Comic Review: Cyborg #3 (DC Comics)

The Imitation of Life arc continues in Cyborg # 3 written by John Semper Jr with art by Will Conrad.

The issue starts off with a nightmare that harkens back the Beginning of The New 52 Justice League: Origin story where the Justice League had their first face off against the King of Apokolips: Darkseid. Despite it being a nightmare, it’s awesome to see that battle interpreted by another artist that isn’t Jim Lee, especially ending that nightmare with an unlikely turnout.  Although the issue opens with a nightmare sequence, the nightmare is the least of his problems, especially upon discovery of revelations that plague Cyborg. I won’t go into detail about the issue (obviously) but I did enjoy this issue. There is a lot of setups that is being developed based on Cyborg in terms of lapses in memories and his father’s possible connections to them. The question is who is really behind the problems that plague our cybernetic character? What are his true intentions with Cyborg and how does this individual plan to destroy the Stone family?

John Semper Jr continues to write an entertaining series that has managed to keep its readers invested in the title character. I really enjoy the development that is being made for Victor (Cyborg) seeing him go on mini dates seeking other jazz bars which add’s a nice layer of character to him. The dream sequences by Will Conrad are actually the best that cyborg has probably had, for a stand alone series. I kinda hope he returns for more issues (no offense to Paul Pelletier since I enjoy his art as well). The battle scenes are well illustrated, especially in the beginning of the nightmare sequence at the start of this issue. Seeing the league get mangled and seeing an Amazon guilt trip Cyborg with her smelted face was pretty… Metal… (sigh, yes, the pun was intended).

The colors by Ivan Nunes are very effective in this issue, especially with the nightmare sequences, making the environments illustrated look heated and dystopian. To even show Darkseid in a very raw powerful form is complementary to the devastation displayed within the sequence. Rob Leigh’s lettering does its job and serves its purpose, not much to complain about that. I wonder how Semper will conclude this arc, and what are his plans for the upcoming arcs down the line. Hopefully, we’ll see Cyborg battle villains that aren’t machine based and see some variety as this series continues to progress. Overall, a good issue.