Star Brand #16
In "Death — Where Is Thy Sting?", John Byrne crafts a poignant, thought-provoking chapter in the Star Brand saga, where the Star Child confronts the true cost of playing god. After halting all death on Earth, the weight of his power becomes unbearable—especially when he’s forced to confront the consequences through the suffering of Ken Connell, a man sustained only by his miracle. With guidance from Jane and Roger Price, the Star Child learns that life’s meaning lies not in endless existence, but in the natural cycle of life and death. The story culminates in a quiet, powerful moment as he passes the Star Brand to Jacob Burnley, marking a new chapter with solemn purpose. The issue’s emotionally resonant narrative, rendered with Byrne’s distinctive art and inks, stands as a standout in the series, with cover art by Byrne that captures its haunting tone.
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The Star Child learns more about life on Earth and uses his power to prevent anything from ever dying. Badly injured, Ken Connell operates his own church, claiming that the “Old Man” is God. Connell is only kept alive because of the Star Child's actions. Jane and Roger Price convince the Star Child that it is wrong to deny humanity the release of death. The Star Child undoes this act, causing Connell to die, and also removes the Star Brand from Roger. Later, he visits Jacob Burnley and passes the Star Brand to him.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).