Decompression is the dominant trend in modern comic book writing. Most monthly comics are now written as serialized graphic novels with the trade paperback in mind. This has resulted in comics filled with talking heads until the moment when “everything changes forever.” Action Comics #1061 is the polar opposite of this, with four big ideas that could be the basis of their own six-issue miniseries.
The advance preview of Action Comics #1061 showcases a newly empowered Bizarro, who is stronger than ever. This is only the part of the story, however. Bizarro is swiftly revealed to be enraged by the disappearance of Bizarro World following the latest crisis. This pushes him to punch through reality to the planet Zerox and the source of all magic. This, in turn, leads to Bizarro becoming a super wizard. Why? Because apparently he can absorb and redirect magic now, instead of being hurt by it like Superman.
How Bizarre… and Why Bizarre
Jason Aaron is clearly having fun exploring the illogical logic of Bizarro with his first Action Comics issue. Amidst the action, there is some fun metacommentary on the inconsistency of the character, his powers, and his speech. This is delivered by the crowd at the Ace of Clubs, who point out that there’s been more than one Bizarro, and most of them weren’t from a parallel Earth. However, the book is called Action Comics for a reason. There is plentiful action between Superman and Bizarro, along with logistical navel-gazing and comedy.
The artwork by John Timms perfectly captures this action. Timms’ blocky aesthetic resembles a more detailed take on the designs used in Superman: The Animated Series. The art is well-enhanced by the colors of Rex Lokus, whose vivid palettes provide the perfect finishes. This one comic that looks as good as it reads.
In the words of Bizarro, “This am a bad comic. Me am not looking forward to next issue. Me am not wanting to see more from Jason Aaron and John Timms.” Or, in plain English, this is an imaginative book sure to appeal to every fan of Superman.
Grade: 5/5
Action Comics #1061 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
