Crisis of Infinite Episodes - SuperRabbit

Super Rabbit returned in the fun and reverent 2013 series finale of The Looney Tunes Show. Warners has continued its fine tradition with this superb tale including Braniac, Lex Luthor, and Zod.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Superman 75th Anniversary

Best short ever? Hard to argue against it. The brilliant tribute to the Man of Steel captures 75 years worth of Superman's biggest moments, not only onscreen but in pop culture, in under 2 minutes. Yes, even at break neck speed so many moments were left out, but the spirit of Superman was captured. This little piece of animation is really something special. Rather than me trying to explain why, just watch it. 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Brainchild

Brainiac the maniac made his Super Friends swan song in this epic 500th installment of the Infinite Episodes feature. Fear not. Being infinite and all, Brainiac will return in future series, potentially an infinite number of times. And even though this episode did not live up to the classic status of the previous two episodes, pitting Cyborg against Brainiac was another clever idea. At least the writers were trying by focusing on the humanity of the human machine hybrid by placing Cyborg's brain in a fully robotic body. Even though Brainiac was never really used successfully, this was still probably the redesigned versions best attempt.

Super History of Superman: Superman: Unbound (2013)

While quite a bit better than the abysmal Braniac Attacks, this foray with Brainaic is probably also more forgettable. Of Superman's animated movies in the modern DC line, this one also came off as a very head-scratching choice for an adaptation. At least Superman vs. The Elite was based on a very well regarded story as was All Star Superman and even Superman Doomsday. Superman: Brainiac was an okay story, but not an obvious choice for a movie. 

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Village Of Lost Souls

Brainiac was the alleged brains behind the town of mindless people. The stakes were pretty low here and its a shame that the new, menacing Brainiac has no plan worthy of his look.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Wrath of Brainiac

Dr. Claw Darkseid and his crew were back at it after their double sized debut. At least this time the sinister scheme did not involve exchanging vows with a Super Friend. Instead Darkseid forged a union with a new and improved Brainiac. This one still didn't have pants, but the robotic makeover was much more becoming and much more menacing. Evil androids were employed to capture the heroes, but wouldn't you know once Darkseid had captured Double Dubs, he again popped the question. That Darkseid really was smitten.

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Episode Count: 0481
Series Count: (2 of 14)

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Tales of Metropolis: Bizarro

Me am hating this old series of longs. Actually, the Tales of Metropolis series holds a lot of potential giving Superman's supporting cast a chance to shine. It was quite enjoyable seeing the well intentioned Bizarro nearly destroy the earth by throwing the sun at Brainiac. Luckily, Bizarro did end up saving the day even if it meant revealing his secret identity as Not-Bizarro.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Superclones

Oh joy! Doppelgangers, El Dorado, Brainiac, what more could you ask for? I mean, maybe clone one of the good heroes, but still. The truth is that the episode squandered its stars and offered up a terrible story involving false accusations and courtroom drama. But this may just be the first appearance of a trunkless Superman... just 9 more to go.

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Episode Count: 0455
Series Count: (57 of 66)

Superman 75th Anniversary Short Decoded

Certainly there were some big on and off screen moments omitted (in particular Lois & Clark and Superman Returns), but this 2 minute short was still all kids of awesome. I may have missed a couple references, but I will do my best to point out those I identified starting with the opening homage to Supes' debut in Action Comics #1. Here goes:

Super History of Superman: Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006)

Usually when a show is bad, I say just not to watch it. The problem with this particular turd in sheep's clothing is that rather than just being its own stand alone bad movie, it got all dressed up as a long awaited movie in the acclaimed Superman: The Animated Series continuity - a blatant deception. 

Super History of Superman: Superman III (1983)

As Jim Morrison said, "This is the end, beautiful friend." Following two amazing movies, Superman III was just not very good, and Superman would have to wait a pretty long time for another good live-action entry. How long? Well that depends, as of now he is still waiting. Still, I am going to make a case for Superman III and say, at least it tried. The movie was a campy, goofy mess but it had some enjoyable elements and it also took some risks, even if they didn't pay off.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Whiners Can Be Losers

In yet another Cartoon Network promo, the Legion of Doom were portrayed as whiners wanting everything from more powers to pants for Brainiac. Its funny because Brainiac really does need some decent pants!

Watch the Superman: Unbound Trailer Now

Fresh off the release of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2, the marketing machine has already begun to spin for DC's next animated movie, Superman: Unbound. The movie features Brainiac and the trailer definitely promises another solid entry. T'will be the summer of Superman!

First Look at Brainiac and Superman: Unbound

The sneak peek of the next next DC animated feature, Superman: Unbound, has leaked and can be peeked in a sneak. This feature will be released in June as a tie in with the theatrical release of The Man of Steel.

Onscreen History of Brainiac

While not quite his oldest foe, the android Brainiac has been plaguing the Man of Steel for over 50 years, first appearing in Action Comics #242 way back in 1958. And yet, Brainy has had a hard time coming into his own and stepping out of the shadow of Lex Luthor. Nevertheless, Brainiac has an awfully impressive resume of his own. Shall we proceed?

Superman to Battle Brainiac in The Lost City of Krypton DtV

Just call me Batman because I have done a little detective work. Here we go. According to actress Molly Quinn (via Worlds Finest), next summer's animated release from DC will be based on the Superman: Brainiac by Geoff Johns featured in Action Comics #866-870. Molly knows this because she will be the voice of Supergirl. This reminded me of a survey Warner's released in 2010 regarding possible upcoming movies including one based on the same story:

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Superman Meets Brainiac

I know I already pointed it out after watching The Return of Brainiac, but this episode was clearly added out of order since Superman had already met Brainy. So, I guess Superman joined the circus. In an homage to the Fleischer short Terror on the Midway, Superman was going to wrestle Mr and Mrs Gigantic gorillas. Turns out Brainiac, who I swear Lois said didn't look like a "circus freak," was shrinking and stealing pairs of animals Noah style (except for the shrinking part). He also abducted Supes and Lois.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Return of Brainiac

Despite the title of this segment, this was in fact Brainiac's first onscreen appearance. Something wacky must have happened with the production / airing order of the episodes. Anyway, Brainiac didn't really do much except shrink Superman and Co and then turn invisible. Then Lois got antnapped. Then Brainiac came back and the gang got enlarged.