DC Comics has launched the Milestone Initiative as a way to address the comics industry’s diversity problem. The publisher’s most representative imprint is set to find new talent, continuing the legacy of original founders.
Throughout the 90s’, Milestone Media addressed the lack of diverse representation in comics by publishing a handful of titles, including Icon, Static, and Hardware among others. At the time, the comics industry had seen nothing like it. The company founded by the late great Dwayne McDuffie, Robert Washington III, and Derek T. Dingle, along with Denys Cowan and Michael Davis, set a new precedent, proving there is an audience for diverse storytelling. Although Milestone disappeared for several years, the signature three titles returned this past year with fresh talent revitalizing the heroes that many fans had missed. As the rebooted titles continue the legacy of the original founders, DC Comics is making a way for new storytellers to follow in their footsteps.
Announced during DC FanDome, the Milestone Initiative will present an opportunity for diverse creators to be recognized for their work. DC Comics, Milestone, and WarnerMedia are partnering with Ally for their search to discover writers and artists from underrepresented backgrounds. Milestone creators Denys Cowan and Reggie Hudlin are leading the initiative, practically extending their previous search for young storytellers to work on Static: Season One, Icon and Rocket: Season One, and Hardware: Season One. Fans located in the United States have the ability to submit themselves to be considered for The Milestone Initiative Development Program, which involves an in-depth training process. Writers and artists who are chosen will visit DC’s Burbank headquarters for a one-week training seminar. Their training will continue through an eight-week virtual course led by the Kubert School.
The talent recruitment program provides a special chance for readers who have long been inspired by Milestone creators. Although it hasn’t been said that the process is guaranteed to lead to an immediate hiring opportunity, it has the potential to serve as a beginning for many creators’ careers. Daniel Cherry III who is DC’s Senior Vice President and General Manager spoke on the upcoming initiative, saying, “For many black and diverse artists and writers, Milestone is part of their comic book DNA, and we are thankful to partner with Ally to help these new voices be heard in addition to adding to Milestone’s legacy.”
With the recent cancelation of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy reducing representation for LGBTQ+ in comics, the lack of diversity doesn’t just pertain to DC, as it’s a problem industry-wide. However, the issue goes beyond ongoing titles and characters, with creative teams under-representing their readership. Milestone once opened a door for a wide selection of voices to finally be heard, and with the Milestone Initiative, the demand is being answered.
Source: DC Comics