It’s a startling new vision of the Man of Steel’s strangest foe. When Superman’s doppelganger discovers a dark secret about himself, it unleashes the most dangerous version of Bizarro the world has ever seen. Action Comics #1061 is the first part of I, Bizarro, an entertaining start that feels a bit familiar.

Writer Jason Aaron takes on the Man of Steel for the first time with Action Comics #1061. In it, he delivers a Bizarro that feels new, fresh, dangerous, and not a one-note joke. This take is over the edge for good reason, his planet is missing and he blames Superman and Earth’s superheroes for creating too many crisis and causing it to happen. So, how will Bizarro get revenge? With magic you see! It’s Superman vs. opposite-Superman amped up on Magic!

And, it generally works.

Aaron creates a fight that feels like it’s actually a challenge and the visuals knock it out of the park. Where the comic fails is the ending. Where Aaron goes with this feels like a plot we’ve seen before elsewhere… primarily the citizens of Gotham and the Joker. It’s nothing new in that way but, it’s still all done well enough to just roll with it and enjoy.

Where the comic stands out is the very epic feel of it all. John Timms‘ art is amazing with color by Rex Lokus and lettering by Dave Sharpe. Every scene feels epic and cinematic in a good way. The characters, worlds, color, it all pops in a way that makes you want to kick back with a bowl of popcorn and just enjoy every moment. Superman looks like he’s struggling. Bizarro looks menacing. It all feels like it’s on a massive scale only comics can do. Sharpe’s lettering might be the MVP here not only with the difficulty of Bizarro’s speech but done in a way that makes the character feel more and more unsettled as the comic progresses.

Action Comics #1061 is a solid start to this arc. While the overall concept feels like something we’ve seen before, the story and comic is still a hell of a lot of fun and entertaining. It’s an arc you don’t need to know much about and can just hop in and enjoy… and you will.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: John Timms
Color: Rex Lokus Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 8.4 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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