6. Brainiac the Collector of Worlds
Brainiac is an alien android who is programmed to collect knowledge. He travels the universe stealing the knowledge and history of civilisations, before destroying them and shrinking cities to keep as samples. By destroying the planets, Brainiac ensures that others do not receive the knowledge. Included in the cities kept by Brainiac is Kandor, the capital city of Supermans home world Krypton. In some incarnations of the character, Brainiac was the A.I. for Krypton who refused to inform the Kryptonians of the planets imminent destruction in order to give himself enough time to escape. Brainiac has a highly advanced intellect and understanding of sciences and technologies. His advanced mental powers allow him to possess and absorb knowledge from other beings, transfer his consciousness and replicate himself, create and manipulate computer systems and even use telepathy and telekinesis. Due to the technology in his construction, he can also be a physical threat to the likes of Superman. Even though Brainiac is one of the key villains in Supermans rogues gallery, he is yet to appear in a live action film. Likelihood of appearing Brainiac was considered to be a villain in Superman III and in a number of other Superman film projects (including the upcoming Man of Steel) but they never eventuated. A Brainiac comic arc is soon to be adapted into an animated feature to be released this year. If Man of Steel is successful, Brainiac is a likely candidate to be a villain in a sequel.