Star Brand #6

Star Brand #6 was published in 1987 as part of Marvel Comics' New Universe line, an ambitious editorial project spearheaded by Jim Shooter. The line was designed to exist in a realistic world where superpowers appeared suddenly, rather than being rooted in the established Marvel superhero mythos. This issue, written by Cary Bates with art by Keith Pollard and others, follows the protagonist Ken Connell as he grapples with the uncontrollable power of the Star Brand, a cosmic entity that marked a significant tonal departure from traditional adventure comics of the era.

The creative intent behind the New Universe was to challenge contemporary tropes by introducing a 'world outside your window' setting, free from the constraints of decades of existing continuity. While the series struggled to find a consistent audience in a crowded market, the design work reflected a gritty, late-1980s aesthetic. Over time, the Star Brand character gained a cult following and was eventually integrated into the broader Marvel Multiverse, serving as a distinct relic of an experimental period in the company's history.