Staton started his work with Charlton Comics in 1971 and gained notability as the artist of the super-hero book E-Man. Staton produced art for various comics published by Charlton, Marvel and Warren during the 1970s.

Hired initially by Roy Thomas to work for Marvel, Staton was then brought by Paul Levitz to work on DC Comics' revival of the Justice Society of America in All Star Comics (and later Adventure Comics). In these titles he illustrated stories including the origin of the JSA and the death of the Earth-2 Batman, among other stories. Staton also illustrated the solo adventures of two female JSA members created during the JSA revival - drawing Power Girl in Showcase and the Huntress. During that time, Staton also found time to work on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes, the 1970s revival of the Doom Patrol in Showcase, and the Metal Men. In 1979, Staton began a two and a half year run on Green Lantern, during which he co-created the Omega Men with writer Marv Wolfman.

Staton served as art director for First Comics for three years in the 1980s, returning to DC Comics afterwards for a second run on Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps. He also illustrated Guy Gardner, the Millennium mini-series, The Huntress, The New Guardians and Superman & Bugs Bunny.

He currently draws DC's Scooby Doo title for younger readers, as well as the more mature-themed Femme Noir for Ape Entertainment.