Static: Up All Night

by Lamar Giles, Paris Alleyne (Illustrator)

VIRGIL (aka STATIC) can do amazing things with his vast array of electrical abilities, but instantly mending a broken heart isn’t in his skill set.

Virgil Hawkins has just gone through a bad break up. He can’t get over his ex, so his best friend Richie has an idea for how to distract attend a music festival in their city of Dakota. But wouldn’t you know it—his ex is in attendance. And that’s just the beginning of his troubles.
 
A series of encounters and events leads to an all-night adventure involving super villains, a diner, a reluctant rapper, and a size-changing kleptomaniac, as well as Virgil’s frequent bad decision making. But in the end, with the help of his friends, Virgil will find he can move on from a broken heart.
 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Romance, Fantasy

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

Lamar "L. R." Giles writes books for teens and adults. FAKE ID, his debut Young Adult Thriller, will be published by HarperCollins in 2014. He is represented by Jamie Weiss Chilton of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and resides in Chesapeake, VA with his wife.

Reviews

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly illustrated. Badly written. Horribly paced. Characters range from contemptible scum to pathetic losers. Chock full of that "How-do-you-do-fellow-kids?" dialogue (especially the social media & political parts). Does nothing to justify its existence. Actively taints any positive feelings one might have towards Static.

[Kim Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I liked the story, the youth of the superheroes, the struggle with ethics, the modern-day role of social media, the minefield that is navigating all kinds of relationships, etc. I felt that the story touched on many topics. These are not your typical overconfident (mostly male) heroes. They are regular folks with regular problems, who use their powers for good, in the best ways they know how. Women occupy central powerful roles and leadership positions. This is also a Black-centric story, which is representation we need to see more of in the genre.

[Benjamin Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to meet Lamar Giles at Resist Booksellers grand opening in Petersburg, VA and get an advance copy of the book.

As a long time Static fan having grown up on the animated series and gotten into the comics later as an adult I can say for sure this book is full of the Static I love. Lamar did an excellent job of capturing the things that make Virgil who he is and just like he is in every other medium he is fun and entertaining.

I don't want to spoil anything since the book isn't out yet, but the way he integrates some of the other Milestone comics characters was refreshing.

Overall the book was great, I couldn't put it down. I think it is a perfect read for anyone who is a Static fan, black super hero fan, or just into fun stories.

[J MaK · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.0) Although the writing was a tad gimmicky, I did enjoy the twists and turns created from the friend group’s oddly forced dynamic. I especially gained an appreciation for mercurial yet endearing characters as the story progressed.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on the young hero with a number of other Milestone Heroes around...Icon!!
Smart dialogue and more fun than it first appears!

[Vail Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of the Static Shock TV show is a weird experience since for the first season, it seemed definitely its own thing. Then as it expanded, it became a cameo-fest from both DC characters AND real life celebrities.
So over the years, DC has been trying HARD to make him as relevant as the big names, sometimes even foregoing the roots established by the comics & leaning more into stuff the show made.
This book is the first time I feel like the blending of the two mediums seem to have worked.
Lots of references to the show yes, but a lot of influences from the wider DC world too (favorite running gag is that casuals keep mistaking him for Black Lightning).
Fresh off a break-up, Virgil decides to go to a music festival and as things often do, shenanigans escalate (no thanks in part to a kleptomaniac they're keeping company with). So he's UP ALL NIGHT to stop bad guys, get over his own sadness, fend off pushy super people, and deal with THE most annoying sticky-fingered superhuman ever.
Also, hilariously the book ends up with a side story about how a victim of that thief's Quirk befriends a rat and fights off both an alley cat & a swarm of curiously clever roaches.

[Megan Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. It wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t my least favorite either. I felt like it had almost too much going on with very little resolution.

[Jaime the Wizzard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fantastic, like I knew it would be, because Static comics are always top tier. My only complaint is that DC likes to trot him out whenever they're doing something new and then drop a line completely. I would really love a long-running Static Shock series

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother and I watched so much Static Shock growing up! This title did not disappoint! I'm glad DC decided to feather Virgil in their new YA comics line. Giles and Alleyne killed it!

[Alyx Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Static, I remember watching the animated show when I was kid, it's a classic and still holds up even though it's a little corny lol. I was excited to read this and I overall enjoyed it.
What I liked:
I liked Virgil, he felt like a teenager and I didn't feel like his dialogue was an adult writing a teen as much, especially compared to other stuff.
I liked the illustrations overall, especially how Virgil and Rocket's powers were drawn.
I think it's funny. I have to say that I chuckled or giggled a lot while reading, but some of it is because things were absurdly funny and not funny funny, though those moments exist.
I loved the scene with Icon, that probably made laugh the most.
The little end credit scene with the influencer and the rat had me going "wtf" while laughing a little while reading. That was fun, stupid but fun.
I liked Rocket and Static's interactions and I wish we got more of them because it would help humanize her more but I liked their scene on the construction development.
It was nice having moments of seeing Rubberband Man and Hotstreak.
The story is basic but it's fine.
I loved that Gear had to fight that guy in a hacker battle, I know the story isn't about him but that would have been fun to see a little bit of.
I liked that Virgil and Daisy kind of reconciled at the end.

What I didn't like:
I didn't like Isadora much, I'm aware that her powers were useful and what not but girl, you are causing a lot of trouble and you don't even care.
I didn't like that Daisy was being so mean, especially the moment where Rocket had to check her. Like I totally understand where you're coming from but ease up and have a conversation. Something y'all clearly need to do. I also didn't like that they broke up, I've always been a Virgil/Daisy girl lol.
This feels like a vignette, which I guess isn't necessarily a bad thing but just that the villains kind of show up and they were lame. Though
I didn't like the circles on the character's lips, it gave me the ick lol.

I think that's kind of it, I feel like the story could have been more gripping but like I said it's a vignette but I would have liked a little more... oomph? But I hope to see more of Static going forward! I've always loved him!

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like a 2.5 leaning towards a 3. I found Static and his friends to be really intriguing and I liked the one wild night set up but with superheroes. I felt like this moved at such a breakneck speed that understanding who everyone was, what they could do and how they were related to each other was kind of confusing. I wish a bit more time could have been spent introducing everyone, you kind of just get dumped right in. I’ve read other DC graphics that do a bit better job introducing characters and setting stories up. Great representation and a fun little story. I’d love to learn more about Isadora and Raquel in particular.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the idea. But I didn't connect at all. There were a few places it even left like I was missing panels/pages.

[Roman Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The story is fresh, the characterization is on point, and I really enjoyed the art by Paris Alleyne as well. This is heavily inspired by the animated Static Shock tv series, which I loved. With a few tweaks, this could easily work as a lost episode or even an animated movie.

Static: Up All Night takes place in a brand-new continuity and serves as the perfect jumping on point for new readers who may not be familiar with Static. The world Lamar Giles crafts here feels fully formed and lived in; steeped in Milestone lore and seasoned with DC references. Virgil, Raquel, Richie, and Isadora read like actual teenagers. They make mistakes and at times are insufferable (particularly Isadora aka Iota), but it works and makes the characters feel relatable.

I’m interested to see more stories from this universe and hope DC and Milestone allow this creative team to do more. Highly recommend.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fresh take on a popular character.

This edition consist of slightly more mature subject matter than previously presented for Virgil and his associates whether in comics and/or film. While there weren't many overt actions, there were implications of layered emotions amongst characters.

The plot was fresh and wasn't too dramatized. Static's universe can get very comical, and deep within the realms of make-believe (granted, this can be said for any superhero series). The author keep the story at bay not taking us too far, too soon. The fact characters scoured math equations and scientific hypothesis' before leaping into action served as suitable nuggets. Though none of this is actually possible, the reader doesn't have to remove -all- logic for the sake of entertainment. Super-human abilities were more "what-if?" than "Ain't no way!"

Up All Night was a fresh start to a great character. I'm excited for the next installment of this series.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new look into the superhero Static's teenage life, dealing with being a superhero, heartbreak, and more! Virgil Hawkins is a superhero, he's Static, and he's got abilities over electricity. Juggling being a hero and having a relationship is not easy, so when his girlfriend breaks up with him, he decides to go to a music festival with his best friend... but there is his ex as well as so much other trouble. Now Virgil will have to find a way to mend his broken heart and maintain role as a hero! This was a really fun modern day look into the classic hero, I use to watch the show when I was a kid and couldn't help but want to read the comic when DC had it up! It was a fun modern take on it and I think a lot of people will enjoy getting to see Static!

*Thanks Netgalley and DC Entertainment, DC Comics for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Emily✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Richie was sat back, crossed-leg, on his laptop having a hack-off in the middle of a super-powered fight.

This was cute, but a little bit boring and a little bit all over the place. Had some great comedic moments, but the story just wasn't gripping. The fourth-wall break at the beginning and end was unnecessary and amateurish.

TW: kleptomania, rats and bugs, cardiac arrest, police brutality, abduction and captivity, gun violence

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

✨I read this title for the Magical Readathon: Orilium!
✨A Year in Aeldia: Apply odd glyph to your conduit

[Sheldon Wiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much trouble can a superhero get into on his night off?

Quite a lot.

This graphic novel follows Virgil (following his being dumped by his girlfriend) and his best friend and superhero support guy, Richie (aka Gear) as they attempt a fun evening but - along with a group of friends (and Virgil's ex) get into trouble following an encounter with some not-so-nice-but-affluent criminals.

Apparently one of Virgil's friends has taken something from one them - easy for her to do because she can shrink both herself and anything she might want to "aggressively borrow" (as she puts it.

The resulting chaos is extremely entertaining - as the short story featuring a character called Yazzy Love. Kudos to writer Lamar Giles and artist Paris alleyne.

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on Virgil Hawkins

This is a different take on Virgil Hawkins. For those wanting to see static’ there are glimpses in moments throughout where we see this character we’ve come to know, but it really focuses on the teenage aspects of his life. Follow along as Virgil and company are “up all night” dealing with teenage angst and fighting crime.

This is a great series for someone who is new to the character or hasn’t had an opportunity to learn about Virgil Hawkins to get somewhat of a year one style telling of his life. If you are familiar with Static from the Milestone comics in the 90s or the Static Shock TV show you may be a bit disappointed . All in all, it was an enjoyable young adult graphic novel.

[Ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Static is one of my all time favorite superheroes so this was so much fun to read. The show in particular holds a soft spot for me, so it was fun to read about him and Richie!

This was a fun and fairly lighthearted story and I like how it just got right in to the story with just a brief introduction to Static/Virgil and his origin story. I also love how Virgil's intelligence is just as helpful as his superpowers. The references to other DC heroes (Batman and Black Lightning) was also hilarious and made me laugh every time.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew the least about Static. This one is set after an incident that vies a whole lot of people superpowers, including the main character. While some of these graphic novels can be read without knowing much of any of the DC universe storylines, this one would make so much more sense if read in context. It also did not have an overarching plot and instead revolved around the antics and trouble that this group of teenage superheroes get into overnight when they go out to party. While it’s not a story that I particularly enjoy, I think that many of my students might appreciate and resonate with the representation.

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little iffy on the dialogue, but the plot was fun. Static is reeling from a breakup with his girl and gets swept into a night of shenanigans.

Also, the characterization of Icon was a hoot! I wasn’t expecting that. Y’all, this man basically pulled out Clarence Thomas’s biography. 💀

I also liked the art style and how ridiculous Isadora was. Rocket was very abrasive/rough around the edges, to the point, I thought she was beginning to get very one-note. But she did simmer down a bit and showed some depth.

Overall, I want more Static content!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virgil Hawkins is having girlfriend trouble. After he reveals his secret identity as Static to her, things go well, but she gets tired of the hero routine and breaks up with him. Heartbroken, Virgil and his best friend and fellow hero Richie go to a music concert, but his ex is there with another guy. He tries to get over it, but causes a blackout when defending a fellow hero. Can Virgil save the day?#StaticUpAllNight #NetGalley

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I might have liked this more if I was more familiar with Static, instead of just being kind of vaguely aware of the concept. I don't know if any of the characterization is on point, but I do like most of the characters. The (probably new?) character with shrinking powers and affluenza just annoyed the heck out of me. The plot meandered a bit, which was purposeful but not exactly my thing. Maybe more for existing Static fans than making new ones.

[Dash Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Of the three YA graphic novels published by DC in 2023- this is head and shoulders above the rest- and matches and surpasses some mainline comics. The premise of following static through an entire night of misadventures is really fun one, and the comic timing and humor displayed works really well. Stand out moment has to be Icon pursuing the crew for a super powered lecture. “Are you financially literate?” Get me away from this man.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on Virgil, the hero Static's teenage years. I really liked all of the characters in this and the story was really good! I grew up watching the Static Shock cartoon and I really felt like this was a good comparison. I will for sure be reading more of this series when it comes out!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun superhero story. It felt very accurate to teenage experience, break ups, meeting new friends, concerts, and worrying about fitting in. I don't know about DC characters, so I was a little confused about their powers and how they knew each other. However, that resolved itself as I kept reading. I would definitely like to read more about these teenage DC superheroes.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil is one of my first superhero loves, so you know I’ll pick up his stories when I see them! This was great! It gives you his origin without spending too much time on it, gets right into the action, and stays true to the characters (in my opinion). Virgil might not be doing everything right, but his heart’s in the right place. Even if people will forever mistake him for Black Lightning. 😏

[Amanda Shepard (Between-the-Shelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Not necessarily my favorite of these YA DC graphic novels, but still a fun time! I don't know that much about Static because generally, I'm more of a Marvel person than a DC person. However, I do enjoy Lamar Giles' writing, and the art style overall wasn't bad! If you're a fan of Static, I'd recommend checking it out.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this graphic series so I'll admit some things confused me. But overall I found the book interesting. The storyline is great and easy to follow. I was a bit confused on the different superpowers, but that's because I don't know this world.

[Bryanna Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up on the Static Shock cartoon and am so pleased to see it is getting new life for a new generation. I love the updates (inclusion of "the 'gram", BLM, etc.) and the modern look of the characters. Really excited to see if I can include it in my library!