Like Son, Like Father: Reviewing ‘Cyborg’ #2

Superhero stories are at their absolute best when we’re seeing behind both the literal and the proverbial masks they wear. That is something that this Cyborg series understands perfectly.

While it’s very much a science-fiction story, with a message about technology and humanity, it’s even more a father-son story. Sometimes, balancing the character beats and the action can be a tough thing to do. Morgan Hampton is making it look pretty darn simple.

In the first issue, things kicked off with great superhero action that got us in the mood. It showcased who and what Cyborg is at this point. Soon things moved right into the heart of the matter, once we learn that Silas Stone, Cyborg’s father, passed away. Thanks to a cliffhanger that seems to imply that Silas survived, sort of, we get a second issue that is even deeper and emotional with the heart stuff.

There is no shying away from how tough the relationship is between Victor and Silas. A controlling father who is never happy with what his son chooses to do. While the son pushes back against this, het also seeks validation, knowing it won’t ever come. All of this is perfectly blended with the overall story of Solace tech and the dangers that tech can bring if we allow it to control and replace people.

What makes that second part of the story work so well is that Hampton hits the points without needing to shout them. We hear the points of view of everyone involved, while understanding one point is closer to correct than the others. We’re not surprised to find out that Solace is hiding something and might have something to do with Silas death.

I love that this story is heavily centered around Black characters. From the title character to his family and supporting character and even his likely foe. Yet, it never has to openly point that out. It treats all of that as if it’s completely normal because it is, and should be.

A story like this is very rough, and Tom Raney taps into that with his somewhat rougher style. There is a very classic and timeless sort of emotion to Raney’s work, which makes sense with all the work he’s done over the years. All the expressions are powerful and can be felt on the page, with the roughness enhancing the overall lighter superhero energy it’s all giving off.

It’s a heavy feeling in many respects, with depth and great detail, but also fluid and light. There is a solid motion to all the work as the paneling really helps give it an even more kinetic feeling.

Many of the same qualities are clear in Michael Atiyeh’s coloring. Overall, they are lighter and have a more muted appearance, dipping into a bit of that rougher feeling. Plenty of the more vivid superhero-esque colors pop up at the right time to make sure we get that feeling. It leans into the idea that this is a human story first and foremost, with the more fantastical elements sprinkled in as a treat.

Our first three pages, though, artistically come from Valentine De Landro, with Atiyeh still on the colors. They are quite different in style and tone to the other pages, much more ordered and detailed but still somewhat rough. In a way, they very nicely fit the persona that we see of Silas as they heavily feature him in the moments before and after his death.

Letters are the domain of Rob Leigh+ who does a terrific job as usual. Even with many bits of dialogue coming from machines here, they have personality and flair. The bubbles add a bit to their jagged nature, and the overall appearance of Cyborg’s captions is fun even with the contents being heavier.

It leaves plenty of room for more fun, and bigger elements too. Such as names shouted that burst out of the bubble, the always-loved use of a character’s logo in dialogue, and colors dotted into the mix. It all makes sure that the tone and volume are clear but also brings even more fun energy to the affair.

Oh also, the use of the internet chat during the broadcast pages is so good. They feel ripped right out of Twitter or something which is both great and painful at the same time.

Cyborg #2 is now available from DC Comics.