Summary
- DC Comics is shaking up Action Comics with its new "Superman Superstars" initiative, introducing a rotating cast of creative teams throughout 2024.
- The first storyline, "I, Bizarro," written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by John Timms, will challenge Superman as he faces off against his flawed clone.
- The story aims to explore the similarities between Superman and Bizarro, showcasing the best parts of the iconic hero and his flawed counterpart.
A dramatic shake-up is coming to Superman's evergreen Action Comics title with a brand-new initiative. During New York Comic Con, DC Comics is giving fans a look ahead at the game-changing things it has in store for 2024. Starting in January, DC kicks off its new "Superman Superstars" initiative with a notable villain set to make it the 'worst' Superman of all time.
Superman broke the mold for superhero storytelling when he first debuted nearly a century ago in the pages of Action Comics #1. Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster's creation set the bar for other superheroes and comic creators all wanted to replicate the groundbreaking success of Action Comics.
As the comic that introduced Superman to the world, Action Comics has featured several iconic storylines that have had dramatic effects on the Man of Steel's life. Most recently, the title has showcased Superman's mission to liberate the enslaved planet Warworld. Action Comics also adopted a new format that told three stories in one comic, giving more storytellers the chance to expand Superman's corner of the DC Universe.
"Superman Superstars" Initiative Shakes Up Action Comics' Creative Teams
During DC Comics' Metropolis All-Stars at New York Comic Con, the publisher revealed big changes were coming in 2024. Action Comics is adopting a new push called "Superman Superstars", which will see a rotating cast of creative teams working on the title throughout the year. The team kicking off the initiative is Jason Aaron and John Timms for "I, Bizarro", which will take place in Action Comics #1061-1063. Excited at the idea of penning his first Superman story, Aaron said his story would be "the most Bizarro of all Bizarro stories". Covers for Action Comics #1061 show off Superman and his oddball doppelganger.
Superman's failed clone Bizarro is a curious villain for the hero. Thanks to Bizarro's broken, backward logic, he can be a pretty frustrating villain. Sometimes Bizarro wants to do good, but lacks the understanding of what 'good' is, and winds up harming people or property. Other times, he's intentionally bad because Superman is good and Bizarro knows he's Superman's exact opposite. It's all the more frustrating that Bizarro is just as strong as Superman and has dangerous powers like flame breath or freeze vision. With Aaron and Timms launching Action Comics' new direction, they've picked a wonderful villain to challenge DC's iconic hero.
Bizarro Returns For Superman's New Era in Action Comics
Superman has fought Bizarro numerous times and he recognizes how difficult it must be living in a world where things seem completely backward. Despite their differences, Superman obviously sees a lot of himself in Bizarro, which is why he generally exhibits a lot of patience with his peculiar copycat. Having Superman fight Bizarro is a chance for Aaron and Timms to explore the similarities of both characters, find the common ground between them, and show the best parts of Superman and his flawed counterpart. Aaron promises his story will be what Bizarro would call the "worst Bizarro story ever told", so hopefully it's very 'bad' for Superman and his nemesis.
The "Superman Superstars" initiative kicks off in Action Comics #1061, on sale January 9th, 2024.
