I love me some DCIH. Sure, the poseability isn't all that, but I love me some DC and they are fun in their own way.
They haven't made everyone, though... and after finishing my Metallo custom I want to tackle Big Blue's other big non-Luthor foe.

The problem is, Metallo's base was a no-brainer, really, thanks to the (potentially intentional) ressemblances between a flesh-torn Terminator and John Corben. But Brainiac is a whole different thing. There's no figure that just works as is, and there are many, many cool incarnations to get inspiration from.

So, I'm asking for help. If anyone has any suggestions on parts I can work to make a DCIH-compatible custom of one of these Brainiac incarnations, I'd love to hear them.

Silver Age Brainiac:


Okay, this is sort of the exception here (what a way to start), since there's no way I can take Brainiac seriously in that attire. However, the basics of it have potential, and I'm actually pondering bashing together a Star Trek Cadet attire and the villain Nero to make a Silver Age-inspired Brainiac (hence giving him a decent shirt, a pair of pants and replacing the pink with burgundy). It's the only one I have a concrete idea for, but I'd still like opinions on the others.

Marv Wolfman Brainiac:

Brainiac-inator! This is a look I always found cool for Brainiac. Since he's a robot, it's always nice when he looks the part. Perhaps there is a Star Wars droid out there that can look somewhat the part?

Byrne Brainiac:

I'd have to replace the black bodysuit with something a bit more dignified, but I kind of like the larger cranium, blond beard and purple cape look. Stumped on what parts to work from, though.

DCAU Brainiac:

Loved the DCAU take on the character and the design (as did Geoff Johns, it seems, since he rewrote the character's motivations to ressemble the DCAU ones). Probably the most difficult one of the bunch to find a base body for, but I'm open to ideas anyway.

Justice Brainiac:

This look always creeps me out, I love it. Silver Age Brainiac head, but with the diodes encrusted in the head itself, and a clean white surgeon-esque attire. It's just so cold.

Geoff Johns Brainiac:

More unsure about this one... I'm torn on the idea of a giant bodybuilder Brainiac. Still, I'm open to ideas for it.

So yeah. Lots of looks that Brainiac's had. I'd love to hear ideas on what parts I can use to make any of these versions, so any and all help is greatly appreciated!

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Hmmmm, I like the old skool Silver Age and the new DCAU versions.


As for a head, maybe the bald guy from the Stormtrooper Joker Squad?

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That's exactly what I was thinking.
It's ironic that Brainiac sort of resembles Lex Luthor with green skin.

Eh. The facial expression is too soft, IMO.

Not sure what to go with 100% but for the head, one of the forerunners right now is Nero from the Star Trek line. (it helps that it's more to scale with the smaller DCIH figures than the Joker Squad guy's head is)

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How about Matchstick from the Clone Wars line? It's one of their less cartoony heads, and has a nice scowl to it.

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Heh, could get started only to find out in 15 more days that Mattel shows off a new Brainiac that will need tweaking. Or worse it'll be in a weird version.

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If you are making the custom strictly out of DCIH parts, I'd suggest the Lex Luthor head from the single or three pack. For the body, perhaps the newer Captain Atom or Martian Manhunter. The ones with the *cough* improved articulation.

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My DCIH Metallo was made from a Terminator figure, and I've no objections in looking at other toylines for parts either.
It just has to look like it fits in with DCIH figures, which means Marvels and Joes are pretty much out of the question (too tall and with the articulation too drastically different).

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I reckon Ultron is a good base for a Terminator-Brainiac.

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Here's a crappy mockup of a possible Brainiac:

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Jay, I really like where you're going with this.

I had my doubts when you said you were thinking of the Reno...Oren...Nero head, but seeing it in green-I get it.

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Thanks!

Now if only I could find the darn thing. Chekhov is pegwarming like mad, I managed to find Uhura, Kirk, Scotty... but not a single Nero anywhere.

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the Star Wars figures are at Big Lots and Family Dollars around here for $3 but don't think I've looked for Nero. Bet if you put it in the marketplace someone who bought them for the Dio pieces only might be able to help you out.

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What about ROC Destro? I recently seen someone paint it flesh tone and it turned out great...so it could work well for a Brainiac. My vote is for DCAU

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They actually did update the classic pantless Brainiac look once.