If you are coming to Bizarro: Year None because of the writing team of Kevin Smith and Eric Carrasco, then you will be happy with the premiere issue. The first issue of this new miniseries at DC Comics channels the same talky, character-driven energy that we have come to expect from Smith, while also giving us a glimpse of a different side of the DC universe. A delightfully weird premise with stylistic artwork by Nick Pitarra.
When Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen and Clark Kent’s boss Perry White leave the Planet for a strange adventure in outer space, they discover a dimension that mimics Metropolis and reveres its legendary newspaper as an article of faith! But is the being behind it all a Superman fan, a creature of chaos, or is he no one at all?
Bizarro: Year None doesn’t simply jump into the superhero action spectacle you may have thought, but opens in a way that feels similar to what you’d expect from a Smith story, more so his independent comics and films, extended and witty conversations where the character takes the forefront of the story and drives the comic forward. While you may have shown up to see Bizarro, Superman’s backwards character, take center stage, it was really the Jimmy Olsen and Perry White show for most of the first issue. While it was somewhat of a disappointment, it is setting the state for future issues.
When Bizarro: Year None finally reaches the strange mirrored dimension at the core of the story, it becomes very clear how ambitious Smith and Carrasco overall series is. Rather than rushing into the chaos that will ultimately ensue, the writers take their time to establish the stakes and tone of the series, making the eventual transition to the Bizarro side of things feel earned and more impactful. Some readers may find this pacing not to their liking, but I found it fit perfectly with what the creative team is trying to accomplish.
The artwork in this series is a bit chaotic, but in the best way possible. Pitarra brings a different style to the book than what you might have expected with a typical Superman comic. Where you might have seen a classic big-two style illustration with more clean lines and such, Pitarra brings this grittiness to the page that made the comic feel almost unease and different.
Bizarro: Year None by Kevin Smith and Eric Carrasco with artist Nick Pitarra definitely is just that, bizarre. The creative team brings a new, fresh and unique take to the backwards Superman character that has such a View Askewniverse vibe. Ultimately, Bizarro: Year None is a great new series, especially for those newer DC Comics fans who want to dive a bit deeper into the more fringe characters.
Bizarro: Year None #1 hit local comic shops on April 1, 2026 from DC Comics.
Bizarro: Year None #1 Preview
