Static Shock: The DC Cartoon That Was Ahead of Its Time

A teenager with electric powers flying on a trash can lid; Static Shock was one of the boldest and smartest cartoons of the 2000s.

Join us for Simpler Times Saturday, where we revisit the cartoons, anime, and shows that shaped a generation. Static Shock (2000–2004) didn’t just give us superhero fun, it took on racism, grief, bullying, violence, and trauma, all in a way kids could understand.

In this video we cover:

Static Shock’s origins and ties to the DC Animated Universe (Batman, Superman, Justice League)

Virgil Hawkins’ journey as Static and his partnership with Richie Foley (Gear)

The show’s powerful themes: racism, gun violence, grief, and trauma

Iconic villains like Ebon, Hotstreak, Talon, Puff, and Rubberband Man

The award-winning “Jimmy” episode on school shootings that won the 2003 Humanitas Prize

The incredible voice cast: Phil LaMarr, Jason Marsden, Kevin Michael Richardson, Danny Cooksey, and more

Static Shock’s legacy in superhero storytelling and why it still resonates today

At the end, I’ll be reading some of my favorite comments; drop yours and you might get featured!

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