Alpha Flight from the Beginning [Archive] - Page 4

limerick

08-14-2009, 11:57 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.61.GIF

Alpha Flight # 61............August 1988

"....Inquisition"

Mantlo/Lee

The Houses of Parliment,Ottawa,Canada:Vindicator and Madison Jeffries face a parlimentary enquiry into the future of Alpha Flight!.....They are accused of unauthorised excursions into China which nearly provoked World War 3......Vindicator and Madison defend themselves against these claims,saying they actually saved the world by banishing the Dream Queen back to LiveWorld.....

Downtown Ottawa:The rest of Alpha Flight(Purple Girl,Manikin,Laura,Goblyn(---disguised in a pram!) and Sasquatch) have left the hotel they are being kept in by the government and wander downtown......Outside a television shop they see the mixed views of the public towards Alpha as people watch live news coverage of the parlimentary enquiry......They head into a bar(where Puck used to tend bar) and sit down to watch Vindicator reveal Alpha's recent history to the tribunal.

Houses of Parliment:At the hearing,politician,Mr Laughton,dramatically accuses Alpha of treason and of possibly fabricating the whole Dream Queen battle for their own ends......Vindicator reacts angrily to his accusations and blasts some of the room's furniture in anger......Laughton uses her violence as proof that the government needs to control Alpha rather than let them control all of Canada in time...

The U.S.:While watching footage of the Dream Queen battle on television,Laura's parents are shocked to see their daughter in the middle of the superhero battle!

Bentley's Bar and Grill:As the other Alphans prepare to leave the bar,Sasquatch tries to pay the bill with Walter Langkowski's credit card.....But because he/she's female the barmaid won't accept it and then the bar regulars start to gang up on Alpha......

Houses of Parliment:Vindicator accuses the government of setting Bedlam on Alpha to try and destroy them and of having spied on the team through secretive bugging of the Mansion Alpha......A politician suggests that if they don't like the conditions they shouldn't cash the cheques.....

Bentley's Bar and Grill:Alpha easily overcome the barflys trying to take them on and before long Sasquatch has collected them on a bar table where they lie unconcious.......The barmaid tells them she won't call the cops and they head out into the cold,snowy streets......Wanda/Walter reminds Alpha that they're broke....

The Houses of Parliment:Vindicator shouts at the politicians that Alpha doesn't need their money.....They remind her of all the government's money bought them before---Mansion Alpha refitting----Box technology----Alphanet computer system,to name a few.....But Heather counters that they didn't risk their lives for money but for the love of their home country...

Downtown Ottawa:Wanda remembers the fortune she possessed as Walter and decides to cash a cheque for herself.....But in the bank the teller refuses her access to her/his funds because she cannot confirm her claims to be Walter Langkowski......The manager asks her to leave and Wanda/Walter goes nuts,turning into Sasquatch and demanding his/her money.......Purple Girl saves the day by possessing Walter/Wanda and ordering him/her out of the bank.....Later,after cooling down,Sasquatch accepts the bank manager couldn't have given him/her the money but she promises she's gonna get her money somehow!

In New York,Hydrobase and Australia the Fantastic Four,Avengers and The X-men watch the proceedings of the Canadian inquest with interest wondering how it will affect the public's perception of superpowered beings/mutants......Storm asks Wolverine how he feels about his former team-mates in this predicament but he cannot help them because of the X-men's top secret existence...

Ottawa:Vindicator asks the inquest what sort of country is it that they can fight and risk their lives for bt end up persecuted and denied support......A politican replies that for humans and Alpha to co-exist there must be assurances.....Alpha must allow the government to monitoir them and in return funding will be provided.....But Heather counters that while once Alpha may have needed their support they no longer do..

Downtown:Th rest of Alpha consider their futures....Kara considers returning to her mum's home,possibly bringing Laura(and even Goblyn!).....Whit thinks about returning to medicine.....Kara's sad at the thought they may be seperated....But Wanda/Walter says they have another option and there's one more person she/he can turn to.....Her/His Wife!

All across Canada people are divided about which side they support in the Alpha debate.

The Houses of Parliment:As the government offers Alpha the choice between government funding on the basis of being strictly controlled or proceeding alone without finance,the Chinese soldier(who can transform to a dragon-like form) who returned with Alpha from China and has been listening to proceedings through an interpreter,reacts strongly to this choice being imposed on Alpha....Turning into his Jade Dragon form he chastises the government for trying to take away Alpha's freedom....But Mr. Laughton is outraged at his show of force and immediately votes against Alpha being funded(was there a vote proposed?).....Heather has heard enough and turning to the assembled press hordes, she rejects any government funding on the grounds their hands would be too tied....The government members are in the majority surprised at this show of indepenedence as they had expected Alpha to relent.......Mr. Laughton tries to talk to Box to convince him to lead an Alpha team ...without Vindicator.....Box takes his pro-offered hand and squeezes it breaking Laughton's hand.....Backing Vindicator 100% he prepares to walk out of The Houses of Parliment with her and leave any government connections in the past......They ask the Jade Dragon to join them but he is unsure of his future.....Outside in the euphoria of their independence Heather asks Madison to marry her!!.....He whoops with delight as he launches them both into the air..

An Ottawan Subarb:Wanda/Walter takes the rest of Alpha to the mansion he used to live in before his divorce.....He/She is greeted at the door by his/her ex-wife Ronnie.....She doesn't recognise Wanda/Walter of course but when he/she reveals personal memories only her husband could know,Ronnie believes his/her story.....But she refuses Wanda's/Walter's claim to any of the wealth saying that no-one else would believe him/her.....Smiling sarcastically she slams the door in Walter/Wand's face and in rege he/she transforms to Sasquatch and let's out a cry of anguish.

FIN

limerick

08-15-2009, 05:40 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 61:

--The end of an era for Alpha Flight .....and the beginning of a new one.Severing their links with the government will mean major changes for Alpha(can they survive?)and the one fiscally sound member of the group(Sasquatch)has lost access to his/her money...Where to next?....Certainly the thought of where they will goto next is an exciting prospect!

--Great to have Alpha back in Canada--it's where they belong and what gives them that extra dimension seperating it from other Marvel team books.

--Heather puts her past behind her and confirms her love for Madison by proposing to him...One thing I find a little-off-putting about Madison is the way he's being protrayed---he's not stupid but in this issue and occasionally in the past he's painted as a bit of a dolt....I'm a little miffed about that as I'm a huge fan of his.

--I was certain the Jade Dragon would join Alpha as there would seem little reason for Mantlo to have brought him back from China,otherwise....But when asked to join he is very non-commital.

--The rest of Alpha seem to be considering breaking up which would be sad.....Kara and Whit may be coming to an end.....:frown: ...Boo Hoo!.....And what's in store for Laura and Goblyn....Will they end up living with Kara and her mother or will their parents track Laura down?.....Again a nice storyline to drag you back for more.

--Heather(as usual )is very aggressive and can't resist cutting loose in the tribunal...She's protrayed as a bit of a loose cannon....Watch out,Madison!

--I think there can be a general acceptance of a ret-con of Purple Girls age occuring(as discussed by Stephen F. previously)---she's definitely older than 13....possibly 17,I would say?She's making a real fashion statement in this issue---a real queen of the '80's.....She looks like Joan Collins circa Dynasty!

--A brief X-men cameo on page 18----Boy,doesn't Psylocke look depressed!!

--This issue begins the publication of Alpha in a better format,with better paper ,less ads(none internally,actually)and so more story.....Needless to say,there is the inevitable price increase with the cost going from $1.00 to $1.25

--I loved this issue(Jim Lee's in brilliant form)--long live Alpha Flight

limerick

08-15-2009, 06:03 PM

Stephane Garrellie, good to hear from you, my friend. I agree that John Byrne gives us a good 1st issue, and in establishing these characters. :smile:

Imraith Nimphais, I also liked Alpha Flight immediately. The characters are special; there definitely is a certain chemistry to this team. I think you have something that John Byrne was building off his X-MEN run. I'd even say this book feels like if Byrne had written X-MEN himself. But yet it has it's own distinct voice and doesn't feel like an X-Men ripoff.

Steven Faulkner, you say Alpha Flight is your favorite series. Why is that?
Just looking back through this thread and the 'F' in Stephen F. is revealed!!......Where is David R.????....I'm really worried about that guy....Been 2 and a half months now...

Parch

08-15-2009, 07:25 PM

thoughts on #61

First off I like the cover. It's a nice simple shot of the team with no references to the content, even though it's an issue where they're setting up the team's breakup.

Not much action and a bunch of courtroom blah blah blah in this issue. It's the usual "misunderstood mutant" story, but it was a nice opportunity to cameo the other super teams with some sympathy votes. Who was that weird looking guy sitting there with the Fantastic 4? I haven't read any of their stuff so I'm not familiar with the team at the time. It looked like his outfit was a McDonalds uniform.

Jade Dragon's appearance seemed out of place. I honestly don't know where they're going with this character, but there seems to be a whole lot of uncertainty with him.

They did add some good comedy in this issue. Poor Goblyn, stuck in a baby carriage and has a beer dumped on her. Even a wet dog joke. And as much as I despise cliches, Canada's obsession with hockey is as bad as it seems. If a bar has a TV, it's gonna have the hockey game on.

I thought they could of had a good bar fight to add some action to the issue, but civvies don't provide much competition for Sasquatch. We haven't seen Wanda for awhile and it's only a reminder of how friggin' hot she is. Damn she's fine. Even Vindicator was looking especially sexy in this issue. Wanda trying to cash a cheque as Walter was futile, but hasn't she ever heard of a bank machine? I suppose that account could have been blocked as well, but it just seemed silly that an ATM wasn't the first thing she thought of.

OK, just for a second there I thought Box was going to accept the offer to be the team leader, but he shows his loyalty to Vindicator like a good boyfriend. What a guy, and that sets up the marriage proposal. So now we got a wedding and yet another change of direction for this team. This title continues it's legacy for perpetual change.

limerick

08-15-2009, 07:36 PM

Parch

RE:Goblyn...ha,ha...that was funny....I forgot to mention it....the pram thing!

RE:The FF....I'm not a huge fan but was there a female version of the Thing at one stage(she seems to have the old style Thing skin from the very early issues).(NOT SURE IF ACCURATE!)...Just like you the first thing I thought of when I saw the uniform was McDonalds..:biggrin:

RE:Vindicator and Wanda looking hot.....again I had been thinking the same thing....Lee draws then very leggy and they look great....his art is becoming more and more awesome with each issue

limerick

08-20-2009, 04:36 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.62.GIF

Alpha Flight # 62............September 1988

WTF???!!! The Purple Man Returns in Alpha Flight # 62......Be there for the family reunion on Alpha Friday tomorrow!!!

limerick

08-21-2009, 04:06 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.62.GIF

Alpha Flight # 62............September 1988

"A Real Gone Daddy!"

Mantlo/Lee

A Graveyard(in the dead of night!):Purple Man rises from his grave breaking through the soil to emerge Zombie-like to the surface.....Full of rage, he remembers dying at the hands of Doctor Doom and The Sub-Mariner.He namechecks his enemies while smashing headstones in the cemetary....His wife,his daughter who he claims raised him from his rest.....Using his powers he summons other dead people from their graves and following his lead,they head for his old home to KILL PURPLE GIRL!!!!!!

Purple Girl's Family Home:Kara wakes screaming from a nightmare about her father,startling her room-mates Goblyn and Laura,who are staying with her and her mom.....He mom bursts in wondering what the noise is about.....Kara tells her she dreamt about her father because of the telegram that came after she returned home.....BECAUSE ALPHA FLIGHT HAVE BROKEN UP!!:eek: ......Her mind flashes back to the events leading to Aplha's demise.....

Ottawa(A while ago!):As Vindicator and Box storm out of the parlimentary inquiry,Box reminds her now that she's burnt their bridges with the government,Alpha are broke......But Heather has an ace up her sleeve....Sasquatch!......However ,when they catch up with the rest of Alpha they discover Walter/Wanda has lost his family fortune because he/she cannot prove that they were originally Walter Langkowski......His ex-wife has taken him to the cleaners!.....Suddenly(in the most surreal scene in Marvel history),having overheard Alpha are broke,a horde of journalists appear from nowhere pestering Alpha on what they're going to do next.....Heather decides they should get heavy on the journalists and Alpha gives them a bit of a kicking(!)........After taking out the press,Alpha discusses their future.....Whit says he's thinking about going back to his work as a doctor.....Disappointed,Kara thinks how she could make him stay by using her powers but decides against it as she would be repeating her father's mistakes.....Without a solution to their problem Vindicator tells the others they have no choice and they call it a day.....Alpha is to disband!

Later,Kara,Laura and Goblyn say their goodbyes to the rest of Alpha as they prepare to take the train back to Kara's hometown.....As the train is about to leave Heather drops the bombshell that she and Madison are to marry.....much to Purple Girl's excitement......Heather and Madison embrace while the train departs for Kara's hometown...Alpha is over:eek: .

Back home,Kara,Laura and Gobly settle into a routine living with Kara's mom.....There are a few teething problems----Goblyn's table manners mainly!.....But Kara finds herself being bullied by her neighbourhood peers and the empty feeling left after leaving her Alpha team-mates behind doesn't help.....She feels worse when she arrives home one day to find her mother reading an important telegram---Her father,Purple Man,has been killed!.....Her mother is happy but Kara is broken by the news as she never really knew her father....

The Cemetary where Purple Man is buried:Kara visits the grave of her father bringing flowers....She mourns his passing graveside,telling him out loud she wishes he was alive(she has activated her power while saying this!)

Kara's Bedroom(The Present):Kara's mom scolds her for trying to use her powers at her fathers grave but she then comforts her telling her everything will be okay.....But it's not!.....(The opening pages were not a dream but are what was actually happening at the cemetary....Suddenly,Purple Man's reanimated corpse bursts through the bedroom window followed by his zombie cohorts.....and he's looking for blood!.....Sarcastically greeting his daughter and widow,he explains how Kara's power brought him back to life.....But he cannot control the living ....his powers now only work on the dead.....As he attacks Kara pushes her mother and Laura out of the bedroom door and tells her to call the police....She remains with Goblyn to try and fight her corner.....Goblyn stops some of the zombies getting Laura and Kara's mom.....But Kara herself just manages to avoid a deadly blow from her father......She races to the elevators but he reaches her before a door opens....Again she just avoids a blow which smashes powerfully through the wall and races down the stairs......He is furious at her for bringing him back to the land of the living---where he is reminded of everything he hates!......Kara realises his brain is half decayed and he is insane and beyond help.....She reaches the basement car park with him close behind her....

Upstairs,the zombies suddenly drop to the floor crumbling to dust as The Purple man gets to far away from them to continue controlling them.....Freed of the responsibility of protecting Laura and Kara's mother,Goblyn follows Kara's scent downstairs to the basement.....Kara has been caught by her zombiefied father and backs into a petrol pump trying to get away from him.....He lunges at her for the kill but at the last minute Goblyn dives in saving the day.....As Goblyn and Purple Man tear strips off each other they total the petrol pump and petrol('gas'--to my trans-Atlantic friends!)spills all around them....Goblyn takes a bad hit from Purple Man andlimps away injured.....Spotting an opportunity,Kara grabs a tyre wrench and striking it to the ground,sparks the fuel around Purple Man alight....Within seconds he is an inferno and,although for a few seconds he advances towards her,he collapses---gone for good......Kara and Goblyn hug each other as Kara cries uncontrollably.

The Yukon Territory:At an archeological excavation,Elizabeth Twoyoungmen is sketching topographical maps when she feels a surge of power.....Startled by this,because it reminds her of the sensations she used to experience when she wielded the power of Talisman,she soon puts itaside blaming the feeling on her working too hard......Unseen ,behind her,a glowing heap of stones rises slowly.....And there is an eerie knowing laughter blowing in the wind!!!

Fin

Imraith Nimphais

08-21-2009, 04:50 PM

Monty_Cristo

08-21-2009, 05:18 PM

looks like Aurora might be one of the Dark X-Men. that would be really fun. i bet she and Mystique get down.

limerick

08-21-2009, 05:24 PM

I now feel like a sodding wanker for dropping AF before Jim Lee has really gotten into his groove...would it be too much to ask, Limerick, for you to post a page or two, or a panel or three of JL's AF goodness?
Sorry,Imraith,I don't have a scanner.....and I couldn't find any Alpha Flight/Lee scans on the 'net....But there really is a gradual improvement visible as each issue goes by.

limerick

08-21-2009, 05:25 PM

looks like Aurora might be one of the Dark X-Men. that would be really fun. i bet she and Mystique get down.
Ha,ha,wrong thread...Monte Cristo....I'll quote it for prosperity....Hey,Have I just been Shortpack'd?!!

EDIT:Oh,I see this was for Alpha.....hey that's pretty graphic isn't it..for Marvel....(your link)

Monty_Cristo

08-21-2009, 05:29 PM

Ha,ha,wrong thread...Monte Cristo....I'll quote it for prosperity....Hey,Have I just been Shortpack'd?!!

EDIT:Oh,I see this was for Alpha.....hey that's pretty graphic isn't it..for Marvel....(your link)

what link? :confused: oh you meant my sig. that's from the Irredeemable Ant-Man series. the main character, Eric, was making out with his dead best friend's girlfriend on his newly covered grave.

limerick

08-21-2009, 05:34 PM

what link? :confused: oh you meant my sig. that's from the Irredeemable Ant-Man series. the main character, Eric, was making out with his dead best friend's girlfriend on his newly covered grave.
Part of your signature....the couple making out graveside?.....I thought it was part of your post....i.e. Aurora.....but then I saw it was unrelated

limerick

08-21-2009, 05:36 PM

Anyway,good to have a new face on the Alpha thread....gets pretty quiet sometimes......doesn't have the glamour of the X-men(or Shortpack,of course!)

Imraith Nimphais

08-21-2009, 07:27 PM

Ne pas de problem, mon ami...at least I can see the covers you post...those will have to do, I suppose...oh well...

limerick

08-22-2009, 05:46 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 62:

--I loved the fact that the group had broken up.....this sort of storyline has been done several times before in different Marvel books(and even in Alpha before!)like X-men and The Avengers but I always love it as a storyline.....You get to see characters out of their usual comfort zone....And there's the anticipation of the inevitable reforming of the team and how that might happen......Although with this being Alpha Flight where anything is possible,I'm not banking on it!!

--It was an interesting idea to have Kara 'ressurrect' her father with her power.....He seemed very powerful(as in physically strong).....I wasn't expecting that of him.....The ending is very much in the Halloween/Scream/Know What You Did Last Summer mould where the burning character keeps coming for one more scrap.....Poor Kara.....Things are tough enough for her without finding out her scumbag,psychopathic dad is on the loose (and dead!).

--Goblyn seems to becoming more integrated into the group now.....well,particularly with Kara......She's(Goblyn) protrayed as very physically strong and is particularly wiry and muscular in this issue

--I was surprised toi see Talisman in the last page of the issue----that development really came from nowhere(Although I should know that in Alpha,Anything Goes.

Parch

08-22-2009, 07:36 PM

limerick

08-23-2009, 06:12 AM

thoughts on #62

Great comic. Purple zombie daddy goes psycho, and he goes ballistic real good. It's a great freak-out action scene and I thought the artwork was really good all the way up to the fiery death. Very creepy.

So Purple Girl can raise the dead? That's a very impressive power when you think about it. Pretty much anything she wishes a person to do, dead or alive, and it's gonna happen. There's not a lot of mutants with this god-like power and the possibilites really could be endless, but she's not a character that has been a big part of the X-world has she?

In this issue there's an obscure canadian reference. When the team beats on the media they are referred to as the "fourth estate". It's a play on words because in Canada there is a news journalism TV show called "The Fifth Estate" that has been on TV forever. It's comparable to the american show "60 Minutes".

Now with the tearful breakup of the team and even some foreshadowing with a Talisman appearance, this title really could go anywhere. There are an endless amount of loose ends they could focus on with individual storylines and I would think they have to do something with the Jade Dragon character. The complete unpredictability of Alpha Flight continues.

Parch,I agree with you about Purple Girl.....She seems very highly powered.....When they took on the Sentinels right after she joined Alpha she was able to control multiple people simultaneously,so she's much more powerful then Karma from the New Mutants.....This new devolopment about her controlling her dead father might possibly suggest she can control any organic thing ,whether dead or alive.....Can she control animals too?....I would assume so.

Regarding the possible loose end stories to be tied up....there are so many....What's going to happen with Sasquatch?.....Will Laura's parents track her down after seeing her on T.V. last issue?.....Did they cop on about Goblyn being their daughter to and if so will they accept her?.....And,as you say,The Jade Dragon?.....Why would Mantlo introduce him if he wasn't going to join Alpha?.....He does seem somewhat of a replacement for Snowbird....i.e...a shapeshifter who switches to an animal form.....The re-introduction of Talisman is a real plot-developer.....I'm looking foward to seeing where that goes.

limerick

08-23-2009, 06:14 AM

Yeah,Imraith,sorry about that...:frown:

limerick

08-27-2009, 06:20 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.63.GIF

Alpha Flight # 63............October 1988

All I wanted for Christmas was my two front teeth......and a copy of Alpha Flight # 63,of course........And my dream came true!.......Alpha Friday tomorrow---things are starting to heat up with the U.S. Air Force going up against Box

limerick

08-28-2009, 03:30 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....JUST LOST AT LEAST HALF AN ISSUE SUMMARY OF # 63......HALF AN HOUR DOWN THE TUBES.....(Kinda appropriate for a computer virus story!)

limerick

08-28-2009, 03:45 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.63.GIF

Alpha Flight # 63............October 1988

"Techno-mancer"

Hudnall/Haynes

FLASHBACK 1:THREE YEARS AGO:Moosejaw,Canada:Madison Jeffries recieves a cheque in the mail and a summons to a meeting with a mysterious stranger.....The stranger turns out to be the wheelchair bound Roger Bochs and together the redesign the original Box armour created by Bochs

FLASHBACK 2:TWO YEARS AGO:Denver,Colorado,U.S.A.:Ted Larkin is a bona fide computer genius but he has lost his job and has bill collectors chasing after him......In his apartment he creates a computer virus and uploads it from his computer to a bank computer.....The program is designed to infiltrate any computer systems it encounters.....In the banking computers it skims off small amounts from every account and deposits the money in Ted's accounts.....He waits,knowing before long he'll be rich.

FLASHBACK 3:ONE YEAR AGO:Tamarind Island,Canada:Roger Bochs goes mental,attacking his team-mates and threatening to kill Aurora,his lover who has just spurned him......To defeat him Madison displaces him from the Box armour......And a legend is born....Madison Jeffries is Box!

Boulder,Colorado:In the present day Ted Larkin enjoys the spoils of his computer virus fraud scheme......Living in a palatial home with beautiful female company he relaxes poolside sipping a cold drink without a care in the world......Well there is one----He wonders what would happen if his computer virus found it's way onto a computer that had nothing to do with banking----The results would be unpredictable!!(Oh-ER...sounds like trouble!!)

Strategic Air Command Headquarter,Kansas,U.S.A.:Major Blackwood initiates the transfer of funds to the Bank of Colorado.:eek: .....His assistant comments that the transfer is taking longer than expected as if a large data exchange just took place......The Major says he has little time to worry about the slow transfer as later that day they have to link up with the Missile Control Networks,The Defense Computer and A Canadian Superhero!

138 Laurier Drive,Ottawa,Canada:Heather and Madison are happy with the job he's done creating a mini command centre in the basement of her house.....She's keen on a bit of hanky-panky but Madison has to link up with U.S. Defense computers to help establish a database of supervillains......He enters his Box armour and begins working on his computer to establish a link with the U.S. computer......As Heather leaves the room she hears a strange noise.....Turning around,she sees Box has transformed to a much more sinister looking form!......He whacks her with his hand,knocking her out......He then totals the new command centre and takes off......Heather comes to much later and rushes to put on her Vindicator outfit.......She has no idea where he is but takes off to begin looking for him.

The Box armour is in control of the computer virus which has switched it to an armed aircraft form and is heading for the U.S......Within the computer systems of the Box armour,Madison struggles to gain control from the virus......When the virus brings Box into U.S. space they are attacked by the U.S. Airforce.....Madison has establised contact with the virus but is powerless to act as it destroys the U.S. planes.....When he tries to take control the computer attacks him,causing him pain......The computer misinterprets it's programming to involve seizing nuclear missles.....It lands the Box armour in a nuclear base and tries to gain entry......Madison uses this oppurtunity to leave the Box armour.....He watches as the virus-controlled armour is taken on by Air Force combat suits......A huge battle between them takes place but the virus controlled Box eventually defeats the Air-Force and heads for the nuclear bunkers!......But inside a surprise awaits.....Madison has createda new Box suit and he takes the surprised 'Virus-Box' out with a rocket-launcher......The Army are initially suspicious of Box but accept his explanation of being a super-hero.....He begins the flight back to Canada,hoping Heather won't be too annoyed at him......Unknown to him she is at that very moment approaching him at high speed to give him an ass-kicking!

Fort Steele,Colorado:The computer virus infiltrates a huge rocket launching vehicle in the Army base and it causes a destructive rocket to be launched .....At home Ted Larkin relaxes by his pool......He opens his eyes,only to see a rocket heading straight for him......He recoils in horror,knowing he's a dead man!

The K.G.B.,Moscow:An agent recently returned from the U.S. tells his superior about his recent successful mission in the U.S.-----He's managed to accquire the latest computer programs from the U.S. Airforce......(Little does he know!)

FIN

limerick

08-28-2009, 05:36 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 63:

--I really liked this issue....The guest writer/artist team do a great job filling in for Mantlo/Lee....I particularly like the first few flashback pages showing Madison meeting Bochs and recalling Madison taking the Box armour for himself.....Madison really comes across as a guy from the wrong side of the tracks on the first page.....He's come a long way since then......Nice to see the rest of the team again,even if only in flashback.

--One thing that's interesting is the writers imagination of the internet years before it was possible.....His computer virus/scam idea seems bang up to date.....Remember this issue dates from 21 years ago when most people had a Commodore 64 as a home computer!.....Poor Ted Larkin.....He really gets it at the end.....He didn't seem like such a bad guy!

--Nice wordless page on page 10---Box looks really menacing under the control of the virus!....(Hasn't Heather got the World's biggest basement?)......Page 24 is another nice one panel page,reflecting the surprising appearance of the 'new' Box.

--There's a funny 'Let-the-Russkies-have-some-computer-virus-too' last page....A real late 80's feel to that page....Cold War stuff and all that.

Parch

08-28-2009, 07:05 PM

re: losing a post. I hate when that happens. I've gotten into the habit of automatically copying a post before I hit the submit button. Losing a post is a major pain in the ass, especially when it's a big post.
Let it be known that I do appreciate the effort it takes to do these summaries, limirick. It's unfortunate that these threads don't get the traffic they deserve, and I realize that you've inhereted a job that you didn't start. Sometimes it feels we're the only ones that care. There are some ridiculous threads on CBR about NOTHING that get more posts than some of the "beginning" threads. It's a shame. I swear there are posters here who will talk about anything EXCEPT comics. Even if they're not following the run, ANY comment would be welcome just to show that the effort is appreciated.

So limirick, is the Wolverine thread abandoned? That's a good example of nobody caring. I realize that Wolverine is hated a lot here in CBR, but sheesh. Somehow I think that his solo title deserves a little more respect, but I must admit I'm enjoying the Alpha Flight run a lot more than the Wolverine title. They are both created at the same time (late 80's), but AF seems a lot more modern than that sloppy Wolverine comic.

Thoughts on Alpha Flight #63

Not bad. The box armor gets a virus and goes nuts. I was expecting some solo stories but I thought the Madison character deserved better. He's a cool character that should've had something more than an evil possession story.
So now the virus is running wild and even the Russians get it. Sounds like another loose end that will never get resolved.

There was a moment that caused me to roll eyes. When the box robot crosses the border the U.S. airforce says... "Looks like some kind of Russkie super-weapon. You have authorization to shoot it down."
Typical. Way to jump to conclusions. I was kinda glad that it kicked their butts and it took Madison to put a stop to it.

OK, maybe I'm a little biased. As a Canadian and neighbor to the U.S. sometimes I just want to slap them upside the head for some of the stupid things they do. They always seem to be at war with somebody.
As much as they want to believe that Canadians are like them, we are very different. Canadians' favorite sports are hockey and curling, nuff said.
We are very different. Canadians are much more laid back, while Americans are a lot more aggressive. It's even reflected in our national anthems...

"The bombs bursting in air"
...in other words, killing people.
While Canada's anthem says "We stand on guard for thee"
I guess that means while you're out killing people, we'll watch your house for you.

...just leave some beer in the fridge.

limerick

08-29-2009, 04:53 AM

Hi,Parch....thanks for the kind words....

RE:People not posting.....I was expecting this ,to some extent ,as more threads were introduced covering different comic books from the X-universe.....I've never really expected there to be much interest in the Alpha thread.....It is a bit disappointing that basically the two of us and Imraith are the only three posting on this thread now......I think Steven F. got pissed off which is a shame as I know he's a big Alpha fan......I do keep an eye on the number of 'views' of each thread which gives me an idea of how many people are actually reading the threads......I would prefer if people posted as well but not everyone has read these Alpha issues......I haven'y dropped the 'Wolverine' thread.....In fact I'm enjoying all the threads at the moment.......I think if and when I'm not enjoying them anymore I will drop all threads......So as long as I'm posting I'll be maintaining all the Threads.....

Another problem I've encountered is that since there has been more threads I've had less time to spend on them so I only have time to post reviews and 'thoughts on'.....If there was just one or two threads I might have more time to research some information on artists writers etc----like David R. used to do.......I feel the loss of that extra information is losing some viewers to the threads..

Anyway as I said,many thanks for your support and I hope you'll continue to post your thoughts on the various issues......and to any lurkers out there---Please feel free to post

Wolverine # 10 to follow later today!

limerick

08-29-2009, 04:59 AM

And just a note on the 'Russkie' references.....It's interesting that Alpha Flight is the X-book(it just about qualifies!)which is most contemporary for it's time.....When you read it the Cold War is very obvious in many references in it's pages.....This is the opposite of the other X-Books during the 1980's which are timeless to an extent and could have been published yesterday.....They tend to avoid events of the time and concentrate on story issues only......Actually there is a letter from a reader in this issue referring to the fact that Alpha often seem to exist outside the Marvel Universe(Appearances by the Fantastic Four/Avengers/X-men in issue # 61 being an exception)....in doing so they seem to exist in a world closer to our own.

Hi-Fi

08-30-2009, 03:38 PM

Hey, guys. I've been rereading the first Alpha Flight series, because I found myself being very interested in Madison Jeffries for the first time. And I forgot how much fun this books was. I also completely forgot Heather had a crush on Madison and I now totally miss Purple Girl.

That's it. Carry on!

limerick

08-30-2009, 04:20 PM

limerick

09-03-2009, 05:35 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.64.GIF

Alpha Flight # 64............November 1988

Remember the box at the end of 'Seven',that Brad Pitt looks into---this is actually what was in it....Alpha Flight # 64......Why?......Find out tomorrow on Alpha Friday!!---(Well,you won't find out actually but you'll find a summary of issue # 64)

SailorCallie

09-03-2009, 05:43 PM

limerick

09-03-2009, 05:54 PM

Shame about Ted Larkin, though. He had it coming in the end. :tongue:
Yeah,I liked him....and his skimming idea.....just when things were going his way...BOOM!

limerick

09-04-2009, 05:39 PM

Gonna Be A Day Late On # 64....sorry!!

limerick

09-05-2009, 06:14 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.64.GIF

Alpha Flight # 64............November 1988

"Where There's a Will There's a Way!"

Mantlo/Lee

The Probate Court,Ottawa,Ontario,Canada:Sasquatch presents his/her will to the judge,explaining he did leave everything to his wife,Veronica....But only if he/she was dead!......The judge agrees the will is authentic but can Sasquatch prove he/she is Walter Langkowski as he/she claims......Sasquatch changes to his/her human(female) form ......But Veronica goes for the sympathy vote by turning on the tears......Walter reacts angrily by turning back to Sasquatch and smashing up a table.....The judge calls for calm warning Walter/Wanda to stop that behaviour

Veronica's lawyer brings a device into the court to try and determine exactly what Walter/Wanda is .....The test are inconclusive saying he/she is Male/Female,Human/Nonhuman and Mortal/Immortal......The lawyer feels since Walter was human this should be enough evidence to refute his/her claim......But the judge won't allow it.....Walter/Wanda then decides to submit to a lie-detector test to prove himself/herself.......He/She gives a full account of his/her recent history and the polygraph registers that he/she is telling the truth....The judge retires to her office to decide if the polygraph is admissable.....However,in her office she finds a government agent who tells her a new superhero team who will follow government orders is being formed.......They want Alpha out of business and if Sasquatch loses the case ,Alpha will lose the financial ability to stay active......He asks her to rule against Sasquatch.....for the good of her country.

Meanwhile,

Etobicoke,Canada:Purple Girl and Laura racefor the school bus.....They're about to miss it until Kara uses her powers to make the driver wait for them....

Good Hope Hospital,British Columba:Dr. Knapp/Manikin uses his powers to convince a reluctant child to go ahead with having his appendix out.....

Haysboro,Calgary:Box flies towards the family home of his fiance,Heather MacNeill,full of anticipation at seeing her........He parks the Robot Exo-skelton in the garage and phases out of it......Spotting Heather in the garden he sneaks up behind her and kisses her.....But he's embarrassed when it turns out to be Becky,Heather's sister......The two are disturbed by a playful energy blast(!) from Heather who teases them about cheating on her......Heather and Madison embrace happily......Inside the house,her parents hope she will have her second marraige last longer than the first.

A Secret Location,Ottawa:Government agents continue to debrief the Chinese super-powered soldier,Dei Guan,asking him if he means to defect and if he's linked to Alpha Flight......But he has had enough question and angrily changes to his Jade Dragon form to encourage them to ease up......They get the message and go for coffoe!......Across the street some shadowy costumed figures watch closely,wondering ifThe Jade Dragon is being kept prisoner or if he's defecting.......One says if it's the latter.....Jade Dragon will DIE!!

The Courthouse,Ottawa:Wanda/Walter waits impatiently for the verdict......He can't believe he didn't realise how much of a golddigger Veronica was when he/she was married to her.......Suddenly,he/she collapses and starts glowing a green colour.......Then all the people and beings within his/her body suddenly want out!......Stranges forces and energies are liberated and half the courthouse becomes The Shattered Lands(home to the Great Beasts),while the other half becomes Paradise(Idyllic Eden to numerous Indian cultures).....The Great Beasts and The Gods face off! ......Saquatch finds herself caught in the middle of a power battle where Snowbird and Thundra both ask her to side with either good or evil.....They tell her/him that the power of Sasquatch will make the difference as to which side wins.....Sasquatch says she/he doesn't carewhat they do and just wants to be left alone but Snowbird and the Paradide Gods make it clear is no middle ground.....He/She is either an enemy or a friend.......Sasquatch says it's all just a bad dream but and The Immortals tell him/her that may be so but it is a dream in which Gods and mortals can die for real......Veronica suddenly screams as she is grabbed by one of the Great Beasts!

As the chaos erupts the human occupants of the courthouse flea for their lives,leaving only Sasquatch,Veronica and her lawyer behind......As the public runs a mysterious nun heads in the opposite direction towards the courthouse,ignoring any warnings to stay away.....

With the madness reigning around her,Sasquatch starts to feel her/his identity slipping away from her/him........The sensation is similar to death.....But a voice calls him/her back,a calm soothing voice telling him/her to be strong and free......Re-energised Sasquatch battles the Great Beasts and ,defeating them,causes them to retreat back their Shattered Land......The Gods thank Sasquatch for rejecting Evil and invite him/her to join them in Paradise.....But he angrily tells them he/she belongs on Earth and rejects their offer.....He/She also tells his ex-wife that she can have his/her money because he's/she's starting afresh......Storming outside the court He/She finds the nun waiting for him/her......It turns out to be......Aurora!!!.....She explains that following their battle with Loki(Alpha Flight # 50) she wasreborn and has joined a holy order where she sparingly uses her powers to aid sickness and suffering......Now that she hashelped Sasquatch,she says goodbye and leaves......Sasquatch sheds a few tears..

Elsewhere:Elizabeth Twoyoungmen continues work on her archeological project.......She finally notices the strange rock formation making up part of the dig and bets to herself that it's concealing something.....Somewhere else,The Dream Queen laughs evilly,sensing her time is coming!

FIN

limerick

09-06-2009, 06:14 AM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 64:

--A very strange issue made up of 2 very different sections ......The first is an entertaining courtroom scene like you might find in an episode of 'Law and Order'(or Judge Judy,more likely!)......I really enjoyed that part of the story.....Walter's Ex is such a bitch that I'd like to see her get her comeuppance but that doesn't happen and she walks away with the cash.....Like I've mentioned before Wanda is HOT!!......I love the way Lee draws her......The judge is very patient allowing the case to proceed even after Sasquatch trashes a desk in a violent rage....very leniant.

--In fact,these violent outburst in normaln situations are a strange feature in Alpha under Mantlo.....There's another one in this issue where Heather 'playfully' knocks Madison and her sister off their feet with a power blast from her Vindicator suit.....That's just a bit extreme,to be honest!......I hope Madison knows what he'sletting himself in for marrying Heather and keeps the kitchen steak-knives wel hidden.

--There's a section where we're updated on the current state of play with the rest of Alpha who seem to be re-adjusting to normal non-superhero livestyles(Purple Girl,Laura and Dr. Knapps)......And there's a Two-page spread on what the Jade Dragon's up to......With this continued interest I'll eat my hat if he doesn't join a reformed Alpha soon!....I'm marinating my baseball cap in a nice sweet chilli sauce right now!....

--I wasn't as impressed with the second part of the story which features the return of Snowbird(sort of)......It was just way too surreal for me......But it was a surprise to see the return of Aurora,although it doesn't look like she'll be returning to Alpha anytime soon.......Overall,this was a mixed issue with a good first half and a strange confusing(albeit intersting)second half.

Parch

09-06-2009, 10:51 AM

thoughts on #64

When I saw this was a Sasquatch story, I was hoping he was getting his balls back. Nope. Not yet. So perhaps he can get his cash back to fund the team? Nope. That didn't happen either. What did happen was a visit to the complicated psyche that is inside the poor guy. Can this guy's inner turmoil get any more convoluted? As if the sex change isn't enough, great beasts and gods and even Snowbird are all squabbling inside there. The poor dude has issues.

The rest of the book is basically just a catch up on what the rest of the team is doing...
-Aurora is a nun? I'd have to agree that this was just a brief guest appearance and not a return anytime soon.
-Purple Girl goes to school. OK then...that was exciting.
-The Madison-Heather love story continues.
-Jade Dragon is still being interrogated.
-Manikin's internship is going well, although if I was a little kid going to surgery, getting jumped by a caveman and the blob would scare the crap out of me. "Careful Proto, don't eat his brain." Is that what the slime can do? Eat brains?
-And yet another appearance by Elizabeth Twoyoungmen, this time including a tease with the evil Dream Queen. After all, Puck needs saving eventually.

This one's a pretty average comic. For all the loose ends or backstories that could have been covered, nothing much happened and little was resolved. Seems like the team will have to be hooked up again soon?

Alpha Flight assemble?

limerick

09-10-2009, 12:42 PM

http://english.chinatibetnews.com/Gallery/attachement/jpg/site2/20090720/00248183e0130bce6a1c31.jpg

"psssst.......THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN.........psssst........ONE GIANT STEP FOR MANKIND.......psssst.......BUT NOT AS GIANT AS THE PUBLICATION OF ALPHA FLIGHT # 65.......pssst....."

That Neil Armstrong speech unedited-----Alpha Friday Tomorrow!

Imraith Nimphais

09-10-2009, 02:29 PM

limerick

09-10-2009, 03:15 PM

A question Limerick...was Walter married to Veronica all the while he was having relations with a scantily clad Jeanne-Marie during the Byrne-years?...(je suis desolee, if this was revealed/touched on in previous posts, relating to said query.)
Hi,Imraith...Veronica is labelled here as his ex-wife,although how recently she divorced him is unclear.....It does raise an interesting question,though.....Why would Walter name his ex-wife in his will??.....As his ex-wife she should surely have recieved her divorce settlement already.....I would have thought the first thing a divorced person would do is change their will to remove their ex-spouse

Imraith Nimphais

09-10-2009, 04:10 PM

I do see your point abot the "ex-wife" business...and you are quite correct. I do not think, at least to my somewot dodgy recollection, that it was ever mentioned (in the earlies) that he was divorced far less married...which only leaves me to surmise that Mantlo only introduced it/her to add some daytime "court-room" drama to the book...( I know it is an had-hoc set-up, of a sort, for walter to lose the case and his money to make way for the "new" team...but going by your summary, it is made moot by wot happens at the end of the issue.

limerick

09-10-2009, 04:18 PM

It's protrayed in the last couple of issues that Sasquatch's cash is the key to Alpha staying in business so it'll be interesting to see where they go from here with no money to fund them and with Vindicator having rejected any future involvement with the government(So government blood money is not an option)

limerick

09-10-2009, 04:22 PM

Actually,I forgot that Wanda/Walter shows the will at the start of the issue and it refers to Veronica as being his wife......So he obviously never bothered making a new will as she is referred to as his ex-spouse in the issue......Hope my summaries are clear enough!

limerick

09-10-2009, 04:25 PM

Those last couple of posts mean I've now posted on this thread more than it's creator,David R.......And I'm not sure how I feel about that......David's abscence from CBR for over 3 months has been a worry......Is he okay.....Surely he would have posted since then if he was.......???

Imraith Nimphais

09-10-2009, 04:29 PM

Which brings me back to my original query...when were they married and for how long?...It is an unimportant sub-plot-point, I know, but it is niggling me to no end...anywhoo...
edit: re David R...I do hope and pray that he is okies...though my darker self cannothelp but wonder if something not-so-good has happened and that's why we have not heard from him at all...:-((

limerick

09-10-2009, 04:45 PM

Unfotunately,me thinks you could be right about David:frown: ......About Veronica,though......You're right, it's a plot device and is not mentioned at all before the revelation a few issues back......Sasquatch does mention in this issue that she was an actress that he 'swept off her feet' after seeing her in Toronto.

limerick

09-11-2009, 06:14 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.65.GIF

Alpha Flight # 65............December 1988

"When Robots Dream!"

Mantlo/Haynes

Somewhere!: Box finds himself locked in battle against his brother,Omega and his best friend,Roger Bochs......He knows they are dead and so he thinks he's probably in a dream......But he still feels the pain as Omega transmutes him painfully and Bochs displaces him from his armour......He screams in pain.....

The Guest Bedroom,The MacNeil Household:Madison wakes from his nightmare with a start,screaming!......He feels a sense of relief when he realises it was just a dream and tells Heather as much when she comes to check why he's screaming.....(What he doesn't notice is that the Box armour beside him has moved slightly overnight!!)

Later,Madison helps Heather's dad fix his car while Heather has tea with her mum......Her Mother worries about how Heather feels,about to start preparing for her second wedding.....And why does she always wear her Vindicator suit??......But Heather reassures her telling she's able to look after herself....After Madison has souped up Mr. Macneil's car with his powers,the couple drive it to a shopping mall---Where Heather's going to try on wedding dresses!.....She tells Madison that she recieved a letter from Kara and that she and Laura have enrolled in the same class at school.....Kara has suffered some bullying because of her skin colour but has been well able to defend herself(using her powers ,sometimes)......Manikin is settling into his internship.......But they have heard nothing from Sasquatch who wants some time alone after the breakup of Alpha Flight.

Government Buildings,Ottawa:Dei Guangoes for a break......He is tired of being constantly watched while the Canadian government decide what to do with him.....Finally,he cracks and tranforms to The Jade Dragon,determined to bust free......The Chinese team who have been watching him see his transformation from their close hide-out......They burst into action,heading for the building holding their countryman,whom they think to be a traitor....

Meanwhile,Madison remembers when he had to kill his brother and best friend......He is wracked with guilt......Suddenly they come upon a wrecked bridge.....Getting out to investigate,a witness tells them he thinks he saw a 'mounstrous metal man' ripping it apart.......Madison is speechless with shock!

After getting to the Bridal Boutique,Heather tries on some wedding dresses while Madison grabs 40 winks.......As he drifts off to sleep his head is surrounded by a familiar green aura(that of The Dream Queen when she uses her powers on someone!)

Madison had a nightmare where Bochs and Omega take control of the Box exo-skeleton and attack an orphanage full of helpless nuns and kids......Later,back at the Mac Neil residence he confides in Heather about his latest nightmare,filling her in on the details......Just then,they overhear a radio newsflash---A metal monster attacked an orphanage less than an hour ago!!!.......They race to the scene and Vindicator rushes to help any kids still trapped in the burning building......But Madison is rooted to the spot in fear as he sees the Box footprint on the ground!

Home again,Heather tries to contact Elizabeth TwoYoungMen by phone to see if she can help them find Shaman to discuss Madison's dreams.....But Elizabeth is out working on an archeological dig and is unreachable......On Heather's parents advice they drive to the local priests house to talk to him about it.......In the car Madison is wracked with guilt about how he treated his friend and brother and wonders if he's going mad,like his brother......Exhausted,he falls asleep(And is once again surrounded by the Dream Queen aura indicating she's influencing his dreams)....

He has another dream/nightmare where the new Bochs/Omega version of the Box armour kills Heather,warning him that he'll be the one controlling the Box when that happens!

He snaps awake and ,in shock,grabs the steering wheel off Heather,running the car off the road into a tree......Suddenly,Madison loses it and starts acting mental!......He tells Heather that he destroyed his brother and friend and NOW HE'S GOING TO DESTROY HER!!!!!.....He transforms the car into a demonic version of the Box armour and Heather is sent flying out in the process.....She pleads with him to stop as he goes for her and is left with no choice but to come back fighting as Vindicator(not that Heather ever needs much encouragement to take on her team-mates!)......Heather takes to the air with Box right after her......They exchange blows before he fires hunter-seeking missiles at her,which she manages to deal with......He then fires two more missiles at a passing commercial passenger jet.....They hit the jet sending it into a dive.......Heather uses the suit's power to pull the jet out of the dive......She wonders is it really Madison inside or if it's one of Alpha's enemies getting revenge.......She also wonders if Madison has gone mad like his brother and friend??......Suddenly,she is hit square on by a laser shot from Box and falls to the ground,knocked out cold on a set of railway tracks.......Box lands and stands over her ready to deliver the killer blow.......But at the last second Madison resists the forces driving him and phases out of the armour..........He tries to control the armour but it won't respond to his commands.......So he uses junk from a nearby train yard to make a more primitive Box armour for himself.......He puts up a bit of a fight but the Bochs/Omega Box defeats him.......With his new armour smashed to pieces he collapses to the ground beside Heather with Box standing over him......Box raises it's fists and Madison hears Bochs and Omega tell him that their going to kill both of them......But the hand pauses before delivering the killer blow.......At last Madison realises that Bochs and Lionel aren't in the armour.....It was being powered by his own guilty subconciousness......Upon knowing the truth,the Box armour collapses in an unanimated heap on the ground.....It's over!

A Graveyard:Days later,Madison and Heather visit the graveyard of his brother and friend......Heather tells him that they are good at fighting physical foes but they aren't so good at coping with the psychic scars that are left behind by their battles......Madison tells her he can think of ways to get distracted and them kisses her passionately....

Northern Canada:Elizabeth TwoYoungMen draws a picture of the stone formation uncovered at the archeological dig......A colleague asks her why she's drawn a glow around it......She walks away absent-mindedly saynig she doesn't see any glow....

Fin

limerick

09-14-2009, 01:45 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 65:

--A great Lee cover with Box looking very threatening as it looms over Madison and Heather......But the internal art is quite poor this issue and it put me off quite a bit......I didn't like the drawings on the Alpha members and the action scenes are quite poorly realised.

--The story is a bit of a jumble as well.....There is a suggestion that The Dream Queen is manipulating Madison while he is asleep to carry out the same actions as he is experiencing in his dreams /nightmares......But at the end it's put down to Madison's guilty subconciousness.......I would think that if the Dream Queen is involved that the problems when he's asleep should continue to occur as his realisation of a guilt trip is not gonna change The Dream Queens actions......So the whole reasoning for his actions becomes a bit of a blur.

--I did enjoy the ongoing reference to what Elizabeth has uncovered in her archeological dig......That's building nicely to quite an interesting story(again involving The Dream Queen ,as hinted last issue.....Pity there were only a few panels devoted to this.

--The Jade Dragon story seems to hitting it's peak and surely he'll be joining Madison and Heather in a new Alpha Flight soon.....That would seem to be the way the story has headed!:rolleyes:

--Even Shaman gets a mention here....At last ,some signs of the old Alpha possibly making a return!

--Overall,a so-so story which is let down a lot by poor art......With the right artist this could have been very nice.

Parch

09-14-2009, 07:16 PM

thoughts on #65

I thought the art was alright, but the story was definately jumbled. The box armor just had a breakdown two issues ago and now it goes berzerk again? What's the matter? Can't they think of something else to do? At least the virus story made more sense than this one. It's supposed to be Madison's guilty conscious causing the malfunction. Weak, but it does follow the inner turmoil theme that this title is plagued with.

This Alpha Flight title sure spends a lot of time on recaps. The story is so convoluted that it needs it, but I'm beginning to think that Marvel started to do the first page synopsis in their comics because of Alpha Flight.

The rest of this book is almost exactly like last issue with more character updates....
-Madison and Heather are still hanging out with the inlaws. I'm no expert, but I thought that wedding dress was damn ugly.
-Jade Dragon is STILL being interrogated, but this time he's doing a Pepsi commercial.
-Purple Girl is STILL adjusting to school. At least our real life timing is kinda appropriate. I really do love this time of year. Time to round up the juveniles and get 'em back in the institutions.
-And yet ANOTHER visit to Elizabeth's archeological dig.

Alright already. Let's get on with it. This title needs a real story. Let's get this team back together and take on the Dream Queen.

limerick

09-15-2009, 04:38 PM

Ha,ha....you're right about the Pepsi......It looks like that's what causes his transformation to the Jade Dragon!!!.....He takes a sip and then Bada-boom!

Another big problem was Laura and Kara being in the same class---I thought Kara was a few years older than her,at least??

limerick

09-18-2009, 01:40 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.66.GIF

Alpha Flight # 66..............January 1989

"Killing Me Softly With His Word Processor!"

In This Issue an Alphan Dies!.......The opening line of the weirdest Alpha Flight story ever.....You won't believe what happens next....!!

limerick

09-18-2009, 01:56 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.66.GIF

Alpha Flight # 66..............January 1989

"Killing Me Softly With His Word Processor!"

The Tag Line---IN THIS ISSUE.....AN ALPHAN DIES!!

Ontario General Hospital,Canada:(This amazing issue begins as)Manikin reacts to the tag line......He is aware he is a comic book character and that he was created as part of the writer's Scramble storyline.......He knows that that Mantlo has written everything Alpha has gone through.....Ans he hates him for it,calling him a sadist......He explains that his future self can scan and detect the presence of other intelligences and that he is fully aware of Mantlo's existence...

Our Real World:Bill Mantlo sits stunned at his computer keyboard as he can't believe what he's reading!!

Ontario General Hospital,Canada:Manikin continues,branding Mantlo a sadist for what he's put them all through......Death,falling in love,breaking up....the list goes on.....But worst of all ,he accuses Mantlo of plotting to kill him now he has out-lived his usefulness......To prove his point his future self shows a page of comic book script where Vindicator accidentally kills Proto and the rest of Manikin's alternate selves perish as a result.......Manikin is furious and reacts angrily to this revelation.....He tells Mantlo that now he is aware of what he really is,he is no longer slave to the writer's whims.....Heis liberated from Mantlo's control and will not partake in any story line that involves his death----Especially one that will leave Vindicator wracked with guilt.....i.e. He quits!

The MacNeil Household,Calgary,Alberta:Heather's mother hears her crying in her bedroom and goes to see what's wrong......Heather,in tears,tells her that James Haudson's memory haunts her even though she's close to marrying Madison Jeffries......She explains that her Vindicator Battle Suit,modelled after Mac's,won't come off her body.....She's been trying for hours but can't get it to budge.....

Outside Madison checks the mailbox,finding a letter from Purple Girl......In it she tells of her recent encounter with her dead father,Purple Man......She now feels as if it was not real but part of a nightmare......Something clicks in Madison's head as he remembers his own nightmares about his brother and Roger Bochs which triggered his subconcious to attack Heather......And Sasquatch had phoned them to explain about her recent nightmarish experience in the Divorce Court where she ended up battling the Great Beasts.......He feels Alpha coped better when they had Shaman and Talisman to provide a magical aspect to the team.......Realising he's about to be married,he decides to go inside and see his future wife......But he is startled as she bursts through her bedroom wall and shoots into the sky,wearing her battlesuit.......He races into the garage to phase into his Box armour.......As he takes off,he shouts at her parents that he'll bring her back!

Far North:Sasquatch is still furious over losing his case in Probate Court to his ex-wife......It may be just money and property to her but to him and his team-mates,his wealth represented the future of Alpha......Furious he takes his rage out on a nearby mountain,demolishing a substantial portion of it in the process.....In the rubble Sasquatch sees huge deposits of gold and realises that he may have found a way to save Alpha after all.....Delighted he lets out a shout of joy!

Government Buildings,Ottawa:Dei Guan is escorted to his find out what the Canadian government has decided to do with him.....Suddenlythere are energy blasts flashing around him and the military escorts are taken out....Realising that someone is out to get him,Dei transforms to The Jade Dragon......Just in time to face the super-powered group,China Force,who tell him he can either join them of they will kill him!

Ontario General Hospital:Vindicator blasts through the hospital doors,sending the nearby patients scrambling for safety......She flies through the corridors calling out for Whitman to help her......Box follows seconds later,trying to stop her......Whitman hides,knowing if he helps Vindicator,the writer will finish him off......But he hears Mantlo's thoughts warning him that f he doesn't die then another member of Alpha will.....Whitman wonders who he means...

Box catches up with Vindicator and tries to stop her but Heather tells him the marraige is off......She can't marry him since she can't get the suit off......He tries to take it off but she blasts him,explaining that the suit is acting on it's own......She cannot control it.......The impact sends Box flying through a wall.....Into Knapps hiding place!.......Madison phases out of the Box suit and tries using his powers to remove the suit from Heather......But when he does,the suit digs into her body threatening to kill her......Vindicator(not under Heather's control)hits Madison with a blast knocking him painfully to the ground.......Knapp hears Mantlo's voice warning him that one of his friends will die if he doesn't co-operate.....Knapp sees his options are limited and seperates intohis alternate selves......But since Mantlo's script involves Proto perishing, he sets Apeman and Highbrow on Vindicator and tries to escape with Proto......Vindicator shows no mercy on the two alternates going at them full throttle(Mantlo says to Knapp that he can twist the characters to act differently from their normal selves)......Brushing them aside,she races through the hospital after Knapp,showing no care of the patients she brushes aside as she moves along the corridors.......Madison re-phases into Box and gives chase....Heather catches up with Whit and he feels theend is near......He resists fighting himself despite Vindicator taking photon pot shots at him.......But then,as scripted,Proto dives onto Vindicators head and starts dissolving the suit......But just asWhit feelshe's about to die,the story changesand Proto is successful.....Having corroded her command circuits,Heather is free of the suits control.

Later,Heather thanks Walt again and leaves with Box(who promises he can rebuild the suit without the glitch which caused it to go AWOL)......Walt thinks to himself that he feels like a puppet in a dream......Realising he's felt like this before,he thinks the Dream Queen may be involved.....But as he formulates those thougts,they are wiped from his mind by someone or something.......

FIN

Parch

09-18-2009, 09:00 PM

thoughts on #66

This was a very odd issue. A comic book character becomes self-aware and confronts the writer. They continue to have dialogue throughout the entire book. I've seen other comics where the writer makes an appearance but it's usually a parody title or just Stan making an intro. But this is Manikin who KNOWS he's being written in a comic book and questions the plot decisions by the writer. How weird is that.

Because he thinks Proto is about to be killed, Manikin runs away hugging his slime when Vindicator shows up. But it's actually Proto who ends up saving the day. Finally we get to see Proto do something useful. His power is the ability to melt the clothes off the hot chicks. A valuable skill indeed.

Maybe I missed it, but how come Heather couldn't take off the suit and why did it malfunction? First the Box armor goes wacky and now the Vindicator suit screws up. Alpha Flights needs better I.T.

I had to laugh at Sasquatch's scene. After running away because he lost all his money, he discovers a motherload of gold when he beats up a mountain. Blatant irony worth a laugh.

Jade Dragon had something interesting happen as he is finally confronted by the group keeping an eye on him. I have never even heard of this superhero team that call themselves China Force. They're a strange looking gang, so I'm curious about these guys and where this is going.

But by far the most interesting thing about this book is this odd confrontation between the Manikin character and the writer Mantlo. Has anybody ever seen anything like this before? It's like breaking kayfabe or something. The letters page explains that this is the last issue for this writer so perhaps he wanted to do something bizarre for his farewell issue. I'd have to say that this was definately bizarre. Alpha Flight #66 is a unique comic.

This writer leaving also explains why the last few issues have been kinda odd with just a bunch of recaps. I was wondering why they were delaying the Dream Queen rematch. Since this writer was leaving, they probably wanted the new guy to take over that story. After the last few issues just killing time and being weird, perhaps now the run will become a little more like a normal comic book.

limerick

09-19-2009, 06:16 AM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 66:

--Parch,it's interesting that this was Mantlo's last issue......That might explain this surreal story to some extent.....As you say there are plenty of appearances by writers in their own books but they are in the 616 universe(In the Excalibur From The Beginning Thread recently,I spoke about Claremont and Byrne appearing in the Claremont scripted Excalibur # 14).....But this is completely different with Manikin conversing directly with Mantlo and also being able to act independently of the writer's script......It's very strange,especially because the rest of Alpha proceed as normal around them.....But I did enjoy this issue.....I can't quite say why and I know it was outrageous in places but I did like it.

--There is a bit of an out at the end where the odd happenings of the last few issues(Manikin breaking the Fourth Wall,Box having a breakdown,Sasquatch battling the Great Beasts in a Probate Court and Purple Girl being attacked by the corpse of her dead father)are put down as being directly influenced by the Dream Queen and I felt there was suggestion in the last few panels that these events may not have been happening in reality......Perhaps that was a slight re-write at the end to make the new writers life more easy.

--I thought Dr Knapp seemed very much an adult here.....There was some confusion over his age in the past but in this issue he seems definitely beyond adolesence.....It definitely re-raises some doubts about his relationship with Kara(13)......I wish they would lock down their proper ages.....And now it's worse with a ret-con of Laura's age as well,last issue.....I find the lack of consistency annoying and the editor should be on top of it.

--Regarding Vindicator's suit----I felt that the suit wouldn't come off because the suit was malfunctioning and prevented Heather from removing it......But there is at least one suggestion in the storyline that this is a plot device to kill off Manikin.....Nice honesty from Mantlo!.....As you say,Parch,Heather does look hot at the end and perhaps Proto could have removed a bit more of the suit.....For safety reasons, of course!.....It's not clearly explained why Manikin doesn't buy it at the end as shown in the scene his future self predicted at the start.....Is the point that it's Heather having the nightmare(Dream Queen-influenced)and not Manikin as we thought?....Heather does say:"....of my Nightmare".

--The Sasquatch gold find is a poor bit of writing but perhaps Mantlo wasn't staying on to reassemble Alpha Flight and decided to give the new writer an easy out.

--The Jade Dragon sequence is even worse.....The last issue finished with the Jade Dragon becoming tired of captivity and turning into the Jade Dragon to win his freedom.....China Force then react to his transformation and attack the government buildings.....In this issue the events are completely reversed.....China Force attack the government buildings to free/slay The Jade Dragon.....On being attacked,he is forced to change to the Jade Dragon to defend himself....(Is that his last appearance??....Does the new writer clear up this storyline...I can't remember exactly how this finishes).

--I'm not surprised Alpha doesn't have too much public support.....Vindicator practically totals the hospital and planty of people are hurt as she rampages through the medical facility.....Put that together with Box's destruction of the bridge,orphanage and attempted take-down of the aeroplane in the last issue and I'll be surprised if Heather and Madison don't celebrate their nuptuals in a prison chapel!!

limerick

10-23-2009, 05:47 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.67.GIF

Alpha Flight # 67..............February 1989

The Dream Queen returns in issue # 67......I re-read this last night and it's an absolute beauty......I love Hudnall's Alpha scripts and this one is an instant classic......I'll summarise this tomorrow on Alpha......er.......Saturday!

limerick

10-24-2009, 07:39 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.67.GIF

Alpha Flight # 67.............February 1989

"The Ties That Bind"

Hudnall/Haynes

An Archeological Dig,The Canadian Wilderness:Elizabeth Twoyoungmen is drawn to a cairn on the archeological site which she starts to feverishly dig.....Late at night a colleague joins her,wondering how she's getting on......She has just discovered an ancient Shaman's remains buried in the cairn as she predicted.......She feels compelled to pick up a jewelled artifact lying beside him but when she does her hands burst into flames and she collapses unconcious.

In her mind she sees an image of Snowbird who warns her not to touch the artifact.....She tells her she will re-possess her power as Talisman and tells her The Dream Queen's origin to prepare her for what lies ahead.

800 Years ago,Zhilla Char was a succubus who haunted the sleep of lonely men by night.....By day she wandered the Astral Plane.....She was stalked and raped by Nightmare......Nightmare then banished her to a lesser Plane from where she could not escape.....Having fallen pregnant she soon gives birth to Nightmare's child......A demon mother becomes her child so Zhilla transforms in a painful birthing to The Dream Queen.....Having inherited her father's powers,she has absolute control over her new home and can shape it as she wishes......But she cannot leave and after years have passed,her home becomes her prison.

350 years ago,the Chickaqua Tribe suffered a withering drought.....Their Shaman,Nanquato, travelled to the Astral Plane to try and contact the Sky Gods to beg them to release the waters again.......He accidentally ended up in Dream Queen's Plane.......She gave him a totem to take back to Earth......When he does,The Dream Queen can extend her powers to effect the Chickaqua Tribe.....She uses her powers to make them experience horrific visions......Their fear makes her stronger and before long she is almost strong enough to pull herself through the dimensional gap......But one of the tribe's warriors realises that Nanquato(who has not experienced the horrific visions) is the source of the problem......He kills Nanquato with a spear through the heart,severing the link with the Dream Queen's dimension.......Nightmare arrives to taunt her over her lost oppurtunity but she still has hope---If one of the tribe picks up the artifact they will be under her control.......But Nightmare is one step ahead of her......He planted a nightmarein the mind of one of the tribe's warriors the night before warning him not to touch the artifact......The Indian wraps the artifact in a cloth without touching it and the Shaman and the artifact are buried in a cairn......Dream Queen is furious at her fathers treachery but he just laughs at her frustration---the very reaction he was trying to provoke.

The Dream Queen spent another 350 years trapped in her Plane......She would invent victims for her savage punishments but after tasting the fear of real people she craves to taste it again......And it was made worse by her father who would occasionally visit her and taunt her.......But thenone day her servants found Goblyn and everything changed......She watched and learnt how Goblyn travelled between Earth and her dimension via her twin sister,Laura......Eventually,she confronted Alpha Flight and eventually found herself transported to Earth.....But she was cruelly returned to her home by Laura,although she did get a prisoner,Puck,who she made young again as well as strengthening him to withstand the physical abuse she began to inflict on him as punishment......Before being banished back to her Plane,she managed to plant the seeds of nightmares in the psyches of Alpha Flight.....As they lived out these nightmares over the last few weeks her bond with Earth grew......And she had used these to contact Elizabeth and try and co-erce her into picking up the artifact and falling under her control.

Elizabeth wakes from her sleep,concious of the 'dream' she's just heard from Snowbird......She's surrounded by three of her workmates who at first show concern for her but then try and make her take the artifact----She realises they are under the control of The Dream Queen through the artifact.......Sensing her own powers have returned,she uses them to free her work-mates from The Dream Queen's control......But she suddenly remembers that Alpha are linked to the Dream Queen through the psychic bond......She charges out of her tent,determined to rescue Alpha.

Vindicator's and Box's Home:Vindicator,Box,Laura,Purple Girl,Goblyn and Sasquatch have gathered at Vindicator's request to discuss the recent strange events that have occured to them......But as they start to piece together that they've all experienced nightmares,suddenly they experience great pain and fall unconcious.....Seconds later the Dream Queen materialises in the room----Free to bring her nightmares to Earth at last!

FIN

limerick

10-24-2009, 10:43 AM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 67:

--This was,IMO,the best Alpha issue for ages.....Hudnall joins as writer on an ongoing basis and tidies up most of Mantlo's dangling loose ends in one issue----quite an achievement!

--First there's a clear but imaginative origin of The Dream Queen which unites all the previous bits and pieces we know about her as well as throwing in lots of interesting new information--She's 800 years old,Nightmare's her father etc.

--Elizabeth Twoyoungmen(Talisman)is successfully reintroduced and there even be hope for Snowbird as well.

--The strange events of the last few issues are confirmed as being due to the Dream Queen.....This was hinted at but it's definitively cleared up here......These events are also said not to have actually happened--they literally were nightmares......The one thing that's a bit strange is that Sasquatch's gold find turns out to have been a dream as well.....But Dream Queen only deals in nightmares,so I had thought that was true!

--Hudnall isn't afraid to introduce adult themes into his comics with the rape of Zhilla by Nightmare as well as the merciless but necessary killing of the Indian Shaman......There is also a heavy hint of torture and sexual deviation by The Dream Queen.......You get the feeling Puck's been throyugh quite an ordeal!

--After this classic issue,I'm really looking foward to # 68

Nevets F

10-24-2009, 10:59 AM

Hudnall really did do a great job here. I loved this story.

limerick

10-24-2009, 11:53 AM

Hudnall really did do a great job here. I loved this story.
I'm glad to see you've posted again ,Steven.....I hope you'll contribute your opinions...that would be really great

Parch

10-24-2009, 08:09 PM

thoughts on #67

It's been awhile since we've visited Alpha Flight and this issue is a real turning point for the run. A new writer and he barely deals with the team. It's all about the history of the Dream Queen, but it's a story that is well overdue. I definately think the title has been wasting time with some lame issues while they were waiting for the new writer.

So it's all about the Dream Queen, and for a second there I was almost feeling sorry for her. Daddy is a real prick, and at least her lengthy torment explains her madness. But she's definately daddy's girl and quite the sneaky bitch. Tricking that shaman was real nasty. She's a great character if you like these types of magical, alternate dimension type stories.

I figured Puck wouldn't be having much fun with this broad...
"She tormented Puck. Making him a slave to her perverse pleasures."
Oooo. Kinky.

Limerick hinted that the craziness in the last few issues could have something to do with the Dream Queen and that appears to be the case. At least the team is back together and the title feels a lot more stable with the new writer. This was a good issue and rarely is a villian given such a good backstory.
It's good to be reading Alpha Flight again.

limerick

10-25-2009, 02:16 AM

Yeah,giving this back story really solidifies Dream Queen as a villainess.....It also givesher motivations for her actions......The fact she's not just acting randomly improves the story and makes me think she won't give up too easily.....I'm really glad this origin was told and maybe more comics should take the time to devote pages to a villains backstory like this.

--One thing I forgot to mention before was that during her back story it's mentioned that the Dream Queen de-aged Puck to toughen him up for the ordeal she was going to put him through......She also made him more physically able to resist the torture......If he retains these benefits when/if he escapes he may be in a situation to rejoin Alpha?

--Also the artist goes for that bizarre bordering effect during the Dream Queen origin pieces.....It works well and adds to the other-dimensional nature of the story.

GO ALPHA!!

limerick

10-30-2009, 01:50 PM

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object3/328/22/n51975513217_2228.jpg

James Hudnall impresses with his Dream Queen origin and his tidying up of any loose ends left by Bill Mantlo......I loved John Byrne's run,it was really brilliant stuff......But Mantlo wasn't quite my cup of tea......He had an amazing imagination but I felt he lost the plot a little at times......Hudnall arrives and IMO returns Alpha to the quality of it's original issues while maintaining an 'anything can happen' vibe often absent from the main X-books(But definitely present in 'Uncanny' during this era)

limerick

10-30-2009, 02:02 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.68.GIF

Alpha Flight # 68.............March 1989

"All That We Are"

Hudnall/Calimee

An Archeological Dig,Yukon Territories:Elizabeth Twoyoungmen jumps in her truck and dashes to the nearest town......She races to a payphone and tries to call Alpha Flight 3,000 miles away,to warn them about the Dream Queen's imminent arrival......But when her call is connected,it is answered by the Dream Queen who shouts at her she's too late......All around her the members of Alpha Flight lie unconcious on the ground!!

Elizabeth shouts down the phone that she'll kill her if she's harmed Alpha......Dream Queen just laughs at her as she is thousands of miles away......Elizabeth jumps in her truck and heads for the nearest airport......Dream Queen ponders which of Alpha will be her pawn.....She chooses the unconcious shape-changing Sasquatch,kisses her on the forehead and uses her power on her......Laughing manically,she walks out the door.

Hours later Elizabeth arrives at Heather's house in Ottawa.......She enters and manages to wake Vindicator who has no memory of what happened.

The Dream Queen uses her perception-altering powers to force a car-driver to give her a lift......Using her powers he is overcome by her beauty that he percieves and does whatever she says.

Back at the house,Elizabeth explains to Alpha how The Dream Queen has used them to gain entry to this world.....She feels the draw of the Talsman that once gave her power......Her father,Shaman,now wears it and has it's power......She can sense where he is and Box changes into an aircraft to bring them all to Shaman.

Edmonton,Alberta:The driver has brought Dream Queen to the building where the richest man in Canada lives......Having finished with him,she alters his perceptions so that he thinks the road is a flower-filled meadow......He walks obliviously into the path of an oncoming car and is instantly killed......Dream Queen laughs at him violent death.

The Eye of The World,Northern Canada:Alpha fly to the'Eye of The World' where they find Shaman waiting for them......He refuses to help them,telling them he can't as long as he possesses the power of Talisman,but will acompany them back to Ottawa......They all leave to try and find the Dream Queen.

Edmonton:The Dream Queen kills Canada's richest man and from his apartment she gazes over the city,anticipating the trouble she's going to cause and the pleasure she'll get from that.

The Skies above Calgary:Elizabeth tells her father she wants to retake the Talisman and the power that goes with it---it is her destiny......Shaman wonders if she's really ready for the power......In the past she allowed the power to change her and didn't like the responsiblity......But she has accepted that this is her future.......Convinced she understands the responsibilities involved,he starts to hand the Talisman over......But Wanda suddenly turns on them.......She changes to Sasquatch and grabs the Talisman before he can hand it over......She then smashes throught Box's hull and falls to the city below......Changing to human form she runs into a hotel aware Alpha will follow her.

She emerges seconds later to fight Alpha,wearing the Talisman.......Sasquatch starts mouthing off about how she blames Heather for everything that's happened to him/her......He/She then blasts Box and Vindicator with an energy beam.and knocks Purple Girl out with a punch.......Overcome by a command from the Dream Queen,she steals a car and prepares to drive to Edmonton to deliver the Talisman to Dream Queen.......But suddenly an Astral image of Snowbird appears.......She casts magic to break the link between Dream Queen and Wanda....By turning her back into Walter!!......Walter is ecstatic and calls out to Snowbird,thanking her.......The Dream Queen screams with rage in Edmonton at having lost control over Sasquatch.......Elizabeth takes the Talisman from Walter and putsit on,regaining her power as Talisman......She senses the Dream Queen's influence spreading over the minds of Canada's people and that she is in Edmonton.......Box changes into a supercar and they begin the journey to Edmonton.

Edmonton:People all over the city do unspeakable things,unaware what they are up to because of the Dream Queen distorting their perceptions......In her penthouse base she contemplates her confrontation with the approaching Alpha Flight........Soon the confrontation will begin---The Killing Game!

FIN

Parch

10-30-2009, 05:57 PM

thoughts on #68

First thing I immediately noticed was the change to the art. Last issue was a new writer, this issue we get a new artist, and the difference is huge. I thought the art in AF was great up to this point but this is a much more simplistic art style. The title goes from above average artwork (for that timeframe), to below average and a step back to the 70's.
I'm disappointed in the art, but the writing in this issue was excellent. Alpha Flight is back in my hometown!

Talk about cleaning up loose ends! They fix a huge one by getting my buddy Sasquatch back his mojo. It's the last chance to see Wanda walking around in her undies but this fix was waaay overdue. They spent most of the issue with the sex changeback.

Then the team shows up in the batmobile to start planning the battle against the Dream Queen. She's causing havok in Edmonton? I love it! Great character. She is such a bitch and the possibilities are endless with her manipulating people just for the fun of it. But she has to hitch a ride? What type of villian is that?

So the Dream Queen was in Edmonton around 1989? I think I dated her. Freaky hair, sneaky, miserable, and manipulative? Yup, I think I definately dated her, but don't worry about me. I dumped the bitch faster than a Taco Bell burrito.

I like where this story is going. Despite the art this was a good issue. The team is back together, Sasquatch gets his nuts back, and they're about to battle a great villianess. All is good in Alpha Flight.

limerick

10-30-2009, 05:59 PM

Ha,ha...nice post ,Parch!

limerick

10-30-2009, 06:15 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 68:

--Parch,you're so right about the art.....it takes a major downturn in this issue but as you say the story is so good it makes up for it.

--Not only does Wanda become Walter again(and in quite a believable way) but Talisman regains her powers and her dad returns to Shaman....So Hudnall is really putting the team back as it was A.S.A.P......We even get an Astral version of Snowbird!....(Wanda was hot--I'll miss her!)

--The Dream Queen is a real badass......She doesn't take prisoners,that's for sure.......Her driver really hits that car window with a smash.....The scenes at the end where the people are committing crimes under the Dream Queen's influence include on very brutal one where a guy's just shot his family......It's unusual to see a scene that graphic....Often the blood is coloured black to reduce the effect but here the multiple gunshot wounds are emblazoned in red to get the full gore effect......Alpha are gonna have their work cut out against her.......It seemed strange when she hitched the ride but don't forget--She can't drive!!!

--The Batmobile!!!....lololo...it did look just like that ,didn't it!

--Another great cover this issue(as was the one last issue).....Who drew those,I wonder?

--Goblyn and Laura have a very quiet issue....They're definitely seen and not heard......I felt the team should be trying to draw on Goblyn's knowledge of The Dream Queen.

limerick

11-05-2009, 04:48 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.69.GIF

Alpha Flight # 69.............April 1989

"And All That We Seem"

Hudnall/Calimee

A Government Building,Ottawa:Dei Guan--The Jade Dragon is attacked by the Chinese superhero group,China Force, who want to bring him back to their homeland......Before he has time to react they drug him and put him on an aeroplane......A couple of hours later he wakes up,chained on the aeroplane......China Force tells him he's going to stand trial for defection.....His protests of innocence fall on deaf ears.

As the plane starts to descend,China Force seem convinced that they are landing back in China......But Dei Guan can see that they are really landing in Edmonton...on a freeway!.....He doesn't know his former colleagues minds are being influenced by the Dream Queen,who laughs not far away in her glass tower in the city centre.....She had sensed Alpha Flight approaching and has now intercepted China Force to attack them when they arrive.....She hopes to steal the circlet Talisman wears on her head that gives her her power......She is threatened by Talisman who she feels has the power potential to defeat her.....By stealing her power that will eliminate her one serious foe.

Approaching Edmonton:Box flies the rest of Alpha to Edmonton to confront the Dream Queen.....Vindicator puts a plan together and rallies the troops as Box prepares to land......But the Dream Queen has affected his perceptions and he ends up crashing into the Edmonton Mall rather than landing at the airport......Box is stunned by Talisman who was trying to bring him to his senses and lands in water in the middle of the mall.....Box is out cold but Talisman uses her powers to seperate him from the aircraft and they all manage to escape before the water completely floods the crashed plane......In the mall forecourt,Vindicator,holding her unconcious fiancee in her arms, announces it's time for Aplha to take the Dream queen down.

Dream Queen's Base:The Dream Queen relishes Heather's anger...one of the sweetest emotions for her to steal......She's determined to make Alpha feel the same despair the people of Edmonton are feeling......And her influence is spreading.......All over Canada people carry out violent acts,killing others and not realising it's for real......By tomorrow her influence will have spread to the U.S. and the whole continent will be under her control.

Edmonton Mall:Purple Girl sees herfather and is confused as he tries to talk to her......But it's the work of the Dream Queen and her 'father' is really one of China Force and before she knows what's happening she's been struck down.......A huge battle ensues between the two teams with both sides taking an giving their best.......It all comes to a head when one of China Force tries to arrest Alpha for 'invading' their country......Alpha realises the Dream Queen has twisted their perceptions and they think they are in their homeland.......But China Force won't listen......Eventually,Alpha overcomes the Chinese team and Sasquatch frees Dei Guan who had been tied up.....Laura decides to open a portal to send them back where they came from and Shaman generates a wind that blows them through the portal......Dei Guan follows them,deciding he must try and plead his innocence to his government.......He says goodbye to Alpha as the portal closes.

Madison recovers and asks what he's missed......He retrieves his Box suit from the pond........Laura opens another portal to the Dream Queen's base and Alpha jumps through,hoping to defeat their new enemy......But they've forgotten about Purple Girl,who lies unconcious on the ground in the mall......The Dream Queen laughs as she feels the game is going her way.

FIN

limerick

11-07-2009, 05:28 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 69:

--The China Force thread gets tied up from where it was left dangling a few issues ago......That must sort out most of the loose ends left by Mantlo's run.....Kudos to Hudnall for sorting things out so quickly......The chronology of the appearances is definitely off as I felt the Jade Dragon/China Force battle started weeks ago but here it's positioned as only a few hours ago......But otherwise the conclusion to the Chinese teams appearance doesn't seem too forced......The whole Jade Dragon thing did kind of fizzle out in the end......I was sure he would end up with Alpha Flight as a member and I think Mantlo may have intended that originally but he just got sidetracked a little.

--Page 3---the sign outside the city---'Welcome to Edmonton--Canada's Dream City'....does that really exist,Parch or is the writer just having a laugh?

--Talisman is already showing signs of reverting to her uncaring emotionless self after reclaiming her power.....She doesn't seem too concerned for Madison when she stuns him and he crashes into the Mall.....Her solution to the problem is self-defeating as they still end up crashing.

--More extreme violence from the Dream Queen....On page 13 it shows a guy who's tied up his family and is ready to mow them down with his lawn-mower....How'd they slip that one past the Comics Code Authority!.....I don't think Uncanny would have got away with that!

--Poor Kara,she has another run-in with her 'father' but again it turns out to be the work of the Dream Queen......Things don't look too good for her by the end of the issue......The Dream Queens about to make her one of her pawns,I think.

--Nice to see Shaman back caring for people again.....He had become a real asshole there for a while when he was under the influence of the Talisman but he's back to normal now......He was a great character under Byrne but he's really been a let-down since then.....I wish they'd bring his original costume back too....I thought it was better than his current one.

--Laura seems able to operate as a standard teleporter as well as moving people inter-dimensionally......In this issue she opens a portal to China for China Force to pass through.....This power'll be a real asset to the team if she stays on board.

--Next month...Someone's gonna get their ass whopped!:biggrin:

--P.S.---Art only average again this issue which is a shame:frown:

Parch

11-08-2009, 05:51 PM

thoughts on #69

I forgot about those China Force guys. Since they're supposed to be superheroes, they're pretty crappy at it. Killing agents isn't very heroic and they have to be the goofiest looking team. It's no wonder I've never heard of them. What type of hero is named Rabbit? And she doesn't look or act anything like a rabbit. Snake is just a Mr. Fantastic ripoff, but at least Ox is big. I get the feeling that's the last we'll see of them, and unfortunately the last of Jade Dragon too.

That "Welcome to" sign doesn't exist, but I think they're trying to work in the Dream Queen influence by making a dream reference. The actual sign has always said "City of Champions", in tribute to our successful sports teams. We haven't won much lately though.

Actually the representation of Edmonton isn't even close. Their cityscape is absolutely nothing like reality, so they're just making it up. They couldn't find a picture of Edmonton? Pretty lazy IMO. That's the dangers of Marvel using actual locations in their books. It takes some research. I was a little concerned about how Canada would be represented in Alpha Flight and all of the silly cliches that Americans have about this country. Considering we're neighbors, Americans are mostly clueless about Canada.

At least the waterpark at West Edmonton Mall was reasonably duplicated. Seeing Alpha Flight crash through the glass roof made me laugh. I'll never look at the waterpark the same again.

The lawn mower frame was memorable to me too. That was great, and just a glimpse of the nastiness that Dream Queen is up to...
"In the streets, men wracked with violent dreams stalk among their victims with dripping axes and smoking guns---
---the twitching bodies that still live, dream their worst fears, while their lives seep away into the crimson asphalt."

That's some great dialogue, and now she has plans to do that to the entire planet. China Force was just a bump in the road for Alpha Flight. Now it's time to visit the Queen.

limerick

11-09-2009, 12:56 PM

thoughts on #69

That "Welcome to" sign doesn't exist, but I think they're trying to work in the Dream Queen influence by making a dream reference. The actual sign has always said "City of Champions", in tribute to our successful sports teams. We haven't won much lately though.

Actually the representation of Edmonton isn't even close. Their cityscape is absolutely nothing like reality, so they're just making it up. They couldn't find a picture of Edmonton? Pretty lazy IMO. That's the dangers of Marvel using actual locations in their books. It takes some research. I was a little concerned about how Canada would be represented in Alpha Flight and all of the silly cliches that Americans have about this country. Considering we're neighbors, Americans are mostly clueless about Canada.

At least the waterpark at West Edmonton Mall was reasonably duplicated. Seeing Alpha Flight crash through the glass roof made me laugh. I'll never look at the waterpark the same again.

The lawn mower frame was memorable to me too. That was great, and just a glimpse of the nastiness that Dream Queen is up to...
"In the streets, men wracked with violent dreams stalk among their victims with dripping axes and smoking guns---
---the twitching bodies that still live, dream their worst fears, while their lives seep away into the crimson asphalt."

That's some great dialogue, and now she has plans to do that to the entire planet. China Force was just a bump in the road for Alpha Flight. Now it's time to visit the Queen.

Hi,Parch...there's a really long letter in this issue's letters page where a guy has a go at the Alpha Flight creators for their negative protrayal of Canada and,particularly,for their poor depiction of Canadian locales.....It's interesting your feeling the same way at this point.

The cirulation figure for the last 12 months are also given in this issue....The paid circulation average over the last 12 months works ot at an average of 129,540 copies per month while the paid circulation figures for the nearest issue to filing date is 96,900......Sales-wise that's a serious decrease over such a short period....Alpha fans gotta start getting worried with figures like that.

Parch

11-09-2009, 07:12 PM

limerick

11-12-2009, 05:06 PM

There were some lame titles just before this storyline so I'm not really surprised that the circulation numbers were dropping. I would hope that the Dream Queen story was a step in the right direction, but I imagine that once a title struggles it's hard to recover.

Alpha Flight never really did have great sales anytime during it's existence, did it? It's always been the quirky little title that's been one of Marvel's hidden gems but never a heavy hitter.
You're right,Parch...this titles sales are in a downward spiral that's gonna be hard to pull out of......But it's interesting to see how Marvel still give the title a chance......Nowadays you can be unplugged after 6 issues but back then they would give you a chance to recover sales..

BTW,I'm away for a few days so Alpha Friday's cancelled this week!.....See you next week!

limerick

11-20-2009, 01:00 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.70.GIF

Alpha Flight # 70.............May 1989

".....I But a Dream Within a Dream"

Hudnall/Calimee

Edmonton: The city of Edmonton is in chaos as it's citizens are under the control of The Dream Queen......She fills their heads with thoughts of Pain,Sorrow and Confusion......As aresult everything is cascading out of control.....

In a hight street,Alpha Flight materialises,thanks to the teleporting power of Laura.

Elsewhere in the Prime Minister's War Room Alpha Flight's arrival is viewed live via satelitte feed by the Prime Minister and leading officers in the Canadian Army......Although Alpha Flight are not exactlyb flavour of the month,the countries leaders are glad to have someone trying to deal with the situation which is ,as yet,unexplained.

The Dream Queen's Tower:Dream Queen watches as her enemies approach.......She tries using her mind-altering powers on them but Talisman is protecting them from her influence......Enraged,she prepares for their arrival,determined to defeat them.

Alpha arrives at the Tower and Talisman tells the others she can sense Dream Queen within......She knows Dream Queen is trying to influence the others minds but she is powerful enough to protect them......They enter the Tower and find piles of jewellry delivered to the Tower by the city's residents......Talisman tells them that Dream Queen is somewhere above the 10th floor......She suggests they split up to try and find her......Vindicator suggests splitting the group in two but Talisman replies that she's the most powerful and that she'll go alone......The others aren't impressed by her arrogance but Shaman suggests that she is the most powerful and it makes sense......Laura,Goblyn and Sasquatch go up the elevator to the 10th floor......Vindicator,Box and Shaman break through the wall and fly up another elevator shaft to the 15th floor.

Walter,Goblyn and Laura emerge from the elevator into a restaurant......Walter sees Aurora sitting at a table and is baffled when she asks him to join her.......As are the twins when their parents ask them to join them at another table for a family meal......

Meanwhile 5 floors higher,Heather and Shaman emerge into a greenhouse type room......Box emerges seconds later but is furious when he appears to see them kissing......As Madison confronts Heather,Shaman sees Talisman being attacked by three huge monsters.

West Edmonton Mall:Purple Girl recovers from her illness inflicted on her by Rat.......As she comes to she is puzzled as to why Alpha have abandoned her??

Dream Queen's Tower:Walter talks to Aurora but he senses something isn't right and tries to break through the Dream Queen's influence......Suddenly Aurora's eyes grow out on stalks,sprout teeth and attack him!

Nearby Laura and Goblyn's parents tell them they're starving and they need something delicious to eat......Suddenly Laura and Goblyn's chairs sprout arms which hold them tight and their parents make it clear they want to eat them!

Walter changes to Sasquatch and punches Aurora out the window!.....He goes to help his two young team-mates but is blocked by animated furniture.....As he watches Laura's chair runs with her to the window and throws her through the glass ,sending her flying to her doom below(!)

Above them Shaman tries to attack the creatures holding his daughter......But as he charges at them they suddenly disappear and he,too,plummets to his doom through a window.

Heather makes Madison see sense that she wasn't involved with Shaman.......But he is suddenly snatched by huge living plants and is unable to reach his Box armour......Vindicator tries to free her fiancee but is unable to wrestle him free from the huge carnivorous plants.

At the top of the Tower,Dream Queen savours each victory as her influence spreads across Canada and into the U.S......But she is startled by the sudden appearance of her father,Nightmare,who taunts her that he's come to warn her of her impending death.....As she laughs at the thought of someone killing her,Talisman arrives at the door!

Laura falls to what seems to be her death when she is caught by the levitating Shaman.....He carries her towards the top floor where he senses they are needed.

Talisman faces the Dream Queen and prepares to finish her.....But Dream Queen has an ace up her sleeve.....A harem of male slaves to satisfy her desires waiting in the next room......Under her control they sneak up on Talisman pin her down.....Dream Queen gives one of them a huge knive and tells him to start cutting!

Vindicator and Box free themselves and head for the top floor(Vindicator has a hunch that's where they need to go)......At the same time Walter and Goblyn overcome the animated furniture they have been battling......They board the elevator and also head for the top floor.

Talsiman uses her magic to free herself from the Dream Queen's slaves......Again she faces down the Dream Queen.......But at that moment Heather,Box,Goblyn and Sasquatch arrive......The Dream Queen is able to dominate them because they are so close and Talisman finds herself surrounded by her team-mates who mean to do the Dream Queen's bidding.

But outside the window,Shaman tells Laura to open a portal,which she does--to hell!......Talisman sees her chance and pushes Dream Queen into the portal.....Laura quickly closes the portal and the battle is at last over......Vindicator angrily confronts Talisman saking why she decieved them about notknowing exactly where the Dream Queen was......But Talisman retorts that she only did that to protect them as the closer they were to the Dream Queen,the more likely they were to fall under her power.

Accepting this explanation,Vindicator insists from now they act as a team......Elizabeth says they must do that because worse is yet to come!

FIN

Parch

11-20-2009, 08:40 PM

thoughts on #70

Lots of crazy stuff going on as the Dream Queen is playing her mind games, but the Alpha Flight bizarro moment has to be Aurora strangling Walter with her eyeballs. That was great.

So Dream Queen is slugged back into her dimension. I thought she was a great character but a quick check of the Wiki bio and this seems to be the last appearance for the Dream Queen. Too bad. She was such a cool baddie. She would have been a good adversary in a Dr. Strange or Ghost Rider story, but she's just another C-list villian for the obscure Alpha Flight title. Oh well.

There seems to be some leadership issues with the team. They get the job done but once again Vindicator isn't too happy. Mellow out babe. Her leadership skills are really lacking. I wonder if this is going somewhere.

One thing I was expecting in this story that didn't happen was a Puck rescue. With all the loose ends being cleaned up, that would be the one last biggie that needs to be fixed. Laura seems to have mastered her portal skills and can open the door to that other dimension, but they don't even talk about poor Puck being stuck there. Do they think he's dead or something?

So another story wraps up, but this is another example of the weirdness of the Alpha Flight title. No lack of strange stuff going on in this issue, but that's the unpredictability of Alpha Flight. It's unfortunate that the shoddy artwork drags down this issue a bit. I hope there's another artist change soon.

limerick

11-21-2009, 09:36 AM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 70:

--Yeah,Parch,this was a really great story.....I thought it was a great conclusion the the 4-parter and the only weak point was the art which is not great.....But it is helped a little that the city is supposed to be a bit nightmarish and thee slightly unrealistic art helps convey that to some extent.

--There's a slight indication at trhe start that the Canadian government may be willing to reach some sort of agreement with Alpha....They need a super-powered team,pure and simple!

--Talisman is back to her old self....Once again she's acting a bit aloof,arrogant and above the others.....She describes herself as the most powerful of the team and that's probably true right now.....It's a pity Hudnall hasn't quite got Shaman's characterisation right yet......I really liked Byrne's handling of him but after getting rid of the Talisman he should be acting his old self right now but that doesn't seem to be happening......Hopefully,we'll get the old Shaman back soon.

--Dream Queen is a great villainess.....It's a shame she hasn't reappeared since.....She's quite a minx.....After her S&M sessions with Puck,she's also got a 4-man harem to 'pleasure' her---the lady knows what she wants!.....But she's really powerful as well....If not for Talisman's ability to resist her power Canada and the rest of the world were really in trouble......Her power does allow a writer to let his imagination run free a little which is great......The restaurant scene was really good,especially those goofy tables trying to kick Sasquatch's ass.

--Actually this issue reminded me a lot of the 'Fall of The Mutants' X-men story in Forge's building in Dallas......They both involve trying to get to the summit of a tall building while trying to avoid the reality-altering powers of their adversary who is defeated by transporting them through a dimensional portal.....There were certain similaties to 'Inferno' as well.

--Was Shaman always able to levitate--I don't remember him using this power before......I'm not mad keen on his new costume,BTW.....I wish he'd bring back his old green number.

--What gives with Purple Girl?......I thought after last issue that Dream Queen was going to use her against her team-mates in some way but that didn't happen......She just kinda fizzled out of this story a little??

--BTW,Parch,I had thought Laura had sent Dream Queen to Hell/Hades rather than her own dimension......I thought the flames visble were supposed to be the eternal fires of Hell......But after you wrote that,I'm not so sure now......You raise a very good point about Puck....I suppose they might assume he is dead.

--Anyway,this was a very enjoyable issue.......I'm certainly really enjoying the 'Flight' again and I'm looking foward to the next issue and how it plays out with Talisman challenging Vindicator's position a little.

Parch

11-21-2009, 07:57 PM

I'm probably wrong about assuming that Dream Queen was sent home. I didn't even consider that she was sent somewhere else like Hell. When Nightmare visited he said that she would be killed so perhaps that was the intent. It would also explain why the character never showed up again.

You're right about Purple Girl. She got left behind at the mall and was feeling left out. Perhaps they're setting up something. They way they jerk around characters in Alpha Flight I'm almost expecting the team to continue getting a mix up.

limerick

11-27-2009, 01:37 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.71.GIF

Alpha Flight # 71.............June 1989

"Powerplays"

Hudnall/Calimee

The Dream Queen's Tower Penthouse,Edmonton:Alpha Flight takes a few moments to recover from their fresh victory over The Dream Queen......Vindicator asks the others whether they are interested in going their seperate ways or staying together as a team......But before they can discuss it they are surrounded by troops from the Canadian Army who burst in through all entrances brandishing weapons......Alpha briefly uses their powers to immobilize them but soon realize they are hugely outnumbered and Talisman uses her magic to 'order' her team-mates to halt proceedings.

The Canadian Wilderness:Dexter Rahne and his wife,Carol,have come on a trip to the wilderness to enjoy a second honeymoon together......As Dexter explains some of the natural history of the area to her,he stumbles over a small,evil looking idol.......He digs it up and tells his wife it's not an Indian artifact-----It's something much different than that.

Edmonton:The Army troops drop their weapons when their leader,General Brian Winslow,arrives......He thanks Alpha for their help and asks them to work with the government again......But Vindicator flatly refuses,reminding him of the interfernce they suffered from last time.......Talisman interrupts again,telling them Alpha will be settling in Edmonton and forming a new base there......When Vindicator asks her what she's talking about,Talisman points out three new men who've entered the room.

The Wilderness:Dexter goes to bed but he turns down his wife's sexual advances,telling her he's not in the mood......Instead he stares obsessively at the idol which is facing him.......Later as he sleeps he dreams the idiol has come alive and is speaking to him.....The idol appeals to Dexter's ecological values and tells him the planet will be dead in twenty years but he can do something about it.

Edmonton:The three men are the Mayor of Edmonton and a couple of suits......they defy the Army by offering Alpha a base as long as they promise to help the city if it's in peril.....Vindicator tells them she'll think about it,angering the General......Alpha remember Purple Girl has been left unconcious in the Edmonton Mall......They teleport there but Kara is annoyed at the way they abandoned her.......She tells Alpha she's had enough of the super-hero gig......She says she's leaving,at which Laura and Goblyn decide to join her......Waving goodbye,Laura teleports them to Kara's home.

The Wilderness:Carol awakes the next morning to find Dexter is already up......She finds him talking to the idol and he becomes annoyed at her for disturbing him.....He tells her to leave him alone and get some food ready......As she leaves,upset at his strange behaviour,he asks the idol about the power he'll have......He believes the idol tells him he will have unrivalled power but he will have to do something terrible to achieve it!

Madison Jeffries House,Ottawa:Madison answers the doorbell,expecting his fiancee,Heather......But when he opens the door,he sees his ex-girlfriend,Lil Crawley(A.K.A. Diamond Lil).......She embraces him warmly......Unfortunately,Heather has just arrived outside and she sees this through the window......Misinterpretating their embrace,she rushes home,upset......When she enters her own house,she finds Talisman waiting for her......She tells Heather that 'Love's Dangerous'!

The Wilderness:Carol feels Dexters hands on her shoulders and thinks everything's gonna be okay .....Until he starts choking her.....Seconds later she's dead.....He strusses her from a tree......All the time he hears the idol in his head giving him instructions......He cuts his wife's throat,drains her blood into a bucket and drinks it all......With the ritual complete he throws the bucket on the ground.

Ottawa:Heather asks Talisman what she's doing there......Elizabeth explains all the recent events in Canada that Alpha have experienced are warnings of things to come......She saysthat every 10,000 years planets align in a unique configuration.....When they do the physical laws of Earth begin to change and Evil gets the upper hand......Canada will be the Nexus for this evil and Alpha Flight must exist to try and stop it.....

The Wilderness:Flames envelop Dexter's body but they donm't burn him .......Instead they transform him.......After 10,000 years,The Sorcerer has returned!.....He immediately teleports somewhere to kill some people.....

Ottawa:Heather phones Madison and tells him to come quickly.......But it's too late .......The wall bursts in and Talisman and Heather find themselves under attack from The Sorcerer!!!

FIN

limerick

11-27-2009, 02:34 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 71:

--Hudnall's putting his version of Alpha together......He drops the junior squad of Purple Girl,Laura and Goblyn and drafts Diamond Lil back into the equation.....It's a shame to get rid of all 3 younsters.....But Laura is just too young for a spuperhero team.......The prospective Madison/Lil/Heather love triangle raises great story possibilities.

--I was surprised at The Sorcerer being Alpha's latest villain.....He does seem a little similar to the Dream Queen to be the very next story......Saying that we haven't seen too much of him yet.

--The scene where Dexter kills his wife ,ties her to a tree,slits her throat,collects her blood in a bucket and then drinks it(!!) has got to be the most violent scene in a Marvel book to date.....And still Approved by that dog-gone comics code!......I don't think they would have included that scene in a mainstream title like Uncanny!

--Canada's becoming a dangerous place to be......Watch your back,Parch!!

--Talisman is becoming more and more annoying.....Heather'd be well within her rights to give her a serious ass-kicking!.......I thought Madison and Heather were living together ,BTW.......But they've got sperate houses her.

--Diamond Lil is kinda hot.......Heather could have a job on her hands holding onto Madison!

--Good Story....Sorry but I can't warm to Calimee's pencils!

Parch

11-27-2009, 08:59 PM

thoughts on #71

The first thing I immediately noticed and a fairly major error in my opinion...
Sasquatch is white again. The color change was an important part of the sex change so that's a big screwup this issue.

The foreshadowing isn't very subtle. They previously hinted that Purple Girl was unhappy and sure enough she's gone next issue. Goblyn wasn't given much of a chance to develop so I'm kinda sad to see her go. At least that wildcat was a good source of comic relief once in awhile. I keep getting a sinking feeling that when a character leaves Alpha Flight it means he/she disappears from Marvel forever.

Talisman really is getting annoying isn't she. I never really liked "magic" characters much anyway, so making them bitchy makes them even more unlikable.

One thing Alpha Flight does well is develop a back story for their villians. The "possession" of Dexter sure made him do some nasty things. I've never heard of this Sorcerer guy. Another goofy looking baddie for AF to deal with, and with a name like Sorcerer he has to be another evil doer messing with minds. Is Alpha Flight about to get weird again? I shouldn't be surprised.

Parch

11-27-2009, 09:06 PM

limerick

11-28-2009, 04:22 AM

Shame about the signature limit. Those links to the other beginning threads were quite handy. Sometimes the Wolverine and Alpha Flight threads get buried to page 3 or 4, so now I have to go hunting for them again.
The Signature thing is really pissing me off.....I hate pelope telling me what to do.....Sometimes being on CBR makes me feel like I'm back at school with some of the petty rules......As I said on another thread,I'm pretty sure some of the mods signatures are over 200 characters.

It was really strange the way Laura was got rid of....I had thought there was a point to leaving her in Edmonton Mall......I was sure the Dream Queen was going to manipulate her against her team-mates somehow......But now there seems to be a bit of a turnaround and she's leaving the team on a whim......Hudnall's done a good job on the book sao far so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

I think Laura had a great power but she's too young.....Goblyn's technically the same age but she was a better fit for the team....I think they'll both be missed as well but Diamond Lil makes a return so at least someone's coming in to replace them.

Nice spot on the Sasquatch colour mistake....I missed that completely...

BTW,Parch.....are things like this commonplace in Edmonton?!

Parch

11-28-2009, 06:31 PM

You could always "fake" the signature by adding the links to the regular part of the post. You wouldn't even have to do it for every post. If you just did it for a summary, the links would show up often enough to serve the same purpose.

limerick

11-29-2009, 02:10 AM

You're right,that's not a bad idea....I might do that.....I can 'quote' the links each time like I do the cover images(tweaking things slightly!)

limerick

12-24-2009, 03:54 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.72.GIF

Alpha Flight # 72.............July 1989

"End Game"

Hudnall/Talaoc

An Other-Dimensional 'Non-Zone':Madison Jeffries sits,depressed,on the trashed remains of his Box suit......He recalls the events of the recent past....

THE RECENT PAST:Madison Jeffries' Home:Madison gets cut off from his phonecall to Heather......Sensing something is desperately wrong,he runs to the basement to change into his Box armour......By the time he comes back upstairs,Diamond Lil,has suited up and is waiting for him......They leave for Heather's house.

Heather Hudson's Home:Talisman and Heather are faced by The Sorcerer,who recognises Talisman as his mortal enemy reborn.......He transports them to an other-dimensional 'Non-Zone'......After 'magicing' up Heather's Vindicator costume he soon teleports the other members of Alpha Flight(Shaman,Sasquatch and Box as well as Diamond Lil into the Non-dimensional battle-zone.

He goads the various members of Alpha Flight into trying to take him out......They do--All to no avail and he overcomes them all easily......Talisman has watched her team-mates take one hell of a pasting and finally cracks.......She lashes out at him with her sorcerous powers ......But that was what he wanted all along.......By attacking him first,she has cancelled the rules of engagement which allowed him to do little until she attacked him......Free from his restraints,he now intends to attack Earth and rule it!

Box has one last attempt to defeat him but The Sorcerer laughs it off and smashes the Box robot to a pulp......He then laughs at his oponents as he teleports out of the zone,leaving Alpha behind wondering what to do next.......Talisman explains some of the history of The Sorcerer's previous appearance on Earth,10,000 years ago......But having tricked her he is now free to run riot on Earth.

THE PRESENT:Madison watches as his team-mates argue over how to get home........But if they do,how will they overcome what seems to be the undefeatable foe??!!

FIN

limerick

12-24-2009, 04:16 PM

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/195630-78684-diamond-lil_super.jpg

Diamond Lil----She's mean but possibly possesses Marvel's hottest bod ever!

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/35795/761429-diamondlil1_super.jpg

Any encounter with her would most likely end up with one getting one's ass kicked---But it'd be worth it.....Possibly my favourite Alphan ever.....Tough,sassy but surprisingly vunerable at times.....Diamond Lil,I salute you!

limerick

12-25-2009, 03:38 AM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 72:

--A change of artist with Gerry Talaoc taking the pencilling duties......I quite like his style but it's not very suited to a super-hero scenario.....All the characters seem a bit wimpy......I prefer my superheroes to be bulging with muscles!.....The Sorcerer,in particular looks in need of a good meal!

--The Sorcerer completely outwits Talisman and the rest of Alpha......He seems really powerful and it's hard to see how they'll overcome him,(although I'm sure they inevitably will!)......Talsiman acts like a right dope.....the Rules of Engagement say not to attack him first---But she allows herself to be tricked into using her magic on him....D'OH!......

--Diamond Lil's gotta be a threat to Heather's relationship with Box-----Madison's got history with her and let's face it---She's drop-dead gorgeous......Also,they seem slightly better suited,personality-wise.

--I love The Sorcerer's flaming head......I can never get enough of bad guys with flaming heads!......And he floats,too--Galactus-style...Nice!

--Talisman's outfit is getting more and more revealing......Is that the most daring outfit in Marvel's history......One quick turn or puff of breeze and everything's[/U] on show--brave girl!

--Box takes an unbelievable pasting but Madison emerges unscathed.....I thought he was vunerable while in the suit....So how does he come out unhurt?

--I really liked this issue......But The Sorcerer is too similar to The Dream Queen.....Even the Dimensional No-Zone he takes them too is almost identical to her other-dimendional zone......But he does seem much more of a match for Alpha than Dream Quenn who was taken out fairly easily in the end.

limerick

12-25-2009, 04:23 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.73.GIF

Alpha Flight # 73.............August 1989

"Homeward Bound"

Hudnall/Calimee

An Other Dimensional 'No-Zone':Alpha Flight are abandoned,tired,hungry and thirsty in the Dimensional No-Zone by The Sorcerer......Talisman tells them taht there is an inter-dimensional nexus nearby---That will take them to a vast array of different realities......Unfortunately,it cannot take them to their reality but at least it will take them to somewhere closer to Earth than where they are.......They follow her to a Stone-Henge-like circle of stones and tells them to follow her......As she steps between the stones,she disappears......The others quickly follow her,knowing they have no choice but to trust her.

The Inter-Dimensional Crossroads:Alpha find themselves in a disorientating inter-dimensional 'crossroads'......There are several portals leading to other realities.......Talisman says they need to fine the reality which closest resembles their own.......Diamond Lil and Vindicator get into a bit of a bitch-fight......Madison breaks it up,telling Lil he cares for Heather now and means to marry her.......Talisman finds the portal they need to go through but The Sorcerer has left a message carved in stone for them--They're in for a nasty surprise!......They step through the portal,finding themselves in another barren-looking world.

Talisman is having trouble sensing the location of the next rift......The others emotions of tension,anger and impatience are making her head spin.......Suddenly,they are attacked by huge snake-like creatures......They manage to overcome them......Talisman finally locates the next rift under a huge rock......Vindicator blasts a path to it and the move on to the next world.....

They find themselves in another strange world.......Talisman points to a nearby waterfall where the next rift is.......They pass huge metal statues as they walk.......Unknown to them they are being watched by local inhabitants--who turn out not to be friendly......As they near the waterfall,the locals somehow animate the staues and Alpha are attacked by them.......Madison uses the metal from one of them to create a new Box armour......They manage to get past the huge aggressive statues and pass through the rift,under the waterfall.

On yet another world they find themselves in a barren,desert-type landscape.......They spot a metallic arch nearby which Talisman confirms as being the next rift......But The Sorcerer has ensured it is well guarded and they face a huge bunch of large robots......But Alpha are determined to make it home and they group together as a team.......Heather and Lil put their differences aside and they overcome their attackers......They pass through the rift expecting to return home.

Alpha emerge into what seems to be New York but they then spot writing scrawled on a wall---A message from The Sorcerer telling them the party ain't over!.......Alpha then spot a copy of The Daily Bugle on the ground.......It says that 'President Reed Richards has disbanded the senate and congress......They may be on Earth but Alpha are most definitely not home!

Merry Christmas!!

limerick

12-25-2009, 07:17 AM

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/9490/388321-146190-talisman_super.jpg

Talisman's ever decreasing costume......Shaman,have a word!

Parch

12-27-2009, 12:22 PM

Happy Holidays CBR. I needed the break.

-Thoughts on #72.
With the art in AF lacking lately, a guest artist is welcomed. This issue looked pretty good but I thought the writing was outstanding.

I can agree that Sorceror is too similar to the DreamQueen. They could have split up the stories so that they weren't back to back, but this Sorceror guy is awesome. He's got some classic bad-guy dialogue and his provocation worked perfectly. Another fine villian for Alpha Flight.

The title "Evil in Edmonton" is deceptive. This story has nothing to do with Edmonton this time. They're off visiting other dimensions and getting tormented by this flamehead jackass, but the team sure gets their butt kicked like never before. This wizard and his interdimensional trickery will be hard to figure out, so ending it with a chess board scene was perfect.

I really liked this issue. I thought it was extremely well written and just might be my favorite Alpha Flight comic ever. Hudnell gets major props from me for this issue.

-Thoughts on #73
A fairly standard filler issue here. Beat off the nasties and escape the bad place, but since it's some sort of alternate dimension, it's snakes and robots this time. I thought they might do more with those funny looking aliens though.

You just knew there was going to be a cat fight between Lil and Heather, but there should have been more hair pulling and clothes tearing. Madison must have a thing for skin tight body suits. The dysfunctional family that is Alpha Flight continues but that's standard procedure now.

So now they're off to another alternate reality with Reed Richards. One thing about the Alpha Flight title is that it is it's own entity, and has been very seperate from the Marvel and X-world. There has been very few guest appearances and at times you wouldn't even know it was a Marvel title. I get the feeling that's about to change.

Nevets F

12-27-2009, 12:30 PM

So glad to see the return of the thread!

limerick

12-27-2009, 02:04 PM

So glad to see the return of the thread!
Happy Christmas to Parch and Steven F......At least there's three of us reading!!.....And Merry X-mas to any lurkers out there.....I promise to finish this thread through to the end,no matter how long it takes....More than half-way there now!

Category1Games

12-29-2009, 10:51 PM

Noona1

12-29-2009, 11:50 PM

ONLY scan i have of alpha flight there is 3 of them in that scan .. it is their week right?
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5473/xf11604.jpg

limerick

01-01-2010, 05:46 AM

Limerick thank you for covering this - Excalibur and Wolverine.

I have the full runs of each series but just can't bring myself to read any Excalibur before 42, Wolverine before around 35 and I just can't do Alpha Flight.

The art from almost all over Alpha Flight is horrible in my opinion and makes it unreadable.

I took the full run of Excalibur with me on a vacation that I had 5 days of no TV or internet at a cabin and couldn't even bring myself to pull it out and start reading.

You summarizing these has given me the idea of what happened. I copy them into word and print them off each day and read them over lunch. I'm a teacher and I'm off all Christmas through New Years so I'm copying them and emailing them to myself to print off at work so I will have a lot to catch up on when I get back to having lunch breaks.

Thanks again and I hope you had a great Christmas and a wonderful new year. Please don't stop as these bring me a lot of joy. I hope it is worth your effort.
Hey,thanks for the kind words.....That was very much appreciated.....I really do enjoy doing the threads but I wish I had more free time to devote to them.

At different times ,different comic books will appeal to me more which is only natural......Sometime I find myself struggling through some periods of a books run......Examples are The Judgement War saga in X-Factor(In Fact,X-Factor has been surprisingly disappointing as a whole on re-reading it),The second journey to Asgard in the New Mutants......The current post CrossTime Caper,post Alan Davis run in Excalibur is an accquired taste also.

But I must say I generally do look foward to Alpha Flight......I was a huge fan from their first X-Book appearance and although the team is greatly changed and has suffered from some very poor art at times,I find the unpredictability of it very refreshing......Things happen here that just could not occur on a better selling mainstream book such as Uncanny.

I would say the current pecking order at this time(i.e the books I look foward to reading most circa 1990)are:

Uncanny
Alpha Flight
Wolverine
Excalibur
New Mutants
X-Factor(Sorry!)

limerick

01-01-2010, 05:46 AM

First Double Post of the New Year!!!!

limerick

01-01-2010, 05:49 AM

ONLY scan i have of alpha flight there is 3 of them in that scan .. it is their week right?
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5473/xf11604.jpg
You're right,Noona1,it is Alpha Week(Surprisingly!!)

limerick

01-01-2010, 06:07 AM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 73:

I enjoyed this issue and the dimension jumping.....Although all the worlds seem pretty personality-less and same-y.....At times it seems like they're taking part in an old-style Prof. Xavier Danger Room exercise!......Still it's a bit of fun as they try to move closer to Earth.....Although the first one they travel to looks no more like Earth than the one they left(as Talisman had promised it would)

--As before,it's great to see Diamond Lil in action.....Has she super-strength as well as being invunerable?.....I just wish Shaman would return to the way he was protrayed under Byrne.....He really is a shadow of his former self......If he stays like this I probably would prefer if he left the book altogether.

--Looking foward to the next issue.....There seems to be a lot of similarities to the Cross Time Caper in Excalibur and this current Alpha storyline......At least this world seems closer to Earth 616......Redd Richards does look very Jack Kirby-like in style in that last panel(on the newspaper)

limerick

01-08-2010, 01:02 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.74.GIF

Alpha Flight # 74.............September 1989

"Dark Reflections"

Hudnall/Calimee

New York,An Other-Dimensional Earth:Diamond Lil drags the body of Spiderman down a back alley to a nearby dumpster......She's still in disbelief that she's just killed him!!!......She recounts to herself the events that led to this while trying to make it to the Brooklyn Bridge......If she can make it there she'll be home-free......But every super-hero in New York is after her!!

FLASHBACK:Earlier,Alpha had arrived to this Earth......On seeing a newpaper they quickly realised that this was not their Earth......They decide to head for Canada and Box flies to a scrapyard to look for more metal to form a plane from......The others head to a nearby cafe and get something to eat while they wait for him to return......They notice the genaral public is looking at them strangely,as if afraid of them....

Hours pass but Box doesn't return......Their waitress tells them details about this reality's version of Alpha Flight and they realise they are definitelt in adifferent reality from their own.

Elsewhere,while flying to find a scrapyard,Box has run into Iron Man....

Back at the cafe,the other customers react with fear at the sudden arrival of The Avengers,The Vision,She-Hulk and Wonder Man.....Heather tries talking to them but Vision aggressively orders them into a van outside or they will be dealt with by Deadly Force......There brought by van to an underground garage where they are shown into a room.......Box is waiting for them and explains how he was similarly caught by Iron Man......Suddenly a door opens and they are joined by Captain America......Heather tells him where they're really from and how they got here......But he's suspicious of them and tells them of this Earth's recent history.......After 'Acts of Vengence',Supervillains gained control of the Eastern Bloc nations and the nuclear arsenal they control.......To counter,Western countries put their superheroes in positions of power with Reed Richards becoming president of the U.S.......In tears,he tells how repeated operations by Eastern nations resulted in the deaths of many super-powered individuals......Richards and his government resorted to Facist tactics to try and maintain control,eliminating anyone suspicious......A tyrnnical regieme was established with the superheroes running the show.......Captain America says if their story is true they will join their organisation.....If it's not they will kill them!!!

Heather tells him they want to go home......To which Captain America replies that they are enemies of the United Superhuman State......Alpha battles the Avengers and following a short scrap,Alpha emerges victorious and unscathed......They flee the building seeming to have escaped.......But another wave of superheroes attacks them,including Cyclops,The Thing,The Human Torch,Rogue,The Hulk and Thor!!!.....Rogue grabs Diamond Lil and flying into the air she then drops her from a height,thinking that will kill her.......Lil falls into a back alley,smashing a huge hole in the ground.......Although sore and bruised ,her invunerability has saved her......But before she has time to recover,she finds herself facing a very aggressive Spider-man........He attacks her......As they fight he makes it clear he intends to sexually assault her if he defeats her.......Angered by his threats,she really cuts loose......As he tries to kick her,she grabs his leg and smashes him against a wall---KILLING him!!

NOW:Diamond Lil climbs another building and finds herself just a few yards from the Brooklyn Bridge where she'll rendez-vous with her team-mates(if they are still alive!).......But she suddenly is faced by Colossus and Wolverine(This reality's version has even longer claws than the 616 version!).....

FIN

Parch

01-09-2010, 03:33 PM

thoughts on 74

"Diamond Lil...The woman who killed Spider-Man"
Yeah, right. As if anybody would ever fall for that line. But I did like the way this comic was constructed using that as the theme.

Any doubts that Alpha Flight was a Marvel comic is definately eliminated. This issue is chock full of guest appearances, but there's no hiding that this is an alternate reality here. I could actually believe that Reed Richards would be president of a United Superhuman State. I kinda liked that Alpha Flight kicked Captain America's butt, but perhaps that escape was a little too easy. These alternate superheroes are quite different from their real versions. It's an interesting strategy to use such iconic Marvel heroes as the bad guys for Alpha Flight, and the battle royal continues next issue.

Just on a side note, I just read Alpha Flight's Annual #2. It's the 1987 team making a visit to Antarctica and the Savage Land. It's a real good story by Mantlo and I think it's a super comic for AF fans. It would have been a great two-parter for the regular issue.

limerick

01-09-2010, 04:35 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 74:

--Hi,Parch......I agree with your point about the construction of this comic.....Hudnall really is coming into his own......Calimee has some interesting ideas in the design of an image but he doesn't have the technical ability to pull all of them off......On the opening page there is a nice touch where Diamond Lil crushes a spider under her foot as she drags Spider-Man's body to the dumpster.......I really like those couple of opening pages---In the last frame of the first page Lil's head is turned back towards the dumpster as she plans her next move but we're drawn to the shocking image of a dead Spider-Man.....To us that's the priority---that moment of shocking revelation has passed for her.......On the otherhand there are some awful panels,artistically......Look at Heather sitting at the table on page 9---She looks deformed......I could almost do better myself(And I'm crap at drawing!!)

--Lil really is awesome....Her height is conveyed on the cover---More so than it has been in the last few issues......Let's face it,if she can chin the She-Hulk,she's no pushover!......I loved her narrating this issue--It made a nice change from the Vindicator orientated issues......But,as Parch mentioned,the cover is misleading......If you're a regular reader you would know this is not the real Spider-Man but it's a decent tactic to try and pull in more readers and one which is fair for a book struggling to find readers.

--The Parallel Earth had one main problem for me.......The 'Acts of Vengence' results in super-villains taking over the Eastern Bloc......And then our heroes turned bad in this reality.......Are we supposed to believe that they were essentially 'good' before that??....Because Spider-Man is one mean mother and The Avengers are pretty bad-ass as well.......So it seems they have been corrupted by a fairly major event but one that shouldn't have caused that much of a swing in personality,IMO.

--There's an error on page 2---The creative credits are left off.....There's an obvious space left for them on the bottom right-hand corner of the page but someone forgot to include them in the final draft before sending for printing......

--I really enjoyed this issue,although I felt Alpha defeated the Avengers far too easily.......It'll be interesting to see how they fared against the second batch of heroes they faced----That was a fairly powerful team!(The Thing,Human Torch,Rogue,Thor,Cyclops and The Hulk!!!!)......But I'm definitely waiting for the next installment with bated breathe which is a sign of a well told story.

limerick

01-16-2010, 04:57 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.75.GIF

Alpha Flight # 75.............October 1989

"Tigers in the Rain"

Hudnall/Calimee

The DreamQueen's Dimension:Puck has spent months in the Dream Queen's dimension......Now no longer bothered by her due to her banishment to another dimension by Laura,he wanders the dimension aimlessly......He has learnt to control the enviorment which is completely susceptible to manipulation by the mind---What you think becomes reality!!.....He catches sight of a strange light over a hill and when he goes to investigate it he is shocked to find a replica of Manhattan stretched out in the distance below him......He creates a telescope to investigate what's happening and is shocked to spot his ex-teammates,Alpha Flight,fighting various superheroes

In the city Vindicator,Sasquatch,Shaman,Box and Talisman all battle the pseudo-Superheroes--Thor,Hulk,Thing,Iron Man,Cyclops,Rogue and The Human Torch......They fight tooth and nail in a no-holds barred scrap which is fairly evenly matched.....Noteably,Talisman freezes The Human Torch and he shatters to pieces......Shaman is seriously injured and collapses unconcious

Nearby,Diamond Lil faces this dimension's versions of Wolverine and Colossus......Surprisingly,she seems to be more than holding her own when they suddenly burst into flames.......Puck arrives,flying to the building rooftop with wings he just created for himself......Diamond Lil doesn't recognise him at first due to his non-dwarfism appearance.......He explains to her where she actually is and instructs her on how to manipulate the rules of reality that govern this dimension.......He also explains that 'Wolverine' and 'Colossus' were not real living people but the creations of a very powerful being---someone who has far more control over the enviorment than he has.....They deduce that it was the work of Llan the Sorcerer!

Not far away Alpha Flight find their task of survival made more difficult by the arrival of more local 'superheroes' to fight them----Wonder Man ,Captain America,She-Hulk and The Vision all join the frey and Alpha are under serious pressure.......Just as Thor is about to try and kill Talisman she is saved by the sudden arrival of Elvis!!!......He smashes Thor with his guitar....(Elvis had been created by Puck on Lil's sugestion!)......Diamond Lil joins the fight......She is seriously powered up now that she understands how to use the local enviorments nature to alter reality......She splits the opposing super-beings in half simply by striking them with a karate chop......Cyclops is about to finish Shaman off when suddenly another creation of Puck's appears......Santa Claus weilding a kalashnikov!!......He blasts Cyclops,saving Shaman........Diamond Lil finishes off the others with help from Talisman and Puck flies in to be reunited with his former team-mates.......He explains how they are actually in the Dream Queen's dimension and that Llan the Sorcerer had set them up to be killed there by the facsimilie superheroes.......Shaman recovers from his injuries by using the enviorment's ability to alter reality---He literally wishes himself better!

Realising they must get home quickly to face Llan,they try to think of a way home.......Remembering how the Dream Queen used Alpha to get to Earth before,Talisman focues all the mental energy of the team and manages to open a portal to Earth......Puck says goodbye to Santa and Elvis and Alpha passes through the portal to find themselves back in Heather's living room.

FIN

limerick

01-17-2010, 12:40 PM

http://www.queervoice.net/kmcmullen/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/happy-75th-birthday.jpg

:biggrin:Well Done,Alpha Flight!!.......It's beaten the odds and got to it's 75th issue.......Not too many comic books make that landmark......Very well deserved!

limerick

01-17-2010, 01:07 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 75:

--I really loved this issue......it had all the goods things about Alpha Flight and some of the weaknesses of the title as well......It really represents what this book is about and I'm glad it's landmark issue was so representative of everything 'Alpha'!

--Hudnall throws an immediate curveball(Americanisation!!)by bringing Puck back and revealing that Alpha are actually in the Dream Queen's dimension.......It fits in nicely as the similarities over the last few issues were obvious.......It's a very believable reason for the return of Puck(although I'm not so sure I'd want to leave a place where you can make anything happen!!).....His writing really does keep you second guesing.

--More nice development on Diamond Lil's personality......I really like her as a character and hope she stays with the title for quite a while.......Now Puck ha returned there's an extra dimension to the love triangle of Heather,Lil and Madison......in fact,you could call it a love rectangle!

--Other memorable things in this issue were Cyclops getting wasted with a flurry of machine-gun fire....by Santa Claus!!!!.......Elvis knocking Thor for six by smashing a guitar over his head(definitely a first for the Norse God,surely!!).......Diamond Lil punching a massive dent in Colossus' face--Ouch!!......The Human Torch being shattered to smithereens!

--Sasquatch seems to have almost Wolverine-like healing power......he regenerates his organs as The Vision destroys them......I hadn't realised he had that ability.......I enjoyed his brief scrap with the Hulk(who looked surprisingly puny!)

--But there were bad points as well......Sorry,but the art is awful,IMO......Possibly even worse than usual as Calimee tries to finish the double-sized issue......The ending as well was a bit contrived......The Dream Queen spent hundreds of years trapped in her dimension despite having absolute control over it......Talisman manages to generate a trans-dimensional portal effortlessly within seconds........It's all just a little too convenient for my liking........Another minor gripe is that Sasquatch seems to vary in size a lot,although it's just a minor thing.

--That's a great cover to this issue......I think it's Jim Lee??......The signature's a little unclear.

--I love the last few panels where Judd says goodbye to Santa and Elvis,wondering if they'll live on to control this realm.......And finally,is it just me or do Talisman and Madison seem to be getting a little frisky on the couch on the last panel??!!

GO ALPHA!!

Parch

01-17-2010, 02:23 PM

Thoughts on #75

Ding, ding, ding! It's a WWE pay-per-view with Alpha Flight battling the Marvel superstars.

-The diva Diamond (Dallas) Lil just defeated Spiderman with a neck breaker, and now she's in a handicap match against the tag-team champs Wolverine and Colossus. She pulls out the victory when she's helped out with a run in by an old friend...Puck. After being on the DL, it's nice to see the guy back on the roster.

-The battle of the aerial artist has Vindicator against Iron Man, but his ringside manager Rogue interferes. OK, what's with the hair? I've never seen Rogue with a funky hairdo like that. Too much hairspray, babe.

-The battle of the hard bodies has The Thing matched up against the Madison robot.
"It's clobbering time!" "No, it's gravel making time!"
I like that line, but Madison gets his head ripped off.

-Talisman makes quick work of Torch, but big daddy Shaman doesn't do so well against Cyclops and Thor. But Thor is using an illegal object! He should have been disqualified.

-And the real battle for the heavyweight championship, it's Sasquatch vs the Invincible Hulk. Similar backgrounds, but in this dimension the green goliath isn't so invincible.

-Then everybody gets together for a real royal rumble, including the Avengers. If Puck sprouting wings isn't the Alpha Flight bizarro moment, then it has to go the guest appearances of Elvis and Santa Claus. Every battle royale needs some weirdos. Elvis gets the best of Thor with his own foreign object (I've seen that move in a wrestling ring before), then everybody hits their finishing moves, and it's Alpha Flight with the win!

Needless to say, I liked this issue. There was even another awkward moment between the love triangle when Lil was hugging Madison. I was wondering how they were going to bring back Puck. Well done. The team is back together, now he needs to shrink a couple of feet. I can forgive some of the sloppy artwork in this issue. It was still fun.

Go Alpha Flight!

limerick

01-17-2010, 03:41 PM

Lololol!....very nice,Parch!......Rogue's hair was wild......So were Wolverine's extra long claws.......There was another love triangle moment---As Puck hugs Heather,Lil and Madison stand awkwardly in the background......Madison's looking at the ground and awkwardly kicking a stone.....It really made me laugh!

limerick

01-23-2010, 11:35 AM

Just a final note on issue # 74--it was never explained why Diamond Lil was heading for Brooklyn Bridge and why she was under the impression she'd be home free if she made it there......She hadn't time to agree a rendez-vous spot with the others before 'Rogue' grabbed her.....So it seemed strange that all of a sudden she was concentrating on Brooklyn Bridge.....It did lend a bit of narrative to the story but it is unexplained.

King_Mungi

01-23-2010, 04:19 PM

This issue is quite fitting with what is going to happen to Lil in the new X-Force comic. Marvel sure does love killing off ALpha Flight characters.

limerick

01-23-2010, 06:30 PM

This issue is quite fitting with what is going to happen to Lil in the new X-Force comic. Marvel sure does love killing off ALpha Flight characters.
My poor,poor Lil!!......*limerick sobs uncontrollably*

limerick

01-23-2010, 06:46 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.76.GIF

Alpha Flight # 76.............November 1989

"Bad News"

Hudnall/Calimee

Montreal:The Canadian Army surveys the streets of a Montreal subarb......They are littered with the bodies of violently killed ordinary Canadians......Suddenly,a soldier tells his superior about the arrival of Canada's Super Team----GAMMA FLIGHT!!!!!

The new Super Team is led by Nemesis,who asks a soldier to fill them in on what's been happening.......He explains that it seems that everyone within a six mile radius has been slaughtered,killed by an evil force.......Witchfire uses her sorcerous powers to search the six mile area and detects a demonically possessed presence.......Nemesis orders brother and sister,Auric and Silver to re-conn the area from the air......Nemesis,Witchfire and Wildfire head in on foot.

Heather Hudson's Apartment:Heather calls her mother to check how long they've been away for----it's three months!!!......Suddenly,Shaman and Puck start to feel unwell......They are brought to the hospital by their team-mates......The doctors are puzzled as to what's happening but Eugene figures it out......While in the Dream Queen's dimension they had used the local energy/matter to heal themselves......Now back on Earth,this effect has been reversed,leading to their rapid health deterioration!......At the hospital they notice The Sorcerer's handiwork in Montreal on T.V......Although reluctant to leave their team-mates behind they know what they must do and head for Montreal.

Montreal:Gamma Flight enters the six-square mile area affected by the strange events......Nemesis,Witchfire and Wild Child manage to locate the centre of the possessed area......But they are shocked to find a possessed young girl has been the source of the death and destruction.....Grinning manically with wild eyes,she tells them her 'death graffiti' has been a message from her master......Gamma tries to get her to talk to them about her master but she says she will only speak to another who will arrive shortly(Talisman)......The girl then orders hundreds of zombies to attack them.....Nearby Auric and Silver are being attacked by a similar bunch of dead civilians(who are able to fly)......As they come under more and more pressure the team unites and falls back......They are struggling to cope with the sheer number of zombies confronting them.

Just as they seem to be about to succumb to the hordes,Alpha arrives to save the day......In a huge confrontation they eventually overcome the zombies while Talisman faces off against the demonically possessed girl......The girl tells her that her master has been busy the last three months and that Talisman will see the fruit of his labours in the coming weeks......This is where he is getting serious......Then Talisman drives the deomn out of the girl's body,using her magic powers....As the demon leaves,the hordes of dead civilians suddenly become inactive now that their source of re-animation is gone and the battle is over.....Unfortunately,it ends tragically and the young girl dies a few moments later in her arms,ending any celebrations Alpha have at their victory......Worse still,Nemesis tells Alpha that because they no longer are acting with government sanction,she is under orders to arrest them!

As she holds the young girls dead body,Talisman promises her that Alpha will bring back the light......

FIN

limerick

01-25-2010, 12:36 PM

Dang.....I had me there one o' them city slickin' double posts,y'all!

limerick

01-25-2010, 12:38 PM

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/6465/153771-60391-nemesis_large.jpg

Nemesis returns to the pages of Alpha Flight---But this time as leader of the new Canadian Government sanctioned team,Gamma Flight.

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/3664/371060-29781-auric_large.jpg

Silver and Auric,the brother-and-sister team who are copyright infringingly close to Aurora and Northstar!

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/9490/208144-44180-wild-child_large.jpg

Wild Child(in one of many,many costumes which appear during the course of his Marvel career)--not a nice guy(at this stage!)

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/12463/289747-81965-witchfire_large.JPG

Witchfire--The young mysterious wielder of magic......A natural quarry for Talisman if Alpha and Gamma should come to blows--They share the same hem-line hating tailor.

Cub

01-25-2010, 01:24 PM

I cannot believe that I have had numerous conversations on terrible costumes, and yet have never heard of witchfire. I just... It's like... I can't... What??

limerick

01-25-2010, 02:16 PM

It looks kinda like a pair of curtains!

Nevets F

01-25-2010, 03:14 PM

limerick

01-25-2010, 03:56 PM

limerick

01-25-2010, 04:00 PM

Witchfire is an awesome character though! That costume doesn't really last too long.

Witchfire is actually one of my top characters ever.

Fun fact...Silver and Auric first appeared in a Spider-Man title.
I totally agree about Witchfire......I liked her from the word go......And I didn't recall this costume so I think you're right and it doesn't last long(unsurprisingly!)

In fact I thought all of the Gamma costumes were pretty poor except Nemesis.....I've always loved that costume(reminds me of Spawn's costume)......I think Wild Child's is the worst of the lot.....I hate the colour and those 'Kids From Fame' things on his feet!

Parch

01-25-2010, 06:20 PM

thoughts on 76

Another batch of superheroes always has me hitting the Wiki. Wildchild is the only one I'm familiar with. He certainly gets around, and he's got that memorable look even if it is a bit creepy and disturbing. Witchfire has some history, but the modern version doesn't look anything like this one. She's stuck in the 70's. Nemesis looks pretty cool. It's a shame she isn't used more. The twins are forgetable. Apparently Marvel agrees.

This story is alright, but once again it's a copy of the Dreamqueen's chaos in Edmonton with bodies lying around. The art is really disappointing once again. When you're talking about zombies it's a chance to get gross and nasty, but the art is quite boring and it's a lost opportunity. Even the demon at the end is really stupid looking. The little kid messenger was done well.

So Gamma Flight is supposed to arrest Alpha Flight. Good luck with that. My money's on Alpha, even with a couple members missing. That witch chick better have some tricky magic if Gamma stands any chance.

Overall it's a disappointing issue. All they're really doing is re-introducing some of the B-team members. The current art team is really dragging down the run at this point. Hopefully it's only temporary.

Nevets F

01-25-2010, 06:29 PM

Don't want to come over all DDM,Stephen F,(:biggrin:) but Comicvine lists this as their first appearance,although they do appear in two Spiderman Annuals in 1992.....could that be what you're thinking of?

EDIT..I've just checked that and the MC Project says Alpha Flight 76 is their first Marvel appearance......They appear in Amazing Spiderman Annual # 26 and Web of Spiderman Annual # 8 between their appearances in Alpha Flight # 90 and # 121 .I hope that's of some use,Stephen.

I am not above being wrong! I have never been a Spider-Man fan, so I haven't read the issue in question. I just remember hearing that they appeared in a cameo appearance (I think in a photo) before this appearance, but I apparently heard that wrong.

I do have their later (won't spoil) appearance.

Nevets F

01-25-2010, 06:32 PM

I totally agree about Witchfire......I liked her from the word go......And I didn't recall this costume so I think you're right and it doesn't last long(unsurprisingly!)

In fact I thought all of the Gamma costumes were pretty poor except Nemesis.....I've always loved that costume(reminds me of Spawn's costume)......I think Wild Child's is the worst of the lot.....I hate the colour and those 'Kids From Fame' things on his feet!

I really enjoyed the team, but yes, their costumes were pretty terrible...except for Nemesis, whose is kinda fantastic.

Witchfire's next costume is...strange also. It's not as terrible, but it's just an odd costume.

thoughts on 76

Another batch of superheroes always has me hitting the Wiki. Wildchild is the only one I'm familiar with. He certainly gets around, and he's got that memorable look even if it is a bit creepy and disturbing. Witchfire has some history, but the modern version doesn't look anything like this one. She's stuck in the 70's. Nemesis looks pretty cool. It's a shame she isn't used more. The twins are forgetable. Apparently Marvel agrees.

The current Witchfire is an abomination, lol. Seriously, CB Cebulski took the character and totally changed her from what she had always been, with no explanation at all. I like that writer, but he really messed this one up.

King_Mungi

01-25-2010, 06:56 PM

Yeah not to sure why she is all of sudden evil or when she learned who her daddy was.

limerick

01-26-2010, 03:18 PM

Yeah not to sure why she is all of sudden evil or when she learned who her daddy was.

I didn't realise she's appeared in the X-Infernus Mini until I was looking for a Witchfire image to post---The proliferation of X-Titles these days does allow for lees well known characters to make their return.

Nevets F

01-26-2010, 03:21 PM

I didn't realise she's appeared in the X-Infernus Mini until I was looking for a Witchfire image to post---The proliferation of X-Titles these days does allow for lees well known characters to make their return.

I was very excited about, until I read it and realized she would have been better off had she not returned. It was a totally different character. Evil for no apparent reason. Between this, and Diamond Lil and Marinna's recent fates...ugh...I am so sick of Alpha abuse.

MartinRedmond

01-26-2010, 03:24 PM

Marina didn't really matter since it was the same story as an Avengers story published 21 years ago.

limerick

01-26-2010, 03:44 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 76:

--Let me say again(without labouring the point too much ,I hope)that the art is awful,really the worst I've seen in a Marvel......I've seen plenty of art better than this posted by CBR members on the forums....I'm not an art obsessive and generally the story is the main thing for me.....But this art is below an acceptable standard and fails to convey the writer's ideas properly which is a shame......(And Sasquatch is an abomination!)

--Another amazingly violent issue--Not many titles would carry the images of the dead kid on page 3 or show the death of the child later in the issue.....I found her death quite moving and tragic......I agree with Parch that the possessed child was a high point of the story,although the hordes of undead are so poorly rendered it really takes away from the impact which is a shame......I agree also that this issue is an almost carbon-copy of the Dream Queen battle..

--Bad times for Puck and Shaman as the Dream Queen dimension effect wears off.....It's not hard to guess what may be ahead for Puck!

--Gamma Flight are interesting,athough there are flaws......Auric and Silver are far too similar to Aurora and Northstar......Wild Child's costume is unforgivable!--He really does look weird....But Nemesis is back and Witchfire appears an interesting addition to the Canadian superheroes.....It'll be great to see the two teams go to loggerheads if Gamma try to arrest Alpha.

--I didn't realise Talisman could fly.....She definitely seems to be the most powerful member of the team right now.

--Despite the art and the storline repitition,I did actually find this issue reasonable......I think the Gamma Flight twist and the quite moving ending saved it for me......I'm really enjoying Alpha at the moment.

King_Mungi

01-27-2010, 11:49 AM

I didn't realise she's appeared in the X-Infernus Mini until I was looking for a Witchfire image to post---The proliferation of X-Titles these days does allow for lees well known characters to make their return.

She's currently trapped with the Elder Gods after she breifly released them. she was a definite power-house in the mini, but not the Witchfire we knew. In addition she will be returning soon in New Mutants or it would seem

Marina didn't really matter since it was the same story as an Avengers story published 21 years ago.

That's what I told people, who knows maybe her Plodex DNA will regnerate her.

limerick

01-31-2010, 07:01 AM

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limerick

02-04-2010, 04:26 PM

Back tomorrow with Alpha Flight # 77---Those Alphans need to kick some Gamma butt!!

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Nevets F

02-04-2010, 08:06 PM

Looking forward to it!

limerick

02-05-2010, 06:25 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.77.GIF

Alpha Flight # 77.............Mid November 1989

"Shattered Design"

Hudnall/Thomas

Calgary:Heather Hudson takes some retail therapy at the Steven's Avenue Mall while recovering from Alpha Flight's recent ordeals and before deciding on their next move.....As she walks down the street a bullet from a sniper's rifle hits her a glancing blow and then plows through the forehead of another pedestrian,killing him instantly......Heather is shocked but races towards the building she feels the sniper was firing from.....Nearby policemen see her running and start to persue her,thinking she was involved in the killing in some way.....Heather changes into her costume and flies up an elevator shaft to try and catch the killer.....On the roof,she sees the sniper on the next building and flies towards him.....He starts to fire at her but her suit protects her until it suddenly starts to lose power and she begins to fall to the street below....She manages to use her resevre power to cushion her fall but still blacks out from the impact.....When she comes around,several police officers point their guns in her face.

As she's brought in for questioning,Heather deduces that her suit had been affected by a phone company micro-wave transmitter on the roof.....Rather than being questioned by the police,she finds herself interrogated by Canadian Internal Security......They tell her they don't believe that the bullet was meant for her but the victim was indeed the intended target--Senator Edward Barlow,a former presidential candidate and a supporter of the Contra rebels in the South American nation,Costa Brava.....His support of the rebels was in direct conflict with the current President's policy......Telling her they've kept the details of her interrogation out of the press,they tell her she's free to go but warn her to stay out of this 'situation'.

As she leaves the police building a man approaches her,telling his name is Larry Warren and that he was a friend of Senator Barlow's.....They go for a coffoe and Warren tells her that he was a childhood friend of Barlow's......Barlow had revealed an imoportant secret to him.....Barlow had discovered a plot by a U.S. Army general to try and overthrow the Costa Brava government......But the General had links to drug dealers and the coup was being financed by them in return for crop rights on drug plantations once the new regeime was established......Larry claims that Barlow wanted to expose the whole thing but needed to gather more evidence......Unknown to Heather and Larry,their conversation is being monitoired by two suits sitting at the next table.

Heather goes to telephone her fiance,Madison Jeffries,to cancel her planned date with him.....He tells her he feels they should meet to discuss their faltering relationship.....But when she tells him it's just not possible,he says he has something 'to do' anyway......Behind him,Diamond Lil brings him a cup of tea!!:eek:

Heather turns to Larry and takes his phone number.....She then goes outside and watches him leave.....She disappears downb a back alley and changes into her Vindicator costume.....The two suits follow her outside but lose her......Instead they tail Larry.........Unknown to them,Heather flies above them watching their every move.

Further down the road,Larry finds his way blocked by a large articulated truck.....Suddenly,he is surrounded by several suited goons wielding serious weapons.....Larry thinks they're here to help him but he gets a shock when they tell him they're not 'his people'.....Fortunately,Heather arrives on the scene to dis-arm the goons......After that she looks for information,asking who hired them.....They resist at first but when she threatens some serious harm,one of them tells her they were hired by General Will Zimmerman......At Larry's suggestion,Heather goes after the General while Larry says he'll look after the goons until the cops come.....But after she leaves he turns a machinegun on them,revealing he is not wquite who he says he is.

New York:The Kingpin hears that his men have not reported in and that Larry Taylor may still be alive.....He orders the General's assassination.

Washington D.C.:Heather fklies to Washington and discovers the General's address using a telephone book......But when she goes to his house,she finds him dead and his assassin leaving the scene.....She recognises him as the same guy who killed Barlow from the roof in Calgary.....She pins him down but he laughs out her suggestion that she'll bring him to the police-He says his people have too many contacts to let the charges stick......Furious,she knows he's right but breaks his hand to put him out of acton for a while.

Not long after,his own colleagues men confront Larry(a fake name,his real name is Garcia)and blame him for ruining everything.....They've made a deal with Kingpin and under the new arrangements,Garcia dies!!!.....They throw him out of a high-rise window.

Back at her house,Heather is re-united with her fiance(completely unaware of his antics with Diamond Lil......She sees a report on 'Larry's' death on the T.V. which suggests he was a Costa Bravan spy......She feels a sense of content that she's messed up someone's plans.

FIN

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Nevets F

02-06-2010, 09:38 AM

Btw, you aren't the only person to hate the art during this period (not in 77, but in 76 and later), the writer himself says he hated the art. Ouch. I feel bad for the artist.

Here is an interview with the writer. He talks about the art in both parts:

http://forum.alphaflight.net/content.php?124-James-D-Hudnall-Interview

http://forum.alphaflight.net/content.php?143-James-D-Hudnall-Interview-2

Here is an interview with the artist also:

http://forum.alphaflight.net/content.php?137-John-Calimee-Interview

limerick

02-06-2010, 10:17 AM

Two very different interviews telling their story from different perspectives.....Thanks so much for posting those,Steven F.....I love those background interviews that tell how the creative process was......I'm afraid I don't have time to research them as much as I'd like so thanks again for those..

I sympathised so much with Hudnall....There are pages where I can picture what he really visioned.....In # 76 there's a scene where Auric and Silver are suddenly surrounded by a horde of zombies.....And even though it's poorly drawn you can tell that Hudnall meant for an element of surprise and horror to be conveyed in the art---And unfortunately it's definitely not!.....Comparing Lee's work around the same time on Uncanny and Calimee's Alpha flight issues shows how bad things were......Worst of all is the fact that the title could probably have been ultimately saved if the right artist was on board.....I think Hudnall is a very capable storyteller.....But as the title continued to drop readers during this period it became just a matter of time before it folded.

Reading Calimee's interview made me feel a bit guilty.....He seems like a nice guy......But the fact is at the time he was not capable of producing art to the 'Marvel' stantdard......It says it all when he talks about being dissed by crayon in a letter from three 10-year old girls!

Parch

02-06-2010, 12:24 PM

Yeah, thanks for those links.
It was obvious that there were problems and it's interesting to read some actual insight instead of just speculating. It was a difficult time for Marvel and Alpha Flight suffered the consequences.

I've never thought any of the writing was horrible but you can certainly sense the problems and it's interesting how it's reflected in the work. The comments about Mantlo's problems kinda surprised me but you could definately tell that he was on the way out. The care and effort that Hudnall showed reflected in the work but his description of how difficult it was at the time is revealing. The over-editing and conflicts would have made working there a real pain.

Interesting that they wanted to make Alpha Flight more of a horror title. That would have been virtually impossible under the code. Any attempt came out looking cornball and I get the impression that there was never a serious effort to be more horror. The result just might have ended up being the strong point for Alpha Flight. Instead of horror it ended up being the weird and quirky surprises that I look forward to.

Calimee's interview was good too. At least he's willing to talk about it and admit the deficiencies. His artwork just screams noob. I would be more critical of Marvel and their hiring process than the individual. Their hiring "test" obviously didn't work, and the result was just horrible art. Unlike most jobs where rookie flaws and bad work is forgotten, with comics it's forever documented to be criticized over and over again.

Interesting that the artist never talked to the writer. To me that would seem like a recipe for disaster and constant confict. I always thought it was a more of a team working together. Perhaps I'm just more familiar with the "workplace" job than individual situations. It just seems to me that Marvel's process for doing things at the time was not very professional. It might have worked for the top titles because they got the best talent, but the flaws were very evident in the secondary titles. I honestly don't know how it could have been done differently or better, but what they were doing definately was far from perfect. Marvel's difficulty at the time is well documented.

Again, I don't blame individuals. I often feel comic geeks like us on this board are overly critical of certain artists and writers. Those are the names easily targeted. The behind the scenes circumstances are often a big factor in the result. You might not be a fan of an art or writing style, but the direction and overall result is the responsibility of the company. Marvel deserves the criticism more than any individual.

Parch

02-06-2010, 01:04 PM

thoughts on #77

Wait a minute, did I miss an issue? I thought Gamma Flight was supposed to arrest Alpha Flight. I was expecting some scrappin' but it's just Heather taking a break? Let's just pretend that the Gamma Flight confrontation didn't happen. I usually like these type of issues where they break away from the team and do an individual story, but this seemed a little abrupt from the last issue.

It was a decent story. These solo adventures can be a challenge for a writer and he did a good job. It's nice to give Vindicator a side story. I think it's important for character development and she gets to show some nice attitude. Good issue.

Just to harp on a point...there's a guest penciller this issue and the result is very evident. Criticism for Calimee's work shall echo through the history of time.

There's a couple of Canadian references this issue. Heather is shopping at the Bay, and of course when Madison screams "HE SCORES" while watching TV, he's not watching soccer sport fans, he's watching the hockey game.
A little more obscure reference is when Heather is talking to that spy at a bar. He orders a High Test. Now Canadians might not be the beer connoseurs like Europeans, but at least we're not drinking that fermented piss that Americans call beer. The term high test is probably used elsewhere for any beer with a higher alcohol content but back in the 80's and especially in western Canada, if you ask for a High Test you got an O'Keefes Extra Old Stock. This was by far the most popular brand and for about 2 decades it was the only beer I bought. It's just another available brand now, but back then it was the thing. For Canadians, beer is important.

Overall a good issue. I like these type of one-ups and this one worked for me, especially when the art is acceptable. I had to cheat and look ahead. Calimee is back. *sigh*

Nevets F

02-06-2010, 01:54 PM

I just happened to come across those interviews today, so it was really good timing. I enjoyed them too.

You know, I liked Hudnall's work, but ultimately, I much preferred Fabian's run. I will talk about it more once we get there.

Seresecros

02-06-2010, 01:56 PM

Does Bill Mantlo write any of this volume?

Nevets F

02-06-2010, 01:59 PM

Does Bill Mantlo write any of this volume?

Yeah, he wrote a chunk before this current era that is being read through now.

Seresecros

02-06-2010, 02:04 PM

Yeah, he wrote a chunk before this current era that is being read through now.

Oh, okay, sorry. I'll go back through the thread and have a look. He's rapidly becoming my favourite 'classic' writer.

Nevets F

02-06-2010, 02:05 PM

Oh, okay, sorry. I'll go back through the thread and have a look. He's rapidly becoming my favourite 'classic' writer.

People didn't tend to like his Alpha run too much. I didn't have a problem with most of it, but a lot of people did.

Have you read up on what happened to Bill Mantlo? Such a sad story.

Seresecros

02-06-2010, 02:08 PM

People didn't tend to like his Alpha run too much. I didn't have a problem with most of it, but a lot of people did.

Have you read up on what happened to Bill Mantlo? Such a sad story.

It's horrible. I was just reading about his response to the editorial demand that no homosexual characters were to be depicted in comics - he wrote a story where Northstar is outed as 'part fairy' - and I thought it was a clever swipe.

limerick

02-06-2010, 06:28 PM

I personally didn't enjoy Mantlo's run as much as John Byrne's(a much under-appreciated writer/plotter,IMO)or James Hudnall's.....But I have to credit him for the level of unpredictability he brought to the title......There really was a sense of anything goes on his Alpha Flight run.

limerick

02-06-2010, 06:33 PM

limerick

02-06-2010, 07:01 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 77:

--Like Parch,I was surprised at how the Gamma confrontation was by-passed.....It had been set up nicely at the end of the last issue and I was looking foward to a Canadian Super-team scrap......Not to be!.....I had thought that this issue was fulfilling an 'Acts of Vengence' crossover requirement (with The Kingpin appearing)and that might explain why it was sandwiched in between the Sorcerer issues......But this issue isn't actually an 'Acts of Vengence' story so it is a little puzzling......The guest artist may explain it......Perhaps Camilee was falling behind and Hudnall needed to draft up a story to plug the gap at short notice.

--The art in this issue,while not awe-inspiring,is so much better than the recent issues of Alpha.....And this is the guest artist---Sign him up now!......With clearer depictions of events,Hudnall is allowed to tell a more complex story and he delivers the goods.....Heather shows her toughness in a political yarn that has aspirations of 'Watergate'!.....The Kingpin connection did seem a little tenuous,though.

--There was an interesting little sequence on page 6 where Heather's suit is affected by a microwave transmitter.....It's a little unclear how she pulls out of that fall......I assumed(for the summary)that she managed to engage the reserves she referred to.

--As I've noticed several timres before in Marvel comics of this period,blood is often depicted in the colour black to avoid a bright red carnage effect......Does anyone know what the exact regulations under the comics code were......Was this a self-implemented voluntary code?

--Oh,Madison....You dirty rat!....Lololol......How can any man resist Diamond Lil??.....Well,Madison Jeffries couldn't and she obliges by adopting a sexy 'Barbie' doll look,including wearing shades indoors---way ahead of her time......I enjoyed the way the relationship was revealed almost as an afterthought.......But you just know this one's gonna run and run......Either way,Madison's a lucky guy getting the pick of Alpha's finest females.....But Heather will dole out an ass-kicking of galactic proportions if she finds out!!

--On page 25,Heather uses a lasso-type effect to dis-arm one of the 'suits'......I was unaware of this Spider-man webbing type of power being possible from her suit.

--Overall this issue was really good,although it did ignore events which seemed to be certain to be addressed after the end of the last issue......Madison's cheating ways did surprise a little,though.....I didn't know he had it in him.

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Parch

02-06-2010, 09:40 PM

I don't know about his "cheating ways". Lil is there, but they are just friends, or so it seems. There is no evidence that anything is going on. Maybe they're just watching the hockey game. OK, I'm trying to be naive. Even if nothing is going on, Heather would certainly jump to conclusions regardless of reality.

"I've got something to do tonight". That doesn't mean shaggin' Lil. He was expecting Heather to come over that night, and they did get together at the end of the issue. But then again there was the comment about needing to talk about their relationship.

What I'm trying to get at is this three way is being written quite well. It's quite subtle without being obvious about anything specific. Clever writing. Adding to the mystery from that interview is that Hudnell wanted to hook up Madison with Lil, but did he? I honestly don't know where this is going but am liking the way it is being handled.

Parch

02-06-2010, 10:04 PM

Canadians might not appreciate soccer like Europeans, but we can understand your passion for the sport. We suffer the same addiction, just for hockey instead. We watch other stuff too but nothing compares to the love of hockey. Absolutely nothing comes even close to the TV ratings that hockey gets. Winning gold in the upcoming olympics is a fanatical obsession.

I'd bet that Madison and Heather/Lil do it doggie style. So they can both watch the hockey game!

limerick

02-07-2010, 02:02 AM

I've got a feeling that Lil and Madison are more than just friends.....And that she's around for more than the hockey game......The very fact that he doesn't mention Lil is there to Heather means he feels in some capacity it's wrong and he feels uncomfortable to tell her......I forget exactly how this relationship pans out although
I have a vague recollection of the Madison/Heather relationship just peetering out.....It's a nice touch,though,having this relationship---I always think it adds to a comic book overall if the characters are having real relationships......And it helps that Lil is being so roundly protrayed as a character.....She certainly is more likeable than her early Alpha appearances.

limerick

02-07-2010, 05:36 AM

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/252475-93549-vindicator_large.jpg

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/153382-85958-madison-jeffries_large.jpg

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/9490/218426-46371-diamond-lil_large.jpg

Madison and his two 'squeezes'---He's living dangerously and this could end in tears...!!

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Nevets F

02-07-2010, 11:45 AM

I think while Madison may feel uncomfortable telling Heather, it's more because he knows she wouldn't understand...Lil was one of the people (while influenced) that indirectly led to Mac's death. Plus, she is Madison's ex...even if they aren't doing anything...I would probably feel uncomfortable too!

McFarlane's Green Hulk

02-07-2010, 01:31 PM

I'm digging this thread. I just went back and read thru the post about issues #45-51. This takes me back. My first AF issue was #23, and then a a long break until issue #51, which prompted me to back issue hunt as much as I could at grocery stores and spinner racks.
I'm not remembering a whole lot of the post-Mantlo era, as I've only read it once, and wasn't too thrilled with the art or the writing. I always thought that the reversion from Wanda Langkowski to Walter should have been a two or three part storyline instead of a one-trick panel.

limerick

02-08-2010, 12:47 PM

I must say that although some of Mantlo's plot twists were extreme,I found the Sasquatch reversion to be reasonable and the explanation worked for me.....But it would have been a good opportunity to flesh out the character a little.....It would have been nice to know exactly what he got up to while trapped in the Limbo of Shaman's pouch!(If you can't remember,don't ask!!!...It gets complicated!)

Nevets F

02-08-2010, 01:48 PM

I always felt the change from Wanda to Walter was rushed, now reading the above interviews I see why. Too bad.

We are actually getting close to my favorite Alpha period of all time...I am getting excited. Though, it will probably take a while to get there.

limerick

02-08-2010, 04:16 PM

Sorry about the slow progress!.....Keeping all the threads going slows things down a little,I'm afraid which bugs me more than anyone!

I'll get there in the end!

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Nevets F

02-08-2010, 05:47 PM

limerick

02-12-2010, 05:06 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.78.GIF

Alpha Flight # 78.............December 1989

"Omens"

Hudnall/Calimee

Doctor Strange's Chamber,New York:Doctor Strange has sensed for the past few months that something is wrong with Canada......He enters a meditative state and prepares to conjour up various omens that will prepare him for the coming battle.....The first image comes to him.....A skeletal figure,wearing a cape,superimposed on the South American continent.

Brazil:The cape-wearing superhero,Captain Forza,is surrounded by reporters and photographers from the national press......They quiz him about the recnt spate of superhero murders.....He tells them that the assassin is doomed---He is capable of defeating anyone.

Later,he returns to his hotel room to find a beautiful journalist waiting for him to return.....He tells her he's not interested in an 'encounter',as he's just got married.....She shows him some photos of him that she says were taken earlier in the evening.....But when he looks at the photos,they are all of him....dead!!.....The journalist morphs into a costumed male villain,Zeitgeist,who wields asword.....He tells Forza that he took the photographs a few minutes from now---He claims to be able to bend time and space......He then slays Forza with the sword......As he takes some polaroids of the corpse,he states that he intends to kill all the world's heroes and villains until only he remains!

Doctor Strange's Chamber:Unable to make sense of the first omen,Doctor Strange promptly beins to experience the second one----He sees a building and then a gold headband surrounded by the flag of Canada.

Edmonton:Vindicator and Talisman are being shown a potential new base of operations by a local civil servant.....It is a large building ,which formely housed the Edmonton utilities department......Talisman quickly takes Heather to one side and tells her that they must move in as soon as possible......When a confused and frustrated Vindicator asks her why,Talisman tells her the building is built on a large well of Earth Magic.....She will need to draw on this power when they face Llan The Sorcerer in the near future......She tells Heather that a war is coming and they must be prepared.

Doctor Strange's Chamber:Doctor Strange begins to experience the next omen---He sees some kind of legal document which begins to bleed bleeding money!

Elsewhere,Sasquatch's ex-wife,Ronnie ,recieves a phonecall telling her that her ex-husband's money hasn't been transferred to her--someone has challenged the case!.....At that moment,Walter calls to the door and hands her a summons......The judge who deliberated on their recent case knows that Walter is alive and is using her legal power to re-open the case......Changing threateningly to his Sasquatch form,Walter goads her that he's going to get his money back.....

Doctor Strange's Chamber:Doctor Strange is still unsure of the meaning of these omens.....He begins to see his next vision--A burning heart which explodes to reveal a diamond.

A Hospital:Puck and Shaman are recovering after their other dimensional ordeal......Shaman is getting better but Puck is still suffering from a lot of pain......They recieve a visit from Madison who is accompanied by Diamond Lil......After the visit is over,Lil asks Madison why he didn't tell them about 'us'......Madison says he's got to tell Heather first......Lil asks him to prove he still cares about her and they kiss passionately.

Doctor Strange's Chamber:Doc. Strange feels a surge of pain as the last and most powerful of the omens arrives....He senses evil as he sees a helmet being retrieved by an unseen figure....He then sees an image of three eggs breaking.

The Master's Ship:An unseen figure places The Master's helmet back on his head.....The Master hears a voice calling on him to wake,telling him his grandchildren are waiting for him.....The voice tells him that he had been buried in a capsule at the bottom of Lake Ontario.....The voices owner had retrieved him and restored him to his ship.....The ship has also been repaired and awaits The Master's orders to continue his plan of conquest......The Master is confused and shouts at the voice to reveal himself......Llan The Sorcerer appears on the viewscreen and tells him Marrina has given birth to three children who await his direction.....Marrina is sleeping a false death and may be useful to them later.....The Master demands to know about his foes,Alpha Flight.....The Sorcerer tells him that he's going to introduce them to someone from South America!!

Doctor Strange's Chamber:Doctor Strange feels a sudden blast of pain which causes him to fall to the ground in agony.....He knows that the cause of this pain was his quarry in Canada who sensed he was getting close......He thinks about going to Canada to help but is then informed by his assistant,Wong,that The Avengers need his help to combat the current 'Acts of Vengence being perpetrated by supervillains.....Strange will be too preoccupied to travel to Canada for now and hopes the Talisman figure he sensed will be able to deal with the crisis.

FIN

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King_Mungi

02-12-2010, 05:14 PM

limerick

02-12-2010, 05:37 PM

I always though the introduction of Captain Forza and Zeitegeist was odd in this issue as they were never discussed ever again in an Alpha Flight comic (story finished in Captain America). I know the writer wanted to do more, but still very odd.
Thanks for the info on this story being finished in Captain America......It was such a surreal unconnected sequence that,as you say,was never referred to again......I just put it down to being another lovable Alpha Flight oddity!.....Thanks for that

limerick

02-12-2010, 05:41 PM

Also,I wasn't sure that Zeitgeist was called that.....In this comic he refers to himself as 'a Zeitgeist'......But I'll edit the summary to include that name.....Thanks again for that snippet....It really cleared up that puzzling sequence for me.

Parch

02-12-2010, 06:16 PM

thoughts on #78

Captain Forza: "I am the greatest hero in the world!"
Yeah right. The dude didn't last two pages. Zeitgeist guts him without a fight. A very brief intro for these two, so it makes you wonder if something else was intended. They even made the cover.

This issue has a lot of Dr. Strange, but no real interaction with the team. I never did like this guy. Maybe he should conjure up some Grecian Formula. For a magic know-it-all his "visions" aren't very clear. He senses something wrong in Canada, but doesn't know what. He sees Talisman's headband, but doesn't know anything about it. You'd think they would have hooked up at a convention somewhere. Then he gets a useless diamond-love vibe about the three-way. When he finally decides to actually help, the Avengers on the other line get priority. Thanks for nothing, magic dude.

When Madison is at the hospital, he's wearing a Calgary Flames jersey. I no longer like this guy.

I liked the part where Walter shows up to gloat about getting his money back from his ex-wife. When you get the chance to get back at an ex, damn it feels good.

This is just a fill-in issue as they set up for another confrontation, but it gets the job done. No action but they catch up on some of the things going on with the team. Decent issue, just nothing special.

*Side note: Big time for Canada right now. I love the olympics. Sad start with the death of that Georgian luger, but I hope these games go smooth without any further incident. Canada will do well on the podium but being a good host is more important than any medal count. It's a proud moment for the country.

Nevets F

02-12-2010, 07:06 PM

Yay! I was hoping Alpha Friday would happen.

Great job as always Limerick!

Also, thanks to King_Mungi, cause I never knew that info either.

I don't want to leave you out Parch...so...Hi! :)

limerick

02-13-2010, 03:30 PM

Yay! I was hoping Alpha Friday would happen.

Great job as always Limerick!

Also, thanks to King_Mungi, cause I never knew that info either.

I don't want to leave you out Parch...so...Hi! :)
Yeah,it's great having new posters on Alpha from the beginning....Me,you and Parch have been holding things together too long!......Thanks,McFarlane's Green Hulk and King__Mungi!!.....Keep 'em coming!

King_Mungi

02-13-2010, 03:47 PM

Another little tidbit that not many know, is we have seen one of Marrina's kids in a Namor annual and was very similar to when Marrina was in her Leviathan form

limerick

02-13-2010, 03:51 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 78:

--Like Parch,I've never been overjoyed at Doctor Strange(or any magical-based characters,to be honest.....I prefer my superheroes to be scientifically based rather than magically--Captain Britain is the main exception.......I think he's great!)......But I think Hudnall uses him for a very specific purpose here---to link the stories together and he does that really well......I'm more and more impressed at his talent as a writer and I think he's really pulling things together nicely on this title.....The one off-thing about Strange's appearance(as Parch already mentioned)was that his meditations were carried out to give him more information on the threat to Canada and he walks away at the end as clueless as he began.....Also,he makes the wrong call taking up the Avengers 'Acts of Vengence' plea for help......The threat from Canada is much more serious and could endanger the whole planet!

--I enjoyed the Brazilian part of the story.....Captain Forza seemed a real throwback to a fifties kind of superhero......He was quite arrogant and I kinda enjoyed it when he 'bought' it.....Interestingly,Llan The Sorcerer says at the end of the issue that he's going to introduce them to someone from South America......I've no doubt Hudnall intended to have Zeitgeist face them very soon.....I think he probably intended that confrontation in the next issue but the 'Acts of Vengence' crossover demanded a more recognisable villain and the story got put back......It's interesting that it was finished in 'Captain America'......I'd love to have seen how Alpha would have tackled him......He seems quite a formidible foe.

--Talisman and Heather are so at odds at the moment....I often forget they were brought up as sisters for a while.....There's certainly no hint of sisterly love right now.

--Madison is confirmed to have been unfaithful to Heather--He's gotta tell her real soon!.....Lil and him seem well matched and made for each other.....I have to say Lil comes across so well,despite Camilee's awful depiction of her.....Worst of all is Madison who looks almost deformed on some panels.....Sorry to keep harping on about the art but I just can't help it.

--I liked the Walter/Ronnie confrontation....justice is about to be done,it seems!!

--The Master of the World is back.....And about time!.....I always thought he would be this title's equivalent of Magneto!......But he hasn't appeared too much since Byrne left the title.....There's an interesting reference to Marinna,saying that she's not dead and that she's produced three offspring.....
I can't remember if those three actually get an apearance or not during the remainder of Hudnall's run

--Overall,I really enjoyed this issue.....I thought the Doc. Strange scenario linked the different stories well......Also,there's a sense that Hudnall has finished tying up a lot of loose ends left by Mantlo and is now beginning to explore his own stories.

limerick

02-13-2010, 03:52 PM

Another little tidbit that not many know, is we have seen one of Marrina's kids in a Namor annual and was very similar to when Marrina was in her Leviathan form
Didn't know that either!!.....Great stuff--you're a fountain of Alpha related trivia!!

limerick

02-13-2010, 04:02 PM

I'm seriously thinking about pulling another Alpha issue tonight rather than the X-Factor one I should be summarising---I'm enjoying the Flight that much right now!:eek::biggrin:

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

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Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
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Parch

02-13-2010, 04:41 PM

Ah yes, now I remember. I was confused about this Master of the World guy. I thought it was just a brag, but that's what he actually calls himself, and I thought he was just a new guy that Llan was recruiting and all that recap about Marrina didn't make any sense to me. They didn't have any "see issue #" footnote about this guy.

Shame on me. He's Alpha Flight's first villian. I had to revisit issues #2-4 for a refresher. He's the caveman that found the alien spaceship. That was such a long time ago I completely forgot about him and his involvement with Marrina.

You're right. It's about time this guy makes a reappearance. Hudnall is bringing back old characters that should not have been forgotten.

limerick

02-13-2010, 04:50 PM

Yeah,it's been a whilesince he featured.....too tired to summarise # 79 tonight but I'll do it tomorrow.....G'Night,Parch!

King_Mungi

02-13-2010, 04:54 PM

Master of the World is a great character, he's even apparently smarter then Tony Stark, Hank Pym,Blackknight and Stingray combined as they had to work together to understand just a small porition of his technology. Also it was revealed Master's tech > Kang's

Concerning the Marrina and the offspring, we only have seen them twice. The first being when they hatched from the eggs in the Avengers issue, and the Namor annual where one of them appeared in a Leviathan form which was even stronger and more powerful then Marrinas.

He was actually supposed to return in Omega Flight, but Marvel sort of screwed Scott Kolins and Mike Oeming over

Parch

02-13-2010, 05:34 PM

That's what happens when I power read a title to catch up. I end up forgetting everything. Master of the World is a pretty good idea that should have been used more.

Marrina's stay was so brief that she wasn't really part of the team. Then decades later she's that leviathan sea monster, and now her offspring is a side note. Marvel's obscure characters never disappear, they just become a trivia question with always a remote chance of another appearance.

Nevets F

02-13-2010, 07:29 PM

I hope you summarize another issue! :D

King_Mungi

02-13-2010, 07:47 PM

Marrina's stay was so brief that she wasn't really part of the team. Then decades later she's that leviathan sea monster, and now her offspring is a side note. Marvel's obscure characters never disappear, they just become a trivia question with always a remote chance of another appearance.

Well Marrina just was killed recently so her chances of appearing again have been greatly reduced

limerick

02-14-2010, 12:50 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.79.GIF

Alpha Flight # 79.............Mid December 1989

"Outsiders"

Hudnall/Calimee

Lake Superior,Canadian Side:Two kids are fishing when one of them pulls a catch from the lake......But it's body is covered in tumours like othr fish they've caught.....They blame the pollution coming from the U.S.(LMFAO!!)

Minnesota Border Crossing:A pale-skinned female,Nekra,passes through the border point and is questioned by an immigration mountie.....When asked if she's crossing for business or pleasure,she tells him pleasure....lots and lots of pleasure!

Talisman's Room,Alpha Flight Base,Edmonton:Talisman has spent the last two days in her room......Tapping into the Earth Magic located below this building she has drawn a circle on the floor and is communicating with Ancient Spirits of the Natural World....This allows her to detect people entering Canada who have been brought by actions of Llan the Sorcerer....She senses superhumans crossing to avoid the Super Powers Registration Act but they have been influenced by The Sorcerer and must be sent back.....She tells Vindicator they must deport these people and Alpha will need to split up to do it......She will send a vision to each member of Alpha Flight to help them locate their quarry.....Any lacking transport will be delivered to their target.

Heather listens to her friend,knowing she must trust her even though she feels Elizabeth is falling more and more under the influence of the Talisman Amulet.....As she leaves the room she becomes upset......Walter is passing and brings her to the lounge to comfort her......Heather talks about her relationship with Elizabeth until she suddenly experiences her 'compelling vision'.....She sees a future where Nekra will cause a killing spree unless she stops her and brings her back to the U.S......A spirit guide appears to show Heather where to go......Sasquatch is unsure of the strange events occuring but Heather leaves,telling him to warn the others of the impending visions.

J.F.K. Airport,New York:The Scorpion is waiting to leave the U.S. to lie low in Canada......Super-Inventor,The Tinkerer,arrives to deliver a new Scorpion tail in an X-ray proof case......The Scorpion pays him and gets going to make his flight to.....Canada!!

Madison Jeffries Office,Alpha Flight Base,Edmonton:Diamond Lil enters Madison's office and locks the door behind her as Madison calls Puck and Shaman to see how they are getting on......Suddenly,Lil receives her vision......She has a vision of The Scorpion at Winnipeg Airport and is suddenly swept up and through the building's wall and towars Winnipeg.....Madison is about to go after her but Sasquatch arrives and explains what's happening......At the other end of the dropped phone receiver,Puck coughs,calling out to talk to Heather.....

Winnipeg:Nekra walks down the main street......She realises that she may not have come here completely out of her own free will......At that moment,Vindicator grabs her,telling her she's taking her back to the States.....A brief battle follows between them which ends up with them both landing in an office block.....Nekra suddenly surprises Heather by jumping out of the window and plunging towards the ground below,laughing manically as she does...

Nearby,at the Airport,Lil lands at the entrance as The Scorpian(in civilian clothes)exits......She knows who he is and confrontshim,threatening to take him back across the border......But he surprises her and punches her with considerable force,sending her through a nearby billboard.....He then carjacks the next vehicle that passes and puts his foot down.....Lil tries to stop him but he gets away.

Gamma Flight Headquarters,Winnipeg:Nemesis tells her team to get ready for action......She's recieved word that Vindicator and Diamond Lil are fighting some other superbeings in Winnipeg......Gamma Flight have been ordered to take them out!

Northern Canada:The Sorcerer laughs manically(contractual obligation!!)as his plans start to come together!!

FIN

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

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X-Factor from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=239594&page=2000)
Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
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limerick

02-14-2010, 05:02 PM

That's another dose of Alpha goodness,fellow Alphans......This current run is gold!

limerick

02-14-2010, 05:05 PM

King_Mungi

02-14-2010, 06:29 PM

I actually really enjoyed the Llan story, but god the art made it hard to read which is a shame.

Nevets F

02-14-2010, 08:44 PM

I actually really enjoyed the Llan story, but god the art made it hard to read which is a shame.

I really liked the Llan story as well.

I am happy you summarized another issue Limerick! Also extra happy that you are enjoying these issues.

limerick

02-15-2010, 04:16 PM

I actually really enjoyed the Llan story, but god the art made it hard to read which is a shame.

The art is disappointing.....Even with just average art this title could be so much better.....But it is what it is and I'm not going to let Calimee's weaknesses spoil this run for me.

I really liked the Llan story as well.

I am happy you summarized another issue Limerick! Also extra happy that you are enjoying these issues.

Yes,I'm in full Alpha mode right now.....Uncanny with it's amazing Jim Lee art and Alpha Flight with it's intruiging plot twists are the only 2 X-titles really doing it for me right now.

limerick

02-15-2010, 04:20 PM

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/5344/852196-nekra_01_large.jpg

Nekra,as she appears more recently

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/190009-136717-nekra_large.jpg

And as she appeared in her Alpha Flight appearances during the Llan saga.

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/5586/486352-sc2_large.jpg

The Scorpion.....One of Spiderman's traditional foes.....Hence his appearance in the pages of Alpha Flight during the 'Acts of Vengence' cossover......The purpose of the crossover series was to enable Marvel heroes to face enemies they would not have battled before......It worked well on some titles,less so on others.

King_Mungi

02-15-2010, 08:17 PM

Good old middle-age growth spurts, they just kind of sneak up on ya and only in certain places.

Parch

02-16-2010, 11:11 AM

Parch,do you mind me asking.....You seem to have a fairly large comic collection or are you using the digital Marvel service??.....Are you reading these Alpha issues for the first time??(same with Wolverine?)

Sorry for being nosey!

I am reading these for the first time. I had a few early issues of Alpha Flight and a few other X-titles, but didn't read any comics for several years. A few years ago I started digging through bargain bins again plus got some of those retail dvd collections.

Then by pure chance I found out that a buddy I played ball with was a collector. We went into his basement and he has an entire wall of long boxes. It was like finding a gold mine. Tons of stuff mostly from the 80's and 90's. So I spot him a case of beer once in awhile and borrow a long box of whatever I want to read. Friends are good.

Parch

02-16-2010, 11:53 AM

thoughts on #79

To be fair I thought the artwork in this issue was slightly improved. Calimee seems to be getting better and did fairly well with showing the character emotions. It's still a long way from good, but least this art is acceptable. The writing is very good.

Nice work starting with the Talisman and Vindicator dialogue, and then showing the vulnerable Heather having a cry. It ain't easy being a leader. Using the spirit guides to bring the heroes to the confrontation sites was some good writing too.

I'm not familiar with this Nekra villian. At first I thought she could look a lot hotter if she wasn't so pale and bitchy. That recent picture is much more flattering. So she's scrappin' it out with Vindicator in Winnipeg. They can go ahead and trash Winnipeg. No loss.

I haven't seen Scorpion outside of the Spiderman books or Owl away from a Daredevil book. Guest appearances by heroes is fairly common but sharing villians doesn't seem to happen a lot so this "Acts of Vengence" crossover was a good idea. Alpha Flight should feel honored to be included. I have no clue who the gal with poisoness skin and snake name is, but Llan is accumulating a fine team of villians.

Then who else shows up? Gamma Flight, threatening to kick some Alpha butt again. This issue feels like it should have come after #77, so last issue with the Vindicator side-story was definately a filler. They owe us a fight between Gamma and Alpha.

Good comic, and Hudnall is doing a real good job setting up a story and creating anticipation. Alpha Flight is on a roll.

limerick

02-16-2010, 03:02 PM

I am reading these for the first time. I had a few early issues of Alpha Flight and a few other X-titles, but didn't read any comics for several years. A few years ago I started digging through bargain bins again plus got some of those retail dvd collections.

Then by pure chance I found out that a buddy I played ball with was a collector. We went into his basement and he has an entire wall of long boxes. It was like finding a gold mine. Tons of stuff mostly from the 80's and 90's. So I spot him a case of beer once in awhile and borrow a long box of whatever I want to read. Friends are good.
Nice!!!!!!

limerick

02-16-2010, 03:05 PM

Good old middle-age growth spurts, they just kind of sneak up on ya and only in certain places.

Lolol!!!!!:biggrin:

limerick

02-16-2010, 03:31 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 79:

--Ha,ha.....I loved that firs page where the kids said all the pollution was coming from the U.S.....Hudnall had been getting a lot of stick in the letters pages about not being accurate in his protrayal of Canada,both in general terms and in his protrayal of specific places.....This page seems to suggest he's willing to kiss Canadian ass to get the readers onside!

--One thing that bothered me slightly was the poor introduction of the Super-villains.....I still don't know who Nekra normally faces off against.....She has an interesting Cable-like scar on her eye,though I'm sure any similarity is purely co-incidental.

--Diamond Lil is in the room when Talisman and Vindicator discuss the coming face-off.....She just appears in one panel and contributes nothing to the conversation which was a bit strange.

--Talisman seems to be falling under the spell of the amulet just like her father did before her....As it gains control,she becomes more and more aloof.

--Does the guy who was Scorpion (Mac Gargan)go onto become Venom??.....That seems to be the suggestion from some of the background information I was looking through....My Spidey knowledge is limited(unfortunately!---I love that Spider-dude!).....The Tinkerer has been busy during Acts of Vengence---He appeared in Rob Liefeld's first New Mutant issue which feature The Vulture.....The Tinkerer delivered him a new suit.

--Diamond Lil looks like she's about to put a few sexy moves on Madison---She locks the door behind her as she enters his office.....They're taking quite a risk carrying on like that in the same building as Heather.

--There's a lot of talk in this issue about the Super-Powers Registration Act.....Is this the Mutant Registration Act??.....I'm confused as I thought only Mutants would have to register under the later??.....Sounds like this Super Heroes Registration Act is pre-Dating 'Civil War' by a number of years if it applies to all super-powered individuals.

--Wow!Scorpion really kicked Diamond Lil's ass--that was fairly one-sided!

--I enjoyed this issue,although I think the Acts of Vengence Crossover forced Hudnall to change his Zeitgeist/Alpha storyline to the one that appears in this issue.....This storyline is building and building.....Next issue it's Gamma versus Alpha...can't wait!

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

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New Mutants from the beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=219728&page=1051)
Alpha Flight from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=222969&page=5911)
X-Factor from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=239594&page=2000)
Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
X-Men Mini-Series/One-Shots(Not Quite)from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=271955&page=6111)

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King_Mungi

02-16-2010, 04:35 PM

--Does the guy who was Scorpion (Mac Gargan)go onto become Venom??.....

Yep, he sill is currently Venom as well.

Nevets F

02-16-2010, 06:03 PM

[B]

--There's a lot of talk in this issue about the Super-Powers Registration Act.....Is this the Mutant Registration Act??.....I'm confused as I thought only Mutants would have to register under the later??.....Sounds like this Super Heroes Registration Act is pre-Dating 'Civil War' by a number of years if it applies to all super-powered individuals.

It is not the same as the Mutant Registration Act, and it really was just like the SHRA years before they did it with Civil War. As a matter of fact, someone, I think Talisman, mentions during Omega Flight that Canada has had their own registration act for years and it didn't cause all of the problems it did in the US. I really enjoyed that scene.

Parch

02-16-2010, 06:18 PM

Yep, he sill is currently Venom as well.I didn't know that.
So the cartoon Spectacular Spiderman is full of bull. It's a fairly important plotline in several episodes of the show, but they're using a completely different character. I think they changed the origins of every villian in that cartoon.

King_Mungi

02-16-2010, 09:12 PM

As a matter of fact, someone, I think Talisman, mentions during Omega Flight that Canada has had their own registration act for years and it didn't cause all of the problems it did in the US. I really enjoyed that scene.

Yep on both accounts, it was Talisman and the registraction act was addressed in volume.1, but had some skirmishes specifically from old running mates of Puck

I didn't know that.
So the cartoon Spectacular Spiderman is full of bull. It's a fairly important plotline in several episodes of the show, but they're using a completely different character. I think they changed the origins of every villian in that cartoon.

Can't say I have seen it, but there hasn't been a good Spider-Man series since the 90's cartoon.

Nevets F

02-17-2010, 10:28 AM

Yep on both accounts, it was Talisman and the registraction act was addressed in volume.1, but had some skirmishes specifically from old running mates of Puck

Can't say I have seen it, but there hasn't been a good Spider-Man series since the 90's cartoon.

I really liked the poster than came with one of the later issues regarding the registration act. I haven't it in years, so I don't know if I would still like it, but back then I loved it. Anyone able to scan or find a scanned copy of it? I guess it would be better to wait till we get to those issues to post it. :(

So true about the Spider-Man cartoons.

Nevets F

02-17-2010, 10:30 AM

lol...why are Parch and King Mungi "Junior Member" and "New member" when they have been here since 2007 and 2005? Lol.

King_Mungi

02-17-2010, 10:42 AM

I really liked the poster than came with one of the later issues regarding the registration act. I haven't it in years, so I don't know if I would still like it, but back then I loved it. Anyone able to scan or find a scanned copy of it? I guess it would be better to wait till we get to those issues to post it. :(

So true about the Spider-Man cartoons.

Of Talisman ripping Iron Man a new-one?

lol...why are Parch and King Mungi "Junior Member" and "New member" when they have been here since 2007 and 2005? Lol.

All my posts were deleted when the board switched servers, or some jazz like that and then I just stopped posting.

Parch

02-17-2010, 12:07 PM

lol...why are Parch and King Mungi "Junior Member" and "New member" when they have been here since 2007 and 2005? Lol.Isn't that based on post count instead of join date?
Lurker = labeled a noob
Not like it matters or has anything to do with experience. For me I found this board very helpful when trying to figure out what to read. I just had nothing to add. Even after a few years reading now I still feel like a noob. The comic world is complicated.

Nevets F

02-17-2010, 01:10 PM

Isn't that based on post count instead of join date?
Lurker = labeled a noob
Not like it matters or has anything to do with experience. For me I found this board very helpful when trying to figure out what to read. I just had nothing to add. Even after a few years reading now I still feel like a noob. The comic world is complicated.

Nah, you change it yourself in your settings. Some forums are like that, but CBR allows you to change them.

Hence (Current comic spoilers related to Diamond Lil) mine saying "hacked" in reference to Lil's untimely fate.

limerick

02-17-2010, 03:40 PM

Yep, he sill is currently Venom as well.

Thanks!

It is not the same as the Mutant Registration Act, and it really was just like the SHRA years before they did it with Civil War. As a matter of fact, someone, I think Talisman, mentions during Omega Flight that Canada has had their own registration act for years and it didn't cause all of the problems it did in the US. I really enjoyed that scene.

Because I very rarely venture outside the X-Books,I was unfamiliar with that Super-power Registration Act....Did it feature in a particular book,Steven....Avengers,maybe?

All my posts were deleted when the board switched servers, or some jazz like that and then I just stopped posting.

The thought of all my posts being deleted bothers me!!....I thought the internet was forever!

Nevets F

02-17-2010, 08:10 PM

Because I very rarely venture outside the X-Books,I was unfamiliar with that Super-power Registration Act....Did it feature in a particular book,Steven....Avengers,maybe?

As far as I know, it was only in Alpha Flight, since it was a Canadian thing only.

Nevets F

02-17-2010, 08:18 PM

I bring you a scene...from the future!

SPOILER ALERT!

Do not click this link unless you want to see an image from about 40 issues from where we are right now! This is being posted in reference to the registration act...that happened close to 15 years before Civil War.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?d0bb6ab54a.jpg

limerick

02-18-2010, 01:52 PM

Thanks for that link,Steven......I think I've read up to just before that issue.....From around that period will be new to me when I get there.

But I'm getting confused about the Registration Laws......That image you posted refers to the 'Canadian Paranormal Registration Act',which of course refers to Canada.

But in Alpha # 79 on page 3.....Talisman says:"There are events in the United States which are driving them here to Canada......A law calledThe Super-Powers Registration Act is being ushered through congress.A war is being fought between superhumans all over the U.S."

She seems to be referring to this act being passed in the U.S. and the only one I was familiar with was the Mutant Registration Act....Do you see what I mean......I'm a bit confused by it.

King_Mungi

02-18-2010, 01:58 PM

Nevets F

02-18-2010, 01:59 PM

limerick

02-18-2010, 02:01 PM

Did you read Civil War? Super-Powers Registration Act was the fall out of the heroes and villians picking sides either on Iron Man's side or Captain America.
Hi,King__Mungi!...But this issue is set years before that??

I'm wondering if Hudnall has somehow mis-interpreted the Mutant Registration act(which completely fizzled out as an X-Book storyline after Inferno)as something which affected all super-powered beings?

limerick

02-18-2010, 02:04 PM

I don't think the one in Canada was in fact called Paranormal...sounds odd to me. Maybe it was though.

As for that one she is talking about...your guess is as good as mine on that. I must have missed that when you summarized the issue and I don't remember off hand from the times I have read it.
I f you look at the bottom right hand corner of the image you posted you'll see the words,'Canadaian Paranormal Registration Act',so it looks like that was the official title for the Canadian Act.

You're right!!...I didn't include that in the summary!....(Should have!):redface:

limerick

02-18-2010, 02:16 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.80.GIF

Alpha Flight # 80.............January 1990

"Counter Moves"

Hudnall/Calimee

'The Eye of the World',Artic Circle:'The Eye of the World' is a weel of infinite evil located at the top of the world......It has been closed for thousands of years but now Llan the Sorcereris casting spells to try and open it!!.....The key to opening the gateway is Violence and he has instigated events in Winnipeg to stir up plenty of that.

Winnipeg,Canada:Nekra and Vindicator battle each other in a furious fight.

The Eye of the World:Llan laughs manically as he watches their fight on a scrying pool.....This is exactly what he wanted to happen.....He recalls the events that have led him here......Thousands of years ago he fought the previous wearer of the Talisman and was defeated......He was banished far beneath the Earth......But after thousands of years he eventually came to the surface and this allowed him to steal a host body and begin his reign of terror!

Mansion Alpha,Edmonton:Madison Jeffries gives Talisman a load of verbals about placing Diamond Lil and Vindicator in danger by her actions......Talisman explains that Llan is creating an army of U.S. superpowered villains by luring them to Canada.....She sent Lil and Heather to Winnipeg to try and stop that happening......She tells Madison and Walter that Gamma Flight have been deployed to arrest Lil and Heather......She wants Madison and Walter to intercept them and try and convince them to take Alpha's side.

A Gas Station, Winnipeg:The Scorpion changes into his costume in a Gas Station rest-room and exis to start cutting loose on the population......Diamond Lil has followed him by cab and arrives to confront him.....She tries to stop him but after a brief battle,he manages to elude her.

The Eye of the World:Llan watches as his plans unfold......He has so far decieved Talisman as to the main reason for his creation of an Army of U.S. super villains.....It is not to try and conquer Canada but to create a confrontation and the violence that results from that......He had similarly influenced government officials to form Gamma Flight and outlaw Alpha Flight which would again result in aconfrontation leading to violence which will fuel his spells......He waits to introduce his two other supervillains,The Owl and The Asp,into the frame,convinced they will cause the death of Diamond Lil and Vindicator.

Edmonton:Box and Walter take off for Winnipeg!

Winnipeg:Heather is coping well against Nekra....Until Scorpion joins the frey!......Outnumbered,she is quickly knocked out.....But before the other two can cause her permanant damage,Lil arrives on the scene to save the day......She rushes to check that Heather's okay but Heather is slow to thank her as she's still suspicious of her relationship with Madison.....The Asp and The Owl arrive to really outnumber the two Alphans.....But they are saved by the arrival of Gamma Flight who threaten to arrest them all!

As it all kicks off,Heather realises that the foes they're facing are being driven by an outside force----The Sorcerer!......She thinks that if she canconvey this to Witchfire,then she may be able to help in some way with her magic......At that moment Box and Sasquatch arrive and all three teams battle each other......Heather does eventually convince Withfire about what s happening......She senses an evil presence and casts a spell to try and block his control......It works and the super-villains drop unconcious but Alpha aren't out of the woods yet!!.....Nemesis says she's going to arrest them as they have defied orders not to operate as a team within Canada's borders!

The Eye of the World:Llan watches as the Gateway of Night opens.....Once open he intends to open it fully and the real violence will begin!

FIN

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

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Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
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limerick

02-18-2010, 03:14 PM

The Alpha/Lllan the Sorcerer battle rocks on!

limerick

02-18-2010, 03:25 PM

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/30084/841334-owl_001_large.jpg

The Owl--From the pages of Spiderman!......Another one of Llan the Sorcerer's recruits......Wolverine's lawyers are on the case....copyright infringement of claws and haircut!

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/6754/198999-194817-asp_large.jpg

The Asp---From the pages of Playboy!......Nah.....The Avengers....looks like a hot lady!

Nevets F

02-18-2010, 07:08 PM

I f you look at the bottom right hand corner of the image you posted you'll see the words,'Canadaian Paranormal Registration Act',so it looks like that was the official title for the Canadian Act.

You're right!!...I didn't include that in the summary!....(Should have!):redface:

Yeah, I know it says it on that page/poster...I just don't remember if it was called that in the actual stories. It may have been, it just sounds odd.

Nevets F

02-18-2010, 07:10 PM

The Alpha/Lllan the Sorcerer battle rocks on!

I love how long it was...it stretched and was just really exciting to me.

We are six issues away from my favorite Alpha Period!!

Parch

02-19-2010, 12:32 PM

thoughts on #80

Alpha Flight makes it to the 90's. A good combat issue with another battle royal. Llan might be powerful, but he's a weenie when it comes to fighting his own battles. He'd rather watch and laugh about his manipulations.

Scorpion has always been a powerful villian so they portray that quite well. Wiki tells me that Asp used to be an exotic dancer so a spread in Playboy wouldn't be much of a stretch. I haven't read any Captain America or Avengers so this is the first I've seen of her. Wolvie would lose the hair lawsuit since Owl has been around since the early 60's, but I'm not sure when Owl's fake claws first appeared. Could Wolverine's design be inspired by The Owl?

Good scrap. Perhaps there should have been more interaction with Gamma Flight but they wasted a fair amount of this issue with recap. Alpha Flight needs to go to that page one only recap format. Not enough Gamma, but it's Witchfire who saves the day when she cuts the puppet strings. Those horns are really stupid though.

The comic ends with..."Next issue: Quest for Northstar." So Hudnall is really working on getting the team back to it's origins.

limerick

02-19-2010, 06:07 PM

Yeah, I know it says it on that page/poster...I just don't remember if it was called that in the actual stories. It may have been, it just sounds odd.

We'll find out when I get there!

I love how long it was...it stretched and was just really exciting to me.

We are six issues away from my favorite Alpha Period!!

I have recollections of enjoying that period of Alpha too so I'm looking foward to it,although I have really enjoyed Hudnall's run--much more than Mantlo's(IMHO,of course!)

thoughts on #80

Alpha Flight makes it to the 90's. A good combat issue with another battle royal. Llan might be powerful, but he's a weenie when it comes to fighting his own battles. He'd rather watch and laugh about his manipulations.

Scorpion has always been a powerful villian so they portray that quite well. Wiki tells me that Asp used to be an exotic dancer so a spread in Playboy wouldn't be much of a stretch. I haven't read any Captain America or Avengers so this is the first I've seen of her. Wolvie would lose the hair lawsuit since Own has been around since the early 60's, but I'm not sure when Owl's fake claws first appeared. Could Wolverine's design be inspired by The Owl?

Good scrap. Perhaps there should have been more interaction with Gamma Flight but they wasted a fair amount of this issue with recap. Alpha Flight needs to go to that page one only recap format. Not enough Gamma, but it's Witchfire who saves the day when she cuts the puppet strings. Those horns are really stupid though.

The comic ends with..."Next issue: Quest for Northstar." So Hudnall is really working on getting the team back to it's origins.

I was wondering that about Owl afterwards......He does look old school and was probably around before Wolverine......The claws are seriously like Wolvie's though.

I peeked ahead at # 81 last night.....Nice Ret-con of the Northstar/Aurora half-elf story coming up!......And the return of much more than Northstar!!

limerick

02-19-2010, 06:49 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 80:

--Llan the Sorcerer seems to be a step ahead of Talisman at every turn......Her lack of experience is showing and he very successfully cons her into creating conflict between Alpha and the U.S. interlopers(& Gamma Flight).....She's gonna have to raise her game to give Alpha any chance.

--As Parch said,there's a hefty flashback sequence recalling The Sorcerer's history......Still,I suppose a newcomer to the title would be completely lost and they do need to throw in these sum-ups every so often.

--The Scorpion was more impressive than I expected......He combines speed and strength and gives Diamond Lil short shift......Lil's taking a bit of a hammering the last fw issues.....I wanna see her kick someones ass next issue(won't happen:wink:)

--BTW,where did Lil manage to get her costume from??.....One minute she's wearing her best style to kept Madison onside,the next she's in costume......(lucky cab driver--Did he resist the urge to look in the rear view mirror while she was changing?!:eek:!).......Poor Lil,she offers Heather an olive branch on page 21 but Vindicator isn't about to trust her just yet(Don't forget she was involved in the death of her husband).

--Witchfire comes good in this issue.....Possibly a match for Talisman,they do seem like natural foes due to their ages and powers.

--I like the way this issue seems like just a taster for what seems like an inevitably huge battle at the 'Eye of the World.....This story keeps building and building!.....It was unusual to have three teams all fighting against each other.....You don't know who to hit!

--Sasquatch does look awful.....C'mon Calimee,get it sorted!

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

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X-Factor from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=239594&page=2000)
Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
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Fire_And_Light

02-20-2010, 07:49 AM

King_Mungi

02-20-2010, 09:56 AM

I thought some form of mutant registration existed in the af books since issue 42 ish. I don't blame marvel for trotting it out again as it's super timely but it's been touched on. That poster is just a poster I dont recall anymre stories too concerned about it.

All in all this afun period of books.

It was, as they had to deal with Sentinels but they were mostly trying to bring in Mesmero though.

That poster is for a story near the end of the first run of Alpha Flight and isn't linked or related to the Mutant Registration Act.

Hindsight lad

02-20-2010, 08:34 PM

But in Alpha # 79 on page 3.....Talisman says:"There are events in the United States which are driving them here to Canada......A law calledThe Super-Powers Registration Act is being ushered through congress.A war is being fought between superhumans all over the U.S."

She seems to be referring to this act being passed in the U.S. and the only one I was familiar with was the Mutant Registration Act....Do you see what I mean......I'm a bit confused by it.

During the Acts of Vengeance crossover, which these issues were a part of, all of Marvel's villains team-up and switched adversaries in order to defeat their enemies. All of this villain activity caused massive property damage and destruction, so Congress went to work on a Super Hero Registration Act. It was commented on in Avengers: Spotlight, but was mostly covered in Fantastic Four issues # 334, 335, and 336. The Fantastic Four testify to Congress about the bill, and interesting arguments for and against registration are given. At the end, Congress decides to table (kill) the bill, and no Registration Law is passed until Civil War.

The Fantastic Four issues are very good, btw. Like a cross between C-Span and the FF.

Hindsight lad

Nevets F

02-20-2010, 08:54 PM

During the Acts of Vengeance crossover, which these issues were a part of, all of Marvel's villains team-up and switched adversaries in order to defeat their enemies. All of this villain activity caused massive property damage and destruction, so Congress went to work on a Super Hero Registration Act. It was commented on in Avengers: Spotlight, but was mostly covered in Fantastic Four issues # 334, 335, and 336. The Fantastic Four testify to Congress about the bill, and interesting arguments for and against registration are given. At the end, Congress decides to table (kill) the bill, and no Registration Law is passed until Civil War.

The Fantastic Four issues are very good, btw. Like a cross between C-Span and the FF.

Hindsight lad

Thanks for clearing that up!

limerick

02-21-2010, 02:13 AM

Yeah,that explains it....thanks a lot,dude!

limerick

02-22-2010, 04:13 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.81.GIF

Alpha Flight # 81.............February 1990

John Byrne retuns to Alpha!!!......But only for the cover,I'm afraid!.....I'm interested to know the sequence of events that led him to do the cover for this and the next issue.....It was quite a surprise to see Northstar drawn by his creator again.....Summary tomorrow!

limerick

02-23-2010, 03:49 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.81.GIF

Alpha Flight # 81.............February 1990

"Prisoners"

Hudnall/Calimee

Talisman's Room,The Alpha Mansion:Talisman stares at her glass oracle and watches as events get out of hand......The Sorcerer has manipulated events to turn them in his favour.....By engineering conflict between Alpha Flight,Gamma Flight and a band of U.S. supervillains,he has allowed the resultant violence to open 'The Gateway of Night'.....This was the very thing Talisman was trying to prevent......Frustrated,she has only one option left......She summons the Spirit of Time and Space and tells it that there are three women who must be found and brought together to find a moan trapped in another dimension......She tells the Spirit her plan.....

The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Cathedral,Quebec,Canada:Aurora has been summoned to the office of the head priest......He tells her that her past is catching up with her and that she may be better suited to the life of a superhero than that of a nun(which she has tried to follow).....She recounts her recent past to him and pleas with him to let her stay,telling him that no-one will ever come looking for her......At that moment the Spirit of Time and Space materialises in front of them!!.....The Spirit tells her that it has been sent by Talisman to take her on a quest to find her brother.....As she objects to it's presence,she suddenly explodes in a burst of flames......Her flesh and bones disintegrate to ashes!!.....The priest looks on,aghast!

Asgard:Northstar is trapped in Asgard......As night falls he leaves his new colleagues(a couple of elves)and heads towards a stonehenge-type dolmen of stones.....He remembers how he got here,tricked by lies of Loki,who convinced him he was half-elf and needed Elven light to survive.....Now he has learned the truth,that his illness was related to Aurora stealing their joint light all for herself......But he is unable to get home....The elves say the dolmens are a doorway to other worlds but none of them knows how to use it......He is suddenly snapped out of his thoughts as he turns to find several goblins charging at him,ready to trap and kill him.

Etobicoke,Canada:Kara(Purple Girl) is putting together a new costume,watched by her friend and fellow mutant,Laura......She asks Laura to fetch Goblyn home so she can check out her new look as well......Laura obliges,using her mutant power to create a portal to the dimension Goblyn is exploring.......They return to see Laura's new look--a dramatic new purple ensemble to reflect her celebration of who she is,someone different from the norm!......Just then,Talisman's Spirit of Time and Space arrives and,like Auroa,they dissolve in a blast of fire!

A Jail,Winnipeg,Manitoba:Vindicator,Diamond Lil,Madison Jeffries and Sasquatch have been waiting in prison cells for hours after being brought in by Gamma Flight,the government sanctioned super-team......Lil is frustrated but Heather tells her they need to keep Gamma onside as they need their help against The Sorcerer......Soon General Brian Winslow arrives,but rather than talk about freeing them,he accuses them of being responsible for the strange events occuring in Canada over the last three months.....Heather tries to explain that The Sorcerer is responsible but the General won't listen.

Ottawa General Hospital,Ottawa:Puck lies in his hospital bed,in quite a bit of pain......Over the last few days he has reverted to his dwarf form during a gradual transformation which was extremely painful......But he feels the pain is starting to subside and wants to leave to helpn Alpha......But against his wishes,the doctor orders him to be sedated,telling him they need to run a lot more tests before he can be released.....Judd shouts his objections as the drugs take effect and he drifts into unconciousness.

The Plane of Forgotten Dreams:Aurora wakes to find herself very much alive but in a strange other-dimensional place......She is shocked seconds later to be joined by her ex-team-mates from Alpha---Purple Girl(Now calling herself Persuasion),Laura Dean and Goblyn.....The Spirit appears to them telling bthem they need to travel to Asgard to rescue Northstar--They can get there using Laura's inter-dimensional transporting power......The Spirit tells them to hurry as Talisman needs them back in Edmonton as soon as possible.....They discuss it and agree to try teleporting back to Kara's home to decide on a plan......But when she activates her power,they end up being sent to Asgard instead!......Within seconds of arriving they find themselves attacked by several Goblins(no relation!)

FIN

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

X-Men from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=194896&page=2221)
New Mutants from the beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=219728&page=1051)
Alpha Flight from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=222969&page=5911)
X-Factor from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=239594&page=2000)
Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
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Do you want to post a review of an upcoming issue from any of these threads???....Post Message me if you do--The more the merrier!

limerick

02-23-2010, 04:07 PM

Got a flat tyre tonight and I'm cold,wet and late after changin it so I'm heading to bed......Will finish this page-turner tomorrow!!

Nevets F

02-24-2010, 12:49 PM

Got a flat tyre tonight and I'm cold,wet and late after changin it so I'm heading to bed......Will finish this page-turner tomorrow!!

Sorry about the flat! That sucks.

limerick

02-24-2010, 04:21 PM

Sorry about the flat! That sucks.
Thanks!!!It did suck,big time!.....I live in quite a rural location......Since the economy bombed,the local governments got no cash to fix the smaller roads......There's potholes the size of a small city out there!!......Second flat in two months......Still,could be worse,I suppose.....Back to Alpha!!

limerick

02-24-2010, 05:21 PM

Witchfire is an awesome character though! That costume doesn't really last too long.

Witchfire is actually one of my top characters ever.

Fun fact...Silver and Auric first appeared in a Spider-Man title.

Steven ,you posted this a while back and I came back with some Comicvine info which placed issue # 76 as their first appearance and they had subsequent appearances in a couple of Spiderman annuals.

But the letters page of issue # 81 has some more information on the Brother/Sister team of Gamma Flight.....Here it comes!!

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/143619-106441-the-agent_large.jpg

Who is this man,I hear you ask??!!......He is one Rick Mason--A.K.A. The Agent......He appeared in a Graphic Novel published by Marvel in 1989(Which isn't listed on Comicvine--A first,in my experience!)......Amazingly,Silver and Auric appeared in a photograph in this G.N. or according to the letters page of # 81,they did......This was their first chronological appearance,I believe.......The Agent isn't a widely known Marvel character but did feature in 5 issues of the recent Ms. Marvel series......I'd love to know how they managed to feature in this G.N. but I'm not curious enough to buy it to find out.......Anyway,I hope that clears up the Sliver/Auric debut once and for all.....Hope that's of help,N.Y. dude!

Parch

02-25-2010, 11:15 AM

I dug out the atlas just to find out where Drogheda is. Between Balbriggan and Dundalk, almost the exact same latitude as Edmonton. The internet makes us all part of a global community doesn't it?

Parch

02-25-2010, 11:56 AM

thoughts on #81

Not just a quest for Northstar, it's a whole cast reunion with Aurora, a very hot Purple Girl, and Laura (yay Goblyn!). And surprise surprise, Puck is shrinking. Just how much of this team reunion sticks together is yet to be determined.

Alpha Flight is imprisoned. Isn't it some sort of superhero rule that they don't endure the humiliation of being thrown in jail. Stupid morality. On top of it they're getting blamed for everything. Just bust out of there and let the natural order of superherodom eventually clear their name of any wrongdoings.

So they're off to Asgard. I haven't read a lot of Thor, but this is definately the fantasy land of Marvel. Talking trees, elves, and trolls. Blatently ripping off other literature is pretty much standard procedure. Goblyn should fit in nicely.

What does Northstar need a flying cat for?

Go Alpha Flight!

Nevets F

02-25-2010, 12:12 PM

Steven ,you posted this a while back and I came back with some Comicvine info which placed issue # 76 as their first appearance and they had subsequent appearances in a couple of Spiderman annuals.

But the letters page of issue # 81 has some more information on the Brother/Sister team of Gamma Flight.....Here it comes!!

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/143619-106441-the-agent_large.jpg

Who is this man,I hear you ask??!!......He is one Rick Mason--A.K.A. The Agent......He appeared in a Graphic Novel published by Marvel in 1989(Which isn't listed on Comicvine--A first,in my experience!)......Amazingly,Silver and Auric appeared in a photograph in this G.N. or according to the letters page of # 81,they did......This was their first chronological appearance,I believe.......The Agent isn't a widely known Marvel character but did feature in 5 issues of the recent Ms. Marvel series......I'd love to know how they managed to feature in this G.N. but I'm not curious enough to buy it to find out.......Anyway,I hope that clears up the Sliver/Auric debut once and for all.....Hope that's of help,N.Y. dude!

Ah! I knew they appeared in a photo somewhere first...I just thought it was Spider-Man...who knew it was this one?? How odd. Thanks Limerick!

Thoughts on 81...great issue. LOVE Kara, Laura and Goblyn being back. Best part? Five issues from my favorite run.

limerick

02-25-2010, 01:59 PM

I dug out the atlas just to find out where Drogheda is. Between Balbriggan and Dundalk, almost the exact same latitude as Edmonton. The internet makes us all part of a global community doesn't it?

Lol,you got it right there!.....Not too far north of Dublin--That's Drogheda.....I get to know about Edmonton from reading Alpha Flight!!.....BTW,if you've ever seen the movie,'The Crying Game',there's a scene at the start filmed in a fun fair.....That was filmed very close to where I live now.

Ah! I knew they appeared in a photo somewhere first...I just thought it was Spider-Man...who knew it was this one?? How odd. Thanks Limerick!

Thoughts on 81...great issue. LOVE Kara, Laura and Goblyn being back. Best part? Five issues from my favorite run.

Yes,you were right about the photograph.....Well done for recalling that!...You really are looking foward to your favourite run!......I thought you'd be excited at the return of Purple Girl/Persuasion,which was a bit of a surprise.

limerick

02-25-2010, 02:32 PM

Thoughts on Alpha Flight # 81:

--Wow,that Byrne cover brings back memories......I've always liked Northstar and he's probably my favourite Alphan......Sure,he moans and is as grumpy as hell but when the time comes to deliver the goods,the guy's got the right stuff......He does remind me of Quicksilver a lot.......Of course their powers are similar but the have very similar temprements.
Peter David's brilliant explanation of Quicksilver's grumpiness was due to him having to put up with a world moving so much slower than he does......The same could apply to Northstar.
BTW,where does Northstar's crap stubble disappear to on page 13---It was clearly on view on page 11.

--The way the Spirit teleported the Alphans away was extreme......They disappear by self-combusting.....It's fairly dramatic but the tension is spoiled when they are rigt as rain a few pages later.

--Is it just me or does it seem like Talisman doesn't know what the hell she is doing?!

--That Catholic Priest was fairly harsh to Aurora......He kicks her out of the nuns in case she might stir up some super-powered trouble at a later stage.....Okay,he was right but it still seems a fairly unChristian attitude......She's grow her hair back---I can't quite decide what is the better look for her!

--I really liked Hudnall's ret-con of the Northstar/Half-elf situation......He puts together a nice idea that Loki was stirring trouble and that Northstar's illness was due to Aurora having 'stolen the light'.....The only problem I have with it is that Aurora gave Northstar back all of the light.......So she should be suffering similar symptoms to what he endured before.

--The Puck retcon is less successful......IIRC,Puck was returned to his previous normal human physical state just before he was sent to exile in Tibet(by Loki)......This was after the 'inner demon' he contained was released......When he ended up in the Dream Queen's dimension,she used her powers to strengthen him physically......This allowed him to withstand the subsequent torture she put him through......It seems that after returning from the Dream Queen's dimension that this alteration she carried out is reversing.....But that should simply return him to being a regularly-sized human,not a dwarf since a regularly-sized human is his natural state......Yeah,that retcon doesn't work for me.

--I was very surprised to see Purple Girl,Goblyn and Laura Dean make a return in this issue......I thought they were goe for good or at least for a considerable period of time......Kara does look hot but there's been a definite ret-con of her age.....She's gotta be at least 17 or 18 by the looks of things......If not her mamma should kick her in the ass for dressing like a floozy!.......Even Laura looks a couple oy years older......When she appeared first I had her down as about 9 or 10......She seems a little older than that now......Purple Girl goes for the new moniker of 'Persuasion'---Purple Girl had to go but I'm not so sure the new name is an improvement.

--Anyway,everything seems to be proceeding nicely and this title has a definite direction under the safe hands of Hudnall.

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Parch

02-26-2010, 01:39 PM

I was a bit surprised to see Purple girl and Goblyn again too. It seemed like a permanent departure but a new writer means new life. Persuasion is a much better name. All that complaining in the letter pages must have had an effect. Purple Girl is a stupid name. So is Purple Man but I suppose they felt obligated to follow that lead.

I took the harshness of the priest to Aurora as a way to put closure on that part of her life and fairly big hint that she's returning to the team. Perhaps giving Purple Girl a new name does the same.

You take this retcon/continuity stuff a lot more seriously than I do. To me the "normal" size for Puck is as a little person. I understand what you're saying about the flaws in the retcon, but I haven't reached that level of comic nerdity yet.

limerick

02-26-2010, 01:45 PM

Yeah,that's me....King of the Nerds!

King_Mungi

02-26-2010, 02:05 PM

Sorry for going off-issue, but did anyone read the Jeffries-Diamond Lil story in Nation X#3? Talk about bittersweet.

motteditor

02-26-2010, 08:50 PM

Omega I was also disappointed with. I knew all the plans for this volume WAY before it was released, and way before it was changed to a mini. The original plans were really great actually. Sadly, the editor was was not fond of the plans and made a lot of changes (behind the scenes info there) and eventually changed it to a mini...effectively taking away most of the good stuff. Except Talisman and Arachne, which are awesome. :)

I just found this thread and am making my way through it (reliving some old, fond memories) and would love to hear more about these plans if you can and they aren't already in the thread later on.

(FWIW, I got into Alpha Flight during the team uniform/world tour phase, right after JP was outed. I always thought it was so odd when I got these back issues how clear it was JP was gay...)

limerick

02-27-2010, 02:26 PM

Sorry for going off-issue, but did anyone read the Jeffries-Diamond Lil story in Nation X#3? Talk about bittersweet.

Actually,even though I keep up with my ordering of X-books being published,I have fallen well behind with reading them due to my time spent on the 'from The Beginning' Threads.....I'll get there some day!

I just found this thread and am making my way through it (reliving some old, fond memories) and would love to hear more about these plans if you can and they aren't already in the thread later on.

(FWIW, I got into Alpha Flight during the team uniform/world tour phase, right after JP was outed. I always thought it was so odd when I got these back issues how clear it was JP was gay...)

Great to have you posting,motteditor.....Personally,I haven't got as far as the Omega Flight series Steven refers to.....In fact,I reckon I read as far(first time around) as the World Tour phase.(I have a vague recollection of them going to Ireland(or possibly some Irish Super-powered adversary)---I may be completely wrong about that!)

motteditor

02-27-2010, 09:31 PM

Moving along, another villain debuts in these pages. Her name is Pink Pearl, and she takes up nearly the whole cover. I'm not sure this was politically correct even in the 1980s, but Pearl's power is her massive size! Full-bodied?

Interestingly, Byrne would go to the same well with Big Bertha in the GLA while he was working on West Coast Avengers (or was it Avengers West by then?). Wonder if he was conflicted about how to use the character, as villain or hero.

motteditor

02-27-2010, 10:03 PM

I really wish some writer would save the character of Maddison Jeffries from the mess he was left in after the Weapon X series. He is just too good a chraracter to be left like he was at the end of that series.

Heh. It's funny reading these things now, more than a year later, considering Madison's probably as high-profile as he's possibly ever been. Agreed, he's one of my favorites, though no one IMO is better than Puck and Heather. I hope they come back from the Plodex world soon, with some nice meta commentary about the idiocy of their temporal dopplegangers being killed off off-panel.

motteditor

02-28-2010, 08:45 AM

I am sure it would be great, but I wouldn't be very excited about it. So much of what I love came after his run...which is not the norm, of course.

Agreed. I'm sure it's because I began collecting in the 110s, but those are the characters I really like. I think that's why the end of v.3 was so frustrating. Marvel just doesn't seem to get that when fans say they want the classic Alpha, it's not the ones with all the development of 100 issues stripped out, but the ones who were featured in the entire run.

V.2 gave us only two Alphans (granted, my favorite two) and compounded it was some of the most annoying characters ever. v.3 gave us one Alphan and again just ridiculous characters. Omega Flight -- which I gave more leeway to because of its different name -- was more Avengers West than Alpha Flight. Granted, I enjoyed AWC as much as AF so I didn't mind, but I really want a book with Heather, Puck, Lil, Madison, the Beaubiers, 'Squatch, Persuasion, Manikin, Goblyn, Laura Dean and Witchfire.

(Mantlo's run was horrible, though. And 50 is the one that really seals it, though I'm sure a chunk of that was because of editorial demands as opposed to what he wanted to write.)

motteditor

02-28-2010, 10:19 PM

Wanda trying to cash a cheque as Walter was futile, but hasn't she ever heard of a bank machine? I suppose that account could have been blocked as well, but it just seemed silly that an ATM wasn't the first thing she thought of.

In Mantlo's defense, I don't think ATMs were really all that prevalent at this point. We're still in the late '80s, IIRC.

I've never really expected there to be much interest in the Alpha thread.....It is a bit disappointing that basically the two of us and Imraith are the only three posting on this thread now..

FWIW, I think you're also stuck with the fact that you're in AF's fallow period. Mantlo's run was really bad (you're actually making it sound far better than I remember, to be honest). I suspect when you get to some of the better stuff post-Mantlo, you may get a little more response again. I'm enjoying the thread, but considering I'm months behind, I'm not really posting my thoughts on most of these older issues. I suspect I'll contribute more as I catch up to where you are now.

MartinRedmond

03-01-2010, 06:49 AM

Peter David's brilliant explanation of Quicksilver's grumpiness was due to him having to put up with a world moving so much slower than he does......The same could apply to Northstar.

Nah, he just wants a spanking.

Parch

03-01-2010, 09:30 AM

I'm enjoying the thread, but considering I'm months behind, I'm not really posting my thoughts on most of these older issues. I suspect I'll contribute more as I catch up to where you are now.Better late than never. I had to play catchup too but I'm glad I did. Alpha Flight can be a little flawed but is such a quirky oddball title that it's perfect for critical analysis and smart ass comments. Alpha Flight is a Marvel gem.

Welcome.

limerick

03-01-2010, 03:48 PM

In Mantlo's defense, I don't think ATMs were really all that prevalent at this point. We're still in the late '80s, IIRC.

FWIW, I think you're also stuck with the fact that you're in AF's fallow period. Mantlo's run was really bad (you're actually making it sound far better than I remember, to be honest). I suspect when you get to some of the better stuff post-Mantlo, you may get a little more response again. I'm enjoying the thread, but considering I'm months behind, I'm not really posting my thoughts on most of these older issues. I suspect I'll contribute more as I catch up to where you are now.
You're right,the interest has picked up a little again since we moved on from the Mantlo era.....Mantlo had a great imagination,I'll give him that......My main problem with him was the really 'out there',unnecessary retcons(Puck and Northstar being two in particular that bugged me).

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Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
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Zero Hunter

03-01-2010, 03:52 PM

Heh. It's funny reading these things now, more than a year later, considering Madison's probably as high-profile as he's possibly ever been. Agreed, he's one of my favorites, though no one IMO is better than Puck and Heather. I hope they come back from the Plodex world soon, with some nice meta commentary about the idiocy of their temporal dopplegangers being killed off off-panel.

I am still wishing for Maddison to be saved only now its from Fraction. I miss the real Maddison. The blue coller guy with a good head on his shoulders. Not the messed up oddball he is now.

McFarlane's Green Hulk

03-01-2010, 04:11 PM

I am still wishing for Maddison to be saved only now its from Fraction. I miss the real Maddison. The blue coller guy with a good head on his shoulders. Not the messed up oddball he is now.

I'm far beyond lost on the current status of M. Jefferies. What's up with him these days?

motteditor

03-01-2010, 07:55 PM

I'm far beyond lost on the current status of M. Jefferies. What's up with him these days?

He's part of the X-Club, in Uncanny. I've been picking the series up on and off, as it catches my interest. Haven't seen Madison be all out of character, but again, I haven't been following that closely. He certainly seems a little more out of it, but I've missed a lot of what's happened with him since Alpha was canceled.

limerick

03-10-2010, 05:09 PM

Sorry everyone,I've had some mod interference that I won't tolerate and it's enough to make me finish posting on this Forum.....Thanks for all the input on the threads from everyone--Steven F.,Parch,Imraith,WBE and so many others......Rest assured I will continue to read my X-Books and may one day catch up with the rest of you!......Regards,Limerick

Welcome to my Signature limit-defying 'fake signature'......Post your thoughts and observations on all the X-Book 'From the Beginning' threads using the links below---You know you want to!!

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New Mutants from the beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=219728&page=1051)
Alpha Flight from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=222969&page=5911)
X-Factor from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=239594&page=2000)
Wolverine from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=269070&page=1711)
Excalibur from the Beginning (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=265296&page=4111)
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Parch

03-11-2010, 09:55 AM

Best of luck Lim. You'll be missed.

There are times these boards drive me crazy too. Sometimes I think people forget this is supposed to be about comic books. There are endless useless threads about racism, sexism, sexual preference, politics and religion that I feel do not belong here. But as long as they're somehow thinly attached to a comic issue the topic is allowed to run rampant. I'm not going to get all self-righteous because I have contributed and can enjoy a raunchy debate as well, but much too often I feel a thread crosses the line and should be in the community forum, not the Marvel forums. I do not feel comfortable allowing a child to read this board because of the content.

I don't know the circumstances about Limerick's concerns with the mods, but we're losing one of the few people with a real passion for comics that actually talks about comic books. He's obviously not the only one, but it's becoming harder and harder to find the threads that are about comics, and not some thinly disguised thread with an agenda.

Limerick's effort and contribution to this board was outstanding, and as far as I'm concerned represented what this board should be about. He's a significant loss.

Cheers, mate.

Nevets F

03-19-2010, 08:34 AM

This is terrible news. I was traveling for business and am way late in seeing this. Limerick, you did an amazing job, and it was MUCH appreciated. You will be missed. I have left here before, sometimes it's just needed for your own sanity. The X-Boards in particular is a really infuriating place with dozens of totally useless and stupid threads. I get so tired of seeing joke thread after parody thread after sex thread. Don't even get me started on a certain group of actual posters here. It's actually why I spend so little time here nowadays...but these threads were always a great place for good old fashioned comic talk.

I know the other threads probably get more attention but this is the thread I will miss. I have all the issues, and have read them multiple times (and always up for more times!) but I just don't know that I have skills needed to post summaries. I know that may sound stupid, but I feel there are things I am good at, and things I am not...writing is one of those, lol. I hope this is able to continue though...

Nevets F

03-26-2010, 10:12 AM

Alpha Flight was/is/always will be my favorite series (and team). As I have mentioned, I have read every issue multiple times, and I absolutely love it. Having said that, in honor of David R, Limerick, and Alpha Flight itself…I can’t let this thread die! I am going to attempt to summarize Alpha Flight, starting with the next issue, #82.

Having said that, please understand that I am not a writer. We all have strengths and weaknesses in life. I can freely admit creativity (ANY form of art) is not one of my strengths. I wrote for the Marvel Handbooks for a short while, and I simply hated it. It’s just not my gift. Please keep that in mind as you read the below summary, and yes it will be far inferior to the summaries of David R. and Limerick. 

Nevets F

03-26-2010, 10:22 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.82.GIF

Alpha Flight # 82.............March 1990

"The Quest for Northstar part II: The Under Kingdom"

Hudnall/Calimee

What has gone before:
With Alpha Flight imprisoned, their sole free member, the sorceress Talisman, has rounded up ex-team-members Laura Dean, Goblyn, Aurora, and Persuasion to battle the menace of Llan the Sorcerer. Their First step in amassing more power with which to battle Llan is to search out another Alphan, the man called Northstar. To that end, the four have been sent by Talisman to the fabled realm of Asgard…where their troubles are really just beginning!

Asgard: We begin the issue with our four heroes in Asgard, being attacked by a group of Asgardian trolls. Persuasion quickly takes charge, instructing Aurora to blind the attackers, and Laura to think of some way to get rid of them. Laura comments that maybe she can send them to Mars. Sadly though, Aurora lets Persuasion know that she has lost her powers!
Persuasion tells everyone to leave this to her, and she uses her powers to command all the trolls to “Stay where you are!” Persuasion starts to interrogate the trolls, asking who they are and why they are attacking. It turns out that its lunch time and trolls eat the flesh of puny creatures such as our heroes. (Let that be a message to all of us…never go to Asgard near lunch time). Aurora then says she is looking for her brother and asks where can they find the cat elves, (a funny moment, with her French-Canadian accent, it sounds more like she is looking for her “brassiere” and the trolls wonder why the cat elves have stolen her brassiere). While the trolls explain where the cat elves are, Persuasion suddenly loses her control of them! As the trolls attack our heroes again, Goblyn distracts them as Laura creates warp portals under their feet, sending them away. Our team then heads off to continue looking for Northstar.

Earth, in Talisman’s Circle of Power: We see Talisman watching the heroes through a glass oracle. Seeing the team is progressing nicely, she turns her attention to the rest of Alpha. Talisman realizes that she manipulated Alpha Flight into doing things she thought was right, but they weren’t.

Earth, in a prison: Vindicator, Diamond Lil, Sasquatch, and Box are being questioned by a government official. It seems he has questions and thinks Alpha knows the answers. Over the last few months, lots of bizarre things have been happening in Canada, such as strange deaths, lights in the sky, sightings of bizarre creatures, rains of blood and animal matter. There was even a rain of salmon that fell in a pattern, spelling out the words “Alpha Flight”. Apparently, in every one of these cases, Alpha’s name has been found. Heather explains it was not Alpha doing these things, they weren’t even on Earth, and it must have been Llan. The official is not convinced. He also explains they are in jail because someone much higher than him has plans for the team.

Back in Talisman’s circle: We see Talisman now turning her attention to her father, Shaman. Everything is coming together to an unknown point, and she needs his advice.

Earth, in a Hospital: Shaman is at the hospital, checking on Puck. The nurse explains Puck was released this morning. Shaman knows something is wrong. Puck was in too much pain to be released. As he walks passed a door, we see inside the room, and see that Puck is being constantly drugged, and told to dream of the way Alpha has abandoned him and how Heather has rejected him. He is also told how he will be very useful to the Master.

Back in Asgard: After hours of walking, our heroes have come upon an area they think is the Country of the Cat Elves. They are suddenly attacked by a group of elves riding giant cats! Aurora, explaining that they come in peace, says who she is and why they are in the Cat Elves kingdom. The Cat Elves say that Northstar was an ally and they recognize the resemblance in Aurora, but they have bad news…Northstar is dead!

Somewhere else: We see Northstar’s body being carried through dark caves by people in cloaks. It looks almost religious.

Asgard: The Cat Elves explain they had found Northstar’s riding cat in the grass, the blood stains are still there. His cat had been slaughtered by swords. However, they never did find Northstar’s body. Aurora wants to know who attacked him, and the Cat Elves explain it was the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim. Aurora wants to know how to get there, that even if he is dead, she can’t let his body rest in a place like that. The Cat Elves explain that only the cursed dark elves know the magic to open the gateways to cross into their dimension. Persuasion asks Laura if she can use her powers to activate the gateways. Laura can feel something…like energy…in the rocks. She thinks she might be able to pull it off!

Back with Northstar, where we now know is Scaralfheim: We see that the Dark Elves are preparing to sacrifice Northstar on an altar.

Asgard: Laura activates the gateways, and our team heads off, continuing their search for Northstar in…

Svartalfheim again: As our heroes arrive, they see Northstar about to be sacrificed. The Dark Elves immediately attack as our team tries to stop them from killing Northstar. Persuasion uses her powers on a group of elves, having them protect the team. This causes the elves to fight each other as Aurora grabs Northstar. As Laura prepares a warp gate to safety, the Dark Elves talk about their master, and how with the sacrifice of Northstar, he will open a gateway between worlds, and the Dark Elves will join him in his dark cause. Aurora wants to know who this master is, and the Evles show her…it is Llan, the Sorcerer! As our heroes escape into Laura’s warp gate, but they are taken off course by Talisman.

Earth: Talisman has brought our team home! She explains that Llan is about to unleash the forces of night and that they need to prepare themselves, because they’re about to enter a war!

Continued next issue…

motteditor

03-26-2010, 11:51 AM

Nevets F

03-26-2010, 12:15 PM

Heh. I read this last night in preparation of posting something myself, Steven. Glad you're taking up the mantle.

Was it just me, or did anyone else think the cat elves were shoutouts to Richard and Wendy Pini's Elfquest? I think the timing would be about right for EQ's most popular stage, and they just seemed very similar to me.

Strange seeing Persuasion and Laura Dean here, since they don't really gibe with my memories of the characters. I guess it really has been a long time since I've read about them, though.

:D

Hmm...you know, I haven't really read Elfquest. I've certainly heard of it, but I honestly don't know much about it. I am sure it's possible it was a shout out to it though.

I really love Persuasion and Laura (and Goblyn). I am glad they are back. I was surprised at how Persuasion was taking charge. I liked it, but was surprised.

Other thoughts:

I am glad Talisman is feeling bad for her actions. I was never comfortable with her being so manipulative, but she seems to have learned her lesson.

Laura seems to really be learning/developing her powers. She might be one powerful teleporter.

I wonder what plans the government has for Alpha??

Art/Writing: I think Hudnall is doing a great job with the writing. This book is really good right now. I am not sure if Calimee is getting better, or if I am just getting used to his artwork, cause I am not disliking it quite as much as I did when he first took over.

Three issues left until my favorite time in Alpha history starts!