What is Superman: Brainiac Attacks?

In 1996, Warner Bros. Animation produced an animated television series based on Superman. The cartoon series aired on Kids’ WB under the title Superman: The Animated Series.

The show – a spin-off of Batman: The Animated Series – ran for three seasons, totalling 54 episodes. It was followed by sequel cartoons Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, which continued Superman’s story.

Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Animated were all part of the same continuity – a continuity collectively known as the DC Animated Universe (DCAU). This universe largely ran from 1992 until 2006.

Although the DCAU was effectively put to rest with the conclusion of Justice League Unlimited, Warner Bros. Animation has revisited this universe for a collection of movies inspired by this era of animation. One of these movies is Superman: Brainiac Attacks – a 76 minute, direct-to-video feature based on the character designs of the Superman show.

Superman: Brainiac Attacks was originally released in 2006 through Warner Home Video. The movie was directed by Curt Geda.

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Is Superman: Brainiac Attacks part of the DCAU?

Although it looks like a spin-off of Superman: The Animated Series, Superman: Brainiac Attacks is not connected to the show. Superman: Brainiac Attacks utilises the same character designs and some of the same voice actors from Superman: The Animated Series, so it is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a continuation of the series, but it is NOT part of the DCAU.

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Why is Superman: Brainiac Attacks not part of the DCAU?

Certain elements of the story contradict the established continuity of Superman: The Animated Series. The character of Lex is also very not like the one who appeared in the Superman/Justice League shows, essentially becoming a different character entirely.

If you watch Superman: Brainiac Attacks it is best to think of the movie as a separate entity. It can be difficult to separate it from Superman: The Animated Series and the DCAU, as they look the same, but it is not part of the series at all.

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What happens in Superman: Brainiac Attacks?

Brainiac arrives on Earth and begins to acquire information about the planet. The alien supercomputer joins forces with Lex Luthor and becomes a very severe threat to the human race.

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Who are the cast of Superman: Brainiac Attacks?

• Clark Kent/Superman – Tim Daly
• Lex Luthor – Powers Boothe
• Lois Lane – Dana Delany
• Brainiac – Lance Henriksen
• Perry White – George Dzundza
• Jimmy Olsen – David Kaufman
• Jonathan Kent – Mike Farrell
• Martha Kent – Shelly Fabares
• Mercy Graves – Tara Strong

Of the names listed above, Tim Daly, Dana Delany, George Dzundza and David Kaufman all reprise their roles from Superman: The Animated Series.

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Is there anything significant about Superman: Brainiac Attacks?

In Superman: Brainiac Attacks, Superman contemplates revealing his secret identity to Lois Lane. The movie also includes the Phantom Zone and a nod to Mr. Mxyzptlk.

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Is Superman: Brainiac Attacks suitable for children?

In the UK, Superman: Brainiac Attacks carries a PG certificate, which according to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) means the film is suitable for “general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.”

In the US, Superman: Brainiac Attacks is not rated, which means it has not been given a rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

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Do you need to be familiar with any previous Superman stories to watch Superman: Brainiac Attacks?

As stated above, Superman: Brainiac Attacks was conceived as a standalone tale, which requires no prior knowledge to other Superman stories (and certainly no prior knowledge of Superman: The Animated Series). The movie is entirely self-contained, so can be watched by anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the Superman movie series.

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Is Superman: Brainiac Attacks good?

• IMDb gives Superman: Brainiac Attacks a score of 6.0/10.
• Rotten Tomatoes does not currently provide a Tomatometer rating for Superman: Brainiac Attacks. The Audience Score is 32%.

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I hope the above information has proved useful. Should you want to know more about DC movies, then take a look around I’ll Get Drive-Thru or check out one of the recommended reads below.

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