A typical nerdy high school student with a passion for science and pop culture, Hawkins's life changed dramatically after he got caught up in a local gang war and was doused with an experimental chemical that contained a mutagen agent. This led to him gaining a variety of electromagnetic powers, and as a big fan of comic books, Hawkins decided to use his powers to help clean up his community and save the innocent. A fun, humorous individual in his normal life, these aspects of Hawkins’s personality shine in his superhero persona as well, and Static is well known for his witty banter and good-heartedness.