Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson
Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 2008, this fourth installment of the Brainiac storyline is entitled “Mind Over Matter.” Held captive aboard Brainiac’s starship, Superman witnesses the robot’s invasion of Earth. From The Daily Planet’s rooftop, Lois & Supergirl are horrified by Brainiac’s drones assaulting Metropolis. Temporarily subduing Brainiac, Superman reunites with fellow captives: Aunt Allura and Uncle Zor-El, who are Supergirl’s parents. Zor-El reveals how Argo City was captured by Brainiac and was merged with Kandor.
A flashback depicts a younger Kara/Supergirl being sent by her desperate parents to locate and protect her infant cousin, Kal-El, on Earth. After her overpowered cousin-in-law from a drone, Lois witnesses Brainiac’s starship abduct the Girl of Steel. Initiating his inescapable force field, Brainiac captures Metropolis. Smugly taunting Superman, Brainiac’s vessel launches its supernova weapon to destroy the Sun and, with it, Earth.
Note: The terrific cover image of Clark and Jonathan Kent (with Lois, Martha, & Brainiac’s starship in the background) should be considered as an outtake from Action Comics # 867.
REVIEW:
On a major roll, the Johns-Frank team offers another spectacular issue that is both well-written and packed with impressive visuals. Frank’s depiction of a Christopher Reeve-like Superman remains awe-inspiring. Though Superman’s torture scenes aren’t too graphic, they could be deemed scary by younger readers. As the Brainiac storyline’s penultimate issue, Action Comics # 869 is top-flight entertainment.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Ian Sattler pens the monthly “DC Nation” column where he shills for the upcoming “Batman – Cacophony” project written by film director Kevin Smith.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.
