Marvel editor Tom Brevoort has explained why the company has been ignoring a Thor-level hero for decades. The cosmic side of the Marvel Universe is replete with powerful heroes and villains, some even capable of challenging the Thunder God. Recently, in a Q and A with fans, Brevoort shed some light on one of these characters, revealing the surprising reason creators pass him over.
In his Substack newsletter, Man With a Hat, Tom Brevoort fielded questions from fans on a wide variety of topics related to Marvel Comics and the comics’ industry as a whole. Oscar Andreasson asked Brevoort about Quasar, specifically the Wendell Vaughn incarnation. Andreasson pointed out that Vaughn’s star faded after his solo series ended, and Brevoort had this to say:
My guess, Oscar, is that nobody was all that invested in him as a character since his series ended. Even the bunch of times that Quasar has resurfaced since then, it’s more often been somebody else, some new person wielding the Quantum Bands rather than Wendell Vaughn. And I suspect that’s because Wendell, as characterized by Mark Gruenwald, was a quiet, reasonable, level-headed guy, and many people simply don’t find that all that interesting.
Brevoort’s comment seems to end any hope of a Quasar revival–or at least one with Wendell Vaughn.
Quasar’s Comic Book History, Explained
The First Quasar Is Ironically the Least Popular
Despite the character’s obscurity, Quasar has a history at Marvel, one stretching back over 40 years. Introduced as Marvel Boy in 1978’s Captain America #217, the character was retooled by Mark Gruenwald a year later. Gruenwald had Vaughn obtain a pair of Quantum Bands, which gave Vaughn fantastic powers. Quasar appeared in numerous Marvel books throughout the 1980s before landing his own solo title in 1989, as well as a spot in the Avengers. Initially written by Gruenwald, the book lasted 60 issues. After its cancelation, Quasar receded into the background, making sporadic appearances in various crossover events.
Phyla-Vell was created by Peter David and Paul Azaceta, and first appeared in 2003’s
Captain Marvel
#16.
Brevoort noted that when Quasar has returned, it is usually someone else in the role. Phyla-Vell, the daughter of Mar-Vell (Captain Marvel) possessed the Quantum Bands for a period, and used the name Quasar as well. Phyla served with the Guardians of the Galaxy, which gave her more exposure than Wendell Vaughn ever received. Most fans today, when asked about Quasar, will likely name Phyla-Vell. Phyla’s character arc was more fascinating than Vaughn’s, and she connected with fans in a way her predecessor did not. For a generation of fans, Phyla-Vell is Quasar.
Will Quasar Ever Return to the Marvel Spotlight?
A Level-Headed Hero is A Huge Advantage–Too Bad Marvel Creators Do Not Realize It
In a sea of angst-ridden heroes, a calm and reasonable character like Quasar is a breath of fresh air.
This is unfortunate, as it deprives Marvel of a Thor-level powerhouse. Quasar’s Quantum Bands are powerful objects, and the full scope of their power has never been charted. Brevoort’s assessment that fans did not take to Quasar because he was a boring character may be true, but it shortchanges Vaughn. In a sea of angst-ridden heroes, a calm and reasonable character like Quasar is a breath of fresh air. These level-headed sensibilities would be a major asset in crisis situations, yet Marvel continues to sideline Quasar, one of its most powerful heroes.
Source: Man With a Hat