By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have unveiled a collection to honor Black comic creators and characters for Black History Month.
DC is kicking off the celebration by releasing a series of licensed comics and books, as well as new Black History Month products at the DC Shop.
The release of Milestone Compendium One lets DC fans explore an anthology of Black Super Heroes in a 1,300 page book, and the DC UNIVERSE INFINITE Digital Subscription Platform will feature a free selection of curated titles spotlighting Black DC super heroes.
The DC Shop has also revealed designs featuring DC super hero and Milestone character Virgil Hawkins, aka, Static. Virgil takes front and center on a collection of consumer products. The products will include tees, hoodies and sporting goods that highlight his electromagnetic powers.
Additional merchandise coming to the DC Shop this month features the all-new DC Black History Month logo and key art by Alitha Martinez. It will also feature the return of the popular Juneteenth key art by Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan.
“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,” said Anne Leung DePies, senior vice president and general manager of 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.”
Announced during DC FanDome 2021, The Milestone Initiative was created by DC and Milestone Media, along with Ally Financial Services. The goal of the initiative is to identify, develop and mentor aspiring comic book professionals of color.
Milestone Media is a company best known for creating Milestone Comics, which are published and distributed by DC Comics. It was founded in 1993 by a coalition of Black artists and writers.
Applicants selected for the Milestone Initiative Development Program will receive both in-person tutelage from comic book professionals, as well as virtual education through the prestigious Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art.
After a period of study, attendees will be paired with other comic book professionals to create new, original stories within the Milestone Universe.