No, he shouldn't; And yet... |
Quantum Queen has the distinction of being the first Wanderer to appear in comics. Furthermore, at the time, she wasn't a Wanderer, but a deceased future member of the Legion of Superheroes in Adventure Comics #354 (MAR 1967). This appearance is now considered to reflect an alternative future because QQ is depicted in her original costume, rather than the skimpy clone version introduced in the 80s. Furthermore, the story of how she became a Legionnaire has never been revealed. While that could still happen, I won't hold my breath. Neither of the Big Two seem to interested in maintaining continuity these days...and this little Legion loose end is long-forgotten. If, for some reason, it ever became necessary to tie things up, I figure DC would just explain it away as being some kind of Elseworlds story.
Adventure Comics #354 |
As alluded to in the opening pic, Quantum Queen's original appearances were dramatically underwhelming. In her battle with Sun Boy (which I would've expected her to win, or at least to put up a severe challenge, she was taken out within a couple of panels. As Comicvine speculates:
Quantum Queen's inexperience showed, however, in her battle with Sun Boy...The veteran Legionnaire was able to outmaneuver the Wanderer in combat despite her greater powers. It is possible that the original Quantum Queen never really understood the full range of her own abilities up until her untimely death.
Upon her resurrection, like the other Wanderers, QQ became more powerful...boy did she ever. Initially she was a near-analogue to (Marvel's) 1980s Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau), but ultimately something closer to the godlike powers of Dr. Manhattan in the Watchmen.
Legion of Superheroes #300 (JUN 1983)
As near as I can tell, this issue was largely a collection of visions of alternate timelines--a sort of mini "what-if" anthology. While the Wanderers do technically make an appearance, it's yet another near-meaningless cameo--as they are depicted in a huge shot of the various heroes of the Legion universe.
Our heroine-of-the-week is in the upper right, with her teammates. |