In the "New 52" many things have stayed the same but there have been some minor tweaks. We have just seen the formation of the Justice League and it does differ from the team's original origin. We still have seven powerful heroes banding together to thwart a big threat but one member is different. Instead of Martian Manhunter, we have Cyborg on the team.
Many have wondered why the decision was made to have Cyborg on the team instead of Martian Manhunter. J'onn hasn't been left out in the cold as he has a place in Stormwatch. Cyborg and Martian Manhunter are in no way similar characters so there is some logic in making the change.
With his role in the recent events in JUSTICE LEAGUE #6 and based on his character in the past, here are five reasons why Cyborg belongs on the Justice League now.
== TEASER ==Intelligence
In the pre-New 52, Cyborg was a genius. His parents experimented on him in trying to find ways to boost IQ levels. There hasn't been absolute confirmation that this is still the case but the chances are some of that still holds. His parents are still at S.T.A.R. Labs so it's possible they still experimented on him.
In the New 52, not only did he do well in school, he was also a great athlete. Intelligence is one of the greatest assets a team can have. We all know Batman is the World's Greatest Detective and it's because of his cleverness that he is able to come up with a contingency plan against pretty much every hero and villain.
As smart as Batman is, it doesn't hurt to have another brain on the team. This isn't to say that the other members don't have brains but Victor's knowledge and experience with his father's studies could provide a different perspective that would be valuable during a battle.
Cyborg's Origin, Technolgoy and Connection to Apokolips
His father was working on analyzing a mother box when a portal to Apokolips was opened. Victor was caught in the explosion and his body was exposed to energy from Apokolips. During their battle against Darkseid, Cyborg was able to 'hear' what the Mother Boxes had to say. He could actually speak to them and make them open or close a boom tube to Apokalips.
Being able to access technology from Apokalips could be a dangerous development but it also could provide them with the upper hand when facing Darkseid or any other big threat. Hopefully this is something that will be investigated further.
Cyborg's Dad
Speaking of Cyborg's dad, with his position at S.T.A.R. Labs, the team will be on friendly terms with the place. Between Batman's tech from Wayne Enterprises, Aquaman's Atlantean devices or any Kryptonian technology Superman might have, it will be good to have other scientist and equipment they could borrow should the need arise.
After Victor's accident, Silas mentioned that he had "technology recovered from across the globe." He's studied it all and has become an expert on them. As long as he supports the idea of super-humans, he will be a great ally to have.
Tech Support on the Field
With all the technology in the modern age, there's bound to be new tech being used by enemies during battles. Victor will be able to give the team an edge in figuring out how to handle or deal with any of it. Any time new devices are found, chances are Cyborg will be able to analyze them on the spot. If he can 'talk' to the Mother Boxes, perhaps he'll be able to 'talk' to other pieces of technology as well.
The other thing is because he was bathed in energy from a mother box and was able to control them, it could be possible that he has the ability to open portals as well. This could be a way for the team to teleport to wherever they need to be. They won't have to worry about a teleportation device on the Watchtower. The team having teleportation abilities due to a mother box makes more sense than someone having simply invented a device.
Cyborg Brings Youth to the Team
He's the new kid on the block. He's the rookie. This gives the team a younger and fresher outlook on things. While the others may have more experience with their powers and abilities, often looking at things for the first time with a fresh look is the key in solving problems.
As for the public's perception of the team, before their battle with Darkseid, superheroes were feared and hunted. He may be mostly robotic parts but being of a younger generation will help to make him (and the team) more appealing to younger people (and possibly comic readers as well). He was also already popular due to his athletic abilities on his football team. Having an all-American image will help with the team.
What About the Teen Titans?
It's hard to say at this point what Cyborg's full history is. Did he ever serve on a team with Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Starfire, Raven and others? We saw Red Robin call his team the Teen Titans in the middle of a battle because "it just felt right" but that doesn't mean there wasn't a Teen Titans before or that the original team we know fought together under a different name.
Cyborg does seem more at home with the Titans but this could be seen as a step up for him. Between the 'five years ago' in the first arc in JUSTICE LEAGUE and the present, it's possible he took some time away from the League to have adventures with the other. Regardless, now it is time for everyone to accept Cyborg's position as one of the big heroes. He's been around since 1980 but never really got the respect he deserved. We should be seeing more of him in the future as his story in the "New 52" is just beginning.
Log in to comment