[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: John Semper, Jr.
Pencils: Paul Pelletier
Summary
Thanks to some assistance from friend Exxy, Cyborg is back online! However, the two are still trapped at S.T.A.R. Labs! The villain known as Anomaly makes his appearance, and his history is revealed, and the ties between Victor, his father, and Anomaly are finally exposed!
Positives
Finally, Semper, Jr. has the villain reveal himself in this issue! Using the name Anomaly, we find out the history of this villain and his link to Victor and his father in this issue. Semper, Jr. basically gives us more history into Cyborg, but told from Anomaly’s perspective. Dr. Silas Stone also has a touching moment where he reveals something he’s never admitted to anyone–not even his own son. Semper Jr. does a great job at detailing the pain Victor feels finding out this information. Pelletier’s art adds more depth to the book by being so detailed and extensive in this issue. I’ve become a fan of Pelletier’s work with Cyborg as I imagine he must be one of the most complicated characters to draw.
Negatives
My only complaint about this book is the character narration. Almost the entire time the story is told through the villain Anomaly’s point of view. Now there’s nothing wrong with this at all, however there were times where his dialogue felt too long and too dragged out. It’s like in one of those movies where the villain talks forever about how much he hates, and plans to kill the good guy — and the good guy escapes! Anomaly goes on and on about his hate for Victor, giving Victor time to reboot his system and to get back in the fight! That part felt a little too “stereotypical good guy” in my book that’s all.
Verdict
Cyborg #9 is a good read! I enjoyed the final reveal about the villain, and Cyborg now knows that this father is being held hostage. I’m eager to see how he plans to get Dr. Stone back, but also what Anomaly’s revelation does to their relationship as well.