Cyborg #4 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
🧬 Genre
Science Fiction, Superhero, Techno-Thriller, Psychological Drama
This issue blends sci-fi innovation with a psychological twist, offering fans an intense fusion of action and introspection.
🦾 Main Characters
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Victor Stone / Cyborg – The protagonist, struggling with the blurred lines between man and machine.
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Silas Stone – Vic’s father and lead scientist at S.T.A.R. Labs, whose experiments play a central role in the unfolding crisis.
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S.T.A.R. Labs Personnel – Friends and colleagues caught in the crossfire of Vic's cybernetic breakdown.
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Anomaly – A mysterious antagonist who may be manipulating events from behind the scenes.
✍️ Writer
John Semper Jr.
Known for his storytelling in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Semper brings emotional weight and tech-based intrigue to Cyborg’s journey.
🎨 Artist
Paul Pelletier
Pelletier's clean, expressive linework captures both the explosive tech battles and the haunting psychological elements.
🧑💼 Editor Details
Brian Cunningham – Senior editor overseeing the Cyborg title, ensuring continuity and narrative depth within the DC Universe.
🏢 Publisher
DC Comics
🔖 Brand
DC Rebirth
This series is part of the Rebirth initiative, aiming to restore legacy while pushing characters into modern, emotionally rich storylines.
📆 Release Year
2016
🧩 Brief Plot Summary
In Cyborg #4, part five of the “Imitation of Life” arc, Vic Stone is thrust into a terrifying reality where his robotic systems rebel against his will. Trapped within a simulated world built from his memories and subconscious fears, Cyborg must navigate a mental labyrinth teeming with distorted visions of his past and twisted versions of those he loves. As his body attacks his allies in the real world, Vic’s mind races to regain control before it’s too late. This issue unravels the emotional burden of identity and the growing fear of losing one's humanity to machinery.
📚 Notable Arcs or Storylines
The Imitation of Life – This arc delves into Cyborg’s existential crisis, exploring themes of self-identity, autonomy, and artificial intelligence. It’s one of the most introspective Cyborg stories to date.
🤔 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Anomaly's Manipulations – Some fans speculate that Anomaly is a future version of Cyborg, created from corrupted code and unresolved trauma.
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Virtual Maze as Metaphor – The maze could represent Vic’s fragmented psyche, a digital manifestation of his inner turmoil as he grapples with what it means to be human.
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Silas as the Unseen Villain – While well-meaning, Silas’s actions continually push Vic into psychological distress, leading fans to question whether he's more antagonist than ally.
⭐ Review Summary
Cyborg #4 is a strong entry in the Rebirth era, combining tense action with introspective drama. The writing by John Semper Jr. balances techno-thriller elements with deep emotional storytelling, while Paul Pelletier’s artwork brings fluid motion and expressive faces that heighten the intensity of Vic’s dual battle—internal and external. The narrative dives into the ethical and psychological costs of cybernetic enhancement, making this more than just a superhero comic. For fans of tech-based heroes and character-driven tales, this issue is a must-read.
🦿 Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Ready to plug into a cerebral superhero story that challenges the boundaries of identity? Cyborg #4 (2016) is where metal meets mind. 🧠⚡
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
