie Hudlin and Leon Chills.

Documentary

As fans anticipate the 2026 release of the special, they can enjoy an hour-long documentary on Milestone’s history, which is currently available on HBO Max.

Summary

The forthcoming “Static Beyond” comic book brings together Static and Batman Beyond to commemorate Milestone’s 30th anniversary. This special occasion will include stories spotlighting other Milestone characters, along with two miniseries set to debut in early 2026. Enthusiasts can also explore Milestone’s legacy through a documentary on HBO Max.

Q&A Session

When was the partnership between Static and Batman Beyond revealed?

A: The partnership was unveiled at New York Comic-Con.

Q: Who are the writer and illustrator of the “Static Beyond” one-shot?

Nikolas Draper-Ivey is both the writer and illustrator of the one-shot.

Which characters will be the central focus of the Milestone 30th Anniversary Special?

The special feature will spotlight characters such as Icon, Rocket, and Hardware.

Q: When are the release dates for the two new miniseries expected to be?

The miniseries “Static: Shadows of Dakota” and “Icon vs. Hardware” are scheduled for release in February 2026.

Q: Are there any extra materials available for enthusiasts to enjoy while anticipating the release of the special?

A: Certainly, you can watch a one-hour documentary about Milestone’s history on HBO Max.