Shock to the System.Virgil Hawkins is a smart, funny teen who tangles with school gang leader Francis, who calls himself "F-Stop." The leader of another school gang, Wade, protects Virgil sometimes, but says he can't be there all the time for Virgil. Wade asks Virgil to join his gang, but Virgil doesn't want to be part of a gang because a gang's gunfire killed his mother, Jean. Wade tells Virgil to show up at the docks. Virgil is afraid to say "no", so he shows up. When Virgil arrives at the docks, Wade's gang gives him a gun as F-Stop's gang shows up. A gang fight ensues. Virgil throws the gun in the river and hides as the police arrive. As soon as the police get there, they start shooting, hitting some gas canisters and causing gas to spread all over the docks. Virgil runs home and, the next day, discovers he can control and manipulate electricity and anything metallic. He goes over to his best friend Richie's house, and they pick out a costume and a superhero name for Virgil, resulting in the birth of Static.