Artist Nikolas Draper-Ivey has revealed how Static would look in the manga style of Akira Toriyama. The series artist of Static: Season One has been known for his manga influences, and proves the style looks great on Virgil Hawkins.
Last year, Milestone returned to comics with titles including Static and Hardware along with Icon and Rocket. From the lineup, Static has had a distinct sense of action and style, as Nikolas Draper-Ivey has homaged his own creative inspirations, often citing manga and anime. With Virgil being a teenage boy, his interests have frequently corresponded to the series’ influences. As noted by Static: Season One #4’s variant cover by Draper-Ivey which incorporated Akira’s iconic poster, he has worn his inspirations on his sleeve throughout the title’s first season.
In a recent tweet, Nikolas Draper-Ivey revealed how Static would look if illustrated in Akira Toriyama’s style, paying tribute to Dragon Ball Z. Adapting Virgil’s first costume from the animated series Static Shock, the manga iteration is a natural fit. Followers thought similarly, as both the tweet and the Instagram post received unanimous positive feedback. Draper-Ivey wrote, “It’s not a secret that manga has had influence over my run on Static. So as I wrap up the 6th issue, I wanted to draw something I’ve been wanting to draw for some time now; The Milestone Characters in the style of Akira Toriyama. As over done as it is, I hadn’t seen anyone attempt it with Milestone characters, so I wanted to try my hand at it. Rocket and Bulma have a similar vibe and I feel like that will track. So I’m going to draw her next. Icon and Hardware shortly after. Okay, back to work!”
According to Draper-Ivey’s tweet, this is only the beginning of the Milestone superheroes’ manga redesigns. From the other titles, he has yet to illustrate Hardware, Icon, and Rocket. However, Static’s friend and superhero partner from the animated series, Gear, might also make for a cool redesign. While the Dakotaverse incorporates many artists’ styles, a manga-stylized crossover would likely be a hit with fans based on the positive reception of Static.
Considering that Draper-Ivey is reportedly involved with the announced Milestone animated movie, Dragon Ball Z could have a part in influencing the project. For now, fans can dream based on the artist’s character designs that are shared on social media. Static: Season One #5 releases on Tuesday, January 25.
Source: Twitter