So far in this arc a lot of our time has been spent seeing all the different Bizarro versions of various DC characters on Bizarro World. I’ve generally praised this aspect, as it’s a lot of goofy fun that I believe works for the type of concept Bizarro is. Now that we’re in the home stretch, the plot needs to take center focus as the story arc wraps up. It does still manage to fit in one last Bizarro character gag in Bibbo the genius chemist, but aside from that it’s a race to the finish to save Bizarro World.
With everyone in a panic of how to solve the problem of stopping the planet from collapsing due to its expanding core, Robin comes to the rescue with a solution: technobabble. I’m being somewhat glib, as ultimately it’s just a matter of using Brainiac’s growth ray to make the rest of the planet expand along with the core, but the way it’s justified in the comics hits just about every trope of a made-up science solution. They even include a simplistic analogy with an innocuous prop (in this case a piece of bubble gum). This goes on for a good while, and while its silliness is fitting for the story, this certainly isn’t the first time the series has used a made-up solution to fix a problem with ill-defined rules.
Once you move past the how and the why, the actual execution of their plan is exciting to watch. The frenetic pace keeps things lively and the Superman/Bizarro team-up spanning the globe, er… cube, is reminiscent of the climax from the 1978 Superman movie. Of course, poor Batman without any powers is stuck shoveling coal the whole time. As usual, what makes it work is the colorful and cartoonish artwork. It has enough detail to keep the action exciting while still being simple enough to keep you from taking anything too seriously.
In the midst of all the silliness and action, Waid still remembers to ground the story in the smaller, human moments that make the series worthwhile. At one point Batzarro explains to Robin that he would give up all the intelligence and lucidity of being “normal” because he was happier being his true self. It loses some of its impact because it’s very similar to a scene that happened last issue, but it’s still a meaningful point. I’m reminded a bit of Grant Morrison’s “Zibarro” from All-Star Superman, who was the Bizarro World’s Bizarro and therefor normal. However, while he felt a pained sense of loneliness from being the only sane person on the planet, Batzarro wants to lose that sanity to rejoin his friends and family.
The story concludes by having Bizarro Superman and Batzarro drink the cure to the infection that was making normal, and then joyously rush off into adventure without a thought. It’s just as silly as the rest of the story so far, but it’s so sincere in how much that approach to life makes them happy that you can’t help but smile. While the path to get there was messy at times, it’s a big high note to end out on.
Recommended If
- You’ve enjoyed the silliness of the Bizarro World story so far
- A bit of earnest sincerity goes a long way with every farce
- You like large-scale adventures that literally save the planet
Overall
The Bizarro World arc wraps up by keeping the same sense of lighthearted absurdity that has marked the rest of the story, but with an added dose of emotional sincerity. While the actual plot still rushes past so fast you might miss it, what makes the story worthwhile are the endearing character moments.
Score: 7.5/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review
English (US) · 