Review: City Boy #1

Whether you’re a proud native city dweller or a person who can’t stand being in one, it can’t be denied that the energy and character of urban jungles can significantly impact people. As a result, many of us have a deep connection to cities. City Boy#1 from DC Comics plays with this notion in spectacular fashion, as ace writer Greg Pak re-introduces Cameron Kim to the DC universe. Cameron is a teenage outcast who navigates the streets of Metropolis using his unique ability to connect and communicate with the living consciousness of the city, known as City Speaking. Part of DC’s ‘We Are Legends banner’ that produces Asian-centred comics created by Asian artists to mark AAPI Celebrations (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) in the month of May.

This character was first introduced in the Wildstrom 30th Anniversary Special, but Cameron now takes centre stage as he bravely faces off against typical city-style thugs and mysterious and mighty forces. Greg Pak described Cameron Kim as a hustler, and he certainly puts the slick into city slicker, using his keen senses, charm, and a devil-may-care attitude to get by. In the true origin story, fashion City Boy #1 recounts how Cameron was forced to go it alone from a young age as well as showing the life-changing encounter which gave him his unusual powers. Superman is never far from your mind when reading a tale within the depths of Metropolis, and just like Clark Kent, Cameron has one face to the world and another self that he can only express in secret.

Paks writing in City Boy#1 is as solid as ever. His punchy, slick dialogue moves through a well-crafted story that isn’t short on action, and his experience crafting heart-racing fight scenes and action sequences can be seen. But what really stands out for me is just how authentic Cameron feels as a lead character. Pak is no stranger to taking an existing IP and installing new and exciting characters into them, having crafted the popular Amadeus Cho around one of Marvels’ most fundamental characters, the Incredible Hulk. Essentially, Cameron Kim’s introduction feels as new and exciting as Amadeus Chos did, and he’s still heading up Hulk titles….just saying.

Minkyu Jungs art has a playful, cartoonish style with shades of 90s Anime, especially in the action shots. Cameron spends most of the time with a stern city scowl, and all the characters are well-chiselled with vivid, intense expressions. The colors work equally well and, along with the Art, help balance the recognisable with the new.

At its Core City Boy#1 is a fresh, modern take on a tried and tested superhero formula. This is an excellent introduction to a new DC title that does its job of honouring Asian creators and characters alike!

Writing: 4.5
Art: 4.5
Colors:4

Overall Score:
4.5

Writer: Greg Pak
Art: Minkyu Jung
Colorist: Sunny Gho