The first six episodes of the Emmy and Humanitas Award-winning animated series Static Shock (2000-2004) are collected on this single disc compilation. Adapted from the much-lauded Milestone Comics title by Dwayne McDuffie,... more » the series deviates slightly in awkward high schooler Virgil Hawkins's transformation into electrically charged superhero Static (another change is the fact that Virgil's mother is dead as of episode 1, "Shock to the System"), but the episodes maintain the original comic's sophisticated blend of action and socio-political issues, which are well handled by the writers and vocal cast. The WB DVD is rounded out by a map of Static's Midwestern hometown of Dakota (home to many other Milestone characters too) and a look at his crime-fighting equipment, among other special features. --Paul Gaita« less
"Static/Virgil Hawkins really has to be the first African-American superhero that we've ever really had to look up to. I really like this show. It's creative and deals with important issues and politics, but in an easy format that kids can understand. The show even takes the leap into dealing with topics like racism and high school gun shooting. Virgil Hawkin has lost his mother because of gang violence and is now being raised by his dad and his older sister Sharon. His best friend is Richie Foley (who later on in the series, has a much more important role.)
My only complaint is that this DVD only contains the first six episodes of the series. I wish that it would had been the release of season one rather than just a few episodes. You can get so much more on one disk these days. I would love to see a completed set of all four seasons on DVD someday, or at least volume two for season one.
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Don't expect the original intro music.
finite 4 | 02/24/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have been following static shock on the WB since it started and watched all of the seasons as they unfolded. With each season they made there was a different intro music track. The music for the first season had always been my favorite and I was looking forward to hearing it when buying this DVD. However I was very disappointed when I watched it to find out the intro music was changed completly to some techno track that does not flow well at all. I have no idea why they changed the original music. And to make it worse I was teased with snipids of the original music when the DVD main menu is playing. Yes the episodes are still great but there are only 6. Just thought I would warn anyone who cared about the season 1 theme song."
Wonderful show
Lori Kaminsky | AZ | 10/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great show. Virgil is probably the firs black superhero for kids to look up too. Also, it's nice to see a teen as a superhero. The characters on the show, are very likeable, and the plots are very interesting. This show is so good, it is enjoyable for adults to watch too."
Love at First Sight
Wendy Riggs | Virginia | 01/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I simply fell in love with this cartoon from the first time I saw it on TV. The animation art is bright and wonderful. The story lines are bold and refreshing. This is the first cartoon I have ever seen that addresses the very real issues that modern day children of all races face today. I think the character of Virgil Hawkins is a great role model. The cartoon is fun, lively and a joy to watch for the whole family. I cannot wait for future volumes to be released."
Great Entertainment!
Dale Harris | Columbus, OH USA | 01/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a time when every major studio seems interested in avoiding the thoughtfulness needed to produce an entertaining cartoon with a black central character, Static Shock is a welcome breath of fresh air. My kids love Static and Richie! My sons do identify with him as a "Brown" good guy, and my daughters love it even more when "?Sherisse?" is on the show. I never mentioned the issue of race, to them, but they naturally gravitated to the show and its messages.
Thank you all who had a hand in bringing the show to us."