This is the second part in an eight part series reviewing Quasar: Cosmos In Collision issues 19-25.
• Part One - Introduction
• Part Two - Quasar # 19: Cosmos In Collision Part 1
• Part Three - Quasar # 20: Cosmos In Collision Part 2
• Part Four - Quasar # 21: Cosmos In Collision Part 3
• Part Five - Quasar # 22: Cosmos In Collision Part 4
• Part Six - Quasar # 23: Cosmos In Collision Part 5
• Part Seven - Quasar # 24: Cosmos In Collision Part 6
• Part Eight - Quasar # 25: Cosmos In Collision Part 7

Quasar #19
Cosmos In Collision Part I
Feb 1991

Quasar Issue #19
Cosmos In Collision - Part 1
"Refugees"
February 1991

Writer: Mark Gruenwald
Penciler: Greg Capullo
Inker: Keith Williams
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Colorist: Paul Becton

Quasar #19 starts off with a strong cover by Greg Capullo and Keith Williams. Quasar and Jack of Hearts are battling in low-Earth orbit. Cosmos In Collision Part One of Seven proudly proclaimed that this was something different...this was the story we'd been waiting for. This won’t be the last time I mention this, but covers of these seven issues are an integral part of the story being told…unlike a great many covers today that are interchangeable. The covers speak directly to the contents of the issue and of the story being told in a way that pin-up or posed covers simply cannot.

Interestingly, Gruenwald opens the story with a prolog showing how the Cosmic Assassin came to be and influenced developments in Quasar’s life. This structure, adopted for CIC, served him well. With it, he slowly revealed information about the Cosmic Assassin in parallel with the developing story. These prologs continue until Quasar #24. This prolog opens with Kronos wandering the solar system in his hyper-enlarged state. He meets a stranger and inadvertently explains the power structure of the Marvel Universe to him. The stranger leaves with a mission, to acquire power and wreak evil on a universal scale. Gruenwald very wisely had Kronos explain the workings of the Marvel Universe to the Cosmic Assassin (I’ll reveal his real name in the issue in which it is revealed so as not to spoil it for anyone who has yet to read it) as it also enlightens any readers unfamiliar with Marvel’s cosmic hierarchy.

Here, Gruenwald demonstrates his expert ability at scene construction and timing as he moves from one scene to the next…Quasar with the Squadron Supreme and Doctor Strange at Project Pegasus. The members of the Squadron are attempting to return home to a parallel Earth, but unfortunately, the attempt fails and the Squadron remain stranded at Project Pegasus. Ultimately, this is a very lucky thing for Quasar and Earth during the final battle with the Cosmic Assassin.

Another quick cut takes us to interstellar space and shows us the Jack of Hearts pulling a rag-tag bunch of refugees from the Stranger's Lab World. Quasar readers will recognize many of the characters from the excellent Journey Into Mystery arc from Quasar #’s 13-16.

Another cut back to Quasar as he discovers H.D. Steckley in his office almost in shock. She leaves, but the reader is shown that she is now linked to Eon and is told somewhat ominously that "It is all going to happen soon."

Another cut to Makkari and Wendell as they lease an apartment in Manhattan. Later, Wendell reveals his identity to Kayla right before having to leave to intercept Jack of Hearts. Jack and the beings that he’s towing have tripped the planet-size early warning system that Quasar has set up around the world. Jack quickly escalates the situation to violence and is even more quickly put on the critical list when Quasar attempts to drain his power. Not wanting to kill Jack, Quasar relents only to be knocked unconscious as he was trying to help him. Finally, the Presence appears and orders Jack to kill Quasar. Once this is done, he plans to make his presence known to Eon.

Quasar vs. Jack of Hearts

Gruenwald does a masterful job of switching back and forth among the various players throughout this issue, moving them into position for the rest of the story and slowly building tension. It also serves as a way to acquaint readers with the supporting cast so that the reader cares when literally all of them are put in mortal danger during later issues. Interestingly, neither Eon nor Maelstrom appears during the non-prolog part of the story. However, each make their presence felt in every aspect of the issue. Eon, through Wendell and his/her contact with Moondragon, and Maelstrom with his manipulation of the Presence.

“Refugees” starts Cosmos In Collision slowly, but the overall pace quickens in subsequent issues. It's an excellent beginning to Gruenwald's epic.

Will

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