Batman: Bizarro is a high-speed, floorless roller coaster at Six Flags New England, located in Agawam, Massachusetts. Originally known as Medusa and later Bizarro, this thrilling ride underwent several transformations since its inception, each adding a new layer of excitement and storytelling. With its daring drops, exhilarating inversions, and unique theme, Batman: Bizarro remains a favorite among adrenaline enthusiasts and comic book fans.
History and Evolution
Batman: Bizarro first opened as Medusa in 2000, the first floorless roller coaster in New England. Designed by the renowned Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), it offered riders an entirely new experience, with no floor beneath their feet and unobstructed views. The coaster quickly gained popularity for its smooth ride and innovative design.
In 2009, the ride was rebranded and themed as Bizarro, based on the DC Comics character, Superman's twisted counterpart. The transformation included the addition of comic-inspired elements, onboard audio, and vibrant purple and blue colors that brought the bizarre world of Bizarro to life. Riders would soar through the chaotic world of Bizarro, experiencing elements such as Bizarro’s shield and fiery mist effects that complemented the intense layout of the coaster.
In 2016, the ride was reimagined again, and its identity shifted to Batman’s universe, bringing in the Batman: Bizarro theme. This iteration blended Bizarro's chaotic nature with Batman’s battle against his own distorted villains, adding a darker, more mysterious atmosphere to the experience.
Design and Layout
Batman: Bizarro’s layout is a thrilling journey that features six inversions, including a vertical loop, a dive loop, a cobra roll, and interlocking corkscrews. The coaster reaches a maximum height of 132 feet, followed by an intense 132-foot drop that propels riders into a top speed of 61 miles per hour.
The unique floorless design allows riders to feel as though they are flying, adding to the sensation of freedom and thrill. Riders are strapped into comfortable seats with their feet dangling freely above the tracks, creating a visceral experience that is unmatched by traditional coasters.
Key Elements:
- Vertical Loop: The ride begins with a heart-pounding 132-foot vertical drop into a 119-foot vertical loop.
- Dive Loop: Riders are flipped upside down in a daring dive loop, creating intense G-forces.
- Cobra Roll: A highlight of the ride, this double inversion element disorients riders as they are flipped twice.
- Interlocking Corkscrews: Two corkscrews intertwined with each other provide rapid twists and turns.
- Zero-G Roll: An element that makes riders feel weightless for a brief moment as the coaster performs a smooth 360-degree roll.
Theming and Atmosphere
With its Batman and Bizarro hybrid theme, the coaster is designed to reflect the chaotic nature of Bizarro’s world, mixed with Gotham’s dark undertones. The station and surrounding area feature comic book-inspired artwork, dark colors, and eerie sound effects that immerse riders in the story. The ride’s name, “Batman: Bizarro,” hints at a collision of two opposing forces — Batman’s order and Bizarro’s chaos.
On the ride, audio elements play from speakers mounted on the coaster trains, narrating the battle between Bizarro and Batman, adding an auditory layer to the visual and physical thrills. Though some of these features have varied over the years, the coaster still retains its identity as a chaotic and unpredictable ride, much like Bizarro himself.
Ride Experience
The experience begins as riders ascend the 132-foot lift hill, offering a brief moment of calm before plummeting into the first drop. With no floor beneath them, riders feel a thrilling sense of weightlessness. As the coaster speeds through its various inversions and high-speed turns, riders are treated to sudden twists, flips, and directional changes that keep the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.
Unlike traditional coasters, Batman: Bizarro’s floorless design amplifies every element — from the intense G-forces in the loops to the sudden drops that make it feel like the ground has vanished. The smooth transitions between elements make the ride feel fluid, while the unexpected twists and inversions keep riders guessing.
Fun Facts
- World’s First Floorless Coaster in New England: When it first debuted as Medusa, it was the only coaster of its kind in the region.
- Multiple Rebrandings: The ride has undergone more thematic changes than almost any other coaster at Six Flags New England.
- Unique Audio Features: At one point, the Bizarro version featured onboard audio and sound effects synchronized with the ride’s motion.
- Cinematic Theme: The ride’s themes have drawn heavily from the comic book universe, making it a must-ride for DC Comics enthusiasts.
Batman: Bizarro is a thrilling, floorless roller coaster that has evolved over the years to offer one of the most unique coaster experiences in New England. With its innovative design, high-speed inversions, and dark comic book theming, it continues to be a must-ride attraction at Six Flags New England. Whether you are a coaster fanatic or a DC Comics fan, Batman: Bizarro is a ride that delivers on both adrenaline and storytelling, making it a standout among the park’s offerings.