Superman #23.2

While the issue is just another origin story, this is an example of one way to make for interesting reading. Putting the narration of the story in the hands of the villain, and have a character, representative of the reader, question his story. This is a more creative way to show the difference between what a villain thinks and what is actually going on, rather than just spelling it out for readers. This storytelling style also allows for readers to empathize with the villain, even if that empathy only sprouts from the villains own embellishment. Read Full Review

But this all comes together with the art by Alixe who is able to do quiet moments, massive destruction, sterile Colu and sumptuous Noma. I love the soft pencil look here, which works despite the tech-heavy nature of the character. Great stuff. One of my favorite issues from Villains Month. Read Full Review

The main question after finishing this issue, apart from "Where will Brainiac turn up next?", is "Why isn't Tony Bedard writing a Superman comic?". The franchise could certainly use more stories of this caliber. Read Full Review

Brainiac hasn't really face-off Superman yet in New 52. I can't wait to see that happen, and when it does, I hope it's written by Tony Bedard again. Read Full Review

So all in all, its actually worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. And for fans of Superman of the past, its a nice throwback to classic tales. In terms of actual New 52 continuity, its also nice to see a writer that actually cares about making things make sense. You know, the whole rationale behind the reboot in the first place. Lets hope that writers like Scott Lobdell, Greg Pak, Scott Snyder, and whoever else decides to take over the Superman family titles keep Tony Bedards hard work in mind when they use Vril Dox again. Read Full Review

Much better villain for Superman than Zod, in my opinion. If you are going to learn about one Superman villain this week, pick up this issue. If you want to continue the fun in Forever Evil, it's not for you! Read Full Review

Superman #23.2 shows why Brainiac needs to be a concern, but doesn't make us feel sorry for the character, understand his disposition or empathize with his experiences. Read Full Review

As week two of villains month winds down it seems like the stories are getting better. This issue was good at tying up loose ends in the current storyline for the series, and was reader friendly too. If DC keeps them coming like this, this September event will be a memorable one. Read Full Review

"Superman" #23.2 is one of the nicer-looking "Villains Month" issues so far, even if its story is lacking and Brainiac isn't exactly shaping up to be one of the premier villains of the New 52. Read Full Review

Fixer1140

Sep 25, 2013

I've never read a single Superman comic, so here's a really fresh perspective. I actually enjoyed the story really well, as it shaped an interesting back story to this villain. A purest may think differently, as I'm sure the origin story differs from the original character's (a common theme in the Villains' Month issues). Overall it was a fun read and definitely the best of the Superman Villain's Month issues.