Founded in 1993 by a group of Black artists and writers including Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis and Derek T. Dingle, Milestone Comics has a rich comic book history with characters that are unafraid of speaking about the current events. Timeless characters like Static have stayed relevant, whether in the animated series Static Shock from the early 2000s or the recent reboot series. This year, Milestone Comics celebrates its thirtieth anniversary with an oversized issue where the past meets the present. Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 showcases the talents of Evan Narcisse, Stephanie Williams, Norm Rapmund, Chriscross, Sean Damien Hill, Chris Sotomayor, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou and Andworld Design, to name a few.
Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 is an anthology series of self-contained stories that capture the original versions of the characters and their current iterations in a unique place. The time dilation allows readers to experience the characters’ journey, opening the door for wonderful moments in both the future and the present. Not to mention, the special crossover that is nostalgic for fans of the DC animated universe. More importantly, the Anniversary Special tells tales of super heroics that Milestone is famous for, celebrating the Dakotaverse and its many heroes in action-packed settings.
The book opens with an ambitious crossover befitting the legacy of Milestone Comics. Past and present collide in Evan Narcisse’s “Universal Beings” as the original Milestone characters meet their more modern renditions, the latter making their debut not too long ago. With multiple artists adding their personal touch, the panels shift from the modern digital art style to the more retro gritty look of the ’90s, brought about by the darker inking and pastel color palettes. While exposition and character introductions bog down the storytelling, identity crisis and inclusivity form the core of the struggles. Next up, writer Geoffrey Thorne and artist Sean Damien Hill give a close look into Dharma and his controversial Shadowspire. The story mainly focuses on the Blood Syndicate’s mission to bring an independent democratic government to Paris Island. It is an insightful take on the group and its enigmatic leader Tech-9, with color-coded narration boxes from AndWorld Design keeping conversations alive.
The most electrifying segment of the book comes from Nikolas Draper-Ivy, who brings back a fan-favorite crossover between Batman Beyond and an adult Static. A spiritual successor to the Static Shock episode “Future Shock”, the tale makes Virgil Hawkins a mentor figure in Terry McGinnis’ life. With a dark, almost black-and-white artwork adorning the pages, Terry’s red Bat-insignia and Static’s blue and yellow undercoat look dapper against the black skyscrapers. The plot may be simple, but it oozes nostalgia from its every pore. Meanwhile, Stephanie Williams and Yasmín Flores Montañez’s “Icon Forever” is a lighthearted tale that shows the reader a probable future that is both warm and hopeful. Bright, colorful panels from Romulo Fajardo Jr. gives this particular section of the book an optimistic tone as Raquel Ervin makes a life for herself despite her struggles and superhero double-life and strives to give the same back to her community.
The final pages of Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 give a sneak peek into a new young adult graphic novel that sheds light on the civilian life of some of Milestone’s young heroes. This gives hope that the imprint is looking to explore different storytelling styles apart from its usual superhero narratives. The exercise of this special was to give each character a discernible voice in the cacophony. Certain stories do that splendidly, while other segments help them find a place in the expanding horizons of Milestone Comics. With tales that transcend boundaries and time, Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 is a must-have for fans.
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