Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #1

by Joseph Illidge

Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #1

Illustrated by: Darryl Banks, and Atagun Ilhan

Written by: Joseph Illidge

Release date: November 20th, 2024

DC Comics/Milestone

*Minor Spoilers ahead

In the six months since Brainiac’s incursion into the Milestone Universe, the nefarious Dr. Edwin Alva has gone missing, Icon’s embarked on a deep space voyage, and Rocket has stepped up to fill the role of Earth’s protector — but it sure does feel lonely at the top. That is, until Rocket finds herself recruited by the Shadow Cabinet, a mysterious cabal of powered individuals who’ve been saving the world in secret for decades! In Dr. Alva’s absence, his estranged half-sister Angela has led a hostile takeover of S.Y.S.T.E.M. — the evil organization of world superpowers he left behind. Angela’s dead set on proving herself even more ruthless than her brother, and nothing and no one will stand in her way… unless the Shadow Cabinet steps back into the light. They want to bring Rocket into the fold to take S.Y.S.T.E.M. down. But after a few too many rocky partnerships, is she willing to hear them out?

With original Milestone Media contributor Joseph P. Illidge at the helm, the world-spanning story that began in Milestone Returns will reach its fever-pitch climax — and no one in the Dakotaverse is safe!

If you’ve been following Milestone’s revival, The Shadow Cabinet #1 is a big moment. Six months after Brainiac’s attack, the Milestone Universe feels like it’s in flux. Icon is off in space, and Rocket has taken on the daunting task of protecting Earth. But the loneliness of leadership doesn’t last long—Rocket finds herself pulled into the enigmatic Shadow Cabinet, a secretive group with a decades-long history of covert world-saving. Their pitch? Join forces to dismantle S.Y.S.T.E.M., the sinister organization now led by Angela Alva, who’s even more ruthless than her infamous half-brother. The stakes are high, and Rocket has to decide if she’s ready to trust again after everything she’s been through.

Joseph Illidge brings back the kind of energy and scale that made Milestone special in its early days. Seeing Rocket step into the spotlight as a fully realized character was my favorite part. Her internal struggles and the fast-paced narrative make this issue feel alive. The creative team—Darryl Banks and Atagun Ilhan on art, with Denys Cowan’s influence in the mix—delivers something that feels modern while still honoring Milestone’s roots. It’s not perfect; there are a few moments where the storytelling feels more chaotic than purposeful, but the heart and ambition are undeniable.

This book flies off the starting line, and Rocket absolutely shines. It’s clear this series is building toward something major, and it’s refreshing to see a world as rich as the Dakotaverse get this kind of attention. Whether you’re a longtime Milestone reader or just curious, this is a strong pick-up. You can find Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #1 on our new comic book wall, or add it to your weekly pull list if you don’t want to miss the ride.