Star Brand Vol. 1 1

"There is a weapon in the universe more powerful than all others. No more coveted, feared, loved, or hated thing exist. Only a fool, or a madman--or the right man-- would dare possess.... The Star Brand."

Synopsis
While riding a motorcycle in the Laurel Mountains mechanic Kenneth Connell is contacted by the "Old Man" and given the Star Brand. Ken immediately manifests the paranormal powers of flight and super strength through use of the Star Brand. Ken the flies to the home of his friend Myron Feldman, a psychiatrist. While explaining how he acquired his power to him, Ken is attacked by what looks like an armoured extraterrestrial. The alien pursues Ken into a deserted dump. When Ken feels he is being defeated by the alien, he unleashes a great burst of energy which apparently destroys the alien. Ken the flies to his friend Debbie's house, where he rests.

The day after, Ken goes back to the Laurel Mountains in search of any sign of the "Old Man". Ken enters a cave and finds a jumpsuit and boots in the ground. He takes his new clothes and leaves the area. Later that day, he goes to the home of his girlfriend, Barbara Petrovic, and finds that her daughter Laurie is playing with a weapon that was used by the alleged alien in their fight on the previous night. Ken takes the weapon and leaves in confusion.

After spending the day working, Ken goes back to the Laurel Mountains. There, he finds and confronts the alleged alien and tosses it and its craft into space.

Notes:

 * The cover here is misleading as Ken never actually goes into outer space himself in this issue.

Creators

 * Scripter: Jim Shooter
 * Penciler: John Romita Jr.
 * Inker: Al Williamson
 * Letterer: Joe Rosen
 * Colorist: Christie Scheele
 * Editor: Michael Higgins

Characters
Protagonist(s) Deuteragonist(s) Tritagonist(s) Antagonist(s)
 * Ken Connell (First appearance)
 * "Old Man" (First appearance)
 * Myron Feldman (First appearance)
 * Debbie "the Duck" (First appearance)
 * Barbara Petrovic (First appearance)
 * Laurie (First appearance)
 * Bobby (First appearance)
 * John Eberhardt (First appearance)
 * Alien (First appearance)

Locations

 * Laurel Mountains
 * West Mifflins
 * Dormont

Objects

 * Star Brand