Cyborg #2
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: David Walker
Artist(s): Ivan Reis, Rob Leigh, & Joe Prado
Cover: Ivan Reis, Adriano Lucas, & Joe Prado
Other writers may have touched on Cyborg’s issues with his humanity but it hasn’t been done with as much sincerity and depth as what Walker is displaying here. Even the strained relationship with his father that we’ve seen several times over has been given new life here. Much of the anger and lashing out between the two has been toned down to allow us to get to know who these men are. Their conflict also helps the story instead of feeling like a forced plot point in the classic father/son struggle. Another refreshing element is that Cyborg himself doesn’t come off as a character just begging for pity from the reader like in some past representations. Walker also takes us further into the motivations of the aliens that have a direct connection to Cyborg’s new tech and the back alley cybernetic implants people are getting at Body Shops. They’re coming for him and there’s more to this than a regular invasion but Walker hasn’t shown all of his cards just yet. We don’t know much about either faction so we’ll just have to wait and see how they fit into everything.
If you’re familiar with Ivan Reis’ past work then you’ll be satisfied with what he’s bringing to this series. The character designs for the aliens were just as impressive here as they were in the first issue. There’s also a nice level of detail with their tech and body mechanics that helps put over their creepy looking visuals. Cyborg’s new abilities get some exposure in some pretty exciting ways from the subtle reconnecting and shifting of parts to the huge displays of firepower and skill. The entire art team makes these feats look great and new each time we get to see them.
It’s been quite a long time since I was even remotely excited about a Cyborg series but the creative team has already made me a believer. If you were on the fence about this series then I suggest you grab these two issues right away and see for yourself. Because from the narrative to the artwork you’re getting quality storytelling and something new with the character. There’s new tech, alien hunters, and even a great look at the human condition all wrapped up in comic book greatness!
Infinite Speech
infinitespeech@comicattack.net
