Some characters in comics have to spend a long time in filling in the background of panels before they can step up to the big leagues. Victor Stone has been one of DC’s most notable background characters for 25 years and probably best known as a major member of creator Marv Wolfman’s Teen Titans. The technologically hybrid hero has been the prime example of the “outsider” character which has made him a favorite among young readers who have identified with him. Now in a larger role as a founding member of the Justice League, Victor Stone is getting his own solo series by critically acclaimed writer, David F. Walker and DC’s resident artist superstar, Ivan Reis.
Issue #1 debuted just this week and it is already collecting high praise from the comic book community. Within just the first few pages the groundwork, it’s clear that Cyborg will be dealing with a lot more than a typical roster of throw-away villains. Vic Stone is the star of this book and David Walker is writing for the man more than he is the machine.
Walker puts an emphasis on Vic’s problems by showing someone thrust into greatness and the lonely existence he’s been dealing with since Darkseid’s arrival to Earth and his rebirth as a cybernetic hero. Cyborg #1 is clearly getting into the mind of a young man who’s excelled at everything he’s tried, but continues to feel forgotten and ignored by his workaholic father, Silas Stone. In fact without a single major battle scene in the book, the story spends a lot of time re-establishing the poor father-son relationship and doesn’t suffer an single panel for it. The idea that the spirit is more important that the spectacle is present on the pages as readers learn more about who Victor Stone is rather that what Cyborg is.
For the fans who don’t know the long history of Cyborg, the incredible artistic talent of Ivan Reis and Joe Prado serve as a tantalizing draw and familiar setting for readers who may have been following Cyborg’s adventures in Justice League. Reis’ attention to detail is something to inspire awe in the panels that showcase the book’s more mechanical sides. Joe Prado and colorist Adriano Lucas are definitely doing their part by making a flat white page feel shiny and by adding depth and sizzle to the pages.
After speaking with David Walker at San Diego Comic-Con 2015, it was clear that there was going to be a clear vision for the book. After reading Cyborg #1 the vision is something I’m looking forward to reading more of. The DC landscape has felt largely unimpressive with only a handful of gems that have given hope for anything new from the publisher as “style over substance” seems to be the order of the day. In our interview with Walker it’s obvious that isn’t what he’s looking to do in the new series. His goal is to show readers that Vic Stone is more than the sum of his parts.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/VrHYJ8gBR7I[/youtube]
Cyborg #1 is available now in comic shops and digitally on Comixology.