Superman: House of Brainiac Special #1 – Joshua Williamson, Mark Russell, Writers; Edwin Galmon, Steve Pugh, Fico Ossio, Artists; Jordie Bellaire, Rex Lokus, Colorists
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Filling in some of the blanks in the House of Brainiac story, this issue features a trio of tales. The first, by Josh Williamson and Edwin Galmon, explains the hidden history of Brainiac and Czarnia. Lobo’s world was another target of Brainiac’s conquests, and he arrived just as the ruthless General Chacal was beginning his rebellion. Following the development of immortality on the world, Chacal used it to become a barbarian—while Brainiac found a potential ally in General Tribb, an ancient military strategist who was willing to sacrifice part of her world to be rid of her enemy. It’s an interesting look into what Czarnia looked like before Lobo’s time, and explains exactly how Brainiac and Chacal eventually became aligned.
The second and largest story, by guest writer Mark Russell and artist Steve Pugh, is titled “Campaign Headquarters.” Focusing on Perry White, who has become an unlikely candidate for Mayor, it gives Russell the opportunity to do what he does best—lampoon national politics. Perry is an unconventional, gruff candidate, while his opponent Garon Blake packages anti-alien xenophobia in a charming package. With the help of his most enthusiastic backer, Bibbo Bibbowski, Perry tries to overcome the remnants of the Blue Earth movement and his own old-school unlikability. This is a character duo I never thought of but love, and Russell’s satire here is a little gentler and a lot less caustic than it is in many of his indie works. There is a lot going on here, with themes of deradicalization and the way bigots prey on young men, but it’s grounded in these two very likable characters and ends with a note of hope.
Finally, Williamson and Fico Ossio turn the focus on another unlikely partnership—Brainiac and overarching DC big bad Amanda Waller. It turns out that she’s been working with—or rather, for—him for a very long time, with Brainiac taking on the alias of The Light. But that’s about as far as this goes, with the two villains having too many opposing plans to cooperate for long. Waller is headed off to Absolute Power, while Brainiac has his master plan to unfold. This one didn’t reveal too much, but did have some great dialogue.
Overall, it’s a great issue—but that middle story is really what makes this an all-star tie-in.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
