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| R. J. Brande | |
|---|---|
 R. J. Brande as depicted inLegion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) Annual #6 (June 1995). Art by Jim Hall (penciller), Tom Simmons (inker), and Tom McCraw (colorist). | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | As R. J. Brande: Adventure Comics #350 (November 1966) As The Durlan: Invasion! #2 (February 1989) |
| Created by | E. Nelson Bridwell |
| In-story information | |
| Full name | Ren Daggle |
| Species | Durlan (trapped in human form) |
| Place of origin | Durla |
| Team affiliations | Legion of Super-Heroes L.E.G.I.O.N. |
| Notable aliases | Rene Jacques Brande, The Durlan |
Rene Jacques "R. J." Brande is a character appearing inDC Comics, primarily in association with theLegion of Super-Heroes.[1] He first appeared inAdventure Comics #350, and was created byE. Nelson Bridwell.[2]
R. J. Brande was originally aDurlan namedRen Daggle who was trapped in human form after contracting the deadly Yorggian fever.[3][4] After the death of his wife Zhay, Ren leaves his children,Reep Daggle and Liggt Daggle, in the care of Zhay's sister Ji and leaves Durla with his brother-in-law Theg. The two respectively assume the identities of R.J. Brande and Doyle Brande. Brande becomes one of the richest men in the galaxy, using his technology to produce stars.
While Brande is traveling to Earth, Doyle sends assassins in an attempt to kill him.Rokk Krinn,Imra Ardeen, andGarth Ranzz, who are traveling on the same ship as Brande, save him from being killed and go on to form theLegion of Super-Heroes, with Brande as their sponsor.[1] Brande cares deeply for his Legion "pups", once offeringGrimbor the Chainsman his entire fortune to ensure their safety.[5]
After "Earthwar", when the president of theUnited Planets embezzles his fortune, Brande rejects the offer of reimbursement, and started amassing a new fortune. Shortly thereafter, Reep Daggle discovers that he is Brande's son. After being exposed toOl-Vir's radioactive super-vision and losing his powers, Reep journeys to Durla alongside Brande to locate a legendary temple that will restore their lost abilities. Reep regains his powers, but Brande backs out, having come to accept his human form.[6]
In post-Crisis on Infinite Earths continuity, Brande is a 20th-century Durlan and founding member of the intergalactic police forceL.E.G.I.O.N., known only asThe Durlan. He is transported to the 30th century by Glorith, with an amnesiacPhantom Girl taking his place in L.E.G.I.O.N.[7][8][9]
In post-Zero Hour continuity, Brande creates stargates instead of stars, but his role in the Legion's origins is unchanged. Additionally, he was intended to be theMartian Manhunter, butJLA editorDan Raspler vetoed the idea.[10] Brande later becomes President of theUnited Planets before losing the position during the "One Year Gap".[1]
The aftermath of theInfinite Crisis mini-series restores an analogue of the pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths Legion to continuity. This continuity's version of R.J. Brande is assassinated by economic rival Leland McCauley during the events ofFinal Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds.[11] In his will, Brande apologizes to Reep Daggle for abandoning him and gives the Legion continued financial support via hisestate.[12]
Well, in Legion of Super-Heroes #8 (by Giffen, the Bierbaums, Chris Sprouse and Al Gordon), we see that the Durlan ended up in the past of the Legion and, well, quite obviously became R.J. Brande... It was never an explicit crossover between the two titles (there's no "Check out L.E.G.I.O.N. #9 to see where the Durlan came from), and yet there it was, one of the founders of L.E.G.I.O.N. later founded the Legion of Super-Heroes!
[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.
