R. J. Brande

R. J. Brande is a comic character that features in DC Comics.

Biography

Origin

R. J. Brande

He was considered the third richest sentient in the universe with his Stargate technology with the United Planets being entirely dependent on him. (Legion of Super-Heroes v4 #0)

Whilst on a shuttle, he along with others were being transported to Metropolis Spaceport when they were beset upon by armed gunmen who were targeting him. He was only saved by the actions of three teenagers with powers namely Garth Ranzz, Rok Krinn and Imra Ardeen. Ardeen used her telepathy to determine that the attackers had been hired by Brande's cousin Doyle who had fallen under debt to a gambling syndicate and intended to take over the company by murdering R. J. After seeing the teenagers in action, he requested that they meet him at his office where he believed that they could use their powers to fight crime. He suggested that they form an organisation that could battle criminals and injustice across the universe. At first, the three young heroes were reluctant as they were only teenagers but Brande highlighted how Superman along with his cousin Supergirl had similarly started being heroes at their age. Upon being convinced, the Legion of Super-Heroes were created with Brande bankrolling them as he used his business empire to create the Legion of Super-Heroes Headquarters. (Superboy v1 #147)

Overview

Powers and abilities

In the 30th century, he was regarded as the richest man in the known worlds who had a powerful business empire under his control. (Superboy v1 #147)

He was said to be the only person alive that knew the secrets of Stargate technology that was essential for interstellar travel as the alternative was through slower warpspeed fuel. (Legion of Super-Heroes v4 #0)

Notes

• R. J. Brande was created by E. Nelson Bridwell where he made his first appearance in Adventure Comics v1 #350 (November, 1966) but was later revealed as a Durlan in Invasion! v1 #2 (February, 1989).
• On Tim Callahan’s blog, Legion editor KC Carlson commented that, "BTW, did I ever tell you that, in the Legion reboot, our R.J. Brande was actually the Martian Manhunter? We waited too long to reveal it and then Dan Raspler (JLA editor) wouldn't let us do it because it might screw up J'onn. At this late date, I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not, but we did plant some clues. (And don't forget, he was at Garth and Imra's wedding LONG before we ever got close to the book.)"

In other media

Television

• In Legion of Super-Heroes, R. J. Brande appeared in the animated series as Chameleon Boy's father where he was voiced by actor Lex Lang. He was not named initially with Chameleon Boy in "The Man from the Edge of Tomorrow" simply referring to his father being rich but made his actual appearance in the episode "In the Beginning". He was the rich head of Brande Industries of the 31st century that made its business by manufacturing stars and was supported by his trusted partner Doyle. During one journey onboard a ship, an attempt was made on his life by assassins but this was thwarted by the young Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl. The three later decided to form a team of super-heroes and tracked the mastermind to being Doyle. In gratitude, Brande thanked the heroes and aided them financially as he helped support them to become the Legion of Super-Heroes. Years later, the still alive Doyle arranged for Grimbor the Chainsmen to capture Brande bring him to the Brande Industries stellar nursary facility where he intended to kill him by causing the stars to collapse into a black hole but was stopped once more by the Legion. In this animated continuity, no reference was made to Brande being a Durlan and he appeared as a heavyset, moustachioed, wealthy Texan kind of figure.

Appearances

• Adventure Comics v1:
• Superboy v1:
• Legion of Super-Heroes:

External Links

• Wikipedia Entry

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