Cyborg #8 Review – Have You Tried Turning it Off and Then On Again?
Variant has been shut down. That raises some questions about her humanity versus being a machine, but she’s kind of a despicable person. It makes it a little hard to care about her. But then Cyborg’s “father” shut him down as well, after Victor caught the impostor in the act. I’d actually argue that Cyborg has more of a soul than Variant because he’s not a heartless monster. But I digress.
So how is Victor going to escape this mess? Without his machinery operating, it can’t be too long before what’s left of his body breaks down completely. I have to admit, I never would have predicted how he revives himself. Yes, he does do it himself. How? He’s a damn genius.
For those who haven’t read it, I really don’t want to spoil it. It is devious and only emphasizes how much Victor should not be underestimated.
Cyborg doesn’t get very far, though. He can’t let this impostor take control of Variant, and he’s recaptured when he comes to rescue her body. Finally, Cyborg really sees this “man” unmasked as well as his real father. Their captor insists that Dr. Stone knows who he is all to well, despite the good doctor’s protests. I don’t think next issue will be the end, but it will certainly mark the beginning of the end. Gotta get in this villain’s backstory, right?
The writer touches on some politics with a little jab at Trump. It’s hardly unexpected–I foresee plenty in the coming years–but it felt rather out of place. I’m sure there will be plenty of other Cyborg situations where anti-Trump jabs will fit in far more smoothly. I never mind political commentary in comics, even when it doesn’t align with my own points of view, but I prefer it to flow with the story instead of shoehorned in. Perhaps it’s because the election is so raw and fresh in my mind that this particular reference stood out so sharply.
It didn’t ruin the comic or story, but it was rather abrupt. It was there and then forgotten in the next panel. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. Always a possibility. But I’m not reading too much into how great this comic series continue to be.
I’m the Queen of Segues.
Our Rating: Yep
Author: John Semper, Jr.
Artists: Paul Pelletier, Will Conrad, Tony Kordos, Guy Major, and Ivan Nunes
Publisher: DC Comics
Publish Date: 01/04/2017
Acquired via Purchase
