Since the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe coming together with Avengers in 2012, superhero fans have been awaiting the response of DC Comics. DC is of course home to some of the most well-known heroes across publication. The Flash, Wonder Woman, Superman, and fan favorite Batman are well established comic characters that have seeped their way into mainstream culture. While Marvel does have some big name characters in Ironman, Captain America and such, they do not carry the same blockbuster power as Superman and Batman.
This is where they have an upper hand. Where Marvel had to cautiously spend time developing each member of their superhero team, DC is able to take a more abbreviated approach. Not that cutting corners is the best idea when creating a cinematic universe, but no one really needs to see Thomas and Martha Wayne get shot again. This is indeed the formula they went with, after Man of Steel in 2013 Warner Brothers opted to follow up with Batman v. Superman and Wonder Woman before launching the blockbuster Justice League. Now, negating the issues of rushed production and re-shoots for the films in the Universe, DC is having trouble creating a beloved cast of heroes. The family friendly band of merry-men (and women) that has been assembled with the Avengers has not been rivaled through DC cinematic endeavors. And that’s still okay, Snyder’s directorial aim is not aligned with that of Disney’s goal. However, if you want to build Rome in a day, you’re going to need some massive support.
Although the general audience has had a bit of qualms with the DC Trinity of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, they are indeed the “Trinity”. The on-screen representation of such beloved characters was always going to receive some controversy. Henry Cavill has since been working on his “hopeless” Superman, and Batfleck has been criticized as grim and unreasonable. Wonder Woman on the other hand has generally seen extensive praise. Of the new kids on the block, Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, the latter is in need of dire restructuring… or replacement.
Cyborg/Victor Stone was promoted to the Justice League as a result of the new 52 relaunch of DC Comics. He replaced the inclusion of Martian Manhunter on the team and serves as the team’s resident tech-pert. Now the issue with Cyborg in Justice League and going forward is not with Ray Fisher. Fisher throughout the movie performed his role, and worked with what he was given. But on a superhero team, with the likes of Batman, the Flash, Wonder Woman, and Superman himself, you need to do more than just fill a role. You need to stand out. Cyborg isn’t that type of character. His backstory isn’t nearly interesting enough to carry him in the movie, let alone in his own film.
Comic fans alike have questioned the move to include Cyborg as a leaguer to begin with as his presence as a Titan was tremendous. He bounced off of the team members in a way that does not compare in Justice League. He is known via Teen Titans as one of the integral members, why change that. Fans have, since the reboot in 2011 suggested the inclusion of Static instead.
Static of course, originated as a hero of Milestone Comics in 1993 before Milestone stopped production in 1997. Static received mainstream praise and popularity with the success of the cartoon Static Shock. While on the outside it operated as an ordinary Saturday morning cartoon, it tackled much more than just the standard superhero quips. As a teenager, Virgil Hawkins (Static) battled family issues, self-identity, racism, and a host of other problems before even suiting up to fight crime. Static allowed kids, black kids specifically to see themselves as the hero, in a world that often see themes as the villain. That is something that is incredibly hard to duplicate.
That’s the issue with Cyborg. As a character, he just doesn’t have the depth. He isn’t as interesting or compelling enough to hold his own. Static’s entry into the league could have been a colossal move for the comic giants. His presence would not financially boost the status of the DCEU but it would revitalize the dynamic of the Justice League in a way that neither Cyborg nor Martian Manhunter ever could. Now some people online have debated the status of Static being an original Milestone property rather than a DC original character would have affected this possibility, but that would’ve been a minor complication. As a result of the New 52 all Milestone-DC properties were incorporated into the original DC universe. All that it would have taken was a little tweaking and a simple pitch for Static to be on the big screen. This issue may not be a big one now, but we may be seeing the full effects of this decision when Cyborg’s Solo movie rolls around in 2020.
