Milestone returns to shelves in 2021

One of the more exciting news to come out of DC FanDome event is the return of Milestone Comics. Even though the media company, marketed by DC Comics, brought us legendary series like Static Shock, Blood Syndicate, and Shadow Cabinet, Milestone ended its original run years ago. In just a few months, DC Comics will offer a Static Shock original Graphic Novel, including Icon & Rocket and more. Also, digital rereleases and new content as well.

Milestone Media was founded in 1993 by a group of Black industry artists and writers Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle and the late great legendary Dwayne McDuffie to bring a better representation of minorities in American comics.

There has been some DC Universe crossover with the Milestone heroes. Static, Icon, Rocket, and Hardware made their way to the Young Justice TV series. Earth-M (M for Milestone) was a thing. One of the most popular series, Static Shock, had a TV series for four seasons, and several video game cameos.

Fans tuning in to the DC FanDome Hall of Heroes received unexpected and welcome news today, courtesy of a surprise panel announcing the return of Milestone to DC publishing.

Moderator Marc Bernardin and DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee were joined by Milestone partner/producer Reggie Hudlin and Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan, along with Phil LaMarr, the iconic voice of the Static Shock animated series. The panelists discussed the origins and history of this groundbreaking imprint, as well as the indelible impact and legacy of Milestone co-founder, Dwayne McDuffie. Hudlin also discussed plans to create multimedia opportunities spotlighting Milestone characters, including feature films, animated movies and podcasts.

Milestone’s return to publishing will be led by an all-new Static Shock digital comic series scheduled for February 2021. Future offerings will include a Static Shock original graphic novel written by Hudlin with art by Kyle Baker, plus the return of Milestone heroes Icon & Rocket, also written by Hudlin with art by Cowan and more to be announced.

But fans won’t have to wait until February to experience or rediscover Milestone, as Lee announced several publishing initiatives for 2020. Beginning in September through February 2021, DC will digitize classic stories from the Milestone library and make them available for purchase at Comixology, Amazon Kindle, Apple and other participating digital retailers. A list of titles will be announced shortly, and more titles will be added as they are remastered for a digital format.

During DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse on September 12, fans will also have a chance be introduced to these characters and stories. Milestone Returns #0, a 17-page sampler, will be available to read free for 24 hours. Written by Reggie Hudlin with Greg Pak and cover by Denys Cowan and Chris Sotomayor, the sampler will introduce and re-introduce fans to Milestone characters such as Static Shock, Icon, Rocket, Duo and others. The sampler features art by an incredible lineup of Talent, including Cowan, Jim Lee, Ryan Benjamin, Khoi Pham, Scott Hanna, Bill Sienkiewicz, Don Ho, Alex Sinclair and Deron Bennett.

DC Comics