Originally a Durlan (shapeshifting alien) name Ren Daggle, Brande was frozen in human form by the deadly Yorggian fever. Later it was revealed that he is Chameleon Boy's biological father. After the Crisis on Infinite Earths limited series abolished the DC multiverse for a time, he was retconned into a 20th century Durlan (and founding member of the intergalactic police force L.E.G.I.O.N.) who had been brought forward in time to the 30th century. He is the major financier for the Legion of Super-Heroes, and founded the group with Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, and Lightning Lad after they saved his life on a trip to Earth.

After being frozen in a human form, he amassed a vast fortune by making stars, using advanced technology to create suns for clients. He became one of the richest men in the galaxy, and bought a private planetoid where he built his mansion.

In the post-Zero Hour Legion reboot continuity, Brande played much the same role in the Legion's origins. However he was no longer related to Reep Daggle, nor is he a Durlan. However, occasional hints were made suggesting that he was another shapeshifting hero, J'onn J'onzz. This was never confirmed, however, and the account of J'onn's future given in the DC One Million crossover event makes it unlikely. Brande eventually became President of the United Planets, although he later lost the position during the "One Year Gap".

Brande has not appeared in "Threeboot" continuity, as the character does not fit the portrayal of the Legion as a team of rebels against society.