Cyborg #1 Review

Though he was created back in the seemingly ancient world of 1980, Cyborg has never (barring a miniseries here or there) headlined his own book…

…until now.  Your Major Spoilers review of Cyborg #1 awaits!

CYBORG #1
Writer: David F. Walker
Penciler: Ivan Reis
Inker: Joe Prado
Colorist: Auriano Lucas
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Editor: Harvey Richards and Brian Cunningham
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Previously in Cyborg: In the post-Flashpoint universe, Victor Stone is very much the same character he was in the old: A promising athlete whose career was cut short due to a horrifying accident, whose devastated body was rebuilt with cybernetic parts that give him superhuman abilities.  His first adventure included a key role in rebuffing an invasion attempt by Darkseid himself, leading to Cyborg helping to found the Justice League.  After a recent battle, the technology of his body once again rebuilt itself, this time restoring some of his damaged human parts as well, and leaving Cyborg with a whole new outlook on life…

DON’T FIX WHAT AIN’T BROKE

The basics of the Cyborg character really haven’t changed in 35 years: Smart young man, troubled relationship with the father who saved his life, a melange of accepting his new abilities and resenting his cyborg parts.  This issue opens in deep space, with an alien race known as the Technosapiens (who are hinted to have some connection with Vic’s new abilities), balancing a cosmic battle with exposition about Cyborg’s past, and his relationships with his father, lady friend Sarah and the universe.  David F. Walker did really amazing work with the recent five-issue ‘Shaft’ mini, and his writing here is equally interesting, balancing the classic Wolfman/Perez version of Cyborg with the strange hybrid we’ve been seeing since 2011.  Even though the Teen Titans back story is gone, the story makes it clear that this Cyborg will be familiar to those who only know him from the old days, a well-needed balance for his first solo series.

A SLEEK, COOL NEW LOOK

As someone who was never particularly happy with the blocky, armored redesign of Cyborg, I’m very happy to see Cyborg closer to his original look (although with less overt metal than he had even under Perez’s pen.)  Walker also touches on something that is often ignored about Cyborg, showing us a group of protestors outside STAR Labs, angry that he hasn’t shared the amazing prosthetic technology with the masses.  It’s a nice callback to the days when Vic thought of his new body as a burden, rather than a portal to amazing super-adventures.  I’m also happy to report that one doesn’t have to read the 8-page preview material to understand where this issue picks up (something that has been a problem in a few previous DCYou outings), as the issue does great work in showing us Vic’s supporting cast, outlining his back story and history, and establishing a threat that seems like only he can stop it.  Nice work for a first issue…

THE BOTTOM LINE: A GREAT DEBUT

To be honest, I can’t figure out why Cyborg hasn’t had his own book years earlier, but the quality present in this issue (both writing and art) prove that DC is serious about promoting Cyborg to their top tier of characters.  Cyborg #1 is a great introduction to the character, whether you’ve been reading his adventures since 1980 or have never seen him before, with excellent art, earning a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars overall.