Star Brand

In the late 1980s, Marvel explored the cosmic side of its universe with Star Brand, a 19-issue series built around the eponymous, mysterious tattoo-like power source. Following Ken Connell, an ordinary man who inherits godlike abilities, the book became a cornerstone of writer Jim Shooter's ambitious "New Universe" imprint, with later issues helmed by talents like John Byrne and Cary Bates. Artists including John Byrne, John Romita Jr., and Ron Lim gave the series a dynamic visual identity, balancing street-level drama with reality-warping stakes. Though short-lived, Star Brand remains a fascinating artifact of Marvel's attempt to launch a grounded, creator-driven line of superhero comics.