The early 2000's gave viewers an amazing array of superhero themed cartoons, from Justice League to Young Justice. One show in particular stands out for being the first superhero cartoon to feature a Black lead; Static Shock. Some casual viewers might not realize that Static Shock is a DC character and crossovered with some iconic DC heroes (and villians) a few times during his four season run.
Now that Static Shock has been added to HBO Max, it is the perfect time to go back and revisit this beloved DC hero. Or, for those who have never watched the cartoon, it's the perfect time to get introduced to Virgil before his live action movie debut.
10 Season 1, Episode 1: "Shock to the System"
"Shock to the System" is a great pilot episode and explains Static's origins along with setting up the show as a whole. The audience sees how Virgil gains his powers along with the "Bang Babies," metahumans who play a key role throughout the series. Viewers are immediately drawn in by Virgil's witty & lovable attitude, and the promise of wild adventures with his new static powers keeps them hooked for more.
9 Season 3, Episode 1: "Hard as Nails"
"Hard as Nails" is a crossover with the one and only bat of Gotham. In this episode, a metahuman named "Nails" is trying to find a way to reverse the effects from the Big Bang. Virgil follows her to Gotham City only to discover Nails has been duped by supervillain femme fatales Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.
Static and Batman must team up to stop the duo's plan. This episode is a lot of fun for B:TAS fans who enjoy seeing their favorite Gotham residents outside of their own show. "Hard as Nails" also has a good message about not blindly trusting everything you see on the internet.
8 Season 1, Episode 11: "Junior"
"Junior" deals with a multitude of different issues a superhero (and a budding supervillain) can face. Virgil is having a hard time juggling his responsibilities as a hero and son, in turn disappointing his father who has no knowledge of his double life.
Not only that, when a villain threatens to tell the world Static's secret identity, Virgil has to make the tough decision of giving up his safety for the greater good. These are two common problems fans see heroes face and these dilemmas help Virgil grow as a hero. "Junior" also explores what circumstances can create a villain and how neglect can manifest into something evil.
7 Season 2, Episode 1: "The Big Leagues"
"The Big Leagues" is the first time audiences get to see Virgil team up with the elusive Dark Knight and his sidekick Robin. The Joker comes to Virgil's town of Dakota looking for new sidekicks to help him with his evil schemes, and it's up to Virgil to stop him. Every DC fan knows the Joker is no joke. Batman, Robin, and Static team up to take down the Joker and his crew, netting Virgil some valuable allies in the process.
6 Season 3, Episode 9: "Consequences"
"Consequences" is another episode that deals with issues a young hero may run into. Virgil is letting his fame and success get to his head, and as his ego grows, so does the disdain from his friends and family. When Virgil's cocky and reckless behavior gets his close friend Daisy hurt, he has to deal with the guilt. This episode does a good job of showing Virgil's growth and how he learns to deal with his emotions in a healthier manner.
5 Season 4, Episode 4: "Fallen Hero"
Fans of Green Lantern will want to tune into "Fallen Hero." The episode deals with a case of stolen identity where a villain is framing Green Lantern Corps member John Stewart for an array of crimes. It's up to Static to stop the fake John and prove the real one's innocence. Static is hesitant at first as he believes that his idol has turned to the side of evil, but he eventually learns that not everything is at it seems and there is nothing wrong with having faith in people.
4 Season 2, Episode 11: "Jimmy"
Static Shock is a show that does not shy away from heavier subjects. In fact, a lot of the series tries to showcase the real life struggles a teenager could face, even a superpowered one. Similarly to Daisy's coma in "Consequences," a friend of Virgil is injured as Richie is shot in the leg at school during "Jimmy."
Unlike in "Consequences," Virgil is not at fault in "Jimmy," though he blames himself anyways. The audience watches as Virgil recounts the events to a therapist, something arguably every superhero should have. What stands out about "Jimmy" is how well the subject of guns and mental illness are handled.
3 Season 3, Episode 14: "Flashback"
A recurring theme throughout Static Shock is Virgil dealing with his mother's death. His mother was killed by a stray bullet and Virgil has had a hatred for gangs & guns ever since. "Flashback" delves into this plot point more than ever before by having Static travel back in time and having the opportunity to talk to his mother. "Flashback" hits home with anyone who has lost a parent and is a good introduction to grief & loss for the child viewers.
2 Season 3, Episodes 6-7: "A League of Their Own, Part 1 and 2"
A crossover so epic it needed to be split into two parts! DC fans have a lot to love about "A League of Their Own." First and foremost, they get to see their favorite JL members in action outside of Justice League. Not only that, but Virgil and Richie's reaction to meeting the League is extremely relatable.
This episode showcases how much Static has grown and that he has really come into his own as a hero. As an added bonus, fan favorite villain Brainiac is the antagonist of this two parter.
1 Season 4, Episode 1: "Future Shock"
"Future Shock" is not Virgil's first time travel rodeo. However, this time he is thrown into the future all by himself. Luckily for Static, Bruce Wayne was expecting him. "Future Shock" is great for any Batman Beyond fan who is craving some extra content. Not to mention the Beyonce line alone makes this episode a must watch.