Otto von Schmittsder was a notorious scientist who served Adolf Hiter's Nazi Party during World War II, performing horrible experiments upon prisoners. After the end of WWII in 1945, Otto was among the Nazi parties most sought after war criminals. Prepared for his impending demise, he designed an electro-brain magnet, which could prolong his brain's existence even after his body had died if it were applied within 24 hours of his death. After he was captured and executed his aide Fritz Ganz dug up his body, severed the head, and successfully revived him. Now calling himself the Brain, he discovered that his mental powers had increased, and he was even able to mentally control others. Fritz left the Brain at his old castle which was now occupied by U.S. soliders. Using his newfound powers the Brain launched several plots while controlling others. He had one soldier create biological weapons and launched them into population centres until he finally committed suicide to escape the Brain's power. Later, the Brain journeyed to the United States and controlled Gilda Spears, a scientist, and forced her to sell her country's scientific secrets to the USSR. She was ultimately confronted by her lover, an FBI agent, who discovered the Brain and attacked him. The fight ultimately destroyed Spears' lab in a fire, while the Brain escaped. His subsequent activities are yet to be revealed.
The Brain's immense psychic powers include telepathy and mental domination. Although lacking a body, the Brain can perform crude movements by hopping across surfaces.