With Phillip Kennedy Johnson having wrapped up his groundbreaking Superman run on Action Comics, DC is making 2024 the year of “Superman Superstars” – letting all-star talent deliver their take on the Man of Steel. The first of these stories goes to newly minted DC writer Jason Aaron (Batman: Off-World) alongside the art team of John Timms (Young Justice, Superman: Son of Kal-El) and Rex Lokus – and it features none other than Bizarro!
The appropriately titled “I, Bizarro” features Bizarro getting a major upgrade, and engaging Superman in a duel that slowly turns. Most of Supes’ enemies have been receiving major upgrades in the past few years – hell, General Zod even has his own comic – so it was only natural that Bizarro recieved the same upgrade. But in his usual fashion, Aaron puts a neat spin on things by tying Bizarro’s upgrades to one of Superman’s biggest weaknesses (and no it’s not Kryptonite), which makes him a true opposite to the Man of Steel. That isn’t the only major change, because Aaron writes what may be the most tragic version of Bizarro to date. The level of introspection on display is enough for me to forgive what’s a rather out-of-left-field cliffhanger (though future issues should hopefully build upon it).
Just as impressive as the writing is Timms’ artwork. Superman looks powerful yet protective, with a two-page spread featuring him soaring over the glittering skylines of Metropolis. In contrast, Bizarro looks hulking, outright menacing, and carved from pure marble. Aaron and Timms also push the “Action” in “Action Comics” to its limits; each punishing blow Bizarro delivers sends Superman flying from planet to planet while causing immense amounts of planetary damage.
All of it is rendered in rich colors by Lokus, who takes a unique approach to the dueling opposites that are Superman and Bizarro. When Superman first appears, everything is bright and pleasing to the eye, particularly the Man of Steel’s trademark red and blue supersuit. But when Bizarro shows up, the hue grows significantly darker…not to mention the fact that he often leaves a trail of destruction in his wake. If nothing else, readers will appreciate how this book is truly a study of contrasts.
Action Comics #1061 kicks off the “Superman Superstars” initiative in style and gives Bizarro a major upgrade. Superman had a stellar run of comics last year, and 2024 looks like it will only add to that.
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