Brainiac (story arc)

Last updated
"Brainiac"
Action866.jpg
Cover art to Action Comics #866, art by Gary Frank.
Publisher DC Comics
Publication dateAugust – December 2008
Genre
Title(s) Action Comics #866-870
Main character(s) Superman
Brainiac
Kara Zor-El
Creative team
Writer(s) Geoff Johns
Penciller(s) Gary Frank
Inker(s)Jon Sibal
Letterer(s)Rob Leigh
Colorist(s)Brad Anderson
Editor(s)Nachie Castro
Matt Idelson
Hardcover ISBN   1-4012-2087-8

"Brainiac" is a five-issue comic book story arc written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank, published in Action Comics #866-870 by American company DC Comics in 2008. The story includes several major plot developments regarding Superman: the death of Superman's adopted father Jonathan Kent, the return of the pre- Crisis bottled city of Kandor, and the return of the original Silver Age incarnation of the supervillain Brainiac. It also serves as a prelude to the "Superman: New Krypton" storyarc.

Contents

Plot

In flashback, Brainiac is shown stealing the city of Kandor. In the present, the Daily Planet is having a staff meeting attended by Perry White, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen, and Ron Troupe. Also present are Cat Grant and Steve Lombard, who have recently returned to the staff. Clark hears a mysterious noise with his super hearing and investigates as Superman. He discovers the noise is a Brainiac drone, sent to locate Superman. Superman promptly defeats the drone and takes it back to the Fortress of Solitude. With help from Supergirl it is revealed that Superman has never fought the real Brainiac, as all earlier encounters Superman had with Brainiac were with one of his probes. It is also revealed that Supergirl was on Krypton when Kandor was stolen, and because of this is terrified of Brainiac.

After visiting the Kents, Superman flies all through the galaxy in an attempt to track down Brainiac. He discovers his probes on one planet, and witnesses Brainiac capture a city as he did with Kandor. Brainiac then fires a missile into that planet's sun, causing the sun to explode and destroy the planet. The explosion knocks Superman unconscious and he is brought upon Brainiac's ship. When Superman awakes he escapes and makes his way around Brainiac's ship. There he discovers a room full of thousands of bottled cities, including Kandor. At this point the true Brainiac reveals himself. It is revealed that Brainiac has been collecting information on all the planets he has been destroying and the next planet he will attack is Earth, including capturing Superman and Supergirl as the last remnants of Krypton.

Brainiac's ship arrives over Metropolis and sends out probes which everyone, including Supergirl, does their best to fend off. Meanwhile, Superman fights with Brainiac. After knocking him out, Superman hears a voice that sounds distinctly like his father; it is actually the voice of his uncle Zor-El, who is alive inside the bottled city of Kandor (along with his wife Alura). As Superman and Zor-El talk, Brainiac attacks Superman from behind. Supergirl is also caught at this point and brought to Brainiac's ship just as Metropolis is encased in a bottle and a solar-aggressor missile is fired towards the Sun.

Superman is unconscious and hooked up to all the bottled cities, which allow him to hear their cries for help. Superman escapes and attacks Brainiac, before taking the bottled Metropolis and Kandor. He frees Supergirl and convinces her to stop the solar-aggressor from hitting the Sun. Superman then attacks Brainiac and knocks him out of the ship, forcing Brainiac to land on Earth. Brainiac is overwhelmed by Earth bacteria and micro-organisms. As a result, he cannot control anything on Earth and is promptly defeated by Superman. Brainiac reveals that the cities cannot be sustained outside of the ship, and Superman flies off and returns Metropolis before flying to the Arctic and releasing Kandor to its normal size.

Supergirl intercepts the solar-aggressor, preventing the Sun from being destroyed. However Brainiac has one final trick left. After reading Superman's mind while he was kidnapped, he knows where Superman's parents live, and he promptly fires a missile which explodes on the Kent farm. Although no one is hurt by the explosion itself, Jonathan Kent suffers a heart attack and dies in Martha's arms, just as Clark arrives.

The epilogue begins with Jonathan Kent's funeral. Clark looks over and sees Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth standing under a tree nearby, and after a moment with Lois, he then retreat to his family barns, where he is devastated by the loss of his adoptive father.

Recall

The recalled cover of Action Comics #869, showing Superman and Jonathan "Pa" Kent enjoying a bottled beverage. The bottom of the drink's label appears to say "root beer", though the word "root" is less clear. Art by Gary Frank. Action 869 Pre-Recall.jpg
The recalled cover of Action Comics #869, showing Superman and Jonathan "Pa" Kent enjoying a bottled beverage. The bottom of the drink's label appears to say "root beer", though the word "root" is less clear. Art by Gary Frank.

The penultimate issue of the series, Action Comics #869, was recalled at the retailer level by DC Comics for cover content. The original cover depicted Clark and his adoptive father outside the Kent farmhouse apparently holding what may be beer. [1]

DC issued a statement to retailers that the issue was recalled, and that any copies featuring the original cover be destroyed. The next week, DC reprinted the issue featuring a cover in which the label on the bottle was changed to read, "soda pop".

Reception

Johns' writing and Frank's art received praise from Mayday Trippe. [2]

In other media

Film

The animated film Superman: Unbound (2013) was released as part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. It was directed by James Tucker and scripted by Bob Goodman. Actor Matt Bomer voices Superman in the film, while actresses Stana Katic and Molly Quinn voiced Lois Lane and Supergirl respectively. [3] John Noble provided the voice of Brainiac. [4]

DC Universe Infinite has cited the "Brainiac" story arc on Twitter as one of the comic book stories that served James Gunn as an inspiration for his upcoming DC Universe (DCU) film Superman (2025). [5]

Video games

Injustice 2 loosely adapts the comic in the opening scene of Brainiac taking Kandor.

Collected editions

The storyline was collected in March 2009 in hardcover format:

In 2023, DC announced "Absolute Superman by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank", which would reprint the creative team's Superman stories, including the Brainiac storyline. It is set to be published on May 26, 2024. [6] [7]

Notes

  1. Stanford, Jerry (2020-10-20). "10 Most Valuable Recalled Comics (& How Much They're Worth)". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  2. Cronin, Brian (2008-10-20). "Dean Trippe's The Good Stuff (10/20/08)". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  3. "Castle's Molly Quinn Gets Animated as Supergirl". TV Guide. July 16, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  4. Sunu, Steve (2013-05-07). "John Noble Takes on Brainiac in "Superman: Unbound"". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  5. Freitag, Lee (July 10, 2023). "DC Reveals Which Comics Inspired Superman: Legacy". Comic Book Resources . Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  6. Johnston, Rich (2023-08-06). "DC 2024 Omnibus For Seven Soldiers, JLI, Lobo & Hard Travelin' Heroes". Bleeding Cool . Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  7. Carlson, Johanna Draper (2023-09-19). "'Absolute Superman' Coming Next Year". ICv2 . Retrieved 2024-03-27.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krypton (comics)</span> Fictional planet, native world of Superman

Krypton is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly appearing or mentioned in stories starring the superhero Superman as the world from whence he came. The planet was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and was named after the chemical element krypton. The planet was first mentioned in Action Comics #1 and made its first appearance in Superman #1 (1939).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergirl</span> Fictional superheroines in DC Comics

Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. The character made her first appearance in Action Comics #252 and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phantom Zone</span> Fictional dimension in the DC Universe

The Phantom Zone is a prison-like parallel dimension appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is mainly associated with stories featuring Superman. It first appeared in Adventure Comics #283, and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp. It was frequently used in the Superman comics before the continuity was rebooted in the 1980s, after Crisis on Infinite Earths, and has appeared occasionally since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brainiac (character)</span> Supervillain in the DC Universe

Brainiac is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, and debuted in Action Comics #242. He has since endured as one of Superman and the Justice League's greatest enemies. The character's name is a portmanteau of the words brain and maniac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kryptonian</span> Fictional race native to the planet Krypton

Kryptonians are a fictional extraterrestrial race within the DC Comics universe that originated on the planet Krypton. The term originated from the stories of DC Comics superhero, Superman. The stories also use "Kryptonian" as an adjective to refer to anything created by or associated with the planet itself or the cultures that existed on it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fortress of Solitude</span> Location featured in Superman comics

The Fortress of Solitude is a fictional fortress appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Superman. It is the place where Superman first learned about his true identity, heritage, and purpose on Earth. The fortress functions as a place of solace/occasional headquarters for Superman and is typically depicted as being in frozen tundra, away from civilization. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was said to be built into a mountain on the outskirts of Metropolis. By issue #58 it is referred to as the Fortress of Solitude, seems at a glance to be a freestanding castle, and is said to be located in a "polar waste". When the Fortress reappears in 1958 and for the first time takes center stage in a story, it is again an underground complex in a mountainous cliffside.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Zod</span> DC Comics character

General Zod is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Superman. The character, who first appeared in Adventure Comics #283, was created by Robert Bernstein and initially designed by George Papp. As a Kryptonian, he exhibits the same powers and abilities as Superman and is consequently viewed as one of his greatest enemies alongside Lex Luthor, Darkseid and Brainiac. He is also well known for his famous catchphrase, "Kneel before Zod!".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)</span> Superhero appearing in DC Comics publications and related media

Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) also known by her adoptive names of Linda Lee Danvers, Kara Kent, Linda Lang, and Kara Danvers, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Otto Binder and designed by Al Plastino. Danvers first appeared in the story "The Supergirl from Krypton" in Action Comics #252. Kara is the biological cousin of Kal-El, who went on to adopt the name of Clark Kent and the superhero identity Superman. Her father, Zor-El, is the brother of Superman's father, Jor-El. During the 1980s and the revolution of the Modern Age of Comics, Superman editors believed the character's history had become too convoluted, thus killing Supergirl during the 1985 Crisis on Infinite Earths event and retconning her out of existence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zor-El</span> Fictional character in the DC Comics Universe

Zor-El is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A Kryptonian, he is the brother of Jor-El, husband of Alura, father of Supergirl, and paternal uncle of Superman.

The Superman dynasty, an extension of the House of El, is a lineage of DC Comics superheroes. The term is used for the descendants of Kal-El, the original Superman, who continue to uphold his legacy of heroism well into the 853rd century, as depicted in the DC One Million crossover. Repeated references to members of the Superman dynasty, as Superman's "descendants" and at least one reference to them as the "blood of his blood" would seem to indicate that they are, in fact, the biological descendants of Superman in some fashion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rao (comics)</span>

Rao is a fictional star in the DC Comics Universe. It is the red giant that the planet Krypton orbited. The title also refers to a supervillain of the same name and same Kryptonian etymology

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergirl in other media</span>

The fictional superheroine Supergirl has been adapted into pop culture several times since 1984. This includes a feature film and several animated and live-action television programs.

<i>Superman: New Krypton</i>

"New Krypton" is a 2008–09 comic book story arc featuring character Superman, published by American company DC Comics; it was written by Geoff Johns, James Robinson and Sterling Gates, with art by Gary Frank, Alex Ross, Renato Guedes, Jamal Igle and Pete Woods. The arc is an inter-title crossover, published in Action Comics, Superman and Supergirl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alura (DC Comics)</span> Fictional character in the DC Comics Universe

Alura In-Ze is a character appearing in media published by DC Comics, usually those involving Superman. Alura is the Kryptonian daughter of In-Zee, wife of Zor-El, mother of Supergirl, and paternal aunt of Superman. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, the character first appeared in Action Comics #252.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thara Ak-Var</span> Comics character

Thara Ak-Var is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, created by Geoff Johns and James Robinson. The character first appeared during the Superman: New Krypton storyline in Superman #681. She is the latest character to take on the role of Flamebird. Along with the new Nightwing, Thara is the feature character in Action Comics beginning with issue #875. Thara Ak-Var's name is a reference to Ak-Var, who was the second pre-Crisis Flamebird, and his wife, Thara.

"H'El on Earth" is a Superman crossover story arc published by DC Comics. Written primarily by Scott Lobdell, it details the appearance of H'El, a mysterious Kryptonian. The plot of "H'El on Earth" follows H'El's plan to restore Krypton and the Superman family's attempts to stop him.

<i>Superman: Unbound</i> 2013 film directed by James Tucker

Superman: Unbound is a 2013 animated direct-to-video superhero film based on the 2008 comic book story arc "Superman: Brainiac" by Geoff Johns. It was directed by James Tucker and scripted by Bob Goodman. It is the 17th film of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. The film's sneak preview was included with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 and Injustice: Gods Among Us.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kandor (comics)</span> Bottled city of the fictional planet Krypton in the DC Universe

Kandor is a fictional city spared from the doomed world of Krypton in DC Comics' Superman titles. Before Krypton exploded, the futuristic city was captured by the supervillain Brainiac, miniaturized by his shrinking ray and placed inside a glass bell jar. Defeating Brainiac and taking possession of the jar, Superman brings the city to his Arctic hideout, the Fortress of Solitude, and spends many years attempting to restore it to normal size.

<i>Superman 78</i> DC Comics limited comic series

Superman '78 is a superhero comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It is set in the continuity of Alexander Salkind's Superman film series which starred Christopher Reeve as the title character. Robert Venditti, who serves as the writer, revealed that he was working on a follow-up miniseries. A second series titled Superman '78: The Metal Curtain was announced by DC Comics on August 17, 2023. The first issue of the new series was released on November 7, 2023.