Updated on December 10, 2021
Today’s entry is the teenage superhero Cyborg (real name: Victor “Vic” Stone”). Cyborg first appeared in “DC Comics Presents” #26 in 1980. He was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez.
Background
Victor’s backstory states he’s the athletically gifted son of a pair of brilliant scientists. After a severe laboratory accident that claimed the life of his mother, Victor was left in critical condition. His father used various cybernetic parts to save his son’s life, but at the cost of a “normal” appearance. Vic eventually joined the Teen Titans. He ended up a mainstay of the team in most of its incarnations.
Cyborg’s abilities include some weapons built into his robotic parts. He also possesses various robotic abilities (enhanced strength/durability particularly).
In 2011, DC’s New 52 reboot made Cyborg a founding member of the Justice League, replacing the Martian Manhunter. This was an attempt to give the team some semblance of diversity.
Other media
Cyborg’s first animated appearance was in the final season of the “Super Friends” series. There, he joined the team along with Firestorm. Ernie Hudson of “Ghostbusters” fame did Victor’s voice.
The 2000s “Teen Titans” series prominently featured Victor. He was voiced by Khary Payton. Payton also starred in the soap opera “General Hospital.”
After “Teen Titans” left the air, Cyborg appeared on spinoff comedic series “Teen Titans Go” (with the same voice artist).
The 2000s CW series “Smallville” marked Cyborg’s first live-action appearance. The late actor Lee Thompson Young played Victor.
Cyborg appeared in 2016’s movie “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.” He’ll also appear in the “Justice League” movie. More prominently, Cyborg will star in his own film in 2020.
Most of my exposure to Cyborg’s been through watching the enjoyable “Teen Titans” series. Among the more memorable episodes:
- Cyborg building his dream car, only to see it get stolen
- Temporarily leaving the team to manage “Titans East”
- Enrolling undercover in Brother Blood’s villain school
(Updated 10/28/16)
