Brainiac is back!

The CW has confirmed to E! Online that James Marsters, best known to the world as the white hot vampire Spike from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," will reprise his role on "Smallville" as Dr. Milton Fine, the alter ego of one of Superman's biggest arch-nemeses, Brainiac.

Marster, has had a busy year. He will appear in a recurring role in CBS' "Without a Trace" beginning Thursday night, and will appear in at least two episodes of the second season of "Torchwood" on BBC Two. He also will appear in the theatrical movie "P.S., I Love You" in December.

Marsters was last seen all too briefly as the super-slick android in the fifth season finale of "Smallville." He is returning to the set in Canada shortly to film four episodes, which are slated to air next January.

"Smallville" returns to The CW for its seventh season Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.