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Cosmos In Collision Part 4 – Issue #22

By Will Allred • Thursday 3/19/09

Quasar #22
Cosmos In Collision Part 4
May 1991

Quasar Issue #22
Cosmos In Collision - Part 4
"A Long Day's Journey Into Death"
April 1991

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

Quasar #22 begins with a powerful cover by Capullo and Williams. A beaten and bloodied Quasar is suspended against a dark background with the rather ominous text "A Long Day's Journey Into Death". But there’s more to it than that haunting image. The lines in the background give the illusion of falling, so Quasar is a falling hero. Does he fall? The cover has already created tension that will be built upon by Gruenwald, Capullo, and Williams by the story inside.

The Prologue continues with the Cosmic Assassin realizing that he must deal with the Watchers, so he creates the Oblivion Plague which ties neatly into the earlier Journey Into Mystery arc (Quasar #'s 13-16).

Gru brings us back to Quasar who is now suspended on a wall like a trophy in Stromberg’s mansion with Maelstrom’s power keeping him from bleeding to death since having the Quantum-Bands and his arms cut off. Capullo and Williams beautifully execute this splash page. This is Quasar at his lowest. He believes that he’s failed his friends, Eon, and probably the Universe. Deathurge makes an appearance then and true to his promise, he does not kill Quasar, even though Wendell begs him to. This is a powerful scene and reveals a great deal about the inherent sadistic tendencies of Deathurge. It also shows just how much pain, both physical and emotional, that Wendell is in.

Quasar is then visited by a succession of spirits, the first being Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell). He delivers an apology on behalf of Eon for reanimating his father. Wendell easily forgives Eon, but just cannot forgive himself. While this is going on, Maelstrom is exploring the capabilities of the Quantum-Bands with the help of the Weird Sisters (Truth, Charm, and Beauty). H.D. Steckley reveals herself as Moondragon to Ken and Kayla while they're held prisoner in the cellar. Again, this is Gru utilizing lesser used characters in manner that makes sense and only enriches the story being told (and the Marvel Universe).

Dr. Gilbert Vaughn then appears to Wendell. He finally tells him how proud he is of him and how much he loves him. Gru keeps upping the ante here as he builds on the previous scenes to deliver this quiet character moment. Wendell Vaughn, Quasar, Protector of the Universe really only wanted the love and respect of his father…such a universal theme and simple desire, made bittersweet by the simple fact that Gilbert Vaughn is only revealing this to his son after his death.

Quasar #22
Page 30

Maelstrom finishes exploring the Quantum-Bands and orders Phobius to hasten Wendell's death. In a very, very chilling scene, Phobius orders Wendell to keep count as he whips him. Wendell repeats "One" for every whip and completely unhinges Phobius. Once again we see just how sadistic Maelstrom’s minions really are. This also indirectly shows that just how sadistic and petty Maelstrom is since he must certainly be worse than his underlings. This sequence is disturbing…intentionally so and continues to haunt a reader (at least this reader) long after finishing the issue.

Quasar’s body is now failing him…he’s dying, so his very own personal death avatar appears to him. Gru attempts to lighten the somber tone just a bit here and has Kid Reaper look like a character out of a Harvey comic…very cartoonish and cute. He informs Wendell that he’s stuck with him since all the other incarnations of Death have thrown in with Oblivion. This is a very clever way to show how the abstracts are aligning themselves for what is to come. Kid Reaper also informs Quasar that he has “one heckuva strong will to live.” Again, this is Gru reinforcing the fact that Quasar is a champion and protector of life. I also like the fact that Kid Reaper comments on his physical appearance and says that “This is like the most ridiculous form an angel of Death has ever taken.” And then, this cool and cute death avatar kills Quasar by stabbin him with his scythe. It’s amazing the way Gru lightened the mood just a bit, so that Quasar’s death would have even more of an impact.

All I can say is “WOW.”

This is an absolutely amazing issue. It’s a tour de force of character, scene construction, pacing, and plot. And the art by Capullo and Williams is equal to the writing. This issue serves as the middle of Cosmos In Collision, and while things appeared bleak at the end of last issue, events have taken a turn for the worse here...much, much worse.

Will

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