Issue(s): Avengers annual #18 (Quasar story only)
Cover Date: 1989
Title: "The initiation of Quasar"
Credits:
Mark Gruenwald - Writer
Mark Bagley - Penciler
Christopher Ivy - Inker
Howard Mackie - Editor

Review/plot:
When Quasar showed up / will show up in Avengers #305, there was no explanation for why he was there. He was last seen in Avengers #301-303 as someone who had helped the Avengers and the Fantastic Four fight off the threat of Super-Nova, but he wasn't a part of either team. So this back-up from Avengers annual #18 serves as a continuity fixer-upper that addresses that issue. It shows Captain America (and Hawkeye) approaching Quasar directly after the Super-Nova fight.

Quasar is initially elated to be invited to join the Avengers, but he then realizes that he has responsibilities as the Protector of the Universe. However, Cap convinces him that those two roles have a lot of overlap, and besides it's only a trial membership so he can give it a try and see if it's a fit.

So after a recap of Quasar's recent history and a medical exam from Dr. Keith Kincaid, Cap takes him out to test his powers. First, a test of his speed.

Then his ability to duplicate the Green Lantern.

And then finally, a test of the strength of those energy constructs. Quasar demonstrates that by trying to lift the several thousand tons of Avengers Island, which he is just barely able to do. But Firelord happens by while Quasar is doing that, and thinks it's an attack on his Avengers friends. So the final test turns out to be a battle with a former Herald of Galactus.

Cap eventually breaks up that fight...

...and welcomes Quasar to the team.

A nicely done little segment.

Quality Rating: B-

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: This takes place directly after Avengers #303.

References:

• Quasar helped the Avengers and the Fantastic Four fight Super-Nova in Avengers #301-303.
  
• Cap knows Quasar from when they worked together against the Corporation in Captain America #228 through Captain America #230.
  
• Quasar had a crisis of faith after letting Project Pegasus fall to the Serpent Crown in Marvel Team-Up annual #5.
  
• He then left Earth and wound up empowered by Eon to be the Cosmic Protector in Quasar #2-3.
  

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? Y

My Reprint: N/A

A cute little segment, but it has a Mary Sue stink all over it. I think the Quasar actually had some nifty things in it, but Byrne was forced by Gruenwald to include Quasar in the Avengers simply because Gruenwald wanted his character to be in the Avengers.

I never liked it when some brand new character (OK, Quasar isn't new, but he's been a cipher that has only appeared in a few issues - he may as well be new) was let into the Avengers. I always thought Earth's Mightiest Heroes should only induct heroes who have already proven their worth.

Quasar has a similar power set that Stern's Captain Marvel had which Gruenwald got rid of. But at least Captain Marvel had a better costume, added some diversity, and slowly proved her worth over 50 issues or so.

Ah, Firelord. I was just explaining in your recent Silver Surfer appearance what an idiotic hothead you are. "It appears I reacted hastily." Oh, really? You would have killed Quasar if he wasn't suited to fight you. How many heroes would be dead if you actually had enough ability to go with your powers?

Erik, you certainly are right. I think Firelord is one of the Kings of the Misunderstanding Fight!