[darthschroeder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by webz

Cyclops is heavily influenced by the 1990’s cartoon, which is a touch activated optic blast.

Nah.
Cyclops in the during 90's, including the Animated Series, and the Children of the Atom game, he used a palm activated optic blast.
Even in the intro for the AS Cyke is seen blasting robots in the Danger Room with both fists clenched. Here's a montage from the AS and you can see he hardly ever has to touch his visor to fire the blasts:

I think it was a design decision from Jim Lee. The palm activated device leads to much more dynamic poses for the character because he didn't have to have his fingers to his temples in order to activate his powers. I think when he did have to interact with the visor with his hands during this era, it was to focus the beams in a more concentrated area, to make them stronger/wider, or so he could activate the built-in HUD.