| Character Name: | R. J. Brande |
| Publisher: | DC Comics |
| Debut: | As R. J. Brande: Adventure Comics #350 (November 1966) As The Durlan: Invasion! #2 (February 1989) |
| Creators: | E. Nelson Bridwell |
| Full Name: | Ren Daggle |
| Species: | Durlan (trapped in human form) |
| Homeworld: | Durla |
| Alliances: | Legion of Super-Heroes L.E.G.I.O.N. |
| Aliases: | Rene Jacques Brande, The Durlan |
Rene Jacques "R. J." Brande is a character appearing in DC Comics, primarily in association with the Legion of Super-Heroes. He first appeared in Adventure Comics #350, and was created by E. Nelson Bridwell.[1]
R. J. Brande was originally a Durlan named Ren Daggle before contracting Yorggian fever, which traps him in a human form and removes his shapeshifting abilities.[2] After his wife Zhay dies from the fever, Ren and his brother-in-law Theg leave Durla and become businessmen, leaving the former's children Reep and Liggt in the care of their aunt Ji. They respectively take on the aliases of Rene and Doyle Brande and use their technology to produce stars.[3] [4] The Brandes' right-hand man is Marla Latham, who later becomes the Legion's adviser. Brande helps Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, and Lightning Lad establish the Legion after they foil Doyle's attempt to kill him.[5] [6] [7]
After Chameleon Boy learns that Brande is his father, he imprisons himself on the prison planet Takron-Galtos and loses his powers to Ol-Vir's radioactive vision. He and Brande return to Durla to regain their abilities, with Brande backing out because he has grown fond of his human form.[8] After Leland McCauley attempts to kill him, Brande embarks on an odyssey that lasts several years.[9]
In post-Crisis on Infinite Earths continuity, Brande is a 20th-century Durlan and founding member of the intergalactic police force L.E.G.I.O.N., known only as The Durlan. He is transported to the 30th century by Glorith and replaced with an amnesiac Phantom Girl.[10] [11]
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 the Martian Manhunter, but JLA editor Dan Raspler vetoed the idea.[12] Brande later becomes President of the United Planets before losing the position during the "One Year Gap".
Infinite Crisis restores an analogue of the pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths Legion. In this version, Brande is assassinated by economic rival Leland McCauley, but provides the Legion with financial support via his will.[13]