BIZARRO: YEAR NONE #1 (DC COMICS)
In all of comics, it is tough to be one of a kind.
For one Superman rogue, he is the exception to the rule. A polarizing version of the Man of Tomorrow. What he lacks in smarts, he more than makes up in brute strength. An unconventional soul to say the least.
Now it’s time to take a look at how this figure came to be known as BIZARRO!
BIZARRO: YEAR NONE #1 by Kevin Smith, Eric Carrasco, Nick Pitarra, Michael Garland & Dave Sharpe unlocks a new vision of the character’s beginnings.
Let’s look at how this legacy all began.
BIZARRO: YEAR NONE #1 by Kevin Smith , Eric Carrasco, Nick Pitarra, Michael Garland & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Smith and Carrasco tap into the Silver Age esthetic for the interesting start. Opening with a wholesome look at a young Jimmy Olsen eases readers into the hijinx ensuing. Even the citizens of Metropolis get into the act. Having a gigantic toy solider towering into the Daily Planet is nothing more than an everyday routine. Perry White’s barking dialogue gets right down to the business at hand. It is very traditional in set-up. Covering the story is top priority. Discovering a hidden gem on your payroll is another matter.
Jimmy Olsen’s “job pitch” is met with much humor as Perry’s response is less than kind. The pages swell with much friction as the EIC bestows his knowledge involving what it takes to be a reporter. Olsen’s defenses hold their own until a drastic turn takes place. Readers watch as a familiar figure seems to crash the party via a portal. It doesn’t take long to start breaking down the real situation at hand. The writing welcomes all into this far away location. It doesn’t delay in showing the differences between worlds. The moments aren’t forced and play into a solid pace. This shuffles into a closing arc filled with more questions. Suffice to say, there is much more unfolding than meets the eye.
Pitarra & Garland start with a simple look at a newspaper floating in space. Once events shift back to Earth, a two page spread welcomes Jimmy Olsen into reader’s view. The more casual looks of Metropolis move events into a surprising vision. The full page image of a giant toy solider next to the Planet is a statement maker. Panels move into a more grounded stage as White holds court. His speech to his reporting team covers many ground until one voice stands out. Even a quick half panel of Superman in action can’t steal this thunder.
The back and forth between White and Olsen hits many different aspects. White’s gritty lines are matched with Olsen’s more optimistic look. A near full page spotlights their never ending talk through the Planet’s halls. Readers get a quick injection of a D-list villain and their magic weapon to usher in the heart of the first issue. Panels cut to a mind-bending trip with a half panel look at some familiar faces. Once the story lands, a “Superman” stands before the audience via full page. From here, the art slowly peels back layers of this locale into its’ true form. It is a great visual ride right to the end. The closing pages leave no doubt we are not in Smallville anymore. A final panel cements the different take this tale will go. Settle in now.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
A classic Superman rogue’s early days are filled with many questions once it gets rolling in this debut chapter. Smith and Carrasco play up the humor and unique conversations in the writing. Pitarra & Garland lay out some distinct visuals bringing this broken world to new life. A solid start that has many directions to grow from.
Let me know your thoughts on BIZARRO: YEAR NONE #1in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
