Cyclops #7

By John Layman, Javier Garron and Chris Sotomayor

Last month Cyclops took a bit of a hit as John Layman and company came on board to replace Greg Rucka. The first five issues of this series were very good and also had a very emotional layer to the storytelling. Layman came on board and his first issue was a bit of a disappointment in comparison. As we enter into the second issue in Layman’s arc we have to see if he can make this book a better read and get away from the shadow left by Greg Rucka.

Cyclops #7 was a surprisingly fun issue that gives us little hints at how and why Scott is a great tactician. John Layman came back this month and really shows us a very good story. One of the more entertaining parts of the issue is going through all of the new alien crew members on the ship. Layman gives us only a little glimpse of them, but as a reader we want to know more about who they are and how they got where they are. Vileena comes off as the most interesting in her few panels of the book and a potential love interest for young Scott. Seeing Cyclops’ plan start to form is really cool as well. We get the chance to see a great tactical mind go through the process of how to save himself and his father. John Layman really picked it us this issue, and while it is a different style of writing from what Greg Rucka was doing, it is a very fun read this month.

The art duties are handled by Javier Garron with colors by Chris Sotomayor. There are a few panels where Scott looks misshapen, but other than that this is a very well drawn issue. Garron draws all the alien species different and unique and that’s not an easy task. He also makes good use of shadows when necessary. One of Garron’s finer panels shows an alien taking Scott’s visor off and looking confused as he tries to figure out what it does. His look is excellent and shows that Garron has great ability to depict emotion as an artist. The colors by Chris Sotomayor are great as usual. He enhances the story with his style and has been a constant stud on this series.

Cyclops has certainly picked it up since last month and has edged it’s way into must-read status. John Layman bounced back this month and delivered a fun and witty script. The art and colors by Javier Garron and Chris Sotomayor were also well represented, making this an excellent issue. Next month should be just as good as it seems like Layman and company could be finding their footing in this series.