Unveiling the First Superhero of DC’s Milestone Continuity: It Wasn’t Static

Note: This article contains spoilers for Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #2.

Despite the widespread fame of Static Shock, many fans may mistakenly believe that Virgil Hawkins is the inaugural hero of the Milestone Universe, a misconception fueled by his popular animated series in the early 2000s. Others may argue that Icon, Milestone’s Superman counterpart, takes the title of the first hero. However, both interpretations fall short of the truth.

Recent revelations in Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #2, authored by Joseph P. Illidge and illustrated by Darryl Banks, among others, clarify that the true first superhero in the Milestone continuity is none other than Dharma, the leader of the Shadow Cabinet himself.

Comic book panels: Rocket with Dharma, the first superhero in Milestone history, among other heroes in The Shadow Cabinet #2

In a striking moment, Dharma asserts this fact to Rocket, stating, “Your ‘Icon’ was not the first superhero in the world. .. I was.”This pivotal statement sheds light on Dharma’s foundational role in the universe.

Who Is Dharma, Milestone’s First Superhero?

DC Comics Origins and Powers, Explained

Dharma from Milestone's 30th Anniversary

Dharma serves as the architect of the Milestone Universe, orchestrating the origin stories of several beloved characters, including Static, Hardware, Icon, and Rocket. His influence even extends to the Big Bang event that granted Static his abilities. Beyond this current iteration, Dharma’s past actions include merging Milestone’s Dakotaverse with the wider DC continuum during the Final Crisis, crafting a narrative that integrated these characters into established superhero lore.

His first on-panel introduction occurred in Hardware #11, crafted by a talented team including Dwayne McDuffie and Denys Cowan. In the recent series, Dharma re-emerges in “Blood Syndicate: Epilogue,”marking a significant moment in Milestone’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.

Characterized by Machiavellian traits, Dharma navigates moral ambiguities, occasionally adopting villainous methods to achieve his objectives. As the narrative evolves in this rebooted Milestone Universe, his true alignment remains uncertain. Notably, Dharma possesses the unique ability to perceive the past, present, and future simultaneously, a skill he utilizes by touching objects, which underpins his controversial yet protective strategies for the multiverse.

Why Is Dharma Assembling the Shadow Cabinet in Milestone’s New Continuity?

And What Is Dharma Scheming?

Similar to its previous incarnation, Dharma leads the Shadow Cabinet, akin to Marvel’s Illuminati or a more exclusive version of the Justice League. The current storyline raises questions about Dharma’s motivations for reforming the Shadow Cabinet within this updated framework. Since his return, Dharma has been somewhat cryptic regarding his intentions.

His reappearance in “Blood Syndicate: Epilogue”hints at grand designs involving all Milestone heroes. Notable references include Static being viewed as his “hope for the future,”Iron Butterfly as his “sword,”and the Blood Syndicate as his “arsenal.”This new assembly aims to strengthen the narrative’s depth, bridging past confrontations to present alliances. As Rocket contemplates Dharma’s motives, fans are left eager to uncover the mysteries behind these power dynamics.

Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #2 is currently available from DC Comics, providing insight into the evolving stories of these iconic characters.

Source & Images