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Review: Cyborg #2

By Philip Schweier
October 5, 2016 - 05:15

After a lackluster launch last issue, with Victor Stone whining about whether or not he’s still human, this issue is one big battle, a refreshing swing of the pendulum in the completely opposite direction. Cyborg goes toe-to-toe with Kilg%re, the embodiment of alient technology with nearly limitless powers. As a sentient machine, he is capable of tapping into any form of electricity – including the bio-electric impulses of the human brain. He can also manipulate any electrical device.

His primary shortcoming as a villain is that his agenda is a bit clichéd: he wishes to wipe out humankind, in favor of his superior mechanical brothers. Yes, we’ve heard the chant before. Exterminate! Resistance is futile.

But Kilg-percent-re is merely a hired hand in someone else’s greater plan. In the typical battle banter common to comic books, he speaks of a leader, who seems to be pulling the strings of these mechanical puppets. Under his direction, he places Cyborg in a situation that forces him to choose his life or his father’s. It comes with a plot twist I did not expect.

The writing is sharp, though if Kilgore can manipulate brain impulses, why not simply shut them off? My only complaint is that I sense a kinship between Kilgore and Marvel’s Ultron, so the entire time I’m reading Kilgore’s dialogue, I’m hearing James Spader’s voice in my head. Meh. Better that than Twiki.

Last Updated: January 17, 2025 - 08:20