Few characters in comic book history are as strangely compelling as the imperfect duplicate of Superman, and his story begins in the pages of Superboy #68. This landmark issue from DC Comics introduced readers to a bizarre, chalky-skinned copy of the Boy of Steel, creating a character who was part monster, part tragic figure. Bizarro’s debut is a classic Silver Age tale that blends science fiction horror with genuine pathos, establishing a concept that would become a cornerstone of the Superman mythos for decades to come.
This foundational story was brought to life by the imaginative writer Otto Binder, a prolific creator from the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, and published by DC Comics. Binder’s work often explored complex themes through the lens of superhero fantasy, and his creation of Bizarro is a prime example. While comics historian Mark Evanier has noted that writer Alvin Schwartz claimed to have originated the Bizarro concept in the newspaper strips, it was Binder’s story in this issue that cemented the character’s place in the official comic book canon.
The Imperfect Duplicate in Superboy #68
The narrative of Superboy #68 is a fascinating pastiche of the Frankenstein story. It begins when a scientist in Smallville demonstrates a new “duplicating ray” for Superboy. Inevitably, an accident occurs, and the ray zaps the Boy of Steel himself, creating a flawed, monstrous copy. This new being, with its stark white skin and erratic, childlike behavior, is quickly dubbed “Bizarro.” The townspeople of Smallville, naturally, react with fear and reject the creature. This story is a great reminder of the wild creativity found in older comics, and you can find more reviews of new comics on our site.
Bizarro’s journey is one of loneliness and confusion. He doesn’t understand the world around him and only finds acceptance from a young blind girl, who cannot see his monstrous appearance. This brief friendship becomes the emotional core of the story. However, when Bizarro realizes she accepts him only because she is blind, his despair deepens. In addition, Superboy is faced with a moral dilemma, ultimately concluding he must “kill” his less-than-perfect clone. The climax is both tragic and heroic, as Bizarro deliberately sacrifices himself by flying into the remains of the duplicating machine, which acts as a form of blue kryptonite to him. The resulting explosion not only destroys Bizarro but also miraculously restores the blind girl’s sight. The artwork on many Comic Book Covers from this era perfectly captures this kind of dramatic storytelling.
From Tragedy to Absurdity: Bizarro’s Legacy
While his debut in Superboy #68 was tragic, Bizarro’s concept would be famously resurrected by Lex Luthor years later. This new Bizarro retained the opposite-speak (“Me am so sad to see you!”) that became his trademark, a trait first introduced in the newspaper comic strips. He would go on to create an entire “Bizarro World,” a cube-shaped planet populated by imperfect duplicates of Superman’s friends and foes. This transformed the character from a tragic monster into a source of surreal, often hilarious, absurdity. However, the emotional depth of his origin story remains a powerful piece of Superman’s history, showcasing the creativity of DC Comics.
The primary creative force behind this issue was:
- Writer: Otto Binder
The history of comics is full of fascinating character origins, a subject we love to explore at Comic Book Addicts for our readers. We believe that understanding these classic stories is key to appreciating the medium today. That’s why The Comic Book Addicts is dedicated to preserving and celebrating this rich history.
In the end, Superboy #68 stands as a monumental issue, delivering the tragic and unforgettable first appearance of Bizarro. It’s a powerful story that blends sci-fi horror with heartfelt emotion, establishing one of the most unique and enduring characters in the DC Universe. This issue is more than just a collectible; it’s a critical piece of comic book history that laid the groundwork for countless Bizarro stories to come.
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