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Cyborg #1 (2023)
- Writer:
- Morgan Hampton
- Artist:
- Tom Raney
- Letterer:
- Rob Leigh
- Cover Artist:
- Edwin Galmon
- Publisher:
- DC
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-05-16
- Colorist:
- Michael Atiyeh
Victor Stone didn't choose to be Cyborg. His father, the famed scientist Dr. Silas Stone, made that decision for him when a tragic accident destroyed his son's body. Ever since then, Cyborg has grappled with his humanity and his father's expectations, joining the Teen Titans as a hero. Now, with the Justice League disbanded, Victor has returned to Detroit, his hometown, to receive some tragic news.
Written by Morgan Hampton, drawn by Tom Raney, with colors by Michael Atiyeh and letters by Rob Leigh, Cyborg #1 kicks off a new series and brings the robotic Teen Titan back to his roots. Grappling with the death of his father and the rapid changes taking place in his hometown, Cyborg is ready to come to terms with his feelings towards his late father and just enjoy being Victor Stone again. But fate and the rising artificial intelligence industry may get in the way.
The story picks up after the events of the DC's recent Dark Crisis arc, following the disbanding of the Justice League and Cyborg leaving the Teen Titans. This is the perfect opportunity for the emotionally complex Cyborg to get his time to shine in a solo run. The topic of artificial intelligence has become quite prominent in current events, so it's only natural for comics to explore the rise of AI, its effects on society, its reception, and the consequences of integrating it into daily life. Cyborg, whose character arc has centered around his struggle with his humanity, his sense of agency, and the choices he was denied, is the perfect vehicle to discuss this hot topic. Cyborg #1 introduces the concept of AI and its mass commercialization and corporatization without being too preachy or heavy-handed, with subtle foreshadowing and a climax that's as relevant as it is shocking.
However, the intrusive and ambiguous nature of AI is just the undercurrent to the human drama that takes center stage in this issue. Writer Morgan Hampton zeroes in on Vic Stone's most personal issue -- his strained relationship with his now-deceased father, the man responsible for rebuilding him as Cyborg and saving him from death. Victor Stone is at first glad to be at home, on almost-familiar turf, recognized for his identity as the hero Cyborg and as a local famed for his athletic achievements -- something especially precious to Cyborg's memory. Victor is still the exuberant, outgoing, booyah-ing character he's always been -- with his sense of humor weaving in between strands of understandable and very human bitterness and sadness as he deals with the flurry of emotions accompanying his grief. Despite the upbeat intro and some light touches of humor, Cyborg #1 is a tale about grief, reconciliation, and the ethical ramifications of AI and human intelligence.
Although Cyborg #1 is a serious story, the art style in this issue is surprisingly bold, cheerful, and eye-catching. Artist Tom Raney favors a thick and heavy inking line, giving a slightly retro graphic quality to the pages -- especially to the human characters. Emotions are bold and exaggerated, while facial features are emphasized and pulled like plastic. Similarly, colorist Michael Atiyeh favors an exaggerated palette of colorful and explosive brights. Red, green, and yellow dominate -- lending an almost ironic vivid quality to some of the more somber scenes -- though the moments of stillness are rendered with softer tones. The visuals can sometimes detract from the narrative, with the panels' composition making Rob Leigh's otherwise solid lettering hard to follow. This becomes especially noticeable in scenes with more action. That said, these chaotic visuals do not take away from the impact of the narrative.
Equal parts superhero story, speculative science fiction, and tender human drama, Cyborg #1 is a solid start to what promises to be one of this dynamic character's strongest solo runs.