The penultimate chapter of “House of Brainiac” arrives today with Action Comics #1066. Brainiac has captured Superman’s closest super-allies, killed Lobo’s people, and has turned on his Brainiac Queen. All seems lost. What better place to start the issue than one where the heroes must find a way to win or die?
Action Comics #1066 opens with Superman screaming in pain, tied down by cords with hope seemingly lost. Brainiac Queen is pretty horrifying, with big teeth and an animalistic body. Following the opening page is a double-page layout that makes it very clear how dangerous she is and what she’ll do if she ever gets to Earth. In a way, her goal of eating superhero energy and life itself is reminiscent of Galactus. She’s a world eater in some respects, and you’ll believe it.
Much of this issue is devoted to the heroes gaining an edge, largely thanks to Lobo. Lena Luthor ends up being a linchpin of Brainiac’s plan, and when she’s tortured, you’ll feel for her. Oddly, Superman and Lobo aren’t the central focus, which is surprising since they were definitely the main heroes at the start of the story. They’re certainly in the fight, but Lena and Brainiac have more scenes than anyone else.
How cool is this cover.
Credit: DC Comics
The art by Rafa Sandoval and Miguel Mendonca continues to be great, with impressive splash pages and layouts. The art looks a touch more rushed than at the start, but the standards and quality are quite high for the most part. The double-page layout of Queen Brainiac’s next steps in conquering Earth is a standout, with multiple heroes dead in rubble and an epic shot of her standing fifteen feet tall behind Brainiac.
Sandoval supplies the first six pages, which are super clean and pleasing. Mendoca picks up the remaining pages, but the style is a little rougher and smudgier. Together, they pull off a strong issue, although in one scene, it seems like Queen Brainiac goes from big-mouthed beast to much more than what we’ve seen in promo images. It’s an odd transition, for sure.
The backup by Williamson and Laura Braga follows Lex Luthor’s daughter, picking up where we left off with her in the main story. She’s been plugged into Brainiac’s ship and is being used, but Luthor has plugged himself in, aiming to help her. After a somewhat emotional reliving of the pain she went through and the reasoning behind why Lex seemingly cast her away, the story switches to a fight scene. They battle for their lives, and Williamson makes a case that Lex truly loves her. Braga makes you believe, too, as he’s truly caring for her in some scenes and doesn’t want to lose her. In some ways, Lex hasn’t ever been this human.
Mostly a fight comic, Action Comics #1066 sets up a last battle between Lex Luthor and Brainiac you won’t want to miss. The opening of this issue cements the utter devastation of Queen Brainiac if left to roam free, which thoroughly heightens the stakes for the finale.
1 Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment Login