Change is a constant. Whether it’s losing a job or getting a new one, breaking up with someone or entering into a new relationship, there’s no avoiding it. The question remains: what do you do when change forces its way into your life? That’s the question Victor Stone has to answer in Cyborg #1. Not only does Cyborg have to juggle bigger responsibilities as the Titans are now the world’s premiere superhero team, he also must acclimate to a new life in Detroit. Then an unexpected tragedy strikes, forcing him to look back at his life and the events that shaped him into the man he is.
Cyborg’s always been a character that I felt had untapped potential. Outside of his time with the Titans, he’s struggled to hold down a solo title in the past. His time in the Justice League, which should have eleveated him to A-status, feels like a footnote in the character’s past. Which is all the more reason why writer Morgan Hampton takes the time to flesh out Victor’s new status quo. Hampton showcases how the citizens of Detroit react to Cyborg’s presence; some love him, while a popular web show has some less than constructive criticism. But more than that, the issue deals with Cyborg’s family history – especially his tense relationship with his father, who’s responsible for his cybernetic transformation. It’s rare that a therapy session can be compelling in a comic, but Hampton manages to make it work (far more than Heroes in Crisis ever did).
As if the writing wasn’t good enough, it’s also backed up by some awesome art. Tom Raney’s illustrated plenty of great superhero comics, from Uncanny X-Men at Marvel to another underrated DC superhero team in Outsiders. Now he has the chance to give Cyborg a revamped update. Gone is the bulky ’80s design, replaced by sleek, futuristic blue and white armor. Cyborg’s also sporting a sports jacket and pants that serve as a homage to his former life as a football player. They’re also stylish as hell – never let anybody tell you that superheroes can’t put a little flair into their uniforms.
Rounding out the artistic team is Michael Atiyeh on colors. Atiyeh’s palette is bright, vibrant, and not only captures the urban landscape of Detroit but also gives plenty of flair to the superheroic bits. That’s especially true of the opening sequence, where Cyborg battles his old foes Mammoth and Gizmo. Gizmo’s lime green jumpsuit and Mammoth’s black/gold bodybuilder suit provide a nice contrast to the blue and white of Cyborg’s armor. Not only that, Atiyeh understands that superhero stories are supposed to be vibrant and eye-catching, even in quiet moments. He makes sure to draw your eye to Cyborg in every scene, without making it too flashy. A rare feat.
Cyborg #1 finally gives the Teen Titans’ tech powerhouse some much-needed dimension, as he deals with a life-changing event. In my opinion, you should definitely read this comic and Titans #1 back to back – they’re a great example of how to push characters in new directions and a great mission statement for the Dawn of DC.
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