Since its inception, the DC Comics imprint Milestone has been a consciously forward objective in pushing Black talent and Black characters for readers to enjoy. In today's current social climate, the market for such an initiative has never been more at the forefront of public consciousness. As a result, Milestone is releasing details on a new 96-page graphic anthology book, Milestones in History, later this year to celebrate real-life Black heroes throughout history.
Milestone was founded in 1993 by a collection of Black creators: the late Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle. The most prominent of the original books Milestone created was Static, a series about an electrically powered teen fighting supervillains in the fictional city of Dakota where most of Milestone's characters reside. Static would go on to have his own animated series in the DC Animated Universe that shared continuity with Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited. Other Milestone heroes would include the Superman analog Icon and tech-based super-genius Hardware.
Almost thirty years later, Milestone is now set to release a new graphic anthology in time for this year's Juneteenth. Milestones in History will showcase the heroic deeds of Black figures across history through the eyes of Milestone's heroes. Heading this project is Milestone co-creator Denys Cowan and former Black Panther writer Reginald Hudlin. Speaking as a part of DC's announcement, Hudlin voiced excitement for the project as "history making in itself" and noted the anthology is something Cowan and he had been wanting to do for a long time. Along with covers by CRISSCROSS and Doug Braitwaithe, a list of the creators and historical figures being featured has been released by DC Comics along with this first issue's cover.
Russian Poet and novelist Alexander Pushkin, written by New York Times bestselling author Alice Randall, with art by Don Hudson, José Marzan Jr., and Andrew Dalhouse
Carthaginian general and statesman Hannibal Barca, by award-winning writer Steven Barnes, with art by Ron Wilson and Mike Gustovich
Musical icon Prince, written by journalist and culture critic Touré and art by Ray Anthony-Height
The Three Musketeers author Alexandre Dumas, by bestselling author and pioneer of Black Horror fiction Tananarive Due, with art by Jamal Igle and Chris Sotomayor
Eugene Bullard, the first Black American military pilot, by Pat Charles and Arvell Jones
Black American female pilot Bessie Coleman and astronaut Mae Jemison, written by Melody Cooper, with art by Domo Stanton and Emilio Lopez
Dancer, educator, and social activist Katherine Dunham, by actor and author Karyn Parsons (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
“Lucy,” the early hominid fossil (Australopithecus) discovered in Africa by Donald Johanson, Mary Leakey, and Yves Coppens, written by Alice Randall
Milestone is one of the most interested and often underexplored parts of DC's entire catalog, which makes any expansion of it exciting in its own right. The all-star creative teams and diverse range of subject matter are also all promising signs that this title could truly be something special. Between this and recent reboots of characters like Static, DC is giving more respect to Milestones' legacy than ever before.
Milestones in History will be more than just a celebration of real-life black historical figures but will serve as a jumping-on point for Milestone's first big event later in the year. The announcement is tight-lipped on the details but states the ending will serve as the event's catalyst in a way that "most fans will never see coming." Readers will simply have to wait and see what the creators have in store for Milestone heroes like Icon and Static when Milestones in History is released in June in time for Juneteenth.
Milestones in History is slated for release on June 14th.
Source: DC Comics
