When the series begins in 1973, Charles is a 12-year-old boy who runs away from home after his brother Pete is reported missing in the Vietnam War (1955-1975).
His search takes him to a small village, where Charles sees his brother being attacked by a helicopter.
Flown back to an America, Charles spends several months in a coma, where he dreams of ways to save his brother.
While in New York, he is saved from attacking malcontents by 'Michael', a being who can perceive and remove mystical antagonists from the minds of others.
Later, Charles is attacked by a large, muscle-bound pink humanoid who delights in influencing others into suicidal depression.