New Universe Origin

The Origins of Star Brand started with the White Event. The White Event happened as a result of the first Star Brand wielder's (known only as The Old Man) attempt to place his brand on an asteroid. This user of the brand was trying to get rid of the power because with it came a huge responsibility. When this happened, a huge array of energy was created, which bombarded the Earth and led to the mutation of a portion of Earth's population.

After The Old Man's failed attempt to give his power to the asteroid he came to Earth, desperately searching for a patsy to whom he could transfer the Star Brand and the great power that it granted. The first person The Old Man encountered was Kenneth Connell, a normal mechanic living in Pittsburgh who was dirt biking at the time. The Old Man gave his power to Connell and so was born the second wielder of the Star Brand and main character of the series.

Ken Connell then received a suit from The Old Man based on the dirt biking suit he had on at the moment of their first encounter. Connell tried to become a superhero and at one time even donned the traditional superhero costume of spandex, cape, and mask. His numerous attempts to become a superhero, though well meant, ultimately led to disaster because of his lack of imagination.

Connell ultimately decided that he didn't deserve his powers and decided to try to transfer his brand to an inanimate object, causing the Black Event which resulted in the destruction of all of Pittsburgh.

newuniversal Origin

In the 2006 re-imagining of the New Universe known as newuniversal thet takes place in Earth-555.  Kenneth Connell's story is much different.

In this version Ken lives in a small town of Oklahoma and he dates the sheriff's daughter without the sheriff’s consent. After a date, Ken and his girlfriend, Madeline Felix, fall asleep on a hillside. That night the event known as The White Event took place, leaving the Star Brand symbol scorched onto the hillside.

Ken awakens to find Madeline lifeless and burned without recognition. Ken is taken to the sheriffs department where the sheriff (and Madeline’s father) attempts to shoot him. The Star Brand's powers are manifested the moment the bullet leaves the gun. The powers stopped the bullet and reversed it. Ken is then shot at by the other officers on the scene who are terrified and surprised to see such power. Ken (most likely unknowingly) proceeds to kill them all, burn the sheriff’s station and fly away.

Ken retreats to a mountain where he encounters three mysterious figures all with the Star Brand symbol somewhere in their body. These three people are revealed to be future Star Brand wielders who have come to warn Ken of his power and to prevent him from destroying his world. They inform him that he was given a power to defend the Earth and that he will need every bit of it.

At the end of series, Ken is rescued form a nuclear explosion by Nightmask who takes Ken to her apartment in San Fransisco. Because of the death of his love and all of the chaotic events, Ken ends up in a catatonic state.

Powers

The Star Brand allows its wielder flight, super strength, invulnerability and the ability to unleash blasts of destructive energy. The blasts manifest in a circle around the wielder causing widespread destruction. The Star Brand also grants its owner immortality and healing from an injury or any type of death.

The Star Brand's power will not typically manifest itself when the bearer is frightened or reluctant in any way. The Star Brand can pretty much use his imagination to expand his abilities. Because of this, the stronger the imagination of a bearer, the stronger his power will be.

Alternate Realities

The main Star Brand is from Earth-148611. There is no counterpart in the main Marvel Universe (Earth-616).

Counterparts exist in Earth-541, Earth-555, Earth-723, Earth-886, Earth-1090 and Earth-15731.

Earth-541

The Star Brand of Earth-541 has given himself monarchial rule over the world and has imposed world peace.

Earth-723

The Star Brand of this universe uses music to channel his powers and unite the people of his world.

Earth-886

The only details given about the Star Brand bearer from Earth-886 is that it is a female who protects her world form powerful evil forces and is an "idol to billions."