Star Brand #2

Star Brand #2, released in late 1986, served as the second installment of Marvel Comics' New Universe line. This experimental publishing imprint was spearheaded by editor-in-chief Jim Shooter to celebrate Marvel’s 25th anniversary by creating a grounded, contemporary superhero world separate from the established Marvel Universe continuity. The title was intended to provide a more realistic take on the genre, where extraordinary powers appeared within a recognizable, mundane setting.

The issue was written by Jim Shooter and illustrated by John Romita Jr., who sought to define the visual identity of the series through a gritty, cinematic approach. While the New Universe line faced significant editorial pressure and mixed critical reception at its launch, Star Brand remained the flagship title. The creative direction prioritized character-driven tension over traditional superhero tropes, though the ambitious scope of the project made the series a polarizing entry in Marvel's mid-eighties bibliography.