In ‘Static Shock’ #1, is the first appearance of Static in the New 52, your neighborhood black superhero. Static is on the streets of New York trying to contain Sunspot, who stole a special plasma protection suit from S.T.A.R. Labs.

S.T.A.R. Labs is Static’s new after-school job as a black superhero. He is on the scene. Static attempts various means to contain Sunspot. Finally, he places Sunspot in an E.M. field to ionize the plasma suit in the air. Finally, he short-circuits Sunspot on the Queensboro Bridge.

Static’s secret identity is Virgil Hawkins, a student at high school in Harlem. Hardware notes that his parents might worry once they find out that Sunspot’s plasma suit came from S.T.A.R. Labs where Virgil works.

In reality, Hardware reveals that Virgil’s work at S.T.A.R. Labs is a cover for the black superhero. Hardware states that he hid Virgil’s true purpose at S.T.A.R. Labs by revealing to the workers there that it is an opportunity to free him from the juvenile system by working at odd times of the day and night.

Static is a black superhero living in New York. In fact, Static has problems with his public persona. As Static interrogates Sunspot, he gets shot with a bullet “over a half mile.” Static attempts to trace the bullet with no success.

Despite his earnestness, the public blames Static for the damages. Hardware reminds Static that he is lucky for having evaded arrest and advises him to return home.

The heist was actually orchestrated by the police and the Slate gang. They discuss Static’s superheroics and possible interference by Hawkman. They had planned to deliver the technology to clients.

Gang leader Tan suggests they take no risks whereas Piranha suggest they take out Static. The Slate gang agrees. Virule is selected to take out Static, the black superhero.