Jun 1, 1964 CE
First Appearance: Doom Patrol #86
The Brain debuts as a villainous mastermind, a disembodied brain in a jar, created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Bruno Premiani. )
Chronological Storyline (39 Milestones)
Oct 1, 1964 CE
First Encounter with Doom Patrol
The Brain battles the Doom Patrol for the first time in Doom Patrol #87, using his intellect and robotic proxies. )
1965 CE
Introduction of Monsieur Mallah
The Brain's intelligent gorilla partner Monsieur Mallah is introduced in Doom Patrol #91, becoming his loyal companion and later love interest.
1966 CE
Founding of the Brotherhood of Evil
The Brain assembles the first Brotherhood of Evil in Doom Patrol #96, a team of villains dedicated to destroying the Doom Patrol.
1967 CE
Appearance in Doom Patrol #100
The Brain and the Brotherhood of Evil face the Doom Patrol in a milestone issue, expanding their rivalry. )
1968 CE
Doom Patrol #121: Brain's Defeat
The Brain seemingly perishes when his jar is shattered, but he survives by transferring his consciousness. )
1972 CE
Cameo in Justice League of America #86
The Brain appears briefly in a Justice League story, showcasing his status as a major DC villain. )
1977 CE
Return in Showcase #94
The Brain and Monsieur Mallah return in a new storyline, rebuilding the Brotherhood of Evil. )
1980 CE
Appearance in The New Teen Titans
The Brain appears in The New Teen Titans #6, clashing with the Titans alongside the Brotherhood. )
1986 CE
Role in Crisis on Infinite Earths
The Brain appears in Crisis on Infinite Earths #9, participating in the multiversal crossover event. )
1987 CE
Doom Patrol Vol. 2 #1
The Brain and Mallah appear in the rebooted Doom Patrol series, continuing their feud with the new team. )
1989 CE
Appearance in Doom Patrol Vol. 2 #19
A key issue where the Brain's origins are explored, revealing his transformation into a brain in a jar. )
1990 CE
Brain and Mallah Romance Implied
Doom Patrol Vol. 2 #34 hints at a romantic relationship between the Brain and Monsieur Mallah, later confirmed in interviews.
1992 CE
Death in Doom Patrol Vol. 2 #58
The Brain is apparently killed during a battle with the Doom Patrol, but his consciousness survives. )
1993 CE
Appearance in Justice League America #70
The Brain returns as a member of a new Brotherhood of Evil in a Justice League crossover. )
2000 CE
Return in JLA #61
The Brain is revived fully and joins a Legion of Doom-style group in JLA. )
2003 CE
Appearance in Teen Titans Vol. 3 #19
The Brain's Brotherhood of Evil becomes a recurring threat in the Teen Titans series. )
2004 CE
Role in 'Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day'
The Brain appears as a minor antagonist in this crossover event. )
2005 CE
Infinite Crisis Cameo
The Brain appears in Infinite Crisis #7 as part of the battle between heroes and villains. )
2006 CE
Appearance in 52 #1
The Brain is briefly seen in the weekly series 52, reflecting his persistent presence. )
2007 CE
Brain's Origin Revealed in Salvation Run
The miniseries Salvation Run #1-7 delves into the Brain's backstory and his rivalry with Lex Luthor.
2008 CE
Doom Patrol Vol. 5 #1
The Brain appears in a new Doom Patrol series, once again opposing the team. )
2009 CE
Blackest Night: The Brain Rises as a Black Lantern
In Blackest Night #1, the Brain is resurrected as a Black Lantern zombie.
2010 CE
Death in Brightest Day
The Brain's Black Lantern form is destroyed, but he is later revived as a normal villain.
Sep 1, 2011 CE
New 52 Relaunch: The Brain's First Appearance
The Brain appears in The New 52 universe in Doom Patrol Vol. 6 #1, reintroduced with a modern design. )
2012 CE
Appearance in 'The Movement' #1
The Brain appears as a villain in the short-lived series The Movement. )
2013 CE
Role in 'Forever Evil'
The Brain is part of the Crime Syndicate's cadre in the Forever Evil event.
2014 CE
Doom Patrol Vol. 6 #12: Brain's Death
The Brain is killed again in the final issue of the New 52 Doom Patrol series. )
2015 CE
DC Rebirth: Brain Returns
The Brain is resurrected in the DC Rebirth era, appearing in 'Titans' #1 as a threat. )
2016 CE
Appearance in 'The Flash' #25
The Brain appears in a Flash storyline, using his intellect to manipulate events. )
2017 CE
Appearance in 'Justice League of America' #1
The Brain joins a new incarnation of the Brotherhood of Evil in JLA. )
2018 CE
Role in 'Doom Patrol: Weight of the Worlds'
The Brain appears in the Young Animal imprint's Doom Patrol series, exploring his relationship with Mallah. )
2019 CE
Appearance in 'DCeased' #1
The Brain is among the villains affected by the anti-life virus in the DCeased universe.
2020 CE
Appearance in 'Death Metal' #1
The Brain appears in the Dark Nights: Death Metal event as part of the Dark Multiverse.
2020 CE
Brain and Mallah Romance Confirmed in 'Doom Patrol: Weight of the Worlds' #12
The Brain and Monsieur Mallah's love is explicitly shown in this issue, making them a canonical LGBTQ+ couple.
2021 CE
Infinite Frontier Era
The Brain continues to appear in Infinite Frontier, notably in 'The Flash' #770. )
2022 CE
Appearance in 'DC vs. Vampires' #1
The Brain is turned into a vampire in this alternate universe story.
2023 CE
Role in 'Titans: Beast World'
The Brain appears in this event as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil attacking the Titans.
2024 CE
Appearance in 'The Penguin' #5
The Brain has a cameo in this Batman-related series as a scientific consultant. )