Time to Upgrade

I've really started getting into comics lately. I think it is because of the both the Kindle and the easy to use comic app, as well as the recent DC universe reboot. However, I would like to outline that I have had a love of super heroes in general for a long time. I would read the old Spider-Man comics from the library and watch all the cartoon shows. One of my favorites, then and now, is the Teen Titans. They have a great cast of characters and an entertaining story line. The comic series is also very well written with a lot of intrigue and drama, not just about super villains, but also about growing up. One character that has had a huge presence in the series has been Cyborg. The half man, half robot young leader of the Titans has been around for a while as a Titan and as a mentor. This reboot and other material have shown a wonderful change in this character's DC career.

Cyborg is finally getting the spotlight he deserves.

In the recent Reboot, Cyborg is not a member of the Titian, he becomes a founding member of the Justice League. The ex-Titan has moved into the "big leagues" now with his introduction into the League. He is becoming more mature and involved in the mainstream DC universe. Cyborg has always had a following, being popular for his abilities and his personality. Finally he is stepping onto the big stage and playing with the big stars. With a character like Superman as an industry figure head, those who are allowed to fight with him gain a lot more for themselves.

This upgrade for Cyborg is a long time in coming. He debuted in October of 1980 and was quickly joined with the Teen Titans. From there he has been an active member and leader various times, including co-leading a team of Titans East for a while there. In a series when characters get knocked off in increasing numbers, his longevity is astonishing. His life span might only be outranked by Robin (whichever variation we're working with). Cyborg may very well be the most influential member of the entire Titans. There's a whole plot point in One Year Later about the younger Titans asking his coma state body for advise and venting their problems to him. He has long since been a leader.

With all his experience, however, he has never really gotten the attention he deserved. Raven had a number of story lines about her and is even getting her own comic series soon. Various Robins do their things, even with Dick Grayson coming out as Nightwing and getting his own series. Cyborg has been a popular character that they never seemed to know what to do with. Even Beast Boy (or Changeling depending on how hipster you are) made his name in the Doom Patrol before going joining the Titans and winning fans with his charm and shape-changing ability. Cyborg hasn't had his time in the light yet.

Now is his time however. He is a founding member of the Justice League and a big name hero in the world. Other plot lines have been leading up to this. In the recent Flashpoint series, in an alternate universe, Cyborg is the world's leading hero, basically what Superman is to us. There he would search for ways to stop warring supers and maintain order. This focus on Cyborg spelled out a bigger future for him.

He even has a staring role in a DC animate film. When so many of the films focus on the main players, usually Bat-man, Superman, or The Green Lantern, in the recent Justice League movie Doom, he is a pivotal character. Helping save Wonder Woman, Superman, and the entire planet. In the film he maintains his strong voice and great gear, while moving smoothly into a more mature and dire situation.

Cyborg is stepping up and getting some real and well deserved focus as a character. He is strong enough to be a hero as well as human enough to sympathize with. In this, DC is growing a character; offering a familiar hero to the old school fans and what could be a new favorite for new fans. Their writing has brought him into his own and allowed his popularity to grow. I hope that DC realizes the potential that they have with this character and use him in the best way possible.

Now I just hope Beast Boy get's his time, but one step at a time.

Just something to chew on.