Hank Pym Is Marvel's New Starbrand

One of the Avengers‘ founding members gains a godlike upgrade that might make him powerful enough to take on a Thanos-level villain all by himself. Each of Marvel’s main Avengers has wielded great power at some point in Marvel history, especially powerhouses like Thor and Hulk. Usually, heroes like Captain America, Wasp, and Ant-Man influence the team in other ways.

Everything tends to change when the multiverse is in question. In Marvel Comics’ 2025 Battleworld event, several heroes are picked from different timelines. As a result, a seasoned Hank Pym finds himself pressured to team up with characters such as a novice Spider-Man and a young Luke Cage, as well as King Thor and a veteran Avengers leader Janet van Dyne.

While Hank Pym’s mind is much more dangerous than his body, Marvel’s first Ant-Man suddenly becomes a godlike hero in Battleworld #3.

Hank Pym Gains The Power Of Starbrand

Battleworld #3; Written by Christos Gage; Art by Marcus To & Rachelle Rosenberg

Before taking on Korvac directly, Battleworld‘s improvised Avengers team investigate Starbrand’s mysterious presence in Battleworld. Naturally, their pacifist approach fails, leading to a face-off where Carol Danvers struggles to absorb Starbrand’s massive energy and the rest of the heroes struggle to contain the battle. Ultimately, it’s none other than the aged Hank Pym who ends the battle.

Pym’s quick thinking helps him craft a plan that doesn’t require strength. He asks the Ghost Rider Kushala to cast a spell that makes him look like the older version of Kenneth Connell who gave himself the Star Brand. Funny enough, Hank Pym gives Ken Connell a surprisingly insulting pep talk that convinces the young hero to transfer the Star Brand power to him.

The Star Brand grants its wielder virtually limitless energy manipulation, reality-warping potential, godlike strength, and immortality. Its power allows heroes like Kenneth Connell to do basically anything they set their minds to, but only if their imagination and mental fortitude allows it. With such unrestricted power, any hero who responsibly wields the Star Brand could theoretically overpower even a reality-manipulating threat like Korvac.

Hank Pym’s Starbrand Upgrade Could Go Very Well Or Very Badly

Hank Pym Shouldn’t Be The Best Choice To Wield The Star Brand

Ant-Man’s unexpected Star Brand upgrade could go brilliantly or catastrophically, as Hank Pym is historically one of the worst choices to wield godlike power. Throughout the years, Hank has repeatedly proven that his genius comes with a dangerous blind spot, most infamously when he created Ultron and almost doomed the world. Years later, when he unleashed Ultimo on the Avengers in an ill-fated attempt to redeem himself.

Even after atoning for his mistakes, Hank later merged with Ultron and became one of the biggest threats to Earth. Battleworld‘s version of Hank Pym has gone through the same experiences fans have witnessed throughout the years. The Star Brand may be the blessing Battleworld’s Avengers desperately need to stop Korvac, but only if Hank immediately relinquishes it afterward.

If Hank Pym uses the Star Brand to defeat Korvac, he could finally end his turbulent legacy on a high note. For once, he would save the world without creating a bigger danger afterward. This would be the redemption Hank has chased for decades. But if he slips even slightly, he could become an even greater threat than Korvac himself.

Battleworld #3 is now available from Marvel Comics.