Concept artist Jerad S. Marantz, known for his work on Zack Snyder’s Justice League, has recently unveiled a scrapped and grotesque Bizarro Design intended for a canceled DC video game. Notably, the character features a decayed, grey complexion, short black hair, sunken facial features, and a disheveled version of Superman’s iconic suit. As a result, this combination creates a truly “disgusting and creepy” aesthetic that clearly contrasts with traditional portrayals of Superman.
Bizarro Design Inspired by Alex Ross and Superman: The Animated Series
Subsequently, Marantz shared the unused design images on Instagram and further explained his creative process:
“Here’s a fun one from the archives! I got to do a pass on Bizzaro for a canceled game. Love this character! I really wanted to keep him simple. My favorite Bizarros over the year have been Alex Ross’s take and the Superman animated series. I think I got a little bit of both of them in there.”
By skillfully merging influences from two iconic interpretations, he therefore gave fans a fresh and unsettling vision of Bizarro.
Subconscious Inspirations Behind the Bizarro Design
Upon reflecting on his approach, Marantz then added:
“It’s funny, I often work so fast I don’t have time to collect much reference. I can often tell a couple of days after finishing designs what I must’ve been subconsciously pulling from. These characters had such an impact throughout my childhood that they genuinely feel like a part of me.”
This reveals how deeply childhood influences and past media can shape a concept artist’s vision, even when working under tight deadlines.
The Future of Bizarro in the DC Universe
Although the game for which this Bizarro Design was created remains unidentified, it nevertheless clearly demonstrates the character’s enduring creative potential. At the same time, while Zack Snyder’s DCEU never utilized Bizarro, James Gunn’s DCU could potentially explore the character in the future, especially following the introduction of Ultraman in Superman (2024). Furthermore, with the ongoing popularity of Snyder’s Justice League, which is currently streaming on HBO Max, fans are naturally and increasingly hopeful for Bizarro’s eventual appearance in live-action projects. As a result, anticipation continues to build among both longtime DC fans and newer audiences.
Why Fans Are Excited About This Unused Design
The grotesque and inventive nature of Marantz’s Bizarro Design has captivated fans. In contrast to traditional interpretations, this version embraces unsettling aesthetics that effectively challenge familiar visual norms. Consequently, it offers both long-time DC enthusiasts and new audiences an intriguing glimpse into what might have been in a cancelled project. Furthermore, the design highlights the creative possibilities that were ultimately left unexplored.
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