Mark Gruenwald’s Quasar: The Cosmic Gem of the Marvel Universe

Mark Gruenwald was one of Marvel’s most prolific and popular comic book writers of

the 1980s and 1990s, but his most personal and dynamic comic book series has been largely

ignored since its last appearance in 1994. His five-year run on Quasar--which featured the adventures of Wendell Vaughn, the Quantum Band-wielding Protector of the Universe--showcased some of his best work, deserving recognition as one of the period’s finest comics.

This book’s thorough discussion of Gruenwald’s bold, playful work includes his interests in continuity and science, as well as themes of the series such as self-doubt, depression, suicidal ideation, atheism, and more. Essential reading for comic book fans and others interested in the Marvel cosmic universe, this work explores the tour-de-force that is Quasar.

Jason Olsen lives in Price, Utah where he is an associate professor of English at Utah State University Eastern.