Wendell Vaughn was meant to be the opposite to Hal Jordan, imo. The test pilot who exploded while wearing the Quantum bands was a stand-in for Hal. The will power of Wendell was flexible while the will power of Hal was indomitable.
And Quasar actually achieved the goal of "more or less normal guy with top-tier alien hardware" in ways that Kyle Rayner never did. When Wendell's dad died -- and there were some unlikely circumstances -- it was a real mind-fuck for Wendell, and it genuinely took him a while to come to terms with it. Kyle, though ... you could shove his dead girlfriend in a refrigerator, and he was more or less fine in an issue or two. Just like normal people! Or, DeSaad of Apokolips could torture Kyle for an extended period, and Kyle was just fine the very next issue. Just like normal people! One of my favorite Quasar things was when his mother came down with breast cancer; Quasar did what you or I would if we had cosmic powers: he went around to alien intelligences trying to find someone who could or would cure his mom. Alien physicians didn't know earth physiology or the thousand forms of cancer we have, and cosmic-level healers didn't consider his mother worth their attention. Finally, Quasar went and threatened Death to stay away from her, until he thought it through and realized it was an unreasonable request (was he demanding immortality for her?) ... so he apologized, and just went to his mom's hospital room to be with her.
@@kingbeauregard it's interesting to compare Quasar to the Kyle Rayner Green Lantern who DID take off with fans. Quasar sold well enough before Marvel went bankrupt and had to cancel everything that wasn't a core book to stay afloat, but they way they were received by the general fandom was entirely different. My guess is that a calm and unassuming action hero (especally a Male one) is an acquired taste.
@@ViccVegaa023 Kyle took off, I think, because he was a more blatant appeal to the fanbase of the 90s. A character who collected action figures, but also had an all-powerful weapon and was inherently really really good with it ... ? It certainly fed into the conceit that every reader is a potential superhero and the only thing holding them back is a lack of a Ganthet saying "you'll do". Plus big soap opera twists, a lot of moping, and needlessly elaborate constructs to add some superficial appeal. Yet, I don't think the character of Kyle was ever really fleshed out, not until after Hal's return ironically enough. Then other writers had to come along and figure out who Kyle was if he's not "Hal's successor" or "Hal's successor who doesn't get enough respect" or "Hal's successor who is capable of things that Hal was not". Wendell Elvis Vaughn, though ... ? Gruenwald had a good feel for him on day one, and only enriched the character over the course of the series. I can't say I would be able to write Quasar properly (since I am an inarticulate clod), but I can read a portrayal of him and tell pretty quickly whether it seems authentic. I never had that with Kyle.
They tried to make Jordon more human in the 80s, but they made him unlikable. Parallax wasn't a huge leap. From my understanding, the move to realism in superhero comics began with GL in the 50s.
Quasar was my favorite, exactly because he thought and talked before acting. He behaved like an actual person who'd acquired powers. Ron Marz wrote one filler issue towards the end so Gruenwald didn't write the whole run, but close enough.
@@CasuallyComics This was the issue where Eros and Thanos were exchanging birthday gifts. Ron Marz was into Kyle Rayner over at DC at the time, but over at Marvel, he was into the Thanos / Silver Surfer / Infinity Shenanigans of the 1990s. (That issue of "Quasar" is kind of jarring in terms of exactly how "filler" it is -- it has nothing to do with Quasar, it's just a big display of Thanos and Eros while some blond guy watches. Which, some would say, is an oblique description of a really fun Saturday night.)
@@CasuallyComics If you like this kind of character, I highly recommend the 1994 Starman series with Jack Knight by James Robinson. It's very good and like a light Vertigo series. They were making superheroes more human in the 80s and some of the 90s. I wish the genre would have continued in this direction. I would take the soap opera back. I lost interest in it as it became more like Pokemon cards. I also have nostalgia for the 00s Batgirl series with Cassandra Cain. It's amazing how they were able to make a mute, action character with no strong connections to anyone compelling.
I had some of the issues after he got the cool costume, and this is true. Quasar is a cool character. He seemed like a version of Star Brand who is not mentally crippled. (The early issues of Star Brand are awesome, and it and the New Universe are in Quasar's series. I loved the very whack Justice series. It was almost like a Vertigo series.)
Gru wasn't a craftsman when it came to dialogue; to him, dialogue was in service to the plot and not an art form unto itself. I'd rather have solid plots than writing that is all dialogue and little structure. More Gru please!
Wendell Vaughn honestly like Richard Ryder Nova are probably some of my most favourite cosmic marvel characters, ordinary everyman that seem to push forward through all their trials and tribulations. Both are underrated imo because both react to situations how id like to believe most of us would, not with existential stoicism like Silver Surfer or Adam Warlock, but with a bewildered sense of amazement at what they are doing or seeing without seeming unrelatable and forever holding their humanity in the face of cosmic threats.
Superheroes need to be written like humans. I lost interest in the genre as they became like puzzle pieces and comics became like Pokemon cards. Writers who focus more on plot and concepts like Geoff Johns are to blame for this.
I remember reading Quasar when it came out. I always liked the fact that Wendel was a nice guy. They've killed him off and brought him back a few times, and I wish they'd just keep him back.
quasar was a great character, his adventures fleshed out a lot of cosmic beings that only Dr.Strange would deal with on occasion. i liked the fact that he always tried to use his brain instead of just slugging it out and being a one punch wonder like so many characters are today. if someone could write him like that again i would not mind picking up his adventures again.
Quasar becoming suicidal in issue 5 (or so) leading to him (accidentally) summoning a monster who wants to kill him (to put him out of his misery) only for Wendell to find his will to live was great. Also really loved his relationship with the alien intelligence. It was sad the alien kept what happened to his dad from him
Heroes (especially male heroes) who find strength in the "feminine" part of their personality are always a nice see. I love comics and superhero movies but sometimes writers try too hard to make their character "tough" and the result is that the hero comes across as a jerk. In Man of steel for example all the compassion and empathy that Superman has in the comics is replaced with brooding. And in Batman v Superman the bat family isn't even mentioned so Bruce doesn't have that "fatherly" aspect of his personality but has twice as much paranoia.
Man of Steel is trash (it's like a car wreck simulation used for entertainment), but the characters are well written in BvS. Terrio is a good writer. The Rise of Skywalker is also underrated.
What I liked about Quasar was that the book was a gateway to some of Marvel's lesser known continuity. If you read Quasar, you would get glimpses of parts of Marvel you might never have guessed existed and be along for the ride with him! Or you might get to see some old favorites that you wondered what had happened to them. A great book by one of the best comic writer/editors of all time. The industry still feels his loss.
Aw, you got me. Brought me in with that ridiculous image. I just know you're getting an episode ready about that Quasar pregnancy after you finish with all of those crazy comic weddings. I think I liked the Phyla-Vell Quasar. She kept getting screwed by Marvel though. First she was a Captain Marvel - but they took the name back so a guy that thought he was her dad could have the name and then eventually gave it to Danvers. Then she was Quasar - and Wendell came back for the name and his bracelets. And she was on the Guardians team but she got a new power set and was written out - so that the new writers could ignore her completely and she pretty much never gets to do anything now.
I loved Quasar!!! He was great in this series. I appreciated him in the latter Agents of Atlas and the even latter Annihilation stuff. You are right, he never really caught on but, Marvel space sci-fi characters never really blow up like their other genres. Adam Warlock, Silver Surfer or Nova the human rocket have fans but they don't have the fan base of the Avengers or Spiderman. Of course the film's have changed much of that I'd think. Guardians of the galaxy has films and animation so those characters may have a spike in readership.
I’m 56 so most of the comics you read to us I’ve already read them but I love your performances. I collected quasar from his beginning. I like the fact he wasn’t tough guy but a smart sensitive hero. That flash tribute issue is one the greatest comic book ever. The comic reminded me of the TV show The greatest American hero.
I was soooo into Quasar the tone of his solo series was a departure from a lot of the amped up ginormous crossovers of the time. I remember the bracelets being referred to as "Quantum Bands" from way back though. The original Marvel Boy from the 50s was the dreamiest. 😂🤣
It’s so cool that you featured Wendell Vaughn for this video Wendell to Sasha: Ahem it’s Quantum Bands & not bracelets in order to maintain the cool factor. 😅😉
I am a huge Quasar fan also. I loved the series and it is very underrated. I liked him from seeing him in Marvel-Two-In-One. So yes you found your people.
Mark Gruenwald was the master of long running, continuity rich storytelling. His Captain America (up until about 400, honestly) was uniformly excellent. While I don't agree with some of his editorial decisions (taking Roger Stern off Avengers and Steve Englehart off West Coast Avengers) I absolutely praise his writing.
When Quasar solo series came out I picked up every issue. I really enjoyed the complexity of the stories. That it wasn’t just what fight did you get into this month
I was always a big fan of Wendell Vaughn and the Quasar books. Cool powers. Interesting pedigree to the early days of what Marvel would become. He thought and felt his way through his conflicts despite having the power to squash most things flat. And he ended up witnessing the cosmic underpinnings of the Marvel Universe in ways few others ever did. It was a fun read and I think I have most of them in my collection. Great vid, Sasha!
Looking into less known characters and stories is really exciting and inspiring!! It’s always cool to hear a artists you likes perspective and thoughts on we’ll know comic series but getting to also see the spotlight shine on adventures that the audience might not know excised is a nice and fun change of pace it really makes this channel exciting and a adventure on its own to watch 👌👍❤️
I passed on Quasar back in the day. I recently read the collected Acts of Vengeance. There were a few issues on Quasar in that story and I ended up enjoying them. I like how he attempted to think through the adversary in each issue, often using scientific knowledge. I walked away from those stories surprised, impressed, and with a new found respect for the character. Thank you for the vid.
@@doro626 Not in that issue. He was facing Klaw. He encased Klaw in a bubble and then removed the air. The sound waves had nothing to carry through so Klaw collapsed back into his sound projector. It was over in seconds.
YAY! I was hoping you'd do this! I collected the hell out of this book! To me, he epitomizes the saying that Marvel heroes are people that just happen to be superheroes.
I love Quasar! I was introduced to him during Infinity Gauntlet and started to read his series concurrently after that. He is awesome! Ps. I hate that the new Quasar's. Wendell felt human, the new ones sort of seem alien.
@@NORMAN728 Star Brand became kind of lame after The Pitt, though Justice improved. I loved the whole bonkers (and gritty) Justice series. It's an obscure gem. Peter David wrote it after The Pitt
@@chihiromononoke9381 spitfire and the troubleshooters were fun till the end. Psi Force was interesting. I loved DP7 which was Heroes before Heroes. But I was disappointed in Randy for awhile. Black Event ruined things and apparently Blur from DP7 is in the 616 along with night mask concept.
@@NORMAN728 I know Quasar crossed over into the New Universe. Warren Ellis did a (kind of bad) reboot in the 00s. And Hickman had some kind Star Brand in his Avengers run.
Keep at it! Your delving into less well known characters is wonderful. By the way, I'm sure you've heard of the Harley Quinn TV series that had two great seasons - one of the fun aspects was the exploration of less well known characters such as Condiment Man, Space Cabbie, Tommy Tomorrow. Would you consider exploring them? Or a more important side character like Amanda Waller who has risen in importance of the past few years.
There are so many similarities between Captain Marvel and Quasar that it is often hard to tell them apart, especially when one or two of the people that wore the Quantum Bands became Captain Marvel later, even Nova wore the bands at one time. Of all of them, Wendell Vaughn was, in my opinion, the best just for the reason that he was and everyperson and was more than just brute force.
thank you so much for your vid on Quasar! I really enjoyed his run, it was great stuff, really dug the art by Mr. Ryan and a young Greg Capullo. Wendel was killed off, sadly, but we will always hope for his return, all cosmic-y and sudge.
Depending on how old you are, you may or may not realise it's a spoof of a Vanity Fair cover of a pregnant Demi Moore. Quasar doesn't get pregnant in the issue, although it's not a completely irrelevant cover.
Quasar was those sweet sweet brains, that this Marvel Zombie needed. I think at one point I collected at least one issue of every title that marvel put out in the mid nineties including an issue of Damage Control. JCPenney used to give you 100 comic books for 100$ along with a one page guide on collecting and a box to store them all in. They may have even threw in come plastic bags. Those were the days.
I liked this analysis and looking at Quasar’s personality breakdown. In later years I really became more enthusiastic about the cosmic Marvel heroes such as Nova, Quasar, Guardians. I find it fascinating how they set up the Wendell Vaughn character.
QUASAR!!!! I'll be honest I found out about quasar when I played heroclix as a kid in the 90s when he was my ringer, and I checked out the comics and fell in love with wendel as a character
Quasar was an Atheist (Issue#21) and also Anti Abortion (Issues #29 and #36) A nearly impossible combo in real life. I thought that was an interesting fact about him.
Quasar was a great series and character. Mark Gruenwald was one of my favourite writers at the time, he used continuity rather than just trampled all over it like current writers.
Quasar, Nth Man, Marvel Comics Presents (specifically the Coldblood and Black Panther in South Africa storylines) and Sensational She-Hulk were the non X-Men titles I read regularly at the time. Quasar and She Hulk tied for second place for me, with Nth Man being my favorite of the bunch, but I loved this comic. This brings me back.
I learned about this character in 6th grade by accident. We had to do a project/report on some space phenomena. Each kid picked one out of a hat and I got quasar. Surprisingly, the first google result of 'quasar' was actually the wikipedia page for the Marvel character. I did read it cos ADHD, and it said he was the most powerful avenger....
Sasha should do a retrospective on Mark Gruenwald (RIP). The sad state Marvel Comic’s is currently in never would’ve happened under his watch. The man is living proof that, no matter how appealing a character or how good a creative team, without a damn good editor things will go pear shaped.
My introduction to Quasar was back issues in Marvel Two In One during the serpent crown saga. Oh, I got busy during the holidays and forgot to wish you and the CC family a wonderful Xmas and a happy new year. I think I speak for every one in saying your people are happy to have found your wonderful channel. I hope you plan to continue your channel and not go back to the short attention span theater that is TTN.
For me his high point was definitely the Squadron Supreme maxi-series (which I couldn't help see more than a little reflected in later deconstruction works ranging from Watchmen to the Justice Lords). And Quasar was my favorite at one point; when I first saw him he was C-lister named Marvel Man (I think it was in the Hulk or Cap's comic), and really hit his stride just a few years later cameoing in every series of the 80's. Haven't thought of him zince last century. Cool memories.
I also loved Quasar and Mark Gruenwald's work in general (not his Captain America, however). Related to Quasar is how he retconned the Eternals into the Marvel Universe by replacing the Greek/Roman gods in some of Starlin's Thanos/Titan/Uranus back story. A good video subject might be his What If Korvac defeated the Avengers (for which he also drew the layouts, I think).
Thankfully! This vid finally aired! Now to ask the *real* question: in the depths of comics lore we get power-granting belts, helms, pendants, brooches, rings, and bracelets -- but no Chinese finger cuffs?!?!
New Warriors and Quasar were books that took me from the occasional buyer to a full on collector. Quasar was unlike anything that was being done barring some of that era's Surfer run. With Quasar I was given a glimpse to the larger cosmic world of the Marvel Universe. Was sad to see if go but by then I was a teenager who thought Rob Liefeld was exxxtreme comic Jesus. lol
Fantastic video! Quasar was a book I started reading during the 90's craze of comics. This book was not at all what all the other high profile books were but it spoke to me. The stories were great and the characters were unique. I love what you did here. Bravo!
I had almost the whole run of the series back in the day. I read the issues I missed when I got the Marvel Universe app. Wendell was just such a great character. I see that he's back now but they're doing a Captain Marvel thing where he switches back and forth with somebody. I guess that's better than nothing.
I just realized one of my favorite comics is by gruenwald, captain america and thor in THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED DOUGH Also now I need this crazy comic covered
Like the Marvel's Green Lantern you say my question is is he taken out by a bar of soap that's the real question just kidding awesome video is always I didn't even know about this character things I always love about this channel new stuff you learn
Good to see Dum Dum Dugan there, Fury's number two man since the Howling Commandos days. Also nice to see the mole using his pen, just like a certain Man from Uncle! You need to do a retrospective on the 50s Marvel Boy. I mean Space Commies! You got to do it!
Egads! I’m old enough to remember when Quazar was a TV. Also, those obscure corners are usually the best! Fill in your road less traveled metaphor here. Wendel has a real person emotional ark that makes him better adjusted? No way will he get into the Avengers with that going on. Somebody screw him up so he can join!
The word "Quasar" has pretty much left our vocabulary because we know what "quasars" are now (supermassive galactic nuclei). It's like you stop calling something a "UFO" when you know what it is, be it an alien vessel or swamp gas. But people are so unfamiliar with the word "quasar" that I saw a video that mentioned Quasar and the person pronounced it "ka-zar". Totally different blond muscular superhero.
I owned a Quasar TV. This comic and fantastic Four built my scientific vocabulary. I loved how people would write and use real world scientific principles and cutting edge research they read about, and try to explain quasars abilities in the letters column.
I collected Quasar and I found him to be newbie friendly. I was just starting to get into Marvel comics. Anything I didn't understand I just accepted as part of the lore. It was a good series and I liked how his less-aggressive nature was a strength. That book shaped some of my views as a teenager (yes, I am older). "Biology is not destiny."
As a personal favorite of mine, I was always annoyed that Toybiz and Marvel never gave him his figure earlier.I really relate to Wendell and his failures that led to his success.I lovingly refer to him as "The Charlie Brown" of The Avengers and Marvel Comics.
Quasar was one of my favorite comics in the early 90's. It was a guilty pleasure along with the wild Guardians of the Galaxy series (original team). But it was much like every other Gruenwald series. It wasn't for everyone, but those few of us who loved his work, loved it (much like Squadron Supreme). I liked that he had no fear with this series. He even revisited stuff like the New Universe when it was a major no no for Marvel. (A lot of people were bitter about it even in the 90's.) I miss his work. I miss this version of Quasar and I'm glad you found some good times in reading these adventures (along with DOLL MAN! Woot! Loved your ep on him!). If you haven't already, I'd like to see a deep dive on Mary Marvel and the rest of the Marvel Family.
I really liked the Quasar series and the time Wendell spent as Universal Protector. It meshed Earthly and Cosmic stories well. My favorite Quasar related appearances are during Annihilation. I thought he and Nova (Richard Ryder, another fave of mine) made an interesting pairing. I think a team of "cosmic veteran" Earthlings who have seen some shit that no one back on Earth can even begin to conceptualize is an untapped idea begging for a series. Pre-movie, cynical Starlord would also fit well in this grouping. Almost like old soldiers with cosmic level PTSD.
I don't even know if it's that we're all in with you on each and every one of these somewhat obscure characters. It's that you do SUCH a great job in introducing and explaining the characters to us, with scholarly depth and consideration, that you make the characters interesting. There's never gonna be a Doll Man trade collection, but you ferret out the books, put them in perspective and even historical context. I don't know if there's any real money in covering comics like you do, but there damn well should be, and a lot of it for you! "Oh, tight buns are TIGHT!" So yer sayin' ol' Wendell=boy's givin' Dick Grayson a run for his money? That is interesting: Green Lantern-style powers, but he kinda handles them like a Jedi. "A Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him!" "WRTOOSH?" "BDMMCH?" And I thought "KWA-DOOM" was a crazy sound-word! And I can't believe you featured that Quasar-as-pregnant-Demi-Moore cover without delving into the deets! Dish, girl! 😉
I can see why they cast Owen Wilson as the TVA guy; he kind of resembles Gruenwald. I don't think it was hard to get into Quasar without knowing tons of backstory. Everything you needed to know was told to you. Unlike when I got into comics, and there was always this guy Logan popping up, and they just expected you to know who he was.
I liked Wendell Vaughn, I really enjoyed his issues for acts of vengeance, I didn't follow his whole series, but the ones that I read were consistently good.
Quasar was an is my absolute favorite superhero, I related to him so many levels as a kid and it was the first series that I collected from start to finish. I think it’s wasteful how they don’t use him More effectively in the comics and we probably won’t ever see him in the MCU because of captain marvel
There was a period in the late 80's and early 90's when he was working as a contract guard for the Vault (until SHIELD reverse engineered a bunch of Nova armor).
If you ever want to do more Quasar please look at Phyla Vell, who was also Captain Marvel for about 5 minutes. There's a fantastic Quasar miniseries as part of Annihilation Conquest, about Phyla and her girlfriend Moondragon, who is also a dragon. Sadly she was gay, and therefore had to die.
I got into Quasar because of his cross over with the old Marvel "New Universe" comics, and then I went back and read as many of his old issues as possible.
I like the newer female Quasar. But from what I read on it's wiki page ages ago. He was pretty cool. Plus he mentored the new lady, whose name I can''t remember at the moment. I thank marvel future fight for introducing me to some characters from marvel I never knew about. I.E, Elsa Bloodstone, etc...
@@kamilszczesny2563 I knew who Phylla-Veil was due to a comicexplained video I think. But from playing marvel future fight I know she isn't that Quasar I was thinking about. lmao this is why I don't like google as compared to the actual comics as soure material. So what happened? Avril Kincaid was just a marvel future fight thing or are they passing quantum bands out like candy. Why would Phylla-Veil actually need it. She already pretty op from what I remember.
Tight buns?? "SHIELD wants YOU for the Nightwing Initiative!"
No, no, the OTHER Marvel Boy was named Grayson.
Though from the graphic the tighter buns would be the guy ragging Quasar.
Wendell took his wristbands and buns.
Buns we need more😤
🫡🫡
A multifaceted character who created to be different but hopefully relatable to the general audience. How dare they!
And it looks like they turned Nick Fury white!, how dare they.
Wendell Vaughn was meant to be the opposite to Hal Jordan, imo. The test pilot who exploded while wearing the Quantum bands was a stand-in for Hal. The will power of Wendell was flexible while the will power of Hal was indomitable.
And Quasar actually achieved the goal of "more or less normal guy with top-tier alien hardware" in ways that Kyle Rayner never did. When Wendell's dad died -- and there were some unlikely circumstances -- it was a real mind-fuck for Wendell, and it genuinely took him a while to come to terms with it. Kyle, though ... you could shove his dead girlfriend in a refrigerator, and he was more or less fine in an issue or two. Just like normal people! Or, DeSaad of Apokolips could torture Kyle for an extended period, and Kyle was just fine the very next issue. Just like normal people!
One of my favorite Quasar things was when his mother came down with breast cancer; Quasar did what you or I would if we had cosmic powers: he went around to alien intelligences trying to find someone who could or would cure his mom. Alien physicians didn't know earth physiology or the thousand forms of cancer we have, and cosmic-level healers didn't consider his mother worth their attention. Finally, Quasar went and threatened Death to stay away from her, until he thought it through and realized it was an unreasonable request (was he demanding immortality for her?) ... so he apologized, and just went to his mom's hospital room to be with her.
@@kingbeauregard it's interesting to compare Quasar to the Kyle Rayner Green Lantern who DID take off with fans.
Quasar sold well enough before Marvel went bankrupt and had to cancel everything that wasn't a core book to stay afloat, but they way they were received by the general fandom was entirely different.
My guess is that a calm and unassuming action hero (especally a Male one) is an acquired taste.
@@ViccVegaa023 Kyle took off, I think, because he was a more blatant appeal to the fanbase of the 90s. A character who collected action figures, but also had an all-powerful weapon and was inherently really really good with it ... ? It certainly fed into the conceit that every reader is a potential superhero and the only thing holding them back is a lack of a Ganthet saying "you'll do". Plus big soap opera twists, a lot of moping, and needlessly elaborate constructs to add some superficial appeal. Yet, I don't think the character of Kyle was ever really fleshed out, not until after Hal's return ironically enough. Then other writers had to come along and figure out who Kyle was if he's not "Hal's successor" or "Hal's successor who doesn't get enough respect" or "Hal's successor who is capable of things that Hal was not".
Wendell Elvis Vaughn, though ... ? Gruenwald had a good feel for him on day one, and only enriched the character over the course of the series. I can't say I would be able to write Quasar properly (since I am an inarticulate clod), but I can read a portrayal of him and tell pretty quickly whether it seems authentic. I never had that with Kyle.
They tried to make Jordon more human in the 80s, but they made him unlikable. Parallax wasn't a huge leap. From my understanding, the move to realism in superhero comics began with GL in the 50s.
@@kingbeauregard Kyle Rayner is arguably the best GL character. I can't believe they aren't using him in the upcoming series.
QUASAR! I have his whole solo run and loved it. I even got a letter published in it once (the shining accomplishment of 14 year old me).
Quasar was my favorite, exactly because he thought and talked before acting. He behaved like an actual person who'd acquired powers.
Ron Marz wrote one filler issue towards the end so Gruenwald didn't write the whole run, but close enough.
The fact that Marz was so heavily involved with Kyle Rayner lol power bracelets
@@CasuallyComics This was the issue where Eros and Thanos were exchanging birthday gifts. Ron Marz was into Kyle Rayner over at DC at the time, but over at Marvel, he was into the Thanos / Silver Surfer / Infinity Shenanigans of the 1990s. (That issue of "Quasar" is kind of jarring in terms of exactly how "filler" it is -- it has nothing to do with Quasar, it's just a big display of Thanos and Eros while some blond guy watches. Which, some would say, is an oblique description of a really fun Saturday night.)
@@CasuallyComics If you like this kind of character, I highly recommend the 1994 Starman series with Jack Knight by James Robinson. It's very good and like a light Vertigo series. They were making superheroes more human in the 80s and some of the 90s.
I wish the genre would have continued in this direction. I would take the soap opera back. I lost interest in it as it became more like Pokemon cards.
I also have nostalgia for the 00s Batgirl series with Cassandra Cain. It's amazing how they were able to make a mute, action character with no strong connections to anyone compelling.
I had some of the issues after he got the cool costume, and this is true. Quasar is a cool character.
He seemed like a version of Star Brand who is not mentally crippled. (The early issues of Star Brand are awesome, and it and the New Universe are in Quasar's series. I loved the very whack Justice series. It was almost like a Vertigo series.)
With a name like Ron Marz, you got to write every cosmic character at least once.
God, I miss guys like Grue. Comics really need them these days.
Gru wasn't a craftsman when it came to dialogue; to him, dialogue was in service to the plot and not an art form unto itself. I'd rather have solid plots than writing that is all dialogue and little structure. More Gru please!
Wendell Vaughn honestly like Richard Ryder Nova are probably some of my most favourite cosmic marvel characters, ordinary everyman that seem to push forward through all their trials and tribulations. Both are underrated imo because both react to situations how id like to believe most of us would, not with existential stoicism like Silver Surfer or Adam Warlock, but with a bewildered sense of amazement at what they are doing or seeing without seeming unrelatable and forever holding their humanity in the face of cosmic threats.
Superheroes need to be written like humans. I lost interest in the genre as they became like puzzle pieces and comics became like Pokemon cards. Writers who focus more on plot and concepts like Geoff Johns are to blame for this.
Well put, out of the cosmic heroes they're the most relatable IMO.
I remember reading Quasar when it came out. I always liked the fact that Wendel was a nice guy. They've killed him off and brought him back a few times, and I wish they'd just keep him back.
Lol. Comics became to trashy.
quasar was a great character, his adventures fleshed out a lot of cosmic beings that only Dr.Strange would deal with on occasion. i liked the fact that he always tried to use his brain instead of just slugging it out and being a one punch wonder like so many characters are today. if someone could write him like that again i would not mind picking up his adventures again.
Quasar becoming suicidal in issue 5 (or so) leading to him (accidentally) summoning a monster who wants to kill him (to put him out of his misery) only for Wendell to find his will to live was great.
Also really loved his relationship with the alien intelligence. It was sad the alien kept what happened to his dad from him
Heroes (especially male heroes) who find strength in the "feminine" part of their personality are always a nice see.
I love comics and superhero movies but sometimes writers try too hard to make their character "tough" and the result is that the hero comes across as a jerk.
In Man of steel for example all the compassion and empathy that Superman has in the comics is replaced with brooding. And in Batman v Superman the bat family isn't even mentioned so Bruce doesn't have that "fatherly" aspect of his personality but has twice as much paranoia.
Man of Steel is trash (it's like a car wreck simulation used for entertainment), but the characters are well written in BvS. Terrio is a good writer. The Rise of Skywalker is also underrated.
@@chihiromononoke9381 Even if someone could read the minds of everyone in the universe, they still couldn't find literally who asked.
I’ll take your bracelets and raise you chunky bangles.
What I liked about Quasar was that the book was a gateway to some of Marvel's lesser known continuity. If you read Quasar, you would get glimpses of parts of Marvel you might never have guessed existed and be along for the ride with him! Or you might get to see some old favorites that you wondered what had happened to them. A great book by one of the best comic writer/editors of all time. The industry still feels his loss.
Aw, you got me. Brought me in with that ridiculous image. I just know you're getting an episode ready about that Quasar pregnancy after you finish with all of those crazy comic weddings.
I think I liked the Phyla-Vell Quasar. She kept getting screwed by Marvel though. First she was a Captain Marvel - but they took the name back so a guy that thought he was her dad could have the name and then eventually gave it to Danvers. Then she was Quasar - and Wendell came back for the name and his bracelets. And she was on the Guardians team but she got a new power set and was written out - so that the new writers could ignore her completely and she pretty much never gets to do anything now.
My most vivid memory of Quasar is when he runs in to "Buried Alien," back when Barry Allen was still dead (we really mean it for 20 years this time).
loooove Quasar's galaxy cape
It's up there with the best cape linings
I loved Quasar!!! He was great in this series. I appreciated him in the latter Agents of Atlas and the even latter Annihilation stuff. You are right, he never really caught on but, Marvel space sci-fi characters never really blow up like their other genres. Adam Warlock, Silver Surfer or Nova the human rocket have fans but they don't have the fan base of the Avengers or Spiderman.
Of course the film's have changed much of that I'd think.
Guardians of the galaxy has films and animation so those characters may have a spike in readership.
I’m 56 so most of the comics you read to us I’ve already read them but I love your performances. I collected quasar from his beginning. I like the fact he wasn’t tough guy but a smart sensitive hero. That flash tribute issue is one the greatest comic book ever. The comic reminded me of the TV show The greatest American hero.
I would Like to hear the pregnant Quasar story. also, you never fail to make me laugh with your amazing sas.
Me too
@@lordcheesedevil. We already have osmosis Jones and Jimmy neutron, no more!
I was soooo into Quasar the tone of his solo series was a departure from a lot of the amped up ginormous crossovers of the time. I remember the bracelets being referred to as "Quantum Bands" from way back though. The original Marvel Boy from the 50s was the dreamiest. 😂🤣
It’s so cool that you featured Wendell Vaughn for this video
Wendell to Sasha: Ahem it’s Quantum Bands & not bracelets in order to maintain the cool factor. 😅😉
"Having a childhood crush on Android 17." Nice, I had a huge crush on Future Trunks myself.
That's a fucking strong thumbnail
I am a huge Quasar fan also. I loved the series and it is very underrated. I liked him from seeing him in Marvel-Two-In-One. So yes you found your people.
They need to bring Wendell Vaughn back.
Mark Gruenwald was the master of long running, continuity rich storytelling. His Captain America (up until about 400, honestly) was uniformly excellent. While I don't agree with some of his editorial decisions (taking Roger Stern off Avengers and Steve Englehart off West Coast Avengers) I absolutely praise his writing.
I have that same comic in the thumbnail when Her was after Quasar to "mate" with him
It would be great if he can make an appearance in one of the Guardian movies. Especially since he was the successor to Marvell.
@@doro626 phylla vell will appear
She was successful in the future tho. In the tragic Stakar story
I'm a fan of Wendell Vaughn as Quasar! I really liked the series and was sad to see it end. Great video, as usual!
First series I ever collected while it was ongoing.
One of my favourite comics and characters as a kid.
When Quasar solo series came out I picked up every issue. I really enjoyed the complexity of the stories. That it wasn’t just what fight did you get into this month
Quasar is my favorite hero! I'm so happy that I came across your video. Thank you for devoting time to Wendell.
I love Quaser! One of my favourite Avengers!! I've read all his comics & he kind of reminds me of a marvel version of Green lantern! 🕶👍🏻
Quasar was my introduction to Greg Capullo's art. His run on Quasar is really good.
I was always a big fan of Wendell Vaughn and the Quasar books. Cool powers. Interesting pedigree to the early days of what Marvel would become. He thought and felt his way through his conflicts despite having the power to squash most things flat. And he ended up witnessing the cosmic underpinnings of the Marvel Universe in ways few others ever did. It was a fun read and I think I have most of them in my collection. Great vid, Sasha!
Looking into less known characters and stories is really exciting and inspiring!!
It’s always cool to hear a artists you likes perspective and thoughts on we’ll know comic series but getting to also see the spotlight shine on adventures that the audience might not know excised is a nice and fun change of pace it really makes this channel exciting and a adventure on its own to watch 👌👍❤️
It’s always so fascinating learning about a character’s origin. Especially obscure ones!
I passed on Quasar back in the day. I recently read the collected Acts of Vengeance. There were a few issues on Quasar in that story and I ended up enjoying them. I like how he attempted to think through the adversary in each issue, often using scientific knowledge. I walked away from those stories surprised, impressed, and with a new found respect for the character. Thank you for the vid.
In that issue, did he have to get beat to a pulp to win?
@@doro626 Not in that issue. He was facing Klaw. He encased Klaw in a bubble and then removed the air. The sound waves had nothing to carry through so Klaw collapsed back into his sound projector. It was over in seconds.
YAY! I was hoping you'd do this! I collected the hell out of this book! To me, he epitomizes the saying that Marvel heroes are people that just happen to be superheroes.
I love Quasar! I was introduced to him during Infinity Gauntlet and started to read his series concurrently after that. He is awesome!
Ps. I hate that the new Quasar's. Wendell felt human, the new ones sort of seem alien.
I remember he eventually gained the starbrand.
Star Brand was an awesome comic at the beginning. I loved the entire whack Justice series. It was almost like a Vertigo comic.
@@chihiromononoke9381 Loved most of New universe until Black event. Their business g crossover was interesting and ended slightly dark
@@NORMAN728 Star Brand became kind of lame after The Pitt, though Justice improved. I loved the whole bonkers (and gritty) Justice series. It's an obscure gem. Peter David wrote it after The Pitt
@@chihiromononoke9381 spitfire and the troubleshooters were fun till the end. Psi Force was interesting. I loved DP7 which was Heroes before Heroes. But I was disappointed in Randy for awhile. Black Event ruined things and apparently Blur from DP7 is in the 616 along with night mask concept.
@@NORMAN728 I know Quasar crossed over into the New Universe. Warren Ellis did a (kind of bad) reboot in the 00s. And Hickman had some kind Star Brand in his Avengers run.
Thank you for this! Quasar is my favorite hero!
This was one of my favorite books back when it was out. I remember meeting the writer a a convention.
Its likely that Quasar had a fling with Living Lightning while he was stationed in space.
Keep at it! Your delving into less well known characters is wonderful.
By the way, I'm sure you've heard of the Harley Quinn TV series that had two great seasons - one of the fun aspects was the exploration of less well known characters such as Condiment Man, Space Cabbie, Tommy Tomorrow. Would you consider exploring them? Or a more important side character like Amanda Waller who has risen in importance of the past few years.
I read most of the Gruenwald run and really enjoyed it- he made Wndall stand out by being so ordinary.
Quasar's life is a roller coaster that only goes down...
There are so many similarities between Captain Marvel and Quasar that it is often hard to tell them apart, especially when one or two of the people that wore the Quantum Bands became Captain Marvel later, even Nova wore the bands at one time. Of all of them, Wendell Vaughn was, in my opinion, the best just for the reason that he was and everyperson and was more than just brute force.
thank you so much for your vid on Quasar! I really enjoyed his run, it was great stuff, really dug the art by Mr. Ryan and a young Greg Capullo. Wendel was killed off, sadly, but we will always hope for his return, all cosmic-y and sudge.
I desperately need an explanation for that thumbnail miss sasha 🧐
Depending on how old you are, you may or may not realise it's a spoof of a Vanity Fair cover of a pregnant Demi Moore. Quasar doesn't get pregnant in the issue, although it's not a completely irrelevant cover.
I miss Her... always thought she had potential but people just had no idea what to do with umm... ahem... her
Quasar was those sweet sweet brains, that this Marvel Zombie needed. I think at one point I collected at least one issue of every title that marvel put out in the mid nineties including an issue of Damage Control. JCPenney used to give you 100 comic books for 100$ along with a one page guide on collecting and a box to store them all in. They may have even threw in come plastic bags. Those were the days.
I liked this analysis and looking at Quasar’s personality breakdown. In later years I really became more enthusiastic about the cosmic Marvel heroes such as Nova, Quasar, Guardians. I find it fascinating how they set up the Wendell Vaughn character.
QUASAR!!!!
I'll be honest I found out about quasar when I played heroclix as a kid in the 90s when he was my ringer, and I checked out the comics and fell in love with wendel as a character
Nice purple hair. Goes well with your Captain America shirt. 🦸🏿♂️😱 And I remember OMNIVERSE. It was a nice fanzine that focused on the MULTIVERSE.
Quasar was an Atheist (Issue#21) and also Anti Abortion (Issues #29 and #36) A nearly impossible combo in real life. I thought that was an interesting fact about him.
Quasar was a great series and character. Mark Gruenwald was one of my favourite writers at the time, he used continuity rather than just trampled all over it like current writers.
Quasar, Nth Man, Marvel Comics Presents (specifically the Coldblood and Black Panther in South Africa storylines) and Sensational She-Hulk were the non X-Men titles I read regularly at the time. Quasar and She Hulk tied for second place for me, with Nth Man being my favorite of the bunch, but I loved this comic. This brings me back.
I learned about this character in 6th grade by accident. We had to do a project/report on some space phenomena. Each kid picked one out of a hat and I got quasar. Surprisingly, the first google result of 'quasar' was actually the wikipedia page for the Marvel character. I did read it cos ADHD, and it said he was the most powerful avenger....
man, I really REALLY miss Mark Gruenwald....
Sasha should do a retrospective on Mark Gruenwald (RIP). The sad state Marvel Comic’s is currently in never would’ve happened under his watch. The man is living proof that, no matter how appealing a character or how good a creative team, without a damn good editor things will go pear shaped.
Huh I don't know why but that first Quasar cover really grabs me. Weird since I hardly ever like older comic book art styles but that cover is 👌🏽
My introduction to Quasar was back issues in Marvel Two In One during the serpent crown saga. Oh, I got busy during the holidays and forgot to wish you and the CC family a wonderful Xmas and a happy new year. I think I speak for every one in saying your people are happy to have found your wonderful channel. I hope you plan to continue your channel and not go back to the short attention span theater that is TTN.
For me his high point was definitely the Squadron Supreme maxi-series (which I couldn't help see more than a little reflected in later deconstruction works ranging from Watchmen to the Justice Lords). And Quasar was my favorite at one point; when I first saw him he was C-lister named Marvel Man (I think it was in the Hulk or Cap's comic), and really hit his stride just a few years later cameoing in every series of the 80's. Haven't thought of him zince last century. Cool memories.
I also loved Quasar and Mark Gruenwald's work in general (not his Captain America, however). Related to Quasar is how he retconned the Eternals into the Marvel Universe by replacing the Greek/Roman gods in some of Starlin's Thanos/Titan/Uranus back story. A good video subject might be his What If Korvac defeated the Avengers (for which he also drew the layouts, I think).
Thankfully! This vid finally aired! Now to ask the *real* question: in the depths of comics lore we get power-granting belts, helms, pendants, brooches, rings, and bracelets -- but no Chinese finger cuffs?!?!
Shane at Cosmic Comics would love this.
as for QUASAR I first met him back in 80 when he was security chief at project pegasus in marv two in one lol
Quasar is one of Marvel's most unappreciated properties. I felt like he was a more relatable Silver Surfer.
Gruenwald's iconic squadron supreme... watchmen before moore's watchmen hit the scene as the groundbreaking watchmen 👌
New Warriors and Quasar were books that took me from the occasional buyer to a full on collector. Quasar was unlike anything that was being done barring some of that era's Surfer run. With Quasar I was given a glimpse to the larger cosmic world of the Marvel Universe. Was sad to see if go but by then I was a teenager who thought Rob Liefeld was exxxtreme comic Jesus. lol
Fantastic video! Quasar was a book I started reading during the 90's craze of comics. This book was not at all what all the other high profile books were but it spoke to me. The stories were great and the characters were unique. I love what you did here. Bravo!
I had almost the whole run of the series back in the day. I read the issues I missed when I got the Marvel Universe app. Wendell was just such a great character. I see that he's back now but they're doing a Captain Marvel thing where he switches back and forth with somebody. I guess that's better than nothing.
I just realized one of my favorite comics is by gruenwald, captain america and thor in THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED DOUGH
Also now I need this crazy comic covered
Like the Marvel's Green Lantern you say my question is is he taken out by a bar of soap that's the real question just kidding awesome video is always I didn't even know about this character things I always love about this channel new stuff you learn
i was right there from the beginning leading the Quasar charge, pushing this title along its long and often strange cosmic road.
Good to see Dum Dum Dugan there, Fury's number two man since the Howling Commandos days.
Also nice to see the mole using his pen, just like a certain Man from Uncle!
You need to do a retrospective on the 50s Marvel Boy. I mean Space Commies! You got to do it!
Quasar sounds like a good series. Now, Sasha about that pregnant Quasar comic..You're doing that video in the future right?
This book and the 90's Silver Surfer were both amazing for a fan of cosmic marvel because both books dug deep into the cosmic lore and characters.
Egads! I’m old enough to remember when Quazar was a TV. Also, those obscure corners are usually the best! Fill in your road less traveled metaphor here.
Wendel has a real person emotional ark that makes him better adjusted? No way will he get into the Avengers with that going on. Somebody screw him up so he can join!
The word "Quasar" has pretty much left our vocabulary because we know what "quasars" are now (supermassive galactic nuclei). It's like you stop calling something a "UFO" when you know what it is, be it an alien vessel or swamp gas.
But people are so unfamiliar with the word "quasar" that I saw a video that mentioned Quasar and the person pronounced it "ka-zar". Totally different blond muscular superhero.
Quasar TVs ... "With the works in a drawer."
My little brother and I giggled about that for a week or two.
I owned a Quasar TV. This comic and fantastic Four built my scientific vocabulary. I loved how people would write and use real world scientific principles and cutting edge research they read about, and try to explain quasars abilities in the letters column.
I collected Quasar and I found him to be newbie friendly. I was just starting to get into Marvel comics. Anything I didn't understand I just accepted as part of the lore. It was a good series and I liked how his less-aggressive nature was a strength. That book shaped some of my views as a teenager (yes, I am older). "Biology is not destiny."
As a personal favorite of mine, I was always annoyed that Toybiz and Marvel never gave him his figure earlier.I really relate to Wendell and his failures that led to his success.I lovingly refer to him as "The Charlie Brown" of The Avengers and Marvel Comics.
Quasar was one of my favorite comics in the early 90's. It was a guilty pleasure along with the wild Guardians of the Galaxy series (original team). But it was much like every other Gruenwald series. It wasn't for everyone, but those few of us who loved his work, loved it (much like Squadron Supreme). I liked that he had no fear with this series. He even revisited stuff like the New Universe when it was a major no no for Marvel. (A lot of people were bitter about it even in the 90's.) I miss his work. I miss this version of Quasar and I'm glad you found some good times in reading these adventures (along with DOLL MAN! Woot! Loved your ep on him!). If you haven't already, I'd like to see a deep dive on Mary Marvel and the rest of the Marvel Family.
I really liked the Quasar series and the time Wendell spent as Universal Protector. It meshed Earthly and Cosmic stories well. My favorite Quasar related appearances are during Annihilation. I thought he and Nova (Richard Ryder, another fave of mine) made an interesting pairing.
I think a team of "cosmic veteran" Earthlings who have seen some shit that no one back on Earth can even begin to conceptualize is an untapped idea begging for a series. Pre-movie, cynical Starlord would also fit well in this grouping. Almost like old soldiers with cosmic level PTSD.
I first encountered Quasar during the Annihilation event, and immediately fell in love with the character.
I don't even know if it's that we're all in with you on each and every one of these somewhat obscure characters. It's that you do SUCH a great job in introducing and explaining the characters to us, with scholarly depth and consideration, that you make the characters interesting. There's never gonna be a Doll Man trade collection, but you ferret out the books, put them in perspective and even historical context. I don't know if there's any real money in covering comics like you do, but there damn well should be, and a lot of it for you!
"Oh, tight buns are TIGHT!" So yer sayin' ol' Wendell=boy's givin' Dick Grayson a run for his money?
That is interesting: Green Lantern-style powers, but he kinda handles them like a Jedi. "A Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him!"
"WRTOOSH?" "BDMMCH?" And I thought "KWA-DOOM" was a crazy sound-word!
And I can't believe you featured that Quasar-as-pregnant-Demi-Moore cover without delving into the deets! Dish, girl! 😉
I can see why they cast Owen Wilson as the TVA guy; he kind of resembles Gruenwald.
I don't think it was hard to get into Quasar without knowing tons of backstory. Everything you needed to know was told to you. Unlike when I got into comics, and there was always this guy Logan popping up, and they just expected you to know who he was.
Quazar use to be one of my favorite superheroes but then he disappeared I even had his trading card and his bracelets were called Quantum Bands
I liked Wendell Vaughn, I really enjoyed his issues for acts of vengeance, I didn't follow his whole series, but the ones that I read were consistently good.
Quasar was an is my absolute favorite superhero, I related to him so many levels as a kid and it was the first series that I collected from start to finish. I think it’s wasteful how they don’t use him More effectively in the comics and we probably won’t ever see him in the MCU because of captain marvel
Mark’s run on Captain America was one of the first comics I ever read.
I'm loving the purple with white tips. Want more purple on you. Such beauty
There was a period in the late 80's and early 90's when he was working as a contract guard for the Vault (until SHIELD reverse engineered a bunch of Nova armor).
If you ever want to do more Quasar please look at Phyla Vell, who was also Captain Marvel for about 5 minutes. There's a fantastic Quasar miniseries as part of Annihilation Conquest, about Phyla and her girlfriend Moondragon, who is also a dragon. Sadly she was gay, and therefore had to die.
I love Quasar. He's probably my favorite Marvel character. I have all 60 issues and I'm keeping them. ;)
So nice to hear about cool stories like these. Such a cool idea.
"I live in some obscure corners…"
lol
So did the spider that bit Peter. What aren't you telling us, here?! 😂
Last time I was this early, Quasar was still cool!
I got into Quasar because of his cross over with the old Marvel "New Universe" comics, and then I went back and read as many of his old issues as possible.
I like the newer female Quasar. But from what I read on it's wiki page ages ago. He was pretty cool. Plus he mentored the new lady, whose name I can''t remember at the moment.
I thank marvel future fight for introducing me to some characters from marvel I never knew about.
I.E, Elsa Bloodstone, etc...
Phylla vell
@@kamilszczesny2563 I knew who Phylla-Veil was due to a comicexplained video I think. But from playing marvel future fight I know she isn't that Quasar I was thinking about. lmao this is why I don't like google as compared to the actual comics as soure material. So what happened? Avril Kincaid was just a marvel future fight thing or are they passing quantum bands out like candy. Why would Phylla-Veil actually need it. She already pretty op from what I remember.