DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products Reveal New Comics, Books and Merch Featuring Black Superheroes

Throughout February, DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will honor the artistic expression and contributions of Black comic creators, artists and characters by unveiling a collection of new comics, books and merch. The company will also launch initiatives to support and develop Black creators and inspire a new generation of comic book professionals. In addition, Milestone Compendium One allows DC fans to explore the anthology of Black superheroes in a 1,300-page book.  

Announced during DC FanDome 2021, The Milestone Initiative was created by DC and Milestone Media, along with Ally Financial Services, to identify, develop and mentor aspiring comic book professionals of color. Applicants selected for the Milestone Initiative Development Program will receive in-person tutelage from working comic book professionals and virtual education through the prestigious Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. After study, attendees will be paired with other comic book professionals to create new, original stories within the Milestone Universe.  

“Continuing our rich history of amplifying Black stories and talent, the launch of our Black History Month selection of new comics, books and merch celebrates the Black visionaries amongst us and collectively promotes and supports the telling of stories from the Black perspective,” says Anne Leung DePies, senior vice president and general manager, DC. “Focused on boosting representation of aspiring comic book professionals of color and introducing them to positive apprenticeship in the art, The Milestone Initiative will pave the way for change by creating a place for individuals to be supported by mentors and connect over a shared love for comics.”  

In collaboration with Milestone Comics, season one of “Static,” “Hardware” and “Icon and Rocket” are now available at participating comic book stores and digital platforms.  

DC spotlights Black creators and characters in comic books including “I Am Batman,” written by John Ridley; “NAOMI” season two, co-written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker, with art by Jamal Campbell; “Nubia and the Amazons,” by Stephanie Williams with art from Alitha Martinez, released on Feb. 1 plus “Aquamen,” by Chuck Brown, Brandon Thomas, Sami, Basri and Adriano Lucas debuting Feb. 22. “Green Lantern,” by Geoffrey Thorne, Tom Raney and Marco Santucci, and “Suicide Squad” (featuring Amanda Waller) by Robbie Thompson and Eduardo Pansica are also all available at participating comic bookstores and digital platforms. 

DC has also released a new young adult graphic novel and collected editions including “Milestone Compendium One” and “REPRESENT!” which are on sale now, and “Batwing: Luke Fox” coming on Feb. 15. Other titles featuring Black superheroes include “The Other History of the DC Universe” by John Ridley, Andrea Cucchi and Giuseppe Camuncoli; “Green Lantern John Stewart: A Celebration of 50 Years,” “Mister Miracle: The Great Escape” by Varian Johnson and Daniel Isles; and “Nubia: Real One” by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith, all available at participating comic bookstores and digital platforms.  

The DC Shop has revealed designs featuring DC Superhero and flagship Milestone character Virgil Hawkins, aka, Static. Virgil takes front and center on a collection of items, including T-shirts, hoodies and sporting goods highlighting his electromagnetic powers. Also available exclusively in the DC Shop is a new skate deck featuring Static.  

Additional merchandise coming to the DC Shop this month features a new DC Black History Month logo and key art by artist, Alitha Martinez, and the return of Juneteenth key art by Milestone co-founder, Denys Cowan.