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Brainiac
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Creation & Design

Brainiac was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Al Plastino, first appearing in Action Comics #242. He was designed as a formidable foe for Superman, representing a blend of alien intelligence and technological prowess.

Early Years

Initially depicted as a green-skinned alien with a vast intellect, Brainiac's character evolved over the years, becoming a recurring villain in the Superman mythos. His obsession with collecting knowledge and worlds made him a unique antagonist.

Character Development

Over the decades, Brainiac has evolved from a simple villain to a complex character with rich backstory and motivations. His portrayal has varied from a cold, calculating enemy to a tragic figure seeking knowledge and understanding.

Cultural Reception

Brainiac has been well-received as one of Superman's most iconic foes, often praised for his intelligence and the philosophical questions he raises about knowledge and power.

Character Details

Real Name:
Vril Dox
First Appearance:
Action Comics #242
Aliases:
The Collector of Worlds, Brainiac 5
Species:
Artificial Intelligence
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Legion of Super-Heroes, Justice League, Sinestro Corps
Abilities:
Superintelligence, Telepathy, Technopathy, Shrink Ray, Force Field Generation
Equipment:
Shrinking Technology, Advanced Robotics, Spaceship
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
none

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Action Comics #242
DC ⋅ 1958
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Action Comics #242
 
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$1k
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$3k
High
$10k

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Brainiac

1st appearance of the Bottle City of Kandor, the capital city of Krypton

[May 2023 - Brainiac rumored for Superman Legacy]

Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #17
DC ⋅ 1960
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Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #17
 
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$15
Mid
$50
High
$260

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Brainiac

Action Comics #276
DC ⋅ 1961
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Action Comics #276
 
Low
$120
Mid
$400
High
$1.2k

Key Facts

1st appearance of Sun Boy, a solar-powered member of the Legion of Super-Heroes

1st appearance of Phantom Girl, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes who has the ability to phase through objects

1st appearance of Triplicate Girl, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes who can split into three identical bodies

1st appearance of Bouncing Boy, a density-changing member of the Legion of Super-Heroes

View more (3)

1st appearance of Shrinking Violet, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes who can shrink to sub-atomic size

1st appearance of Braniac 5, a genius and time-traveling member of the Legion of Super-Heroes

Supergirl joins the Legion of Super-Heroes

Superman #167
DC ⋅ 1964
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Superman #167
 
Low
$12
Mid
$35
High
$175

Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of Vril Dox II, a clone of Braniac

1st appearance of Tharla, the future wife of Lex Luthor

Origin of Braniac

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