Legion World Forums LEGION CLUBHOUSE The Legion of Super-Heroes Favorite R.J.Brande origin?

Personally I prefer the original. It fits the "anyone can help a good cause" idea.

For the 30th century Durlan, it was used for a couple of good stories but I didn't really see the point and I didn't like the idea that he created the Legion in the hope that his son might join... sounds like a dumb retcon.
But I do like him as Chameleon Boy's father. Just have R.J. adopt him.

I really didn't like the time-traveling version. Needlessly complicated, and in my opinion the Legion should have as few direct connections to the 20th century as possible to be its own thing.

Same reason why I didn't like the idea that Reboot Brande was secretly Martian Manhunter. Which I understand came close to being canon but was vetoed by the editors... if true, a rare case of a Legion editor making the right call.
But I do like keeping it vague enough to be little more than an easter egg, it allows a nod to the previous origin but doesn't mess things up.

I don't think there's an alternate version with a significantly different origin.

Thoughts? Any other theories I didn't mention that you know about?

Favorite R.J.Brande origin single choice
	Regular 30th century rich guy
	30th century Durlan
	Time-traveling 20th century Durlan
	Secretly Martian Manhunter
	Other theory (specify)
Votes accepted starting: 11/09/24 03:51 AM
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So my idea for R. J. has long been that he's a Durlan who makes his fortune off visiting unexplored worlds in disguise, acquiring tech, and then selling that tech on other worlds who haven't develooed it yet, in total violation of any kind kf "prime directive" mentality.

I do also like versions where he's a normal human that adopts Cham, as I believe was the case in the Legion cartoon.

I could also do without the time travel idea or the Martian Manhunter.

If I was going to make him someone from the 20th/21st century, iit would be Darwin Jones.

The Secret Origins version has U.P. officials describing him as "a troublemaker" and "we've never been able to fill the holes in his dossier, where he got the starlighting technology or even where he really comes from". I like that mystery about R.J., not just the mystery but that there's some rebel or loveable rogue in him and that he's able to stay a step or two ahead of everybody else. The Durlan version does allow a lot of opportunity to build that mystery. He would just be one of these rare, exceptional individuals who change history.

I had to look up Darwin Jones, forgot about his role in Crisis. Cool cat! You really need someone exceptional to be transported 1000 years in the future and adapt and prosper. Someone like Bendis' version of Rose who just lived through the 1000 years could have more easily built up a fortune and amassed knowledge of lost technology (which makes me wonder why Rose wasn't a gazillionaire, or maybe she was).

Edit to add the other R.J. Brande version - the powerful (and possibly wealthy) politician that Bendis created, Reep's mother. Not particularly likeable - or mysterious, which falls under the "30th century Durlan" category but is quite far from the other versions.

I like the OG origin of just a rich guy being rescued and having an idea.

Imagine a rich guy making a difference for good for a change....

For the reboot, I had heard a rumor (not knowing whether its true or not) that it wasn't J'onn, but rather another heretofore unknown Martian, as the Martian avatar had definitely been revealed, but I think the creative team was quick to say "no its not J'Onn."

That said, it doesn't matter as it didn't go anywhere and Brande remained the "old rich guy" persona for the duration.

The very first Darwin Jones story involves him discovering a fountain of youth. It's buried beneath the earth at the end of the story, but it at least sets up a mechanism for him surviving to the Legion's time. I don't really see him becoming Brande, but I still think it would be fun to have him around in the 31st century.