Superman: House of Brainiac Special #1
Christian Laspada
Recap
BRAINIAC'S SECRET HISTORY WITH LOBO IS REVEALED! This issue in the Action Comics/Superman crossover reveals Brainiac's secret history with Lobo and Czarnia! How did Brainiac create a Bottled City of Czarnia? Who steps up to protect Metropolis after Brainiac's army leaves it in ruins? Will Lois Lane confront Perry White about his own secrets as he runs for mayor of Metropolis? And how is Amanda Waller involved in all of this? All these questions are answered in this issue that connects to DC's Superman-Sized event! Meanwhile, Bibbo steps up! With the heroes gone and a city in need of some champions, our favorite bartender organizes the community to save their beloved home.
Review
Superman: The House of Brainiac Special #1 is the 3-chapter special that gives insight Brainiac’s machinations and the impact of his invasion. Each chapter is a stand-alone story that uncovers secrets that explain the actions of Brainiac in the House of Brainiac storyline. The issue is described as Part 2.5 of the House of Brainiac storyline and it truly feels like a non-essential issue that can be skipped. If you’re super excited about the House of Brainiac storyline, this issue is for you, but otherwise, there’s no harm in forgetting this issue.
Chapter One: Secrets of Czarnia (written by Joshua Williamson with art by Edwin Galmon and colors by Jordie Bellaire) unveils Brainiac’s secret connection to Lobo. It’s an ok story with a unique way of connecting Lobo to Superman. It answers the question of why this storyline is so focused on Lobo, but overall is not that interesting. There’s little to no action in this chapter and nothing really happens.
Chapter Two: Campaign Headquarters (written by Mark Russell with art by Steve Pugh and colors by Jordie Bellaire) is the strongest chapter of this special. The story follows Perry White as he runs against anti-alien Garon Blake for Mayor of Metropolis. The story really shines as it shows the human aspect of the House of Brainiac storyline and the political implications that Brainiac’s invasion has for the Super family. This chapter feels really pertinent to the US political sphere today, with Garon Blake and his hate campaign feeling like a parallel to today’s far right. The chapter is a perfect blend of emotional, activating, and humorous. This chapter is the saving grace of the special and is a sufficient reason to pick up this issue.
Chapter Three: Signal (written by Joshua Williamson with art by Fico Ossio and colors by Rex Lokus) reveals who is behind the Council of Light to Amanda Waller. The “shocking” revelation feels mediocre and is kind of boring. Unlike the Council of Light in Young Justice, this Council essentially consists of one member. This was the weakest of the chapters, with no fault of the creative team as this feels like an editorial decision. The chapter is vaguely reminiscent of the first chapter, so it doesn’t offer much of a new perspective. Furthermore, with the chapter being only a couple of pages it feels out of place and rushed.
Although this special feels non-essential in the House of Brainiac storyline, the art throughout this issue is stunning. Edwin Galmon, Steve Pugh, and Fico Ossio find the right balance of making the art feel consistent yet distinct throughout the issue. The creative team was able to capture the emotional aspects of the chapters and expands the House of Brainiac world.
Final Thoughts
This special is fun if you want more insight into Brainiac’s story and plans, but overall, it is a filler issue. The biggest crime of this issue is there’s no Superman. If you really care about the House of Brainiac storyline and background Superman characters, this issue is for you. The issue falls right in the middle of not being terrible, but not being a big deal if you decide to skip it.
Superman: House of Brainiac Special #1: Secrets Revealed
- Writing - 6/106/10
- Storyline - 5/105/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 7/107/10
- Cover Art - 6/106/10
