Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Cyborg #1

By Philip Schweier
September 26, 2016 - 15:33

Ever since the publication of Isaac Asmov’s I, Robot, writers have explored the nature of “artificial” people – mechanical and otherwise. From RoboCop to Star Trek’s Commander Data, we have seen robotic people with some semblance of humanity struggle with defining the line between software and soul. I just didn’t expect Cyborg to follow the pattern so quickly.

At the beginning of Cyborg #1, Victor Stone has been a super-hero for a while, and seemingly adjusted to his mechanical body in a healthy, productive manner. He seems to have embraced all aspects of his bio-mechanical lifestyle, including the ability to access data wirelessly, and not needing to eat. To his credit, he is not pining for a more human form, as Ben Grimm or Commander Data have had a history of doing.

However, he has now begun to question how much of “him” has been replaced by hardware and programming. Does he still retain the level of humanity he once did? I would think the mere fact that it’s a concern would prove that he is still as human as ever.

The answers to Vic’s questions come in tidy little packages: two boys admiring him for being a super-hero, a jazz musician whose music is intended to reach him on an all-too human level. OH, and did I mention said musician is blind? That way appearance doesn’t enter into his thinking. Convenient.

Meanwhile, a new threat is on the rise, one Vic will face in issue #2. I can picture it now: a mechanical monster intent on erasing organic life from the face of the earth, and Cyborg leaping to humanity’s defense, and his own morality and compassion convincing him how all his human flaws are what make him more man than machine.

GAWD, I hope I’m wrong. Issue #1 is only the opening act, so there’s lots of opportunity for the story to surprise me. Fingers crossed it does precisely that.

While I may be damning the debut issue with faint praise, I must compliment the art team for channeling John Byrne so effectively. I actually believed it was Byrne at one point, but no. Thankfully, this isn’t a poor imitation, but a rather effective mirroring of his style. I like the artwork for exactly that reason. It may not be intentional, and that’s okay. There’s ample time for the artists to evolve.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12