Star Brand Classic #1

In the Laurel Mountains, Ken Connell’s life changes in an instant when the enigmatic Old Man bestows upon him the Star Brand—a mark that grants him strength, flight, and near-invulnerability. When an alien arrives seeking the power for itself, Connell must test the limits of his new abilities in a fight for survival.

In "Taking Charge!", Ken Connell steps up as a hero in two high-stakes crises: first, racing to save a boy trapped in a well in Kingston, New York, only to be outpaced by Spitfire’s swift rescue, and later, preventing a cruise ship hostage situation from escalating into a nuclear disaster. When the dust settles, Connell confronts Spitfire and the Troubleshooters at their base, determined to challenge their methods before their actions spiral further.

In "Close Encounter," Ken Connell—still grappling with the weight of his cosmic power—flies to the moon and leaves his mark before returning to Earth to thwart a pair of Soviet planes over Afghanistan. The next day, he answers a mysterious classified ad and meets Jo, a university student who claims to be there to study him, though her true intentions remain unclear.

In "The Fight!" from Star Brand Classic #1, Ken Connell finds himself caught between Debbie and Barbara, tensions rising as Barbara grows suspicious of his loyalty. When he finally confronts President Reagan on the White House lawn, he hesitates—then stumbles into a brutal clash with three escaped paranormals: Mr. Lovejoy, Mrs. Kaminski, and Deanie. The encounter leaves him shaken, not just from the physical defeat, but from the realization that his control is slipping.

In "Dead Duck!" from Star Brand Classic #1, Connell faces a chilling return when the enigmatic Old Man reappears, claiming Connell is needed to fight an alien war. As Connell grapples with the truth behind the Old Man’s story, he must protect those he cares about—especially Debbie, Barb, and her children—when the Old Man’s deception turns deadly. The story hurtles from Earth to the void of space, testing Connell’s resolve and the limits of his power.

In "The Reckoning!" from Star Brand Classic #1, Ken Connell returns from the sun to find Debbie injured and the Old Man still hunting him. Haunted by betrayal and desperate to protect her, Connell faces the Old Man in a final, brutal confrontation that changes everything.