Review: Action Comics #1063

We dive deep inside Superman's mind as he faces off against Bizarro for one last time in Jason Aaron’s three-issue run as part of DC’s “Superman Superstars” initiative. This twist on the classic conflict between two adversaries kept things fresh, transporting us to a mindscape where the usual rules don't apply and Superman is forced to face off against one of his biggest weaknesses…magic.

Aaron’s script throws everything at our hero, forcing Superman to overcome Bizarro's warped mental landscape. Heavy metaphorical punches are landed which cause Superman to question his ability to overcome the situation, while a Bizarro-version of Joker assists him from the real world. While the initial novelty of the mind-battle is engaging, it goes on for a bit too long and begins to feel repetitive before there’s a change in the status quo.

However, John Timms’ fight choreography is a spectacle to behold. His classic comic book aesthetic perfectly captures the larger-than-life feel of a classic Superman story. Timms excels at depicting movement, with each punch and jab imbued with a sense of power and dynamism. You feel like you’re watching two heavyweight boxers go at it. One of the most captivating aspects of Timms' artwork is his way of showcasing scale. He effortlessly conveys Bizarro’s transformation from a tiny threat to a gigantic problem. There’s also a spread where Superman is pummeled through the Sydney Opera House that looks amazing.

Action Comics #1063 might not be the most groundbreaking Superman story, but it delivers a thrilling, action-packed experience in all the right ways. This is a comic that feels like a love letter to the classic Superman tales, with epic clashes and larger-than-life stakes brought to life by phenomenal artwork. While the story could have benefited from a tighter focus, the unique landscape and Timms' exceptional art make this a worthwhile conclusion to Aaron’s first Superman story.

Rating: 8/10