Cyborg is a character who’s been fortunate enough to receive a considerable boon, as of late. Back when DC launched its New 52 line-up, he was promoted to being a founding member of the Justice League. And this has been the status quo for the character for some time now. His character became intrinsically linked to the story of Jack Kirby’s legendary new gods, with the source of his power being a Mother Box.
Since then, Cyborg shared the spotlight with comic book giants such as DC’s trinity – Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. And he’s held down his own solo title for twenty issues. However, DC quietly canceled it this month, removing it from solicitations. It only showed up again in the solicitations for April. But while they don’t make any mention of cancellation, it does note a significant change in the title – the creative team.
Cyborg co-creator, Marv Wolfman, returns to the character with Cyborg #21. Previously, the book was helmed by John Semper Jr. from #1 to #18. He was replaced by Kevin Grevioux for what would’ve been the final two issues. But now the book is in the hands of one of the character’s originators.
As for the artist, Cyborg is a title that never really had a consistent one, instead going through several. Paul Pelletier and Timothy Green II were among them, though now the artwork is being helmed by Sam Lofti. But the story really is Wolfman, who’s is seeing a bit of a renaissance at the moment as well. He’s also working on Raven: Daughter of Darkness, featuring another of the characters he co-created for New Teen Titans with George Perez. And the Teen Titans have been enjoying considerable popularity, of late.
One thing that really stands out is Cyborg’s role in a post-Rebirth world. The way Rebirth works, the continuity of the New 52 did still happen, save for some key differences. And thanks to small details revolving around the Rebirth return of the Martian Manhunter, Cyborg’s origin is one of those things in question. He’s been a consistent part of the lineup, but now there’s cause to question his role as a founding member of the Justice League, as they’re apparently returning that status to J’onn J’onzz. And given his own recent resurgence, it’s easy to see why.
So where does Cyborg now fit into all of this? Maybe bringing one of his creators on board could be a way to get into that by taking the character back to his roots? It’s a thought. In any event, Cyborg #21 hits the shelves in April.