Alpha Flight from the Beginning

[david r]

I may be insane, but I've reached the right time to start a thread celebrating Canada's premiere mutant team---Alpha Flight!

Like my other threads, I'll start with #1 and do a review & summary of each issue. Detailing major moments and 1st appearances. All who desire to participate or who have read the issues are welcome to join in. The more the merrier.

I haven't experienced most of this series (and the issues I have read, was a long time ago!) so this will be new to me. And again, I'd like to view each adventure like a new reader, not knowing what comes next. So please refrain from posting secrets & twists that happen during the run. I appreciate it!! :smile:

I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew! :wink:

So it's time to join Puck, Sasquatch, Vindicator and all the others in this fan-favorite book! I'm off to read #1 and post my thoughts on-------------------Alpha Flight!!!

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/15000/14616/14452-alpha-flight_400.jpg

[timbox]

Did you just refer to Aurora and Northstar as "the others" ...?? :mad:

I guess I can forgive you because I love these threads!


:biggrin:

[david r]

Did you just refer to Aurora and Northstar as "the others" ...?? :mad:


I couldn't recall their names! :tongue: I'm sure they'll get lots of love!!

[escapegoat]

I couldn't recall their names! :tongue: I'm sure they'll get lots of love!!

I have on occassion referred to them as " Ol' Twinkletoes" and "Miss Shine on you Crazy Diamond", so I can understand where you're coming at......Northstar and Aurora are such hard names to remember... :tongue:

[Imraith Nimphais]

YAY!!!!...I do love me some Alpha Flight, quite...and I have all of those earliy vol 1issues...so it will be great to hear/see another's take on those arcs...I am so luvin' these "from the beginning" threads...I literally go back and re-read my back issues just for the fun of it all.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.1.GIF

Alpha Flight #1

"Tundra"

1st appearance: Puck, Marrina, Tundra, Gary Cody, Dan Smallwood

Exploding from the pages of the X-Men! Canada's very own superhero team, who first appeared in 1979 in Uncanny X-Men #120, get their own mag!! Will the Great North ever be the same?! First off, I find #1's cover very amusing. "One side, Heroes!" ?I guess the Alphans weren't too modest. I'm embarrased to admit I hadn't noticed Puck & Marrina didn't appear in AF's earlier X-MEN appearances. How could I have missed them?

The very first issue of Alpha Flight begins with Vindicator---James MacDonald Hudson---standing alone in the room that once housed Department H. The room has been cleared of equipment and hardware, and little remains but wires and an empty silence. Department H was the top secret bureau of the Ministry of Defense: Alpha Flight's home. But the Canadian government has disbanded both Alpha Flight & Department H. (This happened in UXM #140). Vindicator, wearing a gorgeous tight-fitting costume which resembles the Canadian flag, is morose and depressed. Alpha Flight is over, and James doesn't even know how he'll make ends meet. James reminisces, and we learn of the many levels of Alpha Flight. AF is the top level, and "Beta Force" is below them, a mixture of members-in-training, and still learning their powers. Below that is "Gamma"-- these are raw recruits. Gary Cody enters the room, Gary is the official "unofficial" liaison between the Canadian mutants and the government. Gary thinks what the gov't are doing is crummy. Vindicator agrees, and flies away. We learn the secret installation was beneath Parliament Hill.

Meanwhile, 2000 miles northwest, a lone man is camping in the barren vast-land of the Northwest Territories. He has a little tent, and seems very angry. He stands and begins trailing a furrow in the snowy topsoil. He traces a long time, and traces an outline of a huge, giant figure in the snow. The starving man then looks through his stuffand finds a small "crown". He puts it on his head and something...happens. We now switch to Calgary, Canada, and meet Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen, also known as Shaman. A Native American indian, he senses the call of his grandfather while in his medical office. He removes a box and opens it to reveal a skull, with ornaments around the head. "Speak, O my Grandfather," Michael says. We switch scenes again, to Quebec and Madame DuPonte's School for Girls. Enter: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, a teacher at the school. Her brother, Jean-Paul Beaubier arrives in his sports car. They are twins, and Jean-Paul feels his sister is wasting her life away in this school. She has her hair pinned-back, wearing glasses she doesn't need. Jean-Paul questions why she hides her beauty? In her room, he removes her glasses & lets her hair down. THIS IS THE REAL AURORA! Why do you deny your true self? Aurora collapses.

In Ottawa, Heather Hudson is watering her plants in the apartment she shares with her husband, James Hudson. Vindicator flies in thru the window, and Heather helps James get over his unhappiness over his team's dissolution. Soon on the TV, news of strange lights appearing in the Northwest appears, and Vindicator dons his uniform, and takes off to investigate. Heather sneaks into the hidden office, behind a bookcase. Heather finds Vindicator's AF discs strewn about, unkempt. What is this? She finds two discs she's not seen before. And places them in the computer's drive. We now are introduced to Eugene Milton Judd--Puck, who is a bald midget, with moustache & goutee. Eugene is hanging out in a Toronto bar, and starts a fight with a troublesome drinker. Eugene punches the man right out the door. But then Puck receives a PING! in his ear, the distress call for Alpha Flight. "The Call! At last!" Puck says joyfully, and runs out of the tavern. Soon, a green-skinned woman named Marrina, is alerted as well. She looks very exotic, almost like a fish-woman. She stands on a wind-washed beach, as a red-headed man named Dan Smallwood arrives and gives Marrina her brooch, which carries the AF signal on it. Marrina dives into the waiting ocean. Dan strongly hints he has feelings for Marrina.

The final two members are soon alerted as well: Walter Langkowski--Sasquatch, who is back-packing in the forest of British Columbia. And Anna McKenzie--Snowbird, who is in the shape of a ookpik, an owl. Snowbird apparently is not human. She is the first to arrive at the strange spot where mysterious lights are flowing. She witnesses the birth of Tundra!! A huge hand rises from the barren wasteland, and soon a massive form, using the grass, earth and tundra of the existing lands to form a monstrous body. Tundra replies "I am the death fo all that lives!" Out in the seas, Marrina is swimming at an incredible speed. Marrina changes course and leaps from the water, carrying a spout of water for miles. Soon most of the Alpha Flight members arrive at the scene, and all have difficulty battling Tundra. And each blow against Tundra, impacts the land around for miles. How do they destroy him if it means destroying the land itself?? After several awesome pages of fighting, the solution comes that water can "dissolve" the form of Tundra. As Marrina arrives in her spout of water, Shaman uses his mystical powers to use that spout of water to envelope Tundra. The water dissolves the gigantic form, and the earth and rocks and grass collapse back to the earth. The threat of Tundra erased.

#1 ends with the team members assembled in the Hudson's apartment. They all agree that Alpha Flight should continue, even without government clearance. Each member agrees to join, even Northstar who doesn't particulaly like the group. But they feel they should change their name to something more....cool. A knock at the door introduces Puck to the team. Eugene seems a bit arrogant and is unhappy to learn they are going to change their name. Puck grabs Mac's shirt and says "I wanna be in ALPHA FLIGHT!" Walter Langkowksi grabs "shorty" from behind....and the 2 start fighting and rough-housing, in a funny bit. Heather rolls her eyes and says "Oh lord....suddenly I don't know if this is such a great idea..." The Beginning.

My thoughts: One thing I like about this roster is how exotic & unique they all are. It reminds me of the second X-Men team, as each member is REALLY different and colorful, and the whole seem more exciting than the individual members. Puck definitely has a "Wolverine" feel about him. And he likes to say "Eh?" a lot. After one issue, I'm very curious about the back-history of each member. I hope this gets explored. As for the villain Tundra, he totally reminded me of Krakoa, the living island from Giant-Size X-Men #1. His using the earth around him to create his monstrous body, and using the surrounding animals, was way too similiar to Krakoa. Perhaps this was an homage. John Byrne writes and draws the whole issue, and this is when Byrne rocked!! I especially like Byrne's attention to detail when depicting city streets and landscapes. This is on par with his stellar X-MEN artwork. This is an excellent first issue.

[Stephane Garrelie]

A cool series. starring one of my favorite characters James Mc Donald Hudson alias Vindicator, sadly renaming him "Guardian". First false note. overall a good serie. By the best artist of the time.decent writing, by someone who was still a beginer at it.
I liked this first issue.

[Imraith Nimphais]

What I loved about this first issue was the fact that it was a "from the biginning" story that pretty much started in the middle (somewhere) of the main characters' lives. We got bare snippets of our players' lives moments before they are thrown together as a team which left the character-exploration doors wide open for future developement. Brilliant story telling, action and character interest all in one (double-sized) issue. Personally, I loved loved LOVED all the characters (on first sight) and it was very hard to choose a very favourite one as they were all so very unique (apart from being Canadian) in terms of their appearance and personal character traits and history, from the rest of the heroes in the MU att....but if I really had to choose one (on pain of death) it would have to be Snowbird.

[Steven F.]

...I think I love you David R.

You know I enjoy reading the X-Men and New Mutants (and the extra treat of the Wolverine mini) threads but now you have added Alpha Flight...my all time favorite series!!! Thank you so much! This is so exciting!

[Steven F.]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.1.GIF

Alpha Flight #1

"Tundra"

1st appearance: Puck, Marrina, Tundra, Gary Cody, Dan Smallwood

Exploding from the pages of the X-Men! Canada's very own superhero team, who first appeared in 1979 in Uncanny X-Men #120, get their own mag!! Will the Great North ever be the same?! First off, I find #1's cover very amusing. "One side, Heroes!" ?I guess the Alphans weren't too modest. I'm embarrased to admit I hadn't noticed Puck & Marrina didn't appear in AF's earlier X-MEN appearances. How could I have missed them?

The very first issue of Alpha Flight begins with Vindicator---James MacDonald Hudson---standing alone in the room that once housed Department H. The room has been cleared of equipment and hardware, and little remains but wires and an empty silence. Department H was the top secret bureau of the Ministry of Defense: Alpha Flight's home. But the Canadian government has disbanded both Alpha Flight & Department H. (This happened in UXM #140). Vindicator, wearing a gorgeous tight-fitting costume which resembles the Canadian flag, is morose and depressed. Alpha Flight is over, and James doesn't even know how he'll make ends meet. James reminisces, and we learn of the many levels of Alpha Flight. AF is the top level, and "Beta Force" is below them, a mixture of members-in-training, and still learning their powers. Below that is "Gamma"-- these are raw recruits. Gary Cody enters the room, Gary is the official "unofficial" liaison between the Canadian mutants and the government. Gary thinks what the gov't are doing is crummy. Vindicator agrees, and flies away. We learn the secret installation was beneath Parliament Hill.

Meanwhile, 2000 miles northwest, a lone man is camping in the barren vast-land of the Northwest Territories. He has a little tent, and seems very angry. He stands and begins trailing a furrow in the snowy topsoil. He traces a long time, and traces an outline of a huge, giant figure in the snow. The starving man then looks through his stuffand finds a small "crown". He puts it on his head and something...happens. We now switch to Calgary, Canada, and meet Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen, also known as Shaman. A Native American indian, he senses the call of his grandfather while in his medical office. He removes a box and opens it to reveal a skull, with ornaments around the head. "Speak, O my Grandfather," Michael says. We switch scenes again, to Quebec and Madame DuPonte's School for Girls. Enter: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, a teacher at the school. Her brother, Jean-Paul Beaubier arrives in his sports car. They are twins, and Jean-Paul feels his sister is wasting her life away in this school. She has her hair pinned-back, wearing glasses she doesn't need. Jean-Paul questions why she hides her beauty? In her room, he removes her glasses & lets her hair down. THIS IS THE REAL AURORA! Why do you deny your true self? Aurora collapses.

In Ottawa, Heather Hudson is watering her plants in the apartment she shares with her husband, James Hudson. Vindicator flies in thru the window, and Heather helps James get over his unhappiness over his team's dissolution. Soon on the TV, news of strange lights appearing in the Northwest appears, and Vindicator dons his uniform, and takes off to investigate. Heather sneaks into the hidden office, behind a bookcase. Heather finds Vindicator's AF discs strewn about, unkempt. What is this? She finds two discs she's not seen before. And places them in the computer's drive. We now are introduced to Eugene Milton Judd--Puck, who is a bald midget, with moustache & goutee. Eugene is hanging out in a Toronto bar, and starts a fight with a troublesome drinker. Eugene punches the man right out the door. But then Puck receives a PING! in his ear, the distress call for Alpha Flight. "The Call! At last!" Puck says joyfully, and runs out of the tavern. Soon, a green-skinned woman named Marrina, is alerted as well. She looks very exotic, almost like a fish-woman. She stands on a wind-washed beach, as a red-headed man named Dan Smallwood arrives and gives Marrina her brooch, which carries the AF signal on it. Marrina dives into the waiting ocean. Dan strongly hints he has feelings for Marrina.

The final two members are soon alerted as well: Walter Langkowski--Sasquatch, who is back-packing in the forest of British Columbia. And Anna McKenzie--Snowbird, who is in the shape of a ookpik, an owl. Snowbird apparently is not human. She is the first to arrive at the strange spot where mysterious lights are flowing. She witnesses the birth of Tundra!! A huge hand rises from the barren wasteland, and soon a massive form, using the grass, earth and tundra of the existing lands to form a monstrous body. Tundra replies "I am the death fo all that lives!" Out in the seas, Marrina is swimming at an incredible speed. Marrina changes course and leaps from the water, carrying a spout of water for miles. Soon most of the Alpha Flight members arrive at the scene, and all have difficulty battling Tundra. And each blow against Tundra, impacts the land around for miles. How do they destroy him if it means destroying the land itself?? After several awesome pages of fighting, the solution comes that water can "dissolve" the form of Tundra. As Marrina arrives in her spout of water, Shaman uses his mystical powers to use that spout of water to envelope Tundra. The water dissolves the gigantic form, and the earth and rocks and grass collapse back to the earth. The threat of Tundra erased.

#1 ends with the team members assembled in the Hudson's apartment. They all agree that Alpha Flight should continue, even without government clearance. Each member agrees to join, even Northstar who doesn't particulaly like the group. But they feel they should change their name to something more....cool. A knock at the door introduces Puck to the team. Eugene seems a bit arrogant and is unhappy to learn they are going to change their name. Puck grabs Mac's shirt and says "I wanna be in ALPHA FLIGHT!" Walter Langkowksi grabs "shorty" from behind....and the 2 start fighting and rough-housing, in a funny bit. Heather rolls her eyes and says "Oh lord....suddenly I don't know if this is such a great idea..." The Beginning.

My thoughts: One thing I like about this roster is how exotic & unique they all are. It reminds me of the second X-Men team, as each member is REALLY different and colorful, and the whole seem more exciting than the individual members. Puck definitely has a "Wolverine" feel about him. And he likes to say "Eh?" a lot. After one issue, I'm very curious about the back-history of each member. I hope this gets explored. As for the villain Tundra, he totally reminded me of Krakoa, the living island from Giant-Size X-Men #1. His using the earth around him to create his monstrous body, and using the surrounding animals, was way too similiar to Krakoa. Perhaps this was an homage. John Byrne writes and draws the whole issue, and this is when Byrne rocked!! I especially like Byrne's attention to detail when depicting city streets and landscapes. This is on par with his stellar X-MEN artwork. This is an excellent first issue.

I love the way Heather plays a major part in this series already. I wonder if readers at the time knew how big a role she was going to play?

[Imraith Nimphais]

I love the way Heather plays a major part in this series already. I wonder if readers at the time knew how big a role she was going to play?

speaking for myself...no, I did not...David, now that you mention it...I can totally see the Tundra/Krakoa parallelism...although truth to tell, I read the Krakoa story-line way after AF...though, att, I did notice how diverse the team was and compared it to the UX-men 2nd generation...it seemed sort of obvious that Byrne was building off of his X-men run... and the wonderful thing was that it felt/read distinctly separate and unique.

[Babylon23]

I love the way Heather plays a major part in this series already. I wonder if readers at the time knew how big a role she was going to play?

Not in the first issue. It became pretty apparent pretty quickly though that Heather was becoming an integral part of the team. Even before Mac's demise, Heather was being shown as the heart of the team.

[david r]

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?

[worstblogever]

Ah, the first appearance of Puck. He's an important character in the Marvel Universe, since he was all that was keeping Wolverine from being the shortest, swarthiest Canadian superhero. (Sorry, Logan, thanks to the Collective, it's now you by default...)

My other big thought on issue #1 is on Aurora... it looks like they're already teasing the existence of her having another personality, one the introverted shy teacher... the other the vain, extroverted Aurora personality... I think this is the first time it's teased. And the irony is, her own brother unknowingly seems to be pushing her towards Aurora, and away from Jean-Marie...

[david r]

My other big thought on issue #1 is on Aurora... it looks like they're already teasing the existence of her having another personality, one the introverted shy teacher... the other the vain, extroverted Aurora personality... I think this is the first time it's teased. And the irony is, her own brother unknowingly seems to be pushing her towards Aurora, and away from Jean-Marie...

Aurora seems to have a double personality. I did not know this about her. As that teacher, she seemed very reserved. But in her superhero guise, Aurora seems reckless and flirtatious. Making "goo-goo eyes" at James, for instance. Her brother believes she's "quite mad."

More thoughts on #1:

-I recall Snowbird making a connection with Wolverine in Uncanny X-Men #140. She becomes a feral wolf to stop the Wendigo, and Wolverine calms her back to a normal human state. Snowbird is intrigued by Logan after this, and I wonder if their relationship is ever explored?
-#1 mentions that Walt Langkowski's transformation into Sasquatch is painful. That isn't good for him, or the group.
-I liked the image of Shaman flying around in an indian-style pose. Never seen anything quite like it.
-I wonder why they colored Tundra black & white? Wouldn't his form include grass and trees and give him some green color? Perhaps they wanted to distance Tundra from the Krakoa image.

[Pro]

She becomes a feral wolf to stop the Wendigo

I think she became an actual wolverine (albeit a white one).

Alpha Flight was the very first american comic ever that i read, although the book was in french so i couldn't read it. I was blown away by John Byrne's art though.
The scene that stuck in my mind the most was James Hudson's deathscene. Oh the drama, the drama! Even though i couldn't read the words the pictures told the story clearly enough.
When i got home from france i started collecting comics, starting with Classic X-men and the phoenix storyarc. Alpha Flight at the time was not published in the netherlands though and it wasn't until the series was canceled that i found a couple of backissues. Think they involved the plodex.

I should try to get my hands on the classic Byrne issues though, they were great.

[Steven F.]

Hmm...I am not exactly sure why Alpha Flight has always been my favorite series. I just always connected with the characters and stories. I personally think Alpha has some of the most unique characters in any comic series. Not just the originals, but much of the later ones as well. We have the Aurora personality issues, we have an autistic member, a dwarf, we have the daughters of Belasco and Purple Man as members, Northstar didn't officially come out until much later, but it was STRONGLY hinted from very early on that he was gay, just to name a few interesting characters. Also, the stories were very unique.

I know that is not really giving an answer...I just love it. Always have. It is number one on my list, with Excalibur and New Warriors (both vol 1) tied for second as my favorite all-time series.

[Babylon23]

I should try to get my hands on the classic Byrne issues though, they were great.

Marvel have reprinted the first 8 or so issues in Alpha Flight Classics. That could be a place to start, although I'm sure back issues will be generally cheap to buy (except maybe the ones featuring Wolverine).

Northstar didn't officially come out until much later, but it was STRONGLY hinted from very early on that he was gay

I remember being surprised over the 'controversy' when Northstar was officially outed. I didn't even realise this was an issue because it was obvious from very early on in Alpha Flight that Northstar was gay. Byrne never stated it explicitly, nor did he need to.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.2.GIF

Alpha Flight #2

"Shadows of the Past"

1st appearance: the Master, Jerry Jaxon

The second glorious issue of Alpha Flight begins with the team doing a training session in the great outdoors! Twenty miles outside of Ontario. Once the session is over, Vindicator and Shaman have some words about Vindicator's name. It was once Weapon Alpha, and then Guardian. James Hudson remembers nearly killing a civilian ( Moira MacTaggert ) when he tried to bring in Wolverine. Shaman says he is like Canada's own Captain America. He represents the nation. And while he feels much to vindicate, Canada does not. Meanwhile, green-skinned Marrina is acting sick. Puck attempts to comfort her, and Marrina lashes out at him with her sharp fingers. Puck is nearly disembowled!! Marrina lauches herself into the sea and swims away rapidly. Alpha Flight stand in disbelief at what just happened!!

The team take off and rush Puck to a hospital, where Shaman operates on Judd himself, as the doctor Michael Twoyoungmen. Two hours later, Judd is alive, but Twoyoungmen laments Puck has no actual super-powers. He may not pull through. The rest of AF leave to find Marrina. On their aircraft, the mutants want to know the origin of Marrina--she is a mystery to them. Vindicator tells them how 18 years ago, off of Newfoundland, a small fishing trawler was experiencing a horrendous storm on the high seas. The captain, Tom Smallwood, went out on the deck & was swept away. Tom sinks down into the seas, and discovers a green-glowing "egg" object. Tom touches it, and it rises him back up to the surface. (I guess he didn't get the bends!) Tom survives, and takes the green egg back home. They examine it, and right before their eyes, the egg hatches and a little green hatchling is born. This the birth of our Marrina! They treat her just as one of their own children. She grows up, though she looks very odd. But apparently, there are many freaks on this island thanks to inbreding, and Marrina fit right in. Yeah, right!! As Marrina matured into a young adult, she found her way to Department H. And Alpha Flight!

In the present, a hundred miles away, Marrina swims to a strange crystal-like structure in the ocean depths. Marrina senses this place calling her. She begins walking through this alien structure, totally silent. Until the final page she stumbles into a bearded man, hooked to a bunch of machines. The man replies, "I have done nothing. Save reveal to you your true nature and purpose. As to who I am...you may call me the MASTER!"

Origins of Alpha Flight: There is a second strip in the back of #2, which concerns a younger James MacDonald Hudson building a body-armor, for the company Am-Can. His boss, Jerry Jaxon, is planning to give the suit over to the American military, over James' protests. Scientist Hudson storms out, and meets Heather McNeil, a young private secretary. She put in her resignation when she learned Jaxon planned to stab Hudson in the back. Heather asks James if he'd like to come to her apartment for some lasagna, but James declines. He's too busy. That night, James Hudson sneaks back onto the base and steals his body-armor. He finds the blueprints and destroys them.

My thoughts: I was a little shocked by Marrina's behavior. Obviously, there is a lot we and Alpha Flight don't know about her. And what is this about Puck having no super-powers? He's just normally strong & agile? I found it amusing Vindicator trying to explain to the readers how he vindicates...and not Canada?? And the name Michael Twoyoungmen must be the most unwieldy name in all of comics!! I found Marrina's origin fascinating and wonder if she is connected to Atlantis somehow. Another gorgeous Byrne cover, too.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.2.GIF

Alpha Flight #2

"Shadows of the Past"

1st appearance: the Master, Jerry Jaxon

The second glorious issue of Alpha Flight begins with the team doing a training session in the great outdoors! Twenty miles outside of Ontario. Once the session is over, Vindicator and Shaman have some words about Vindicator's name. It was once Weapon Alpha, and then Guardian. James Hudson remembers nearly killing a civilian ( Moira MacTaggert ) when he tried to bring in Wolverine. Shaman says he is like Canada's own Captain America. He represents the nation. And while he feels much to vindicate, Canada does not. Meanwhile, green-skinned Marrina is acting sick. Puck attempts to comfort her, and Marrina lashes out at him with her sharp fingers. Puck is nearly disembowled!! Marrina lauches herself into the sea and swims away rapidly. Alpha Flight stand in disbelief at what just happened!!

The team take off and rush Puck to a hospital, where Shaman operates on Judd himself, as the doctor Michael Twoyoungmen. Two hours later, Judd is alive, but Twoyoungmen laments Puck has no actual super-powers. He may not pull through. The rest of AF leave to find Marrina. On their aircraft, the mutants want to know the origin of Marrina--she is a mystery to them. Vindicator tells them how 18 years ago, off of Newfoundland, a small fishing trawler was experiencing a horrendous storm on the high seas. The captain, Tom Smallwood, went out on the deck & was swept away. Tom sinks down into the seas, and discovers a green-glowing "egg" object. Tom touches it, and it rises him back up to the surface. (I guess he didn't get the bends!) Tom survives, and takes the green egg back home. They examine it, and right before their eyes, the egg hatches and a little green hatchling is born. This the birth of our Marrina! They treat her just as one of their own children. She grows up, though she looks very odd. But apparently, there are many freaks on this island thanks to inbreding, and Marrina fit right in. Yeah, right!! As Marrina matured into a young adult, she found her way to Department H. And Alpha Flight!

In the present, a hundred miles away, Marrina swims to a strange crystal-like structure in the ocean depths. Marrina senses this place calling her. She begins walking through this alien structure, totally silent. Until the final page she stumbles into a bearded man, hooked to a bunch of machines. The man replies, "I have done nothing. Save reveal to you your true nature and purpose. As to who I am...you may call me the MASTER!"

Origins of Alpha Flight: There is a second strip in the back of #2, which concerns a younger James MacDonald Hudson building a body-armor, for the company Am-Can. His boss, Jerry Jaxon, is planning to give the suit over to the American military, over James' protests. Scientist Hudson storms out, and meets Heather McNeil, a young private secretary. She put in her resignation when she learned Jaxon planned to stab Hudson in the back. Heather asks James if he'd like to come to her apartment for some lasagna, but James declines. He's too busy. That night, James Hudson sneaks back onto the base and steals his body-armor. He finds the blueprints and destroys them.

My thoughts: I was a little shocked by Marrina's behavior. Obviously, there is a lot we and Alpha Flight don't know about her. And what is this about Puck having no super-powers? He's just normally strong & agile? I found it amusing Vindicator trying to explain to the readers how he vindicates...and not Canada?? And the name Michael Twoyoungmen must be the most unwieldy name in all of comics!! I found Marrina's origin fascinating and wonder if she is connected to Atlantis somehow. Another gorgeous Byrne cover, too.

Marrina... gets convoluted, in time. Maybe not "the origin of Cable" convoluted, but it's not too far off.

Vindicator's speech still confuses the hell out of me. It's like he got the name because it wasn't taken, and really pushed his guilt over almost killing Moira to make him take it. Maybe they thought Captain Canada or Lt. Canada wouldn't be taken seriously for a superhero name?

But finding out Puck has no real superpowers to speak of? Wow. He's not just an ordinary human, then, either. He's a swarthy dwarf. Mind you, an acrobatic one. If there ever was an underdog in a comic, Puck was it.

[JKMD]

Them's some famous last words on the cover of issue #2 there. Puck was asking for it.

[timbox]

I like Aurora and Northstar on the cover for #2. "Hey, we're here too!"

[Eallison]

Marrina... gets convoluted, in time. Maybe not "the origin of Cable" convoluted, but it's not too far off.

Well, with no spoilers, can't say too much. I will just say, I always loved Marrina as a character, so much potential there ... moreso considering Marvel's current "event."

I honestly think John Byrne just didn't know what to do with Alpha Flight (didn't he admit this?), which was why he left the book. I almost wish it had been cancelled with his departure (with all respect to those who loved what came afterwards, I missed the Alpha Flight of old).

Take it and run.

[Pro]

Maybe they thought Captain Canada or Lt. Canada wouldn't be taken seriously for a superhero name?

Uber Mountie?
Captain Canucle?
Eh Man?

[Steven F.]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.2.GIF

Alpha Flight #2

"Shadows of the Past"

1st appearance: the Master, Jerry Jaxon

The second glorious issue of Alpha Flight begins with the team doing a training session in the great outdoors! Twenty miles outside of Ontario. Once the session is over, Vindicator and Shaman have some words about Vindicator's name. It was once Weapon Alpha, and then Guardian. James Hudson remembers nearly killing a civilian ( Moira MacTaggert ) when he tried to bring in Wolverine. Shaman says he is like Canada's own Captain America. He represents the nation. And while he feels much to vindicate, Canada does not. Meanwhile, green-skinned Marrina is acting sick. Puck attempts to comfort her, and Marrina lashes out at him with her sharp fingers. Puck is nearly disembowled!! Marrina lauches herself into the sea and swims away rapidly. Alpha Flight stand in disbelief at what just happened!!

The team take off and rush Puck to a hospital, where Shaman operates on Judd himself, as the doctor Michael Twoyoungmen. Two hours later, Judd is alive, but Twoyoungmen laments Puck has no actual super-powers. He may not pull through. The rest of AF leave to find Marrina. On their aircraft, the mutants want to know the origin of Marrina--she is a mystery to them. Vindicator tells them how 18 years ago, off of Newfoundland, a small fishing trawler was experiencing a horrendous storm on the high seas. The captain, Tom Smallwood, went out on the deck & was swept away. Tom sinks down into the seas, and discovers a green-glowing "egg" object. Tom touches it, and it rises him back up to the surface. (I guess he didn't get the bends!) Tom survives, and takes the green egg back home. They examine it, and right before their eyes, the egg hatches and a little green hatchling is born. This the birth of our Marrina! They treat her just as one of their own children. She grows up, though she looks very odd. But apparently, there are many freaks on this island thanks to inbreding, and Marrina fit right in. Yeah, right!! As Marrina matured into a young adult, she found her way to Department H. And Alpha Flight!

In the present, a hundred miles away, Marrina swims to a strange crystal-like structure in the ocean depths. Marrina senses this place calling her. She begins walking through this alien structure, totally silent. Until the final page she stumbles into a bearded man, hooked to a bunch of machines. The man replies, "I have done nothing. Save reveal to you your true nature and purpose. As to who I am...you may call me the MASTER!"

Origins of Alpha Flight: There is a second strip in the back of #2, which concerns a younger James MacDonald Hudson building a body-armor, for the company Am-Can. His boss, Jerry Jaxon, is planning to give the suit over to the American military, over James' protests. Scientist Hudson storms out, and meets Heather McNeil, a young private secretary. She put in her resignation when she learned Jaxon planned to stab Hudson in the back. Heather asks James if he'd like to come to her apartment for some lasagna, but James declines. He's too busy. That night, James Hudson sneaks back onto the base and steals his body-armor. He finds the blueprints and destroys them.

My thoughts: I was a little shocked by Marrina's behavior. Obviously, there is a lot we and Alpha Flight don't know about her. And what is this about Puck having no super-powers? He's just normally strong & agile? I found it amusing Vindicator trying to explain to the readers how he vindicates...and not Canada?? And the name Michael Twoyoungmen must be the most unwieldy name in all of comics!! I found Marrina's origin fascinating and wonder if she is connected to Atlantis somehow. Another gorgeous Byrne cover, too.

I remember the first time I read this issue. I was also surprised to learn Puck was just a normal man. I also loved Marina already by this point.

I like Aurora and Northstar on the cover for #2. "Hey, we're here too!"

I have never seen it quite that way...but now I will laugh every time I see it. lol.


I honestly think John Byrne just didn't know what to do with Alpha Flight (didn't he admit this?), which was why he left the book. I almost wish it had been cancelled with his departure (with all respect to those who loved what came afterwards, I missed the Alpha Flight of old).

Take it and run.

I know a lot of people feel this way, but I personally like Alpha Flight later on in the series. Around the 80's-100 or so are probably my favorites.

[crystalline green]

Great thread, david r! The original Alpha Flight was one of my all time favorite teams and reading through this brings back some great memories.

I've changed my avatar in your honor. :smile:

[david r]

WBE, Marrina gets convoluted? That worries me. She's one of my faves so far.

As for Vindicator's name, John Byrne explains it in the first issue. I don't think Byrne liked it either. What exactly is Vindicator vindicating? #2 seems to explain why a Canadian superhero would have that name.

Timbox, HA! You're right. Aurora and Northstar are playing "peek-a-boo" behind Sasquatch. I never would have caught that! :cool:

Eallison, you are right about Mr. Byrne. He has said he had no interest in doing an Alpha Flight book, as they were only created to battle the X-Men. Marvel talked him into doing it. But he never really liked the characters. I was shocked when I read this, as I thought this book is a real star in Byrne's work.

Steven Faulkner, Marrina is a favorite of mine already, too.

crystalline green, that is a cool honor. Thank YOU for enjoying my thread! :smile:

[Babylon23]

I honestly think John Byrne just didn't know what to do with Alpha Flight (didn't he admit this?), which was why he left the book.

Kind of. Here's what he says on his website:

Alpha Flight was never much fun. The characters were created merely to survive a fight with the X-Men, and I never thought about them having their own title. When Marvel finally cajoled me into doing Alpha Flight, I realized how incredibly two-dimensional they were, and spend some twenty-eight issues trying to find ways to correct this fault. Nothing really sang for me. If I have any regrets, it would probably be that I did the book at all! It was not a good time for me.

A shame really, since I think this is one of the best books he ever did. Maybe that constant challenge is what elevated it above the standard superhero team fare of the times.

[david r]

The threat of Tundra

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-04_125214_AF_01_04.jpg

Marrina wounds Puck; issue 2:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-11_084441_AF_02_02.jpg

Alpha Flight, Byrne & the Marvel universe, 1983:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-11_084622_AF_02_06.jpg

[timbox]

The threat of Tundra


Tundra is a beast!

Alpha Flight, Byrne & the Marvel universe, 1983:


That is such a cool page!

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.1.GIF

Alpha Flight #1

"Tundra"

1st appearance: Puck, Marrina, Tundra, Gary Cody, Dan Smallwood

Exploding from the pages of the X-Men! Canada's very own superhero team, who first appeared in 1979 in Uncanny X-Men #120, get their own mag!! Will the Great North ever be the same?! First off, I find #1's cover very amusing. "One side, Heroes!" ?I guess the Alphans weren't too modest. I'm embarrased to admit I hadn't noticed Puck & Marrina didn't appear in AF's earlier X-MEN appearances. How could I have missed them?

The very first issue of Alpha Flight begins with Vindicator---James MacDonald Hudson---standing alone in the room that once housed Department H. The room has been cleared of equipment and hardware, and little remains but wires and an empty silence. Department H was the top secret bureau of the Ministry of Defense: Alpha Flight's home. But the Canadian government has disbanded both Alpha Flight & Department H. (This happened in UXM #140). Vindicator, wearing a gorgeous tight-fitting costume which resembles the Canadian flag, is morose and depressed. Alpha Flight is over, and James doesn't even know how he'll make ends meet. James reminisces, and we learn of the many levels of Alpha Flight. AF is the top level, and "Beta Force" is below them, a mixture of members-in-training, and still learning their powers. Below that is "Gamma"-- these are raw recruits. Gary Cody enters the room, Gary is the official "unofficial" liaison between the Canadian mutants and the government. Gary thinks what the gov't are doing is crummy. Vindicator agrees, and flies away. We learn the secret installation was beneath Parliament Hill.

Meanwhile, 2000 miles northwest, a lone man is camping in the barren vast-land of the Northwest Territories. He has a little tent, and seems very angry. He stands and begins trailing a furrow in the snowy topsoil. He traces a long time, and traces an outline of a huge, giant figure in the snow. The starving man then looks through his stuffand finds a small "crown". He puts it on his head and something...happens. We now switch to Calgary, Canada, and meet Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen, also known as Shaman. A Native American indian, he senses the call of his grandfather while in his medical office. He removes a box and opens it to reveal a skull, with ornaments around the head. "Speak, O my Grandfather," Michael says. We switch scenes again, to Quebec and Madame DuPonte's School for Girls. Enter: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, a teacher at the school. Her brother, Jean-Paul Beaubier arrives in his sports car. They are twins, and Jean-Paul feels his sister is wasting her life away in this school. She has her hair pinned-back, wearing glasses she doesn't need. Jean-Paul questions why she hides her beauty? In her room, he removes her glasses & lets her hair down. THIS IS THE REAL AURORA! Why do you deny your true self? Aurora collapses.

In Ottawa, Heather Hudson is watering her plants in the apartment she shares with her husband, James Hudson. Vindicator flies in thru the window, and Heather helps James get over his unhappiness over his team's dissolution. Soon on the TV, news of strange lights appearing in the Northwest appears, and Vindicator dons his uniform, and takes off to investigate. Heather sneaks into the hidden office, behind a bookcase. Heather finds Vindicator's AF discs strewn about, unkempt. What is this? She finds two discs she's not seen before. And places them in the computer's drive. We now are introduced to Eugene Milton Judd--Puck, who is a bald midget, with moustache & goutee. Eugene is hanging out in a Toronto bar, and starts a fight with a troublesome drinker. Eugene punches the man right out the door. But then Puck receives a PING! in his ear, the distress call for Alpha Flight. "The Call! At last!" Puck says joyfully, and runs out of the tavern. Soon, a green-skinned woman named Marrina, is alerted as well. She looks very exotic, almost like a fish-woman. She stands on a wind-washed beach, as a red-headed man named Dan Smallwood arrives and gives Marrina her brooch, which carries the AF signal on it. Marrina dives into the waiting ocean. Dan strongly hints he has feelings for Marrina.

The final two members are soon alerted as well: Walter Langkowski--Sasquatch, who is back-packing in the forest of British Columbia. And Anna McKenzie--Snowbird, who is in the shape of a ookpik, an owl. Snowbird apparently is not human. She is the first to arrive at the strange spot where mysterious lights are flowing. She witnesses the birth of Tundra!! A huge hand rises from the barren wasteland, and soon a massive form, using the grass, earth and tundra of the existing lands to form a monstrous body. Tundra replies "I am the death fo all that lives!" Out in the seas, Marrina is swimming at an incredible speed. Marrina changes course and leaps from the water, carrying a spout of water for miles. Soon most of the Alpha Flight members arrive at the scene, and all have difficulty battling Tundra. And each blow against Tundra, impacts the land around for miles. How do they destroy him if it means destroying the land itself?? After several awesome pages of fighting, the solution comes that water can "dissolve" the form of Tundra. As Marrina arrives in her spout of water, Shaman uses his mystical powers to use that spout of water to envelope Tundra. The water dissolves the gigantic form, and the earth and rocks and grass collapse back to the earth. The threat of Tundra erased.

#1 ends with the team members assembled in the Hudson's apartment. They all agree that Alpha Flight should continue, even without government clearance. Each member agrees to join, even Northstar who doesn't particulaly like the group. But they feel they should change their name to something more....cool. A knock at the door introduces Puck to the team. Eugene seems a bit arrogant and is unhappy to learn they are going to change their name. Puck grabs Mac's shirt and says "I wanna be in ALPHA FLIGHT!" Walter Langkowksi grabs "shorty" from behind....and the 2 start fighting and rough-housing, in a funny bit. Heather rolls her eyes and says "Oh lord....suddenly I don't know if this is such a great idea..." The Beginning.

My thoughts: One thing I like about this roster is how exotic & unique they all are. It reminds me of the second X-Men team, as each member is REALLY different and colorful, and the whole seem more exciting than the individual members. Puck definitely has a "Wolverine" feel about him. And he likes to say "Eh?" a lot. After one issue, I'm very curious about the back-history of each member. I hope this gets explored. As for the villain Tundra, he totally reminded me of Krakoa, the living island from Giant-Size X-Men #1. His using the earth around him to create his monstrous body, and using the surrounding animals, was way too similiar to Krakoa. Perhaps this was an homage. John Byrne writes and draws the whole issue, and this is when Byrne rocked!! I especially like Byrne's attention to detail when depicting city streets and landscapes. This is on par with his stellar X-MEN artwork. This is an excellent first issue.

Given the prime minister has stopped Alpha Flight's funding as of Uncanny X-Men #140, this is really the last time Alpha Flight acted as a whole team. I enjoyed the story as they stand against the Great Beast, Tundra. Narya seems to know about the Great Beasts...

Aurora is a split personality: Jeanie-Marie (is more timid, shy, introverted, & has a thick French accent to her English) & Aurora (control's Jeanie-Marie's powers, extroverted, speaks more clear English than her Jeanie-Marie persona). Northstar does not understand Jeanie-Marie's mental state.

Sasquatch is not what he seems.

Marrina & Puck are interesting additions.

I think the full team will not come back into play until they face Omega Flight & the Great Beasts.

In many ways, I do see some parallels with Giant Size X-Men #1.

[david r]

I think Northstar *thinks* he knows his sister, Jeanie-Marie. Remember, he believes she is "quite mad". So is he just using her to utilize his own powers?

Again. Jeanie-Marie. Jean Grey. Coincidence in the similiar first names?

Marrina & Puck are indeed interesting additions. I wonder if they were John Byrne originals, or if they were designed to appear in X-Men at some point?

I found several parallels with Alpha Flight #1 and Giant-Size X-Men #1. But I think it's cool how they crafted it. This issue shows so much promise.

[Fire_And_Light]

Ah, this is fun! I love Alpha Flight. As a matter of fact, just this week, I finished my run collection. Happy, yet sad (because there are no more.)

I have often thought that Jean-Paul's criticism and concern for Aurora stemmed from some personal concerns, i.e. that if Jeanne-Marie can be so seriously ill, then maybe he is/could be, too. He is frequently portrayed as someone with fairly serious personality issues of his own. Also, his urging of her to assume the Aurora personae is more clearly motivated in future issues. I don't wanna spoil it for first-timers!

I think the use of the name Jeanne is more related to the fact her twin brother is named Jean (franco for John, -nne form is the feminine).

All around, yay!!

[DDM]

I think Northstar *thinks* he knows his sister, Jeanie-Marie. Remember, he believes she is "quite mad". So is he just using her to utilize his own powers?

Again. Jeanie-Marie. Jean Grey. Coincidence in the similiar first names?

Marrina & Puck are indeed interesting additions. I wonder if they were John Byrne originals, or if they were designed to appear in X-Men at some point?

I found several parallels with Alpha Flight #1 and Giant-Size X-Men #1. But I think it's cool how they crafted it. This issue shows so much promise.

In the late 1970's via the book & movie, Sybil, I am not surprised John Byrne tapped into this phenomenon then known as multiple personality disorder. I think it got renamed again as disassociative disorder (?) or something similar. However, Byrne calls the split Aurora/Jeanie-Marie thing schizophrenia which is not the case (reflective of the Jean Grey/Phoenix thing).

I believe Puck & Marrina were created specifically for Alpha Flight.

[Steven F.]

This is a long way down the road, but you know Marrina was briefly with the Avengers. :) Will you be reading those issues when the time comes?

[Agent_Torpor]

I love me some classic Alpha Flight! Not the bastardized Lobdell version, the abhorrent Oeming Omega-Crap, or the Bendis waste.

Good stuff.

[david r]

Fire and Light, that is an interesting question about Northstar. If his sister has mental illness, then he might have as well. I sense a large ego with Jean, so I bet those fears worry him greatly.

Steven Faulkner, I vaguely remember Marrina joining the Avengers. Do you know how many issues she was on that team? I'll make that decision when I reach that point.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.3.GIF

Alpha Flight #3

"Yesterday Man"

The title sounds like some early 1970s rock album! :rolleyes: The Canadian goodness continues, as Snowbird flies over the northern snows searching for her teammates. She discovers their smashed sky-craft. It is laying in the snow, in ruins. In a spectacular layout, Snowbird uses her powers to "rewind" the image of the sky-craft crashing. Time rewinds backward, and Snowbird sees the ship directly hit by a laser. Kudos, John Byrne. She then "fast-forwards" time to see Guardian, Sasquatch, Northstar & Aurora leave the crippled ship. James Hudson has abandoned the name Vindicator and is now going by Guardian. Snowbird transforms into a polar bear, and follows their tracks in the white snow. She lumbers along until she approaches a large vessel laying in the ground. She enters.

Inside, the 4 Alphans have previously entered. And Northstar & Aurora have been cut-off from their teammates. Jean is knocked out, and Jeanie-Marie stands alone! Suddenly, a maze of rods shoot from the walls, encompassing her (see cover!) Another cool artistic layout. Aurora is surrounded by hundreds of rods, until Sasquatch smashes his way through and rescues her. However, the trauma of the event made Aurora transform back into her "schoolteacher" persona. 'Squatch realizes something is wrong with Jeanie and asks Guardian if there's things about her he's not told Alpha Flight. In another part of the large ship, Marrina is being tortured by the Master. Think of the Master like Magneto, but with a beard. We learn the origins of this "Master", as 40,000 years ago he was a scavenger in the last Ice Age. Abandoned by his clan, he sets off alone into the vast winter wastes, until he finds the smashed ruins of a starship! He enters, but is captured by the technology. In a disgusting sequence, the ship actually removes the man's skin and all his internal organs....for study. YUCK! It is an alien ship, and exists for knowledge. It does not care about his feelings. But over hundreds of years, the man's indomitable will somehow wrestles control of the alien craft. He "creates" a new body for himself...and transforms into the Master. He plans to kill Marrina and her "brood-mate". But in walk, Sub-Mariner and the Invisible Girl on the last page, ready to do battle! What are they doing here?

Origins of Alpha Flight: This time, James Hudson and Heather McNeil become closer friends, and eventually lovers. James is in bad with his former employer, Am-Can, after stealing his cybersuit from them. He and Heather request help from the Canadian government, and they take charge of the operation. They meet the Prime Minister, which seals the deal. Soon, Department H is created. We learn a man named "Logan" becomes Mac's first test subject. James & Heather also wed! And the day he learns of the Fantastic Four. He uses their first appearance as inspiration to make himself Canada's very own superhero.... Guardian!!

My thoughts: I find the Master interesting, reminds me of Magneto for some reason. His origin reminded me also of John Carpenter's The Thing movie. What was done to that scavenger was pretty gross. As for Alpha Flight, I'm already seeing troubles with some members, and suspect it may be a rough ride for them. The artwork was quite nice here. I especially enjoyed that Snowbird sequence where she "rewinded" time. Oh, poor Puck. I guess he's still on life-support...

P.S. I love Heather's big-round glasses!

[worstblogever]

Fire and Light, that is an interesting question about Northstar. If his sister has mental illness, then he might have as well. I sense a large ego with Jean, so I bet those fears worry him greatly.

Steven Faulkner, I vaguely remember Marrina joining the Avengers. Do you know how many issues she was on that team? I'll make that decision when I reach that point.

Here you go, david... http://www.comicbookdb.com/character_chron.php?ID=4075

Looks like she appeared a handful of issues between Avengers #282-293.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.3.GIF

Alpha Flight #3

"Yesterday Man"

The title sounds like some early 1970s rock album! :rolleyes: The Canadian goodness continues, as Snowbird flies over the northern snows searching for her teammates. She discovers their smashed sky-craft. It is laying in the snow, in ruins. In a spectacular layout, Snowbird uses her powers to "rewind" the image of the sky-craft crashing. Time rewinds backward, and Snowbird sees the ship directly hit by a laser. Kudos, John Byrne. She then "fast-forwards" time to see Guardian, Sasquatch, Northstar & Aurora leave the crippled ship. James Hudson has abandoned the name Vindicator and is now going by Guardian. Snowbird transforms into a polar bear, and follows their tracks in the white snow. She lumbers along until she approaches a large vessel laying in the ground. She enters.

Inside, the 4 Alphans have previously entered. And Northstar & Aurora have been cut-off from their teammates. Jean is knocked out, and Jeanie-Marie stands alone! Suddenly, a maze of rods shoot from the walls, encompassing her (see cover!) Another cool artistic layout. Aurora is surrounded by hundreds of rods, until Sasquatch smashes his way through and rescues her. However, the trauma of the event made Aurora transform back into her "schoolteacher" persona. 'Squatch realizes something is wrong with Jeanie and asks Guardian if there's things about her he's not told Alpha Flight. In another part of the large ship, Marrina is being tortured by the Master. Think of the Master like Magneto, but with a beard. We learn the origins of this "Master", as 40,000 years ago he was a scavenger in the last Ice Age. Abandoned by his clan, he sets off alone into the vast winter wastes, until he finds the smashed ruins of a starship! He enters, but is captured by the technology. In a disgusting sequence, the ship actually removes the man's skin and all his internal organs....for study. YUCK! It is an alien ship, and exists for knowledge. It does not care about his feelings. But over hundreds of years, the man's indomitable will somehow wrestles control of the alien craft. He "creates" a new body for himself...and transforms into the Master. He plans to kill Marrina and her "brood-mate". But in walk, Sub-Mariner and the Invisible Girl on the last page, ready to do battle! What are they doing here?

Origins of Alpha Flight: This time, James Hudson and Heather McNeil become closer friends, and eventually lovers. James is in bad with his former employer, Am-Can, after stealing his cybersuit from them. He and Heather request help from the Canadian government, and they take charge of the operation. They meet the Prime Minister, which seals the deal. Soon, Department H is created. We learn a man named "Logan" becomes Mac's first test subject. James & Heather also wed! And the day he learns of the Fantastic Four. He uses their first appearance as inspiration to make himself Canada's very own superhero.... Guardian!!

My thoughts: I find the Master interesting, reminds me of Magneto for some reason. His origin reminded me also of John Carpenter's The Thing movie. What was done to that scavenger was pretty gross. As for Alpha Flight, I'm already seeing troubles with some members, and suspect it may be a rough ride for them. The artwork was quite nice here. I especially enjoyed that Snowbird sequence where she "rewinded" time. Oh, poor Puck. I guess he's still on life-support...

P.S. I love Heather's big-round glasses!

The Master is really a bizarre villain. I remember him in the 90s version of Heroes for Hire and was like... who the hell is this guy? Then I started finding back issues of Alpha Flight and got clued in.

Thing about him is... I think of him like a Canadian human version of Apocalypse. Ancient person who finds an alien ship, somehow gets its power... some similarities there, but not too many glaring ones.

[david r]

Thing about him is... I think of him like a Canadian human version of Apocalypse. Ancient person who finds an alien ship, somehow gets its power... some similarities there, but not too many glaring ones.

I never thought of that, but there are similarities with Apocalypse. Though the Master came first. His origin certainly is intriguing. The alien ship seems to be connected to Marrina somehow.

John Byrne has stated #3 of Alpha Flight has his personal "all time" favorite cover he's ever done.

[Steven F.]

It was a very nifty cover.

And the issue itself was great of course.

[david r]

John Byrne's own personal favorite cover he's ever done:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.3.GIF

The Master: Fear him!

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-18_085101_AF_03_03.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/muhandbook/images/mu_master.jpg

A pin-up of Guardian:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-18_085213_AF_03_06.jpg

[worstblogever]

I dig how his life story, in word ballons, takes up effectively 2/3 of the page, and it saved the artist from having to draw any real scenery on that page. :redface:

[david r]

John Byrne himself in response:

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating.
When some fans criticize my work for "no backgrounds" or "scratchy inks" or "looks rushed" I confess there are, indeed, periods of my work to which these faults attach.* Thing is, those periods are about 99% to be found in the pages of FANTASTIC FOUR and ALPHA FLIGHT, the latter of which is often cited as being among my best work, while the former, as we all know, is "second only to Lee and Kirby".

It's fascinating -- if very, very frustrating -- to see the way these fan mantras (fantras?) so often run in tandem, while being, apparently, oblivious to each other.

[worstblogever]

John Byrne himself in response:

Hey, all I'm saying is on the page with the Master, Byrne got to save himself some work with the long story on the bottom half. It had to get told, anyways...

But now that you mentioned that... I'm going to end up scrutinizing all the scans of issues you post now. :cool:

[david r]

Hey, all I'm saying is on the page with the Master, Byrne got to save himself some work with the long story on the bottom half. It had to get told, anyways...

But now that you mentioned that... I'm going to end up scrutinizing all the scans of issues you post now.

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/photos/images/jbguns02.jpg

[worstblogever]

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/photos/images/jbguns02.jpg

Oh does he ever wish that'd work thru the internet. He'd have more kills than cancer.

[Jack Flash]

I am late to these parties. But based on the XPOTM comments, I checked these threads out. I am damn glad I did. I didn't start reading Alpha until the #80s or 90s and never religiously, so this is a treat!

[david r]

I am late to these parties. But based on the XPOTM comments, I checked these threads out. I am damn glad I did. I didn't start reading Alpha until the #80s or 90s and never religiously, so this is a treat!

I hope you enjoy the threads as much as I enjoy reading the issues. I guess you could these APPRECIATION THREADS for each series. I haven't read these Alpha Flight books in many years, so it's like a new experience, really.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.4.GIF

"Resolutions"

The Master arc comes to a gripping finale, co-starring Sub-Mariner and Susan Richards, the Invisible Girl. And oh yes indeed, a very nice cover again!

We begin with Namor, King of Atlantis, and the Invisible Girl of the fabled Fantastic Four, flying over the Arctic in search of a huge object buried beneath the ice. However, the ship has defenses and blows the Fantasticar up with a sudden repulsor ray. Within the mystery ship, Aurora has reverted to her shy, introverted Jeanne-Marie personality. Sasquatch demands from team-leader Guardian an explanation as to this. James Hudson reluctantly informs him that Aurora has a split personality. Jeanne runs away. Guardian has a surprise himself as Sasquatch hints he & Aurora have had a sexual relationship, and Walt should be the one to go find Jeanne-Marie. And find her he does, in his human form, but Aurora punches him!!

Meanwhile, Sue Richards & Namor survive the blast (naturally) and make their way into the interior of the massive complex. They discreetly locate the issue's villain, the Master, about to torture Marrina. He explains why he must kill her. This ship is part of a vast, immeasurable alien empire, which locates planets and sucks dry everything it wants from those planets. The ship was sent to prehistoric Earth, and landed in the Arctic. It *grew* into the ice like a living thing. Soon it sent out millions of eggs to populate the planet. But the ship had been damaged in entry, and few eggs survived. Marrina was one egg which did. And when the Smallwood family found her egg in the ocean (shown in #2), Marrina took on the form of a human being. But the Master doesn't doubt her existence will spell doom to planet Earth if she lives.

Susan and Namor have heard enough, and confront the Master. He conveniently departs in his descending chair, as Marrina begins to be torn apart like on the cover. In the nick of time, a group of mosquitos (!) appear and transform into Snowbird, who sets Marrina free & saves her life. All the heroes reform as the huge ship is shaking and throbbing, like a living thing. Soon, there is a UNBELIEVABLE EXPLOSION, as the ship self-destructs!! Several minutes pass, as all our heroes resurface on the oceantop, encased in a protective force-field made by the Invisible Girl!!! They have won, though the Master escaped. Marrina agrees to return to Atlantis with Namor. So apparently, Marrina is leaving Alpha Flight! The ending is a sad one, as Guardian and Sasquatch arrive at Newfoundland to inform Dan Smallwood that Marrina is gone. The look of sadness and loneliness on his face is heart-breaking.

My thoughts: the additions of Namor and Susan Richards was fun, though made me wonder if I was reading Fantastic Four. But John Byrne sure draws them nice. The way the heroes survived the ship's explosion, again reminded me of Giant-Size X-Men #1's conclusion. As well as the origin of the alien ship and it's motives was reminiscient to the Z'Nox. I hope Marrina returns soon. But the most affecting scene were those simple final 3 panels, with Dan Smallwood gazing out at the ocean (presumably waiting for Marrina to return.) For Dan secretly loves her, and his look of despair in the last panel was truly sad.

[worstblogever]

And that still doesn't quite explain Marrina...she ends up being named one of the alien race, the Plodex... the Master's still supposedly cloning creatures like her... but the Avengers never did find the origninal aqua-girl.

A great mystery of continuity waiting for some writer to finish off.

[Babylon23]

Steven Faulkner, [/B] I vaguely remember Marrina joining the Avengers. Do you know how many issues she was on that team? I'll make that decision when I reach that point.

I'd recommend against reading the Marrina issues of Avengers, especially if you're a fan. She's very poorly handled in those issues.

Great reviews BTW. I loved this initial Master storyline.

[david r]

And that still doesn't quite explain Marrina...she ends up being named one of the alien race, the Plodex... the Master's still supposedly cloning creatures like her... but the Avengers never did find the origninal aqua-girl.

The Master told Marrina she had a "Brood-mate" he was trying to locate. This was said in #3. You're saying this never is brought up again?

A great mystery of continuity waiting for some writer to finish off.

We wait still.

Babylon23, Thanks for reading my reviews! I haven't decided yet on Marrina's stint in Avengers. Do those adventures tie into Alpha Flight continuity in any way?

[worstblogever]

The Master told Marrina she had a "Brood-mate" he was trying to locate. This was said in #3. You're saying this never is brought up again?


Oh no... it comes up again. Check her actual marvel.com entry, it even mentions it there (sadly, without issue reference).

http://www.marvel.com/universe/Marrina

[david r]

Thank you. I will look that site over for an answer.

Invisible Girl joins the action:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-25_084405_AF_04_01.jpg

Aurora in her split personality

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-25_084442_AF_04_03.jpg

Dan Smallwood learns the fate of Marrina:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-10-25_084602_AF_04_07.jpg

[Steven F.]

The Master told Marrina she had a "Brood-mate" he was trying to locate. This was said in #3. You're saying this never is brought up again?



We wait still.

Babylon23, Thanks for reading my reviews! I haven't decided yet on Marrina's stint in Avengers. Do those adventures tie into Alpha Flight continuity in any way?

If you want to read the full Marrina story, then you would need to read her Avegners appearances. Otherwise, she just eventually disappears and is never seen again in Alpha.

[worstblogever]

If you want to read the full Marrina story, then you would need to read her Avegners appearances. Otherwise, she just eventually disappears and is never seen again in Alpha.

True enough. If you're looking for the issue numbers to read the actual issues, rather than just the marvel.com summary... check here:

http://www.comicbookdb.com/character_chron.php?ID=4075

All Marrina's chronological appearances.

[DDM]

The Master told Marrina she had a "Brood-mate" he was trying to locate. This was said in #3. You're saying this never is brought up again?

Marrina's mate is found in Alpha Flight #14.

[Agent_Torpor]

John Byrne's own personal favorite cover he's ever done:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.3.GIF



Right there is one of my favorite covers of all time, if not THE favorite. I remember being awed as a kid, looking at the intricate designwork surrounding Aurora and loving the stark black and white aspect. I just wish Marvel tweaked the book logo to match, and removed those stupid "team-heads" from the top left hand corner. Hated those things.

[Babylon23]

Babylon23, Thanks for reading my reviews! I haven't decided yet on Marrina's stint in Avengers. Do those adventures tie into Alpha Flight continuity in any way?

Marginally. Simonson was so intent on wiping out the Avengers at the time that he paid only nominal attention to Marrina's background. There's nothing there that contradicts Byrne's setup (that I can remember) but Marrina herself really gets the short end of the stick in Avengers. She's basically used to take out Captain Marvel, remove Namor from the team and set up the Black Knight and his curse.

By the time she appeared in Avengers, Marrina has left Alpha Flight and hooked up with Namor, who was an Avenger at the time. There's no appearance by any of the Alphans in the story.

[Steven F.]

This is actually for all three of the "from the beginning" threads....

Is David R missing in action? Hope all is ok!

[Babylon23]

A quick postscript to the Marrina/Avengers discussion. Roger Stern (Avengers writer before Simonson and the man who brought her into the team in the first place) had intended to bring Dan Smallwoodd into Avengers as well. Here's what he had to say on his forum:

Dan Smallwood was the grandson of the old couple who literally raised Marrina from the egg. Growing up alongside Marrina, Dan had a sort of unrequited love for her -- despite what the copy says, they were not childhood sweethearts. I was going to -- eventually -- have Dan show up on the Avengers' doorstep, and there was going to be some friction between Dan and Namor.

But of course, no one who followed me on the book had any interest in that. And with the way things turned out, it was probably just as well.

[david r]

This is actually for all three of the "from the beginning" threads....

Is David R missing in action? Hope all is ok!

I'M BACK!! :smile: :smile: No worries!!

Thanks for asking. I know I was gone for awhile but.............I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. :smile:

[david r]

A quick postscript to the Marrina/Avengers discussion. Roger Stern (Avengers writer before Simonson and the man who brought her into the team in the first place) had intended to bring Dan Smallwoodd into Avengers as well. Here's what he had to say on his forum:

Dan Smallwood was the grandson of the old couple who literally raised Marrina from the egg. Growing up alongside Marrina, Dan had a sort of unrequited love for her -- despite what the copy says, they were not childhood sweethearts. I was going to -- eventually -- have Dan show up on the Avengers' doorstep, and there was going to be some friction between Dan and Namor.

But of course, no one who followed me on the book had any interest in that. And with the way things turned out, it was probably just as well.

Thanks Babylon23, for that quote. That is fascinating that Roger Stern wanted to follow up on something his pal John Byrne started----only in Avengers.
I loved his Avengers run and wish those plans had come to pass.

It sounds from that quote we never see Dan Smallwood again in print?

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.5.GIF

Alpha Flight #5

"What Fools These Mortals Be"

1st appearance: Elizabeth Twoyoungmen

What can I say: another stunning cover. I read 16 Pucks on there. Each cover now seems to be showcasing an individual Alphan. Cool. Note the word "PUCK!" is all hairy---just like the man himself. :cool:

Most of #5 shows our hero Puck still in hospital, recovering from injuries incurred in #2. His fellow teammate Shaman is his doctor, and Judd is coming along nicely from his near-disembowlment. The nurses at the hospital all fancy him......nice for a guy named after a hockey puck!! Puck, that lady-killer! Judd soon finds himself embroiled in a drug-ring taking place late at night. People are stealing pharmaceuticals from there and selling them. Needless to say, Puck sneaks onto their van and confronts the bad-guys--Canadian style! There is no super-villain in #5, just Puck doing his duty to uphold the law and keep the streets clean of drugs. Remember kids, JUST SAY NO!

Origins of Alpha Flight: This installment we delve into the backstory of Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen, aka SHAMAN! We learn Michael is a renowned physician in Canada---possibly the best doctor of his time. However, Michael has turned his back on his Indian roots, and has no interest in his grandfather, who desires him to learn the old ways and become a shaman. Michael has a wife and daughter...a young girl named Elizabeth Twoyoungmen. He deeply loves them. Elizabeth has a friend named Heather McNeil, who will eventually marry Guardian. Eventually, Michael's wife becomes sick (probably cancer, though we never know for sure.) The mother dies young, and young Elizabeth is angered at her passing---and feelings that her father lied to her that mom would be okay. We then learn a dark omen....Michael's grandfather died on that same day. A lightning bolt strikes across the night-sky!

My thoughts: The main story is nearly all Puck. Judd hasn't shined much yet, so it was nice to see an entire story devoted to him. We learn he is a dwarf, and not a midget. And has suffered with pain throughout his life, as a consequence. I didn't know little people also have pain. The actual story seemed a bit too easy for Puck to figure out and handle, but I enjoyed it for bringing more Puck into this series. The artwork was nice, as usual.

[Steven F.]

Yay Elizabeth! I see big things in store for her. :)

I enjoyed this issue. It was nice to see some spotlight on Puck. I actually enjoyed the origin story better though, mostly because I love Elizabeth...and it was also nice to see a little more of Heather's past.

[heretic]

Within the mystery ship, Aurora has reverted to her shy, introverted Jeanne-Marie personality. Sasquatch demands from team-leader Guardian an explanation as to this. James Hudson reluctantly informs him that Aurora has a split personality. Jeanne runs away. Guardian has a surprise himself as Sasquatch hints he & Aurora have had a sexual relationship, and Walt should be the one to go find Jeanne-Marie. And find her he does, in his human form, but Aurora punches him!!
Methinks this was the official point it hit me that Aurora was Not A Well Woman.

HTG

[david r]

John Byrne on Puck and #5:

One note about this issue. It is here that Puck for the first time actually names the disorder which caused his dwarfism, achondroplasty. I looked it up. I wanted to be sure I got the condition right. In the process, I discovered that it is a painful condition, and also referenced this.
Unfortunately, when Bill Mantlo took over writing ALPHA FLIGHT, despite doing a mountain of homework -- he actually cut up issues and pasted panels together to make a kind of "Cliff Notes" for himself -- he apparently picked up only on the painful part, and missed the reference to the disease. Thus, Puck ended up possessed by a demon.

Ah, well!

Byrne states he misses Puck. He also says that Elizabeth Twoyoungmen WAS created to become Talisman.....but her original codename would have been Spellbinder! :smile:

[Babylon23]

Thanks Babylon23, for that quote. That is fascinating that Roger Stern wanted to follow up on something his pal John Byrne started----only in Avengers.
I loved his Avengers run and wish those plans had come to pass.

It sounds from that quote we never see Dan Smallwood again in print?

As far as I know, this was it for Dan. Simonson bumped Marrina off a couple of issues after this, so the Dan subplot was trashed.

Re: issue 5. This was a neat little issue that really highlighted Puck for the first time. The real highlight for me, however, was the Shaman origin story. Shaman was my equal personal favourite along with Snowbird at this point, at it was great to see his history being fleshed out. Plus, the first appearance of Elisabeth!

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.5.GIF

Alpha Flight #5

"What Fools These Mortals Be"

1st appearance: Elizabeth Twoyoungmen

What can I say: another stunning cover. I read 16 Pucks on there. Each cover now seems to be showcasing an individual Alphan. Cool. Note the word "PUCK!" is all hairy---just like the man himself. :cool:

Most of #5 shows our hero Puck still in hospital, recovering from injuries incurred in #2. His fellow teammate Shaman is his doctor, and Judd is coming along nicely from his near-disembowlment. The nurses at the hospital all fancy him......nice for a guy named after a hockey puck!! Puck, that lady-killer! Judd soon finds himself embroiled in a drug-ring taking place late at night. People are stealing pharmaceuticals from there and selling them. Needless to say, Puck sneaks onto their van and confronts the bad-guys--Canadian style! There is no super-villain in #5, just Puck doing his duty to uphold the law and keep the streets clean of drugs. Remember kids, JUST SAY NO!

Origins of Alpha Flight: This installment we delve into the backstory of Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen, aka SHAMAN! We learn Michael is a renowned physician in Canada---possibly the best doctor of his time. However, Michael has turned his back on his Indian roots, and has no interest in his grandfather, who desires him to learn the old ways and become a shaman. Michael has a wife and daughter...a young girl named Elizabeth Twoyoungmen. He deeply loves them. Elizabeth has a friend named Heather McNeil, who will eventually marry Guardian. Eventually, Michael's wife becomes sick (probably cancer, though we never know for sure.) The mother dies young, and young Elizabeth is angered at her passing---and feelings that her father lied to her that mom would be okay. We then learn a dark omen....Michael's grandfather died on that same day. A lightning bolt strikes across the night-sky!

My thoughts: The main story is nearly all Puck. Judd hasn't shined much yet, so it was nice to see an entire story devoted to him. We learn he is a dwarf, and not a midget. And has suffered with pain throughout his life, as a consequence. I didn't know little people also have pain. The actual story seemed a bit too easy for Puck to figure out and handle, but I enjoyed it for bringing more Puck into this series. The artwork was nice, as usual.

If there ever were a place where a swarthy midget named Puck would have ladies all over him, it would be in Canada, after all. They are totally mad about hockey up there, eh? :smile:

Really a good issue, because it makes you realize Puck isn't just some dwarf... he can take down a whole drug ring single-handed!

Plus, the origin of Shaman is nice. The "Origin of..." backstories remind me a lot of the times in early Uncanny where they did the same, and helped get these characters fleshed out to get them a fan following. Good choice by the writer and editors, IMO.

[david r]

Babylon23, that is too bad about Dan Smallwood. I wish Roger Stern's plans had been realized. I rather liked Dan.

WBE, I have no doubt Byrne took inspiration from the X-Men Origins Series, to tell us Alpha Flight's past. Even having installments at the end of each book. It's funny John always felt they had little character.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.6.GIF

Alpha Flight #6

"Snowblind"

1st appearance: Kolomaq

We now reach the infamous issue where 5 pages have no artwork at all. Just dialogue and "KRAK!" or "WHUD!" appear. The controversy was high over this issue; was John Byrne late, and rushed these pages with no artwork? Was this an artistic portrayal of a battle? YOU DECIDE?

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-08_100320_AF_06_05.jpg

The series continues to showcase each individual member, this time it is Snowbird, as her human identity, Corporal Anne McKenzie, is imprisoned by her military superior. However, she senses a disturbance in the Force, and escapes her cell easily. Out in the lands of Northern Canada, some oil-rig has unearthed another "God" of some sort, similiar to Tundra. He is named Kolomaq, and he resembles a big,white gorilla with an African mask on. Snowbird arrives to do battle with Kolomaq, and thus we witness five consecutive pages of zero artwork, just dialogue captions and balloons. From the words, it sounds like a cool battle.

Snowbird wins, of course. There seems to be a connection between these two earthly creatures, Tundra and Kolomaq. And Snowbird seems to be a creature as well, and not human at all. In the Alpha Flight Origins story, we learn more of Michael Twoyoungmen, as he has hidden himself in a cabin for 10 years , grieving over his dead wife. The artwork on this strip is quite yummy. Michael comes into contact with his deceased grandfather, and finally hones himself into..... Shaman! Awesome, indeed.

My thoughts: We didn't really learn anymore about the mysterious Snowbird than we did before. She seems to dislike being trapped on Earth. I'm still not sure what to make of the 5 pages of battle. I think Mr. Byrne was late on deadlines.

[Babylon23]

Funnily enough, Byrne apparently got paid his regular pay rate for those blank pages.

What I liked about this issue was that we're seeing the first signs of a much bigger picture. The link betweenTundra and Kolomaq and the hints in Shaman's origin show that there's a lot more going on here than I first thought. Obivously, the big picture becomes more apparent as the series progresses.

Plus, any focus on snowbird is appreciated.

Also, this and the previous issue really establish a very different dynamic to this book than was shown in other series. The whole team acting as a cohesive unit is almost never seenduring the Byrne era. The focus is clearly on tales featuring 1-3 members.

[worstblogever]

Cronin needs to put "Snowblind" in Comic Book Urban Legends if he hasn't already. It's just ridiculous to think a legendary artist pulled that off. Reminds me of the "silent" issue of G.I. Joe. :redface:

[Imraith Nimphais]

Snowbird being my FAVOURITE Alphan (even to this day), I LOVED "snowblind"...I was not phased one bit by those pages of non-art...I'll give Byrne the benefit of the doubt and say artistic lisence...on a side-note...AF may have been knock-offs of the Avengers (I read that somewhere in one of the other boards) but at the time they seemed (to me at least) to be the most original and interesting group of superheroes in a comic book. When you delved further into their histories there were so much more than initially revealed...case in point...Saquatch...he may have been the Canadian "Hulk" on the surface, but...as it will be revealed in later issues...for Walter, it did not just stop at irradiated blood...the same can be said for ALL the original members...and the pace at which the "reveals" were given, it made this comic reader very anxious and expectant every month.

[david r]

Babylon23, John Byrne was a red-hot artist at this time, so I'm not surprised he got paid his full rate. But I know some fans were less than amused with those 5 pages.

The "Big Picture" you speak of has me intrigued. There seems to be an undercurrent of "ancient, earthly creatures" running through Alpha Flight so far. And I remember DDM stating that Sasquatch is "not what he seems." So that really intrigues.

And yes, I've noticed the full team is rarely united in these adventures. These are all 1-3 member stories. I wonder why Byrne took this route? Just to make this book unique from the other team book of the day?

Imraith Nimphais, I enjoyed those 5 artless pages, like you, because I could read along in the script. I kept reading then glancing at the BLANK PAGE and thinking, "I really can't believe this. What did Jim Shooter say?"

I completely agree that Alpha Flight were something unique in the mid-1980s. Such a colorful roster and so many possibilities. The mystery of these members is what makes it all fascinating for me. I was shocked to learn John Byrne himself thought they were dull and boring. :confused:

[Steven F.]

I completely agree that Alpha Flight were something unique in the mid-1980s. Such a colorful roster and so many possibilities. The mystery of these members is what makes it all fascinating for me. I was shocked to learn John Byrne himself thought they were dull and boring. :confused:

Considering my love for this book, I have such a hard time when I think about the fact that Byrne basically hates them. :( I try not to think of it.

[david r]

Yes, I've never understood John Byrne's dislike. Of course characters are boring at first. it's the creator's job to expand and grow them. I'm sure Lee & Kirby thought the Fantastic Four were boring at first, until they developed their personalities more. I wish John had stayed with Alpha Flight and explored them more.

More thoughts on Alpha Flight #6:
-Has Snowbird blown her human cover as Corporal Anne McKenzie? How can she ever explain breaking out of that jail cell?
-If Snowbird is of the Gods,why would she partner with human beings?
- Kolomaq's fur is AWFUL similiar to Sasquatch. Is that mere coincidence?

-I laughed at the panel designs for those 5 art-less pages. Byrne actually designed intricate panels.......for artwork that wasn't there!!
-This "Last Battle" mentioned by Snowbird sounds provocative. The Seven Beasts and all that. Do we learn more of this "Last Battle" from a thousand years ago?:confused:

[Imraith Nimphais]

Yes, I've never understood John Byrne's dislike. Of course characters are boring at first. it's the creator's job to expand and grow them. I'm sure Lee & Kirby thought the Fantastic Four were boring at first, until they developed their personalities more. I wish John had stayed with Alpha Flight and explored them more.

More thoughts on Alpha Flight #6:
-Has Snowbird blown her human cover as Corporal Anne McKenzie? How can she ever explain breaking out of that jail cell?
-If Snowbird is of the Gods,why would she partner with human beings?
- Kolomaq's fur is AWFUL similiar to Sasquatch. Is that mere coincidence?

-I laughed at the panel designs for those 5 art-less pages. Byrne actually designed intricate panels.......for artwork that wasn't there!!
-This "Last Battle" mentioned by Snowbird sounds provocative. The Seven Beasts and all that. Do we learn more of this "Last Battle" from a thousand years ago?:confused:

..if recollection serves me well, nothing more is revealed about that "last battle", 1000 yrs ago...(at least not during this early "Alpha"...I stopped collecting around # 55 or thereabouts) but the 7 beasts do make an appearance in one humdinger of a story a lil later on...that's for pretty damn sure.:biggrin: As for Sasquatch...interesting notion, hehehe...remember my previous post?...the next few issues after are quite telling.

[DDM]

The "Big Picture" you speak of has me intrigued. There seems to be an undercurrent of "ancient, earthly creatures" running through Alpha Flight so far. And I remember DDM stating that Sasquatch is "not what he seems." So that really intrigues.

At this point, even Snowbird does not know the truth about Sasquatch let alone Walter himself, but they will learn the hard way.

And yes, I've noticed the full team is rarely united in these adventures. These are all 1-3 member stories. I wonder why Byrne took this route? Just to make this book unique from the other team book of the day?

Officially, Alpha Flight is disbanded since the government pulled their funding, but the team meets depending on the adventure. Most of the time, it's by circumstance & not a real structured team. Furthermore, each team member lives in various parts of Canada; therefore, not all the team can be in the same place at the same time due to their own personal lives. Usually, it's their personal lives which is the focus than the team itself.

[DDM]

More thoughts on Alpha Flight #6:
-Has Snowbird blown her human cover as Corporal Anne McKenzie? How can she ever explain breaking out of that jail cell?

Anne's original boss died; therefore, no, the current boss does not know of Ann's true nature. Ann Mckenzie was really created as a cover so she could act as Snowbird, her true self. This will get "Ann McKenzie" in lots of trouble at her work.

-If Snowbird is of the Gods,why would she partner with human beings?

It's tied to the Great Beasts.

- Kolomaq's fur is AWFUL similiar to Sasquatch. Is that mere coincidence?

Wait & see.

-This "Last Battle" mentioned by Snowbird sounds provocative. The Seven Beasts and all that. Do we learn more of this "Last Battle" from a thousand years ago?:confused:

You will learn more about the Great Beasts & how they are tied to the Northern Eskimo Gods much later, but not the specific battle itself.

[david r]

Thanks for all the helpful info, guys. You are answering my questions but not revealing too much & I appreciate it. :smile:

Doctor Strange makes a cameo in AF #6:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-08_100433_AF_06_08.jpg

John Byrne in his own words about those 5 art-less pages. It was Assistant Editors Month!

This issue was plotted and planned specifically for Assistant Editors
Month (one of the more ridiculous stunts forced upon us by Shooter*). I
did do layouts of the action in the panels. Just to be sure it all worked.




* Assistant Editors Month was a crock, in any case. Those issues were not
at all in the hands of the Assistant Editors. Every issue was policed from
On High, just like any other month.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people don't get it. Once at a
con, a guy asked me, straight faced, if the pages were blank because I
couldn't think of anything to draw.

[Grazzt]

John Byrne in his own words about those 5 art-less pages. It was Assistant Editors Month!

Although it wasn't the crackiest thing that Assistant Editors Month produced. That honour goes to the Aunt May/Franklin Richards team up where Aunt May gets the Power Cosmic and becomes the Golden Oldie.

[Babylon23]

Babylon23, John Byrne was a red-hot artist at this time, so I'm not surprised he got paid his full rate. But I know some fans were less than amused with those 5 pages.

Probably. At the time, I thought it was hilarious. There was a gag issue of "What If" from the original series (#34?) that featured 2 jokes. I can't remember the exact details, but they were along the lines of "What if Black Panther, the Shroud and Darkstar fought Blackout in a coal mine" and "what if Moon Knight fought Wendigo in a snow storm". The panels were black and white. This issue reminded me of that.

Assistant Editors Month had quite a few funny issues, including the Avengers on Letterman, Bernie America and Fred Hembeck pencilling Spider-Man vs. The Fly. Despite what Byrne thinks (seriously, does that guy like anything) I enjoyed that month of comics. It was a lot of fun.

The "Big Picture" you speak of has me intrigued. There seems to be an undercurrent of "ancient, earthly creatures" running through Alpha Flight so far. And I remember DDM stating that Sasquatch is "not what he seems." So that really intrigues.

It all comes together really nicely during Byrne's tenure. There's a lot of really great stories coming up. Byrne drops some nice hints here and there in these early issues, as well as in the excellent backup origin stories. Good times ahead.

And yes, I've noticed the full team is rarely united in these adventures. These are all 1-3 member stories. I wonder why Byrne took this route? Just to make this book unique from the other team book of the day?

IIRC, in a Marvel Age interview (reprinted in the recent Alpha Flight Classics trade) Byrne stated that he wanted Alpha Flight to be more like Mission Impossible, with members being chosen for missions based on the nature of the mission. Plus, he wanted to do more solo stories highlighting 1-2 members.

Personally, I liked this. It made Alpha Flight stand out a little from the rest of the team books of the time.

[david r]

I may track down that "What If" issue, that sounds hilarious. And I agree with you both that Assistant Editor's Month was a lot of fun. It was nice to see Marvel show a sense of humor. I remember the Incredible Hulk issue that month had a horribly-drawn Hulk in the left character box on the cover. Pretty funny stuff.:smile:

I'm looking forward to those good times ahead. That is fascinating about using Mission:Impossible as a model for Alpha Flight. That is a unique idea for a series, and I can see it in these early issues. It definitely makes this book stand-out.

[Stephane Garrelie]

Yep. I remember those What if. Funny stuff.

[Steven F.]

IIRC, in a Marvel Age interview (reprinted in the recent Alpha Flight Classics trade) Byrne stated that he wanted Alpha Flight to be more like Mission Impossible, with members being chosen for missions based on the nature of the mission. Plus, he wanted to do more solo stories highlighting 1-2 members.

Personally, I liked this. It made Alpha Flight stand out a little from the rest of the team books of the time.

I loved Alpha in all periods, but this was indeed a unique approach.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.7.GIF

Alpha Flight #7

"The Importance of Being Deadly"

1st appearance: Nelvanna, Hodiak, Delphine Courtney, Alec Thorne, Ernest St. Ives

This issue centers mostly on Northstar and Aurora, the French-speaking twins with histories which hint to many interesting things. There is much hinting going on in #7, especially concerning Jean-Paul Beaubier!

Jean-Paul has taken his sister to see a psychiatrist, but he finds nothing wrong with her. Surely, he does not notice she has a double personality. They both leave and walk the streets of Quebec, Jean-Paul taking Jeanne-Marie to see an old friend, Raymond Belmonde. A man suddenly grabs Jeanne-Marie's purse and flees. Jeanne-Marie reverts to her playful Aurora persona and catches up to him. She swirls around him, and then quickly punches him 100 times in the face! Who says being a superhero isn't fun? However, the criminal is let go on bail by the police, paid for by a mobster named Ernest St. Ives. The 2 young Canadians go off to meet Raymond Belmonde at his empty restaurant. Raymond & Jean-Paul are old friends. The restaurant is empty because mobster St. Ives is scaring everybody away from there. He wants to buy Raymond out. We meet Raymond's daughter, Danielle Belmonde. She is a red-head wearing a very Madonna-ish, mid-1980s outfit!

St. Ives goons burst into the place, and drag Raymond out into the street. St. Ives himself pulls up in a limousine, and touches Raymond's face. Raymond Belmonde dies on the spot!! The goons believe Aurora is his daughter, and hustle her into the limousine. They take off, leaving Northstar angry as hell. He's just watched a dear friend murdered, and his sister kidnapped! Jean-Paul thinks St. Ives has just made a grievous error....and he's going to kill him!

In an unconnected interlude: We meet genius Alec Thorne, a member of Gamma Flight. Alec appears to be a middle-aged man, a genius wasting his hours playing chess at a shopping mall. Alec gets up to grab a hot dog, and meets a beautiful dark-haired woman named Delphine Courtney. Delphine says something and off Alec goes with her to parts unknown!

Finally, we come to the Origins of Alpha Flight---which explains how that guy from #1 found the headband which awoke Tundra. A chap named Richard Easton on an archaeological dig locates the headband and utilizes it to awaken some "Elder Gods". An apparition appears before Richard, where we meet Nelvanna, Goddess of the Northern Lights. And Hodiak, another God. One turns into a gorgeous blonde woman, so Richard Easton will mate with her. The offspring of this mating is Snowbird, which Michael Twoyoungmen locates.

[worstblogever]

Maybe it's the inside knowledge... but is Belmonde actually Northstar's old friend, or his... "old friend"?

Thoughts?

[Steven F.]

Maybe it's the inside knowledge... but is Belmonde actually Northstar's old friend, or his... "old friend"?

Thoughts?

I always read it to be "old friend", though it was never actually called that. It was one of many, many instances that Byrne hints to Jean-Paul's sexuality.

[Steven F.]

Goddess of the Northern Lights. And Hodiak, another God. One turns into a gorgeous blonde woman, so Richard Easton will mate with her. The offspring of this mating is Northstar, which Michael Twoyoungmen locates.

Call me confused...the child is Northstar??

[david r]

Call me confused...the child is Northstar??

Changed to Snowbird! Thank you, my observant editor! :smile:

[Babylon23]

Maybe it's the inside knowledge... but is Belmonde actually Northstar's old friend, or his... "old friend"?

Thoughts?

I'm not sure if Byrne was hinting at a romantic or sexual relationship between Northstar and Belmonde, or if Belmonde just opened Northstar's eyes to his own sexuality and helped him come to terms with it.

Either way, I think Northstar's sexuality is clearly apparent from this issue onwards. I like the fact the Byrne shows this without making a huge deal of it (as was done much later on in the 'coming out' issue). There was certianly never any doubt in my mind back i nthe day that Northstar was gay.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.7.GIF

Finally, we come to the Origins of Alpha Flight---which explains how that guy from #1 found the headband which awoke Tundra. A chap named Richard Easton on an archaeological dig locates the headband and utilizes it to awaken some "Elder Gods". An apparition appears before Richard, where we meet Nelvanna, Goddess of the Northern Lights. And Hodiak, another God. One turns into a gorgeous blonde woman, so Richard Easton will mate with her. The offspring of this mating is Snowbird, which Michael Twoyoungmen locates.

Go back & reread Alpha Flight #1 & compare the man, Richard Eason to the man who gives his life-force to allow Tundra to escape; they are the same person! Richard Eason's mind cannot comprehend the knowledge he's gained from the Eskimo Gods & he's pushed into madness when he learns he's been gone from Earth 9 years! The crown he finds in this story is same one he wears to summon Tundra. Ironically, Narya's biological father, Richard Eason, is the cause for Tundra's escape from his dimension. Shaman really become Narya's real father in many respects though since Nelvanna & the other Eskimo Gods cannot raise her.

[Steven F.]

Changed to Snowbird! Thank you, my observant editor! :smile:

lol...I hope I didn't seem rude or anything...I honestly got a little confused for a second, haha. I have read this entire series MANY times, so when I saw something I didn't recognize, my mind just kinda...fried.

Good job as always!

We are soon to meet Nemesis!

What are your thoughts on where Byrne was going with Jean-Paul's homosexuality? Can you see how evident it was, even that many years before he actually "came out" in that horrible Lobdell story?

Steven

[escapegoat]

[B]And yes, I've noticed the full team is rarely united in these adventures. These are all 1-3 member stories. I wonder why Byrne took this route? Just to make this book unique from the other team book of the day?

I believe the reasoning behind this was to help establish the backgrounds of all these characters and flesh out their personalities a bit more. Their appearances up to this point had been minimal, despite having a huge fanbase built from these appearances, and not much had really been explored yet in regards to their backgrounds.

The varieties of their backgrounds brought in a lot of new concepts and origins that had never been touched before....a dwarf? multiple personality syndrome? potential homosexuality? [spoiler - for issue 12, for those reading about this title for their first time here :wink: ] the death of a team leader? Byrne may not understand why a lot of fans enjoyed his run on this title, but he really went into a lot of uncharted territory that made it such a great read. It was very original and unique for its time.

[escapegoat]

What are your thoughts on where Byrne was going with Jean-Paul's homosexuality? Can you see how evident it was, even that many years before he actually "came out" in that horrible Lobdell story?

Steven

I have to say that I was totally oblivious to the homosexual undertones. I had always thought that the "old friend" reference only dealt with Jean-Paul's previous ties to terrorism.

It makes a lot of sense now, looking back.

[Babylon23]

I believe the reasoning behind this was to help establish the backgrounds of all these characters and flesh out their personalities a bit more. Their appearances up to this point had been minimal, despite having a huge fanbase built from these appearances, and not much had really been explored yet in regards to their backgrounds.

Good point. Actually, there's a good question: How many appearances had Alpha Flight made before the series was launched. Obviously there's the 2 X-men appearances in Uncanny 120-121 & 139-140. They were also featured in Machine Man 18. Anybody know of any others?

I have to say that I was totally oblivious to the homosexual undertones. I had always thought that the "old friend" reference only dealt with Jean-Paul's previous ties to terrorism.

Interesting. I was the complete opposite. It seemed pretty obvious to me at least what Byrne was hinting at. There's hints scattered throughout his run.

[david r]

DDM, yes I noticed that it was Richard Easton who died in Alpha Flight #1. So #1 showed us Snowbird's fathers death. Snowbird is the child of Richard Easton (human) and Nelvanna (God.)

Steven Faulkner, you weren't being rude at all. For some reason, I keep mixing up Snowbird and Northstar's names. As for Jean-Paul's homosexuality, I do see John Byrne hinting to it in #7. Of course, who knows if I would catch it if I didn't already know Northstar is gay. I will be curious if any letters in upcoming issues catch this back in 1983.

I like it when Jean-Paul learns Raymond Belmonde has a daughter, and he blurts out, "But HOW?" :tongue: I think that was pretty obvious!

escapegoat, I agree that Byrne was doing uncharted territory here. Doing smaller scale stories actually is a different way to explore them in greater detail. It also may have been easier for Byrne as an artist. I've noticed Byrne is very modest about his triumphs; even saying his X-Men and Fantastic Four runs are overrated. So I'm really not surprised he doesn't think highly of Alpha Flight.

Babylon23, I think you said all of Alpha Flight's appearances up till now. Guardian debuted in UXM #109, as Weapon Alpha.

A few more thoughts on #7:
-The twins eyebrows give them a slight Asian look. Or maybe even a little like a Vulcan
-I liked how Aurora stopped that purse-snatcher with 100 punches in a single second!
-"Smart Alec" and Delphine Courtney--characters with promise? Smart Alec is a very clever name?

-Very intrigued with those 3 Gods that appeared at the issue's climax.
-I especially liked the final panels that illustrate Snowbird's birth. Very well handled.

[david r]

Raymond Belmonde & his daughter debut:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-15_094937_AF_07_08.jpg

The Gods appear:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-15_095048_AF_07_18.jpg

Snowbird is born:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-15_095121_AF_07_22.jpg

[Babylon23]

DDM, yes I noticed that it was Richard Easton who died in Alpha Flight #1. So #1 showed us Snowbird's fathers death. Snowbird is the child of Richard Easton (human) and Nelvanna (God.)

Much of the Byrne issues fit together like this, with pieces everywhere slowly coming together. It's one of the joys of reading these early issues.

Babylon23, I think you said all of Alpha Flight's appearances up till now. Guardian debuted in UXM #109, as Weapon Alpha.

Man, can't believe I forgot that one.

-The twins eyebrows give them a slight Asian look. Or maybe even a little like a Vulcan

I'd definitely say Vulcan, especially with the pointed ears.

-"Smart Alec" and Delphine Courtney--characters with promise?

Definitely. Just wait until you see how this subplot plays out.

[DDM]

Alpha Flight also appears in Marvel Two-in-One #83-84 which pre-dates Alpha Flight #1:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52075323508.83.GIF

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52075323508.84.GIF

[timbox]

I like Aurora's white hair.

[escapegoat]

Sasquatch also appears in the Incredible Hulk #272...and for a little bit in the beginning of 273

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/4/19927-2406-22232-1-incredible-hulk-the_super.jpg

[escapegoat]

The whole team also appears in the first Contest of Champions mini-series, with Sasquatch again playing an active role within the competition.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/CoC1.jpg/250px-CoC1.jpg

[escapegoat]

Oooo yeah...and yet another gem with Sasquatch! It looks like he was an early fan favorite judging from his numeous appearances that occured before Alpha Flight was finally published... :wink:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/2353_4_7.jpg


...aaaaaaaaaand the Incredible Hulk Annual #8 also has Sasquatch in it yet again. I guess all these Hulk/Thing appearances with Sasquatch really shouldn't be of any surprise, since both of those characters would commonly encounter other power hitters.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.8.GIF

Alpha Flight #8

"Cold Hands, Cold Heart"

1st appearance: Nemesis

"Betrayal"?? Uh-oh, what does that mean? #8 continues a solo story for Aurora and Northstar, taking place in Quebec and concerning a Canadian mobster named "Deadly Ernest". It also debuts a new character named Nemesis who sports a striking red-and-ebony costume.

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-21_094455_AF_08_05.jpg

Aurora has been kidnapped by mobster Ernest St. Ives...also known as the diabolical Deadly Ernest. Her worried brother Northstar locates Ernest's Victorian home and bursts in. He locates Ernest's office, only to find the "betrayal" of the cover is Aurora is sitting on Ernest's desk...seemingly cozy with the baddie. However, Jean-Paul gets hit from behind by Ernest's goons, and goes down for the count. Jean-Paul is taken to a bed to recover, and when he awakens there stands..... Nemesis!!

All decked out in an awesome uniform with a sharp sword, Nemesis is female and badly wants revenge for her father's death in #7 (Raymond Belmonde.) I felt it was fairly obvious Nemesis is Danielle Belmonde. The 2 erstwhile heroes sneak around the home until they locate Deadly Ernest and Aurora having dinner. We learn how Ernest gained the power of touch anyone and kill them. It happened in World War I. (Is he related to Mr. Fear? ) Nemesis thrusts into the room looking for vengeance!! Her sword misses him, and he touches her to kill her. But it has zero effect! Nemesis then slices & dices Deadly Ernest with her sword, spilling his blood and chopping the mobster into tiny pieces. Northstar is outraged and rips off Nemesis' mask. The look of surprise is blatant on his face....however we readers do NOT see Nemesis' face. But we learn it is not Danielle Belmonde!

Nemesis has long, red-hair. Who IS this mystery person? Nemesis departs, and the twin siblings return to the Belmonde restaurant and confront Danielle. We learn Danielle was in cohoots with Deadly Ernest to steal the family restaurant, and she's carted away by the police. Aurora & Northstar fly away, but Jean-Paul declares he thought Aurora was romantically involved with Deadly Ernest. Aurora stops dead in her tracks and is shocked at the accusation!! She flies off declaring their partnership over! Northstar floats in the air shocked at her reaction, and worried about being left....alone.

Alpha Flight Origins: James and Heather Hudson locate Shaman's woodsy cabin and greet him. They then meet a newcomer named Narya, who has long-blonde hair and white pupils in her eyes. It is a young Snowbird,with a passing resemblance to the character Lorelei. Michael Twoyoungmen is raising her like a daughter. That night, Heather goes outside and spies Narya turn into an owl and fly away. Narya captures a mouse and eats it!! YCK!!The next day, Mac Hudson confronts Twoyoungmen and Michael tells the Hudsons the truth. Mac asks if they would like to join Department H. And the rest is history.

[just another user]

Nemisis was so disturbing. Loved/feared the idea of a sword that could cut between atoms.

This was a back up to a Marvel UK comic that I'm having a hard time remembering - I think it may have been Marvel UK's "Secret Wars".

[Steven F.]

People may not realize it at the moment, but that scene with Northstar and Aurora has surprisingly VERY lasting effects for many years to come.

I love Nemesis. I think she looks amazing.

[david r]

People may not realize it at the moment, but that scene with Northstar and Aurora has surprisingly VERY lasting effects for many years to come.


That sounds ominous.

Northstar meets the mysterious Nemesis:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-21_094511_AF_08_08.jpg

[Imraith Nimphais]

I must say...Byrne was/is a master of dialogue...the conversations/interactions between characters always seemed to flow easily and natural. Quite unlike wot a few of the "current" crop of writers who seem to favour a more "decompressed" style of writing.

[david r]

I must say...Byrne was/is a master of dialogue...the conversations/interactions between characters always seemed to flow easily and natural. Quite unlike wot a few of the "current" crop of writers who seem to favour a more "decompressed" style of writing.

One thing I've noticed reading these older issues is how JAM-PACKED they are with story and plot. Some issues take me a full hour to read. And yet........they were 60 cents!! I do wish the current comics had as much story volume in them.

John Byrne on Nemesis' hair:

Nemesis == in the unmasking scene, I asked for her to have white hair.

The previous issue, I'd asked for Danielle to have a "weird" hair color.

Both came out Jimmy Olsen orange.

I love it when the colorist wants to tell a story different from mine!

sigh

[worstblogever]

One thing I've noticed reading these older issues is how JAM-PACKED they are with story and plot. Some issues take me a full hour to read. And yet........they were 60 cents!! I do wish the current comics had as much story volume in them.

John Byrne on Nemesis' hair:

Well... I think it's safe at least to rule out that this Nemesis is in no way related to Holocaust, who Marvel tried to rename his original Age of Apocalypse name of "Nemesis", since it was about a million times less threatening. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Xman16.jpg

[Imraith Nimphais]

One thing I've noticed reading these older issues is how JAM-PACKED they are with story and plot. Some issues take me a full hour to read. And yet........they were 60 cents!! I do wish the current comics had as much story volume in them.

I am SO "there" with you...nowadays, I run through a comic in 10-15 mins tops (if it's a really good read...much less if it's not)...while I can/do sometimes appreciate decompression...more often than not it seems to take more away from a story than it adds...imo...but we digress...Nemesis was/is totally cool...another original concept in every way...just you wait till she tells her story.:smile:

[david r]

Imraith Nimphais, I totally agree. I Love reading these older comics. This is definitely a labor of love! Oh...and I'm glad Nemesis has an origin, I was worried we might not see her again.

Worstblogever, Nemesis=Holocaust?? You never know, you just NEVER KNOW!

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.9.GIF

Alpha Flight #9

"Things Aren't Always What They Seem"

This issue showcases Sasquatch primarily, with a story that takes place near Canada's tallest mountain. At Mt. Logan Cosmic Ray Research Station. Mt. Logan?! Well.....the Logan references don't stop there in this ish. :cool:

Walter Langkowski is Canada's top radiation expert, and thus has been sent to Mt. Logan Research Station, out in a remote part of Canada. Walter and several other scientists are observing a transmission coming in from outer space, when something lands on their modified dish observing the cosmos. That something is............the ever-lovin', blue-eyed Thing! How Aunt Petunia's favorite boy wound up in Canada is still a mystery. The Thing is unconscious, and nobody can lift his large hide from the snow, so Walter transforms into awesome Sasquatch! Shocking his fellow scientists. They carry the Thing into the base, and then....weird things start to happen. The doctor examining the Thing is burned alive. The Thing's body disappears.

When Walter goes on a trek in the barren wastes to find the Thing, the research station suddenly EXPLODES!!! Walt runs back to base, and finds one woman still alive. She says "Oh Walt, it was horrible. Everything seemed to catch on fire at once!" The poor woman then passes away. Out of the smoky ruins, comes walking a dark figure. Walt yells at him! The stranger comes closer, and then screams "You are about to perish! At the hands of the SUPER SKRULL!"

Alpha Flight Origins: Continues with an in-depth look at Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, the poor child was sent to an all-girls religious school at an impressionable age. The horrible things done to her there badly traumatize her. She even attempts suicide by jumping off a roof.....only for her mutant power of FLIGHT to save her! She is wowed by the act, but her life continues to fall into gloom at the school. But slowly, the "Aurora" side of her comes out, talking to her through a mirror. Jeanne-Marie disappears for 3 days, and when she returns, she is once again punished horribly. By the time she becomes an adult, she has become a teacher and joins the religious school. But her "Aurora" side continues to manifest itself. One night while hitting the clubs of Montreal, she is attacked by some ruffians in a back alley. Who comes to her rescue but Mr. Logan himself.... WOLVERINE! Byrne sure draws a nice Logan! Wolverine, dressed in his cool cowboy outfit of old, scares away the ruffians and then asks young Jeanne-Marie if she'd be interested in joining this team Jimmy Hudson is forming. Jeanne-Marie says she is "up" for anything.

My thoughts: The whole main story reminds me a tad of John Carpenter's The Thing. What with scientists trapped in a remote research station, and an alien running about. I had the identity of the villain figured out almost immediately. Better luck next time, John! I definitely loved the page of the Super-Skrull readying to strike Walter. That was gorgeously-drawn. I was hoping for some insight into Sasquatch's mysteries here, but guess I will have to wait still. I WAS surprised by Logan's cameo and thought that was cute. Byrne sure likes to draw Wolverine as a cowboy. You don't see him like that anymore.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.9.GIF

Alpha Flight #9

"Things Aren't Always What They Seem"

This issue showcases Sasquatch primarily, with a story that takes place near Canada's tallest mountain. At Mt. Logan Cosmic Ray Research Station. Mt. Logan?! Well.....the Logan references don't stop there in this ish. :cool:

Walter Langkowski is Canada's top radiation expert, and thus has been sent to Mt. Logan Research Station, out in a remote part of Canada. Walter and several other scientists are observing a transmission coming in from outer space, when something lands on their modified dish observing the cosmos. That something is............the ever-lovin', blue-eyed Thing! How Aunt Petunia's favorite boy wound up in Canada is still a mystery. The Thing is unconscious, and nobody can lift his large hide from the snow, so Walter transforms into awesome Sasquatch! Shocking his fellow scientists. They carry the Thing into the base, and then....weird things start to happen. The doctor examining the Thing is burned alive. The Thing's body disappears.

When Walter goes on a trek in the barren wastes to find the Thing, the research station suddenly EXPLODES!!! Walt runs back to base, and finds one woman still alive. She says "Oh Walt, it was horrible. Everything seemed to catch on fire at once!" The poor woman then passes away. Out of the smoky ruins, comes walking a dark figure. Walt yells at him! The stranger comes closer, and then screams "You are about to perish! At the hands of the SUPER SKRULL!"

Alpha Flight Origins: Continues with an in-depth look at Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, the poor child was sent to an all-girls religious school at an impressionable age. The horrible things done to her there badly traumatize her. She even attempts suicide by jumping off a roof.....only for her mutant power of FLIGHT to save her! She is wowed by the act, but her life continues to fall into gloom at the school. But slowly, the "Aurora" side of her comes out, talking to her through a mirror. Jeanne-Marie disappears for 3 days, and when she returns, she is once again punished horribly. By the time she becomes an adult, she has become a teacher and joins the religious school. But her "Aurora" side continues to manifest itself. One night while hitting the clubs of Montreal, she is attacked by some ruffians in a back alley. Who comes to her rescue but Mr. Logan himself.... WOLVERINE! Byrne sure draws a nice Logan! Wolverine, dressed in his cool cowboy outfit of old, scares away the ruffians and then asks young Jeanne-Marie if she'd be interested in joining this team Jimmy Hudson is forming. Jeanne-Marie says she is "up" for anything.

My thoughts: The whole main story reminds me a tad of John Carpenter's The Thing. What with scientists trapped in a remote research station, and an alien running about. I had the identity of the villain figured out almost immediately. Better luck next time, John! I definitely loved the page of the Super-Skrull readying to strike Walter. That was gorgeously-drawn. I was hoping for some insight into Sasquatch's mysteries here, but guess I will have to wait still. I WAS surprised by Logan's cameo and thought that was cute. Byrne sure likes to draw Wolverine as a cowboy. You don't see him like that anymore.

Great issue, and utilizing of the Super-Skrull's powerset. He shape-shifts into the Thing to sucker them into taking him in... then he burns people alive with the Human Torch powers, and disappears from view using the Invisible Woman's powers. And each one is but a smaller clue into the big mystery. Byrne used the villain well, and I agree, he seems to be using the same isolated snowy medical facility vibe we got in John Carpenter's "The Thing". I can recall the Venom series from a few years back that did the same... and just failed to do anything but feel like a rip-off. This story? All around, I dig it.

And the flashback tale with Aurora? Nice reveal to show that she's been unhinged for quite some time, as well as the always-helpful for sales Wolverine cameo. :redface:

[david r]

Absolutely. John Byrne hints to the Super-Skrull's identity very much. So much so that it was easy to guess who the villain was. I also knew Byrne is a big fan of the Super-Skrull, so that helped. Though exactly HOW they brought him to their isolated base never makes much sense. They *capture* his transmission as he's "Beaming Down"? Yeah, right.

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-29_103112_AF_09_14.jpg

Walt Langkowski=Walt Simonson?? I wonder if Sasquatch's alter-ego is a tribute to Simonson?

I'm not sure Wolverine's cameo is meant for sales. He doesn't appear on the cover. Marvel was still not exploiting Wolvie in this way yet. I thought it was cute that the tallest mountain in Canada has the same name as one of their shortest heroes--Mt. Logan! :wink:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-29_103244_AF_09_22.jpg

[david r]

HEY! I just noticed this! Notice anything provocative going on in this panel? Sasquatch is quite the ladies' man!!

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-11-30_155701_Meg.jpg

[Imraith Nimphais]

LOL...I did notice it way back when...and as a teenager, I remember reading it and actually blushing at the implied question...:-))

[Imraith Nimphais]

LOL...I am absolutely sure her mind was somewhere just a bit lower than his G.I. Tract...indeed, she is such a "size-queen".

[david r]

Judging from the dialogue in that panel, it's easy to guess what they were REALLY talking about. :wink:

[david r]

John Byrne on the Thing criticism:

Incidentally, this story was one that a reviewer at the time dismissed as a
"rip-off of 'The Thing' " (meaning the Howard Hawks movie). Yes, of course
An arctic base. An alien invader. The stories are exactly the same.

Makes sense. Ben Grimm is in the book, so why not use The Thing movie as theme?

[Ravenheart]

The series had its ups and downs but it was still one of my favorites.The Sasquatch/Super-Skrull 2 parter is still one of my favorite stories.Byrne's run on the title was classic.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.10.GIF

Alpha Flight #10

"Blood Battle"

Sasquatch is so mad he's seeing RED! This issue focuses on Sasquatch dooking it out with the Super-Skrull! At long last, a foe worthy of trouncing on the shaggy Canadian! The Super-Skrull possesses the power of the entire Fantastic Four! The battle takes place alongside Mt. Logan, in the countryside of Canada. Oh, Canada!

The battle should have been longer, but John Byrne supplies some of the best artwork seen here yet. I can tell he likes to draw the Super-Skrull. During the course of the one-on-one, Sasquatch's alter ego, Walt Langkowski, becomes submerged.....and the Sasquatch reverts to pure savagery!! Just like my own American monster, that Incredible Hulk. Inexplicably, the Super-Skrull suddenly lunges forward in excruciating agony. Sasquatch moves in for the killing blow........and then the alien uses a hypnotic power I didn't know he had. Sasquatch becomes hypnotized! And stops. The Skrull stands and decides he will use the behemoth's strength to help him build a "projector" that will send him back to the Skrull Homeworld. While building it, Walt Langkowski regains control over Sasquatch, and once the Super-Skrull keels over again in pain, Sasquatch swoops him up, puts him in the "projector" and launches him into outer space! Just where the poor fellow came from. The Super-Skrull yells "NO!" as his atoms are hurtled into the ether!

As Sasquatch leaps away into the wintery mountains, he worries about losing control of himself. Might he become like Bruce Banner and his raging alter ego? Walter wonders. But Walter has another surprise as he returns to his apartment in Vancouver. Aurora is awaiting him, and tells him of her break-up with Northstar. She has come home....to him! Aurora snuggles into manlover Langkowski's arms, and Walt wonders what the rest of Alpha Flight will make of this? On another front, James Mac Hudson has bought a stately brownstone apartment in New York, and he and Heather are moving in. Mac has gained employment with Roxxon Oil, and now has $$$$ coming in. As he leaves the place, a certain Star-Spangled Hero runs into him. Steve Rogers is entering the building, and he recognizes Hudson. But the Captain America alter-ego cannot place him.

Alpha Flight Origins Series: Family Ties: This installment focuses on Jean-Paul Beaubier, who is brought into Department H via Mac Hudson. We learn how he and his sister, Jeanne-Marie, were separated as children. How Jean-Paul used his immerging mutant abilities to become a champion skier, and gain wealth and fortune. He now meets his sister for the first time in ages. Jean-Paul is not entirely amused. He doesn't entirely agree to join Department H. But I think his sister is the clincher.

My thoughts: My favorite parts of #10 were, of course, the battle with Sasquatch and the Super-Skrull. I know John Byrne really likes the SS, and it shows here in the art. I kind of wish Sasquatch had indeed sent the Super-Skrull back to his Homeworld.......only to discover it was gone! Eaten by Galactus recently which apparently the Skrull was unaware of. That would have been a nice surprise for the mean-spirited baddie. Floating away in deepest space. Seeing a Skrull with giant Thing-fists is always weird to see. On another thought, this series is very unlike most super-team books. The group are NEVER together. It's interesting how they are all connecting in little ways, but across vast Canada. And how circumstances with one member, might impact another in a different way. This is definitely a unique take and not a traditional superhero book at all.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.10.GIF

Alpha Flight #10

"Blood Battle"

Sasquatch is so mad he's seeing RED! This issue focuses on Sasquatch dooking it out with the Super-Skrull! At long last, a foe worthy of trouncing on the shaggy Canadian! The Super-Skrull possesses the power of the entire Fantastic Four! The battle takes place alongside Mt. Logan, in the countryside of Canada. Oh, Canada!

The battle should have been longer, but John Byrne supplies some of the best artwork seen here yet. I can tell he likes to draw the Super-Skrull. During the course of the one-on-one, Sasquatch's alter ego, Walt Langkowski, becomes submerged.....and the Sasquatch reverts to pure savagery!! Just like my own American monster, that Incredible Hulk. Inexplicably, the Super-Skrull suddenly lunges forward in excruciating agony. Sasquatch moves in for the killing blow........and then the alien uses a hypnotic power I didn't know he had. Sasquatch becomes hypnotized! And stops. The Skrull stands and decides he will use the behemoth's strength to help him build a "projector" that will send him back to the Skrull Homeworld. While building it, Walt Langkowski regains control over Sasquatch, and once the Super-Skrull keels over again in pain, Sasquatch swoops him up, puts him in the "projector" and launches him into outer space! Just where the poor fellow came from. The Super-Skrull yells "NO!" as his atoms are hurtled into the ether!

As Sasquatch leaps away into the wintery mountains, he worries about losing control of himself. Might he become like Bruce Banner and his raging alter ego? Walter wonders. But Walter has another surprise as he returns to his apartment in Vancouver. Aurora is awaiting him, and tells him of her break-up with Northstar. She has come home....to him! Aurora snuggles into manlover Langkowski's arms, and Walt wonders what the rest of Alpha Flight will make of this? On another front, James Mac Hudson has bought a stately brownstone apartment in New York, and he and Heather are moving in. Mac has gained employment with Roxxon Oil, and now has $$$$ coming in. As he leaves the place, a certain Star-Spangled Hero runs into him. Steve Rogers is entering the building, and he recognizes Hudson. But the Captain America alter-ego cannot place him.

Alpha Flight Origins Series: Family Ties: This installment focuses on Jean-Paul Beaubier, who is brought into Department H via Mac Hudson. We learn how he and his sister, Jeanne-Marie, were separated as children. How Jean-Paul used his immerging mutant abilities to become a champion skier, and gain wealth and fortune. He now meets his sister for the first time in ages. Jean-Paul is not entirely amused. He doesn't entirely agree to join Department H. But I think his sister is the clincher.

My thoughts: My favorite parts of #10 were, of course, the battle with Sasquatch and the Super-Skrull. I know John Byrne really likes the SS, and it shows here in the art. I kind of wish Sasquatch had indeed sent the Super-Skrull back to his Homeworld.......only to discover it was gone! Eaten by Galactus recently which apparently the Skrull was unaware of. That would have been a nice surprise for the mean-spirited baddie. Floating away in deepest space. Seeing a Skrull with giant Thing-fists is always weird to see. On another thought, this series is very unlike most super-team books. The group are NEVER together. It's interesting how they are all connecting in little ways, but across vast Canada. And how circumstances with one member, might impact another in a different way. This is definitely a unique take and not a traditional superhero book at all.

I think the secret of the Skrull hypnotism power the Super Skrull uses in this issue it the secret of why we're all buying "Secret Invasion". :wink: Seriously... what was that all about?

I don't know if from a creative standpoint if it was a good idea to take the teams #1 and #2 guns and put them in New York, so far outside of Canada. Sure, it gives the opportunity for all sorts of crossovers with what's practically the rest of the Marvel U... but it seems counterproductive to the rest of the team.

And... what do you mean Aurora's "break-up" with Northstar. Were they in an incestuous relationship?!? :eek: Seems unlikely, especially since Northstar likes the dudes. I'm sure that's just a bit of a miswording, right, david? (I hope. I thought I'd remember that...)

As far as Walter and Aurora goes with that... think about this, he goes, "Oh no! I could lose control of my faculties at any time and turn into a raging beast! I must make sure I maintain control or the consequences could b- *pause* OOH! Hot chick with multiple personalities! *ditches pants* WOOOO!!!" Way to think with your "Lil' Bigfoot", there, Sasquatch. :rolleyes:

[david r]

I think the secret of the Skrull hypnotism power the Super Skrull uses in this issue it the secret of why we're all buying "Secret Invasion". :wink: Seriously... what was that all about?

You're saying it's not any good?

I don't know if from a creative standpoint if it was a good idea to take the teams #1 and #2 guns and put them in New York, so far outside of Canada. Sure, it gives the opportunity for all sorts of crossovers with what's practically the rest of the Marvel U... but it seems counterproductive to the rest of the team.

You may have a point there. Does Guardian expect all of Alpha Flight to relocate to NYC?

And... what do you mean Aurora's "break-up" with Northstar.

Aurora ended their partnership in #8. Northstar thought she might have had relations with that gangster Deadly Ernest, and Jeanne-Marie was pissed and left him cold.

[worstblogever]

You're saying it's not any good?
Far from it. Maybe Civil War lowered my expectations, or that World War Hulk seemed anti-climactic... but so far, I've really dug it.


You may have a point there. Does Guardian expect all of Alpha Flight to relocate to NYC?

I doubt it. I mean, how could he be a representative of a Canadian superhero team based way down in NYC? I don't get the leap in logic on that. The only benefit is the tons of random crossovers (like the teased Captain America one in this issue).


Aurora ended their partnership in #8. Northstar thought she might have had relations with that gangster Deadly Ernest, and Jeanne-Marie was pissed and left him cold.

Aurora's easy, but she's not "Deadly Ernest" easy. :wink:

[david r]

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-06_104235_AF_10_04.jpg

Sasquatch shows him who's boss:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-06_104253_AF_10_08.jpg

John Byrne on Northstar:

The idea that the clues I planted as to Northstar's sexual orientation could be "taken a couple of different ways" seems rather at odds with the fact that there was only one way to interpret them, once the "secret" was out. This is not a case of things being thus-and-such "from a certain perspective" -- there is only one perspective. From the first issue, Jean-Paul was Gay. The fact that Shooter and the Comics Code would not allow me to say so in so many words alters this fact not one whit.

When Shooter and the Code would not let me state explicitly that Northstar
was Gay in the comics, I went out of my way to mention it in every other
venue I could find. There was never any "fence straddling". The truth was
out there, as they say, long before a change in the wind made it possible for
someone else to "out" the character in the comic.

[Steven F.]

Thanks for posting those qoutes...I had not ever heard John's comments on Northstar's sexuality before.

[david r]

Thanks for posting those qoutes...I had not ever heard John's comments on Northstar's sexuality before.

No problem, Steven. BTW, did you ever read the Steven T. Seagle and Scott Lobdell Alpha Flight books, and what did you make of them?

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.11.GIF

Alpha Flight #11

"Set-Up"

1st appearance: Omega Flight (Wild Child, Diamond Lil, Box, Flashback)

Omega Flight make their deadly debut. Who are these counterparts of AF? And what nefarious scheme have they cooked up? Probably not a good one for lone Guardian! :evilsmile:

I wonder if the opening of #11 parallels John Byrne's leaving Canada and coming to the States? I know he was very patriotic towards Canada until he came to live in America. I just wonder because Heather Hudson says a bittersweet farewell to she and James Hudson home in Canada. A place they've lived in for 10 years. She wanders the halls "hearing" voices of events that happened there. Including conversations with short-stuff himself... Wolverine. Off to the United States Heather heads, to a whole new life. Meanwhile, in Manhattan at the Twin Towers, a group of individuals have been assembled. Roger Bochs is a red-haired man in a mechanical wheelchair, but he powers a huge robot named Box! Diamond Lil is an indestructible giantess. Flashback is a living temporal anomaly, a man who can summon his future. Smart Alec has a computer-brain. And Wild Child looks like an anorexic Sabretooth. Wild Child looks quite menacing. They've been collected by beauty Courtney Delphine, and wheelchair-bound Jerome Jaxon enters the businessroom. He wants James Hudson's dreams crushed, as Mac has crushed all THEIR dreams. And he wants the destruction of Alpha Flight!

James Hudson arrives at the airport to pick up his wife, Heather. But some mystery woman has taken her. James puts two-and-two together, and realizes Roxxon Oil has duped him! Mac dons his Guardian suit (looking quite cool, BTW!) and smashes his way into a Twin Tower! He is greeted by vengeful Jaxon, and soon stands before the terrifying might of OMEGA FLIGHT! Alone against a seemingly formidable foe!

The final segment of Alpha Flight Origins displays Walter Langkowski, as we learn he attended college for 1 term with Bruce Banner. Instead of joining the hippie movement of the day, he and Banner studied science deeply. And Walt was impressed when he learned that Banner had become the Incredible Hulk! So Walt has tried to duplicate the Gamma tests that spawned the green behemoth! But in a remote part of Canada, his plans go awry, bathed in Gamma Rays, he reverts into an orange-furred beast! Smashing out of the lab, he strides 500 HUNDREDS MILES before new recruit Snowbird locates him, lying face first in the deepening snow. Soon, he is joining Department H...and taking the codenname SASQUATCH!!

[Steven F.]

No problem, Steven. BTW, did you ever read the Steven T. Seagle and Scott Lobdell Alpha Flight books, and what did you make of them?

I did indeed read them. As a fan of Vol 1...and I think you can see how much of a fan...I was horribly disappointed with vol 2...at the time. Since then however, it has grown on me, and I actually really like it. I still prefer vol 1, but vol 2 had its moments as well. Some of the art later in the series was horrendous though. Duncan Rouleau is not my cup of tea.

Vol 3 is the weakest of the four (counting Omega) but also had it's moments. I liked the return of Nemesis for instance (sorry for the spoiler!).

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. :)

[Babylon23]

Omega Flight make their deadly debut. Who are these counterparts of AF? And what nefarious scheme have they cooked up? Probably not a good one for lone Guardian! :evilsmile:

Loved Omega Flight. I remember seeing the Beta and Gamma members in issue 1 and wondering just who they were and where they ended up. In this story, we finally find out. I've always been a sucker for villain counterpart groups (Injustice League, Masters of Evil, etc.) so I was drawn to this team stragiht away.

With the introduction of Omega Flight, we're really beginning to see Byrne's big picture. Characters from a single panel in issue 1 are now appearing with a vengeance. Tundra and Kolomaq are connected, and Snowbird is intrinsically linked to their story. There's all these pieces floating around that are slowly coming together. I love it.

And Wild Child looks like an anorexic Sabretooth. Wild Child looks quite menacing.

I remember the huge amount of speculation from fans at the time about the possible family connection between Sabretooth and Wild Child. It seemed possible that we were looking at a father/son relationship, with Wolverine also being connected.

Looking back on these Alpha Flight issues (especially the Sasquatch/Super-Skrull issue) reminds me of just how skilled Byrne was in coreographing fight scenes.

The Sasquatch origin, and his losing control in the last issue, really hint at a possible bigger mystery to Walter's origin. There's definitely something happening here.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.11.GIF

Alpha Flight #11

"Set-Up"

1st appearance: Omega Flight (Wild Child, Diamond Lil, Box, Flashback)

Omega Flight make their deadly debut. Who are these counterparts of AF? And what nefarious scheme have they cooked up? Probably not a good one for lone Guardian! :evilsmile:

I wonder if the opening of #11 parallels John Byrne's leaving Canada and coming to the States? I know he was very patriotic towards Canada until he came to live in America. I just wonder because Heather Hudson says a bittersweet farewell to she and James Hudson home in Canada. A place they've lived in for 10 years. She wanders the halls "hearing" voices of events that happened there. Including conversations with short-stuff himself... Wolverine. Off to the United States Heather heads, to a whole new life. Meanwhile, in Manhattan at the Twin Towers, a group of individuals have been assembled. Roger Bochs is a red-haired man in a mechanical wheelchair, but he powers a huge robot named Box! Diamond Lil is an indestructible giantess. Flashback is a living temporal anomaly, a man who can summon his future. Smart Alec has a computer-brain. And Wild Child looks like an anorexic Sabretooth. Wild Child looks quite menacing. They've been collected by beauty Courtney Delphine, and wheelchair-bound Jerome Jaxon enters the businessroom. He wants James Hudson's dreams crushed, as Mac has crushed all THEIR dreams. And he wants the destruction of Alpha Flight!

James Hudson arrives at the airport to pick up his wife, Heather. But some mystery woman has taken her. James puts two-and-two together, and realizes Roxxon Oil has duped him! Mac dons his Guardian suit (looking quite cool, BTW!) and smashes his way into a Twin Tower! He is greeted by vengeful Jaxon, and soon stands before the terrifying might of OMEGA FLIGHT! Alone against a seemingly formidable foe!

The final segment of Alpha Flight Origins displays Walter Langkowski, as we learn he attended college for 1 term with Bruce Banner. Instead of joining the hippie movement of the day, he and Banner studied science deeply. And Walt was impressed when he learned that Banner had become the Incredible Hulk! So Walt has tried to duplicate the Gamma tests that spawned the green behemoth! But in a remote part of Canada, his plans go awry, bathed in Gamma Rays, he reverts into an orange-furred beast! Smashing out of the lab, he strides 500 HUNDREDS MILES before new recruit Snowbird locates him, lying face first in the deepening snow. Soon, he is joining Department H...and taking the codenname SASQUATCH!!

That origin story sounds like a "What If" setup... "What If... the Hulk and Sasquatch became hippies?"


It's good seeing Wild Child, Box, and Diamond Lil. All three of them have been underused since the Weapon X series ended, and Wild Child's appearances in Wolverine and Wolverine: Origins have been head scratchers at best. I miss seeing Kyle with some semblence of sanity on X-Factor.

But yeah... Byrne did set up one great superhero vs. supervillain team battle. Sure, it might not be Avengers/Masters of Evil, or X-Men vs. Marauders, but Alpha Flight vs. Omega Flight is still always good fun.

[MartinRedmond]

Alpha Flight Origins: Continues with an in-depth look at Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, the poor child was sent to an all-girls religious school at an impressionable age. The horrible things done to her there badly traumatize her. She even attempts suicide by jumping off a roof.....only for her mutant power of FLIGHT to save her! She is wowed by the act, but her life continues to fall into gloom at the school. But slowly, the "Aurora" side of her comes out, talking to her through a mirror.

That back story probably has my favorite bit in Alpha Flight, once Aurora is older and has progressed in the Coven's hierarchy. She's left in the new room the nuns have awarded her, thinking to herself: "That's it! I now have everything I could ever possibly dream of!!!!" Then she has an argument with a mirror that turns violent and walks away from the coven forever.

[Agent_Torpor]

Vindicator has absolutely NO ASS on the cover of AF #11 there. Am I alone in noticing that?

[DDM]

Vindicator has absolutely NO ASS on the cover of AF #11 there. Am I alone in noticing that?

James Hudson is Guardian as of Alpha Flight #2. I believe John Byrne wanted to call him Guardian since his introduction in Uncanny X-Men #109, but the editors told him "no" for some reason.

[david r]

Steven Faulkner, thanks for answering my question. :smile: I remember reading that Scott Lobdell had planned a book called Uncanny Alpha Flight. I guess Marvel wasn't interested.
Wasn't volume 3 mainly a lot of comedy? I know it didn't sell well.
--You say you know the original plans for Omega Flight? Any possibility of hints to them?? :confused:

Babylon23, I too like Omega Flight, and intrigued by the promise of this counter-point to Alpha Flight. Another diverse group of baddies. I always like it when a whole bunch of brand-new characters just BANG! appear in a new issue.
--I too see John Byrne weaving several plots at once here, and really like it. I love an intricately plotted story; and Byrne seems to be juggling that now. Stuff that seems random....isn't at all.

Worstblogever, well, that "What If..." is more like "What If the Hulk and Sasquatch ignored the Hippies and became Scientists/Rampaging Monsters!" U Decide whether a hippie or a rampaging monster is more to your liking. :tongue:

MartinRedmond, Aurora's backstory was very telling. Jeanne-Marie seems badly traumatized by her time at the church. That *voice* from the mirror makes it even more sad.....and disturbing.

Agent_Torpor, Guardian got *no* back?

DDM, James Hudson tries to explain his name change in, I think, Alpha Flight #3. I guess Marvel finally gave in and let Byrne use the name "Guardian" at last.

[david r]

I like how John Byrne's name and the credits are in the books on the small bookcase:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-13_100100_AF_11_01.jpg

The individual members of Omega Flight:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-13_100151_AF_11_07.jpg

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-13_100241_AF_11_12.jpg

Should I be worried?

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-13_100643_AF_11_pinup.jpg

Some more of my thoughts on Alpha Flight #11:

--I guess Gamma Radiation is affected by the location. It sounds like something *else* interrupted Walt Langkowski's Hulk attempt.
--I've noticed through the years that Byrne uses people with disabilities often in his stories. I first noticed it in his Fantastic Four run. I applaud him doing this, as it seems nearly everyone in comics is young, superbly muscular and ridiculously beautiful. Showing that society is diverse and not shying away from showing it is a hallmark of Byrne's work.
--It's eerie seeing the World Trade Center in this story.
--Reading #11, I learned that Alpha Flight consists of just TWO MUTANTS!! Aurora and Northstar. So it's really not a mutant team. Who knew?

[Falconen]

davidr posted "Though exactly HOW they brought him (Super Skrull) to their isolated base never makes much sense. They *capture* his transmission as he's "Beaming Down"? Yeah, right."

Well, they actually did. This is a continuation of a story from Marvel Team Up # 112 (I think), with Spiderman and Ms Marvel (in the open belly outfit). They fought the Super Skrull on a cruise liner and they noticed that they could block the transmission of the energy beam supplying him with his cosmic FF powers by stringing. They then reversed polarity, or something Star Trekky like that, after stringing steel cables over the ship, and it basically neutralized his powers beamed him out to the Van Allen Belt. The research lab was searching for various transmissions in the VAB & they beamed him back in when they retrieved his transmission.

John Byrne even drew that issue, so he must have remembered and brought it into the story.

[Babylon23]

James Hudson is Guardian as of Alpha Flight #2. I believe John Byrne wanted to call him Guardian since his introduction in Uncanny X-Men #109, but the editors told him "no" for some reason.

Byrne talking about the Guardian/Vindicator name:

JB: As to Guardian -- Guardian! "Weapon Alpha" means nothing, and Canada has nothing to "vindicate". (Chris named him after a cool airplane, without thinking about the real meaning of the word.) Guardian is what the character was called when he was a fan creation (mine!). Canadian National Anthem, after all -- We stand on guard for thee... (11/04/2005)

[david r]

Well, they actually did. This is a continuation of a story from Marvel Team Up # 112 (I think), with Spiderman and Ms Marvel (in the open belly outfit). They fought the Super Skrull on a cruise liner and they noticed that they could block the transmission of the energy beam supplying him with his cosmic FF powers by stringing. They then reversed polarity, or something Star Trekky like that, after stringing steel cables over the ship, and it basically neutralized his powers beamed him out to the Van Allen Belt. The research lab was searching for various transmissions in the VAB & they beamed him back in when they retrieved his transmission.

John Byrne even drew that issue, so he must have remembered and brought it into the story.

I remember they mention that story. But I more meant the idea of "capturing" his transmission beam and bringing back to Earth seems a little far-fetched. But hey, these are funny books so I guess I should be more indulgent on resurrecting villains.

Still a cool story. I've definitely noticed that John Byrne likes to use various Marvel villains in his stories. While Chris Claremont mainly stays close to X-Men villains, and seldom uses baddies outside the X-Men world.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.12.GIF

Alpha Flight #12

"...And One Shall Surely Die"

This is it! A member dies, as the book hits #12 in a double-sized extravaganza! Heather Hudson has been captured by Courtney Delphine, and she learns, via television, that Jerry Jaxon is her kidnapper. We learn how over the last 10 years, Jaxon lost everything. He blames James Hudson for his failures in life. Once Mac left the Am-Can company, Jerry Jaxon's life collapsed in every way. He eventually tries to hang himself, but it only leads to his becoming paralyzed from the waist-down. His plans are now afoot to avenge himself on Hudson....and Alpha Flight! :evilsmile:

The rest of Alpha Flight are journeying to an isolated hill in Ontario, Canada. Where Shaman and Snowbird await them. Shaman has sent out the "call", to assemble the team for the first time since #2. Puck, Northstar, Aurora and Sasquatch heed the call. Unfortunately, the woman/child Marrina is enjoying her new aquatic life below the waves, along with her new lover, Namor the Sub-Mariner. Marrina does not hear the call. I find it amusing each time Alpha Flight has assembled in this book, they IMMEDIATELY START FIGHTIN'! This time is no difference, as Sasquatch and Northstar start the fists a'flying when Jean-Paul wants to talk to his sister. Soon, Puck has leaped and kicked Sasquatch in the face, to stop him. Quickly (too quickly), Walter Langkowski has lost control of his furry beast-side, and Sasquatch has gone animalistic and savage again!! Shaman realizes they cannot waste time like this, Guardian is waiting for them! He halts most of the heroes with his Indian powers, and asks Aurora to soothe the wild beast. Aurora's calm voice, and intimate nature with Walt, calms Sasquatch. Walt regains control. Shaman realizes something is wrong with Sasquatch, but that is for another time. Guardian has called them, and off they go....sent away on another Shaman trick from his medicine bag!

The next page is a stunning two-page spread, as Alpha Flight "re-emerges" in a room, with Guardian in the air shooting down on Omega Flight! A highpoint of this issue, indeed! The heroes begin beating up on Omega Flight. However, some fare better than others. Aurora gets cut up by Wild Child's sharp claws. Wild Child's costume makes him look feminine IMO. Diamond Lil begins to suffocate Snowbird with a single hair from her head! (An interesting power!) Shaman rescues Snowbird, only to discover Narya has aged considerably in mere moments. Michael Twoyoungmen realizes the farther away from Canada Snowbird goes, she begins to lose her lifeforce. Not good at all. Jerk Smart Alec grabs Shaman's medicine bag....and looks inside it!! Something you should never do! Smart Alec loses his mind as a result!!

Meanwhile, Heather Hudson is trying to break free from her captivity. She struggles with Courtney Delphine....and pulls skin from her face!! HOLY S**T! Courntey pulls her "skin" off, and stands revealed as a robot, with slightly feminine eyes. She was assigned to help Jerry Jaxon destroy Alpha Flight. Even Jaxon does not know her true nature. Back in the battle royale, Guardian is fighting with the giant robot Box, and the two plunge down a long tunnel. At the bottom,Box rips off Guardian's helmet and begins pummelling our hapless hero. We learn that the massive robot is being operated by disabled Jerry Jaxon! But Guardian is not without resources. He rips out wiring from his electric suit, and smashes it into Box's machinery under his head. There is a huge explosion. Not far away, there is electric backlash, and Jerry Jaxon himself is assaulted by energy blast, and collapses in silence.

The next sequence is a shocker! Bloodied and bruised Guardian stands, his suit badly ripped up, exposing circuitry. His suit has taken a bad beating, and it's power pack may explode if Mac doesn't disconnect it soon. In a pulse-pounding page, John Byrne draws panels designed as numbers; each panel showing Guardian carefully removing the power pack to disengage it. Suddenly, Heather enters the room, distracting Guardian. And then....BOOM!! A massive explosion which engulfs Guardian in a ball of flame. Mac whispers "Heather..." and falls to the floor, consumed in fire. Heather stands shocked....before the burning and dying body of her husband....the leader of Alpha Flight.....dead.

My thoughts: A sweat-inducing issue, Omega Flight prove a worthy opponent for Canada's superhero team. Again, I found it amusing Alpha Flight always fight when they are together. A very disfunctional team!! Courtney Delphine's revelation was rather gooey. Jerry Jaxon's plans for revenge may have lead to his death, but it appears he won. James "Mac" Hudson is killed, in a shocking conclusion. I kind of wish Marvel had NOT promoted #12 as the death of a hero. I think the finale would have been even more devastating if the readers had had NO IDEA what was coming. It was a superbly crafted sequence when Guardian perishes, filled with tension and shock. Heroes always make it, even in tight moments like this. But this time........one hero falls. It really feels like one subplot from #1 comes to conclusion here, with horrible results.

[Steven F.]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.12.GIF

Alpha Flight #12

"...And One Shall Surely Die"

This is it! A member dies, as the book hits #12 in a double-sized extravaganza! Heather Hudson has been captured by Courtney Delphine, and she learns, via television, that Jerry Jaxon is her kidnapper. We learn how over the last 10 years, Jaxon lost everything. He blames James Hudson for his failures in life. Once Mac left the Am-Can company, Jerry Jaxon's life collapsed in every way. He eventually tries to hang himself, but it only leads to his becoming paralyzed from the waist-down. His plans are now afoot to avenge himself on Hudson....and Alpha Flight! :evilsmile:

The rest of Alpha Flight are journeying to an isolated hill in Ontario, Canada. Where Shaman and Snowbird await them. Shaman has sent out the "call", to assemble the team for the first time since #2. Puck, Northstar, Aurora and Sasquatch heed the call. Unfortunately, the woman/child Marrina is enjoying her new aquatic life below the waves, along with her new lover, Namor the Sub-Mariner. Marrina does not hear the call. I find it amusing each time Alpha Flight has assembled in this book, they IMMEDIATELY START FIGHTIN'! This time is no difference, as Sasquatch and Northstar start the fists a'flying when Jean-Paul wants to talk to his sister. Soon, Puck has leaped and kicked Sasquatch in the face, to stop him. Quickly (too quickly), Walter Langkowski has lost control of his furry beast-side, and Sasquatch has gone animalistic and savage again!! Shaman realizes they cannot waste time like this, Guardian is waiting for them! He halts most of the heroes with his Indian powers, and asks Aurora to soothe the wild beast. Aurora's calm voice, and intimate nature with Walt, calms Sasquatch. Walt regains control. Shaman realizes something is wrong with Sasquatch, but that is for another time. Guardian has called them, and off they go....sent away on another Shaman trick from his medicine bag!

The next page is a stunning two-page spread, as Alpha Flight "re-emerges" in a room, with Guardian in the air shooting down on Omega Flight! A highpoint of this issue, indeed! The heroes begin beating up on Omega Flight. However, some fare better than others. Aurora gets cut up by Wild Child's sharp claws. Wild Child's costume makes him look feminine IMO. Diamond Lil begins to suffocate Snowbird with a single hair from her head! (An interesting power!) Shaman rescues Snowbird, only to discover Narya has aged considerably in mere moments. Michael Twoyoungmen realizes the farther away from Canada Snowbird goes, she begins to lose her lifeforce. Not good at all. Jerk Smart Alec grabs Shaman's medicine bag....and looks inside it!! Something you should never do! Smart Alec loses his mind as a result!!

Meanwhile, Heather Hudson is trying to break free from her captivity. She struggles with Courtney Delphine....and pulls skin from her face!! HOLY S**T! Courntey pulls her "skin" off, and stands revealed as a robot, with slightly feminine eyes. She was assigned to help Jerry Jaxon destroy Alpha Flight. Even Jaxon does not know her true nature. Back in the battle royale, Guardian is fighting with the giant robot Box, and the two plunge down a long tunnel. At the bottom,Box rips off Guardian's helmet and begins pummelling our hapless hero. We learn that the massive robot is being operated by disabled Jerry Jaxon! But Guardian is not without resources. He rips out wiring from his electric suit, and smashes it into Box's machinery under his head. There is a huge explosion. Not far away, there is electric backlash, and Jerry Jaxon himself is assaulted by energy blast, and collapses in silence.

The next sequence is a shocker! Bloodied and bruised Guardian stands, his suit badly ripped up, exposing circuitry. His suit has taken a bad beating, and it's power pack may explode if Mac doesn't disconnect it soon. In a pulse-pounding page, John Byrne draws panels designed as numbers; each panel showing Guardian carefully removing the power pack to disengage it. Suddenly, Heather enters the room, distracting Guardian. And then....BOOM!! A massive explosion which engulfs Guardian in a ball of flame. Mac whispers "Heather..." and falls to the floor, consumed in fire. Heather stands shocked....before the burning and dying body of her husband....the leader of Alpha Flight.....dead.

My thoughts: A sweat-inducing issue, Omega Flight prove a worthy opponent for Canada's superhero team. Again, I found it amusing Alpha Flight always fight when they are together. A very disfunctional team!! Courtney Delphine's revelation was rather gooey. Jerry Jaxon's plans for revenge may have lead to his death, but it appears he won. James "Mac" Hudson is killed, in a shocking conclusion. I kind of wish Marvel had NOT promoted #12 as the death of a hero. I think the finale would have been even more devastating if the readers had had NO IDEA what was coming. It was a superbly crafted sequence when Guardian perishes, filled with tension and shock. Heroes always make it, even in tight moments like this. But this time........one hero falls. It really feels like one subplot from #1 comes to conclusion here, with horrible results.

Such a great issue! Poor Heather, to know that she distracted him long enough for him to be killed.

I wish Marrina had been able to participate.

Next issue is really great, with the funeral scene...actually, the next issues get better and better and better for this series. The team coming together..new additions...changes for Aurora...can't wait to read the summaries!

[david r]

Well yes, Heather did walk in on Guardian at the worst possible moment. But what are the chances of that. Walking in on James RIGHT as he's working on his power pack?

The head of the team is killed off after 12 issues. I don't think anything like that has been done before in a comic book.
--The group are something of a mess! Exemplified by their infighting. How will they possibly stay together without Guardian??
--I like Shaman's costume, and his medicine bag, full of mysteries.
--The character we met in Uncanny X-Men #109 is dead. It's sad to think that.

new additions

I didn't know new additions come so soon. I hope they fit in!

[Zero Hunter]

I remember reading issue 12 when I was a kid and was shocked when it was Guardian that was the one to die. I honestly thought it was going to be some like Puck or Northstar, but Guardian never really crossed my mind.

That still stands as one of the best death scenes in a mainstream book for me anyway. I really hate how they messed up it up so badley latter on though.

[Ravenheart]

I remember reading this when it originally came out and was so shocked seeing that it was Guardian that died.Next to Sasquatch,he was my favorite character on the team.I'm looking forward to reading the issue again when Classic Alpha Flight vol.2 comes out next month.

[Froggy]

a truly shocking death. really like byrne's art

[DDM]

davidr posted "Though exactly HOW they brought him (Super Skrull) to their isolated base never makes much sense. They *capture* his transmission as he's "Beaming Down"? Yeah, right."

Well, they actually did. This is a continuation of a story from Marvel Team Up # 112 (I think), with Spiderman and Ms Marvel (in the open belly outfit). They fought the Super Skrull on a cruise liner and they noticed that they could block the transmission of the energy beam supplying him with his cosmic FF powers by stringing. They then reversed polarity, or something Star Trekky like that, after stringing steel cables over the ship, and it basically neutralized his powers beamed him out to the Van Allen Belt. The research lab was searching for various transmissions in the VAB & they beamed him back in when they retrieved his transmission.

John Byrne even drew that issue, so he must have remembered and brought it into the story.

You're thinking of Marvel Team-Up #61-62 by Chris Claremont & John Byrne:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52019311922.61.WHITMAN.GIF

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52019311922.62.GIF

Chris Claremont's last issue is Marvel Team-Up #100 to focus on The New Mutants book. John Byrne's last issue is Marvel Team-Up #79.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.12.GIF

Alpha Flight #12

"...And One Shall Surely Die"

This is it! A member dies, as the book hits #12 in a double-sized extravaganza! Heather Hudson has been captured by Courtney Delphine, and she learns, via television, that Jerry Jaxon is her kidnapper. We learn how over the last 10 years, Jaxon lost everything. He blames James Hudson for his failures in life. Once Mac left the Am-Can company, Jerry Jaxon's life collapsed in every way. He eventually tries to hang himself, but it only leads to his becoming paralyzed from the waist-down. His plans are now afoot to avenge himself on Hudson....and Alpha Flight! :evilsmile:

The rest of Alpha Flight are journeying to an isolated hill in Ontario, Canada. Where Shaman and Snowbird await them. Shaman has sent out the "call", to assemble the team for the first time since #2. Puck, Northstar, Aurora and Sasquatch heed the call. Unfortunately, the woman/child Marrina is enjoying her new aquatic life below the waves, along with her new lover, Namor the Sub-Mariner. Marrina does not hear the call. I find it amusing each time Alpha Flight has assembled in this book, they IMMEDIATELY START FIGHTIN'! This time is no difference, as Sasquatch and Northstar start the fists a'flying when Jean-Paul wants to talk to his sister. Soon, Puck has leaped and kicked Sasquatch in the face, to stop him. Quickly (too quickly), Walter Langkowski has lost control of his furry beast-side, and Sasquatch has gone animalistic and savage again!! Shaman realizes they cannot waste time like this, Guardian is waiting for them! He halts most of the heroes with his Indian powers, and asks Aurora to soothe the wild beast. Aurora's calm voice, and intimate nature with Walt, calms Sasquatch. Walt regains control. Shaman realizes something is wrong with Sasquatch, but that is for another time. Guardian has called them, and off they go....sent away on another Shaman trick from his medicine bag!

The next page is a stunning two-page spread, as Alpha Flight "re-emerges" in a room, with Guardian in the air shooting down on Omega Flight! A highpoint of this issue, indeed! The heroes begin beating up on Omega Flight. However, some fare better than others. Aurora gets cut up by Wild Child's sharp claws. Wild Child's costume makes him look feminine IMO. Diamond Lil begins to suffocate Snowbird with a single hair from her head! (An interesting power!) Shaman rescues Snowbird, only to discover Narya has aged considerably in mere moments. Michael Twoyoungmen realizes the farther away from Canada Snowbird goes, she begins to lose her lifeforce. Not good at all. Jerk Smart Alec grabs Shaman's medicine bag....and looks inside it!! Something you should never do! Smart Alec loses his mind as a result!!

Meanwhile, Heather Hudson is trying to break free from her captivity. She struggles with Courtney Delphine....and pulls skin from her face!! HOLY S**T! Courntey pulls her "skin" off, and stands revealed as a robot, with slightly feminine eyes. She was assigned to help Jerry Jaxon destroy Alpha Flight. Even Jaxon does not know her true nature. Back in the battle royale, Guardian is fighting with the giant robot Box, and the two plunge down a long tunnel. At the bottom,Box rips off Guardian's helmet and begins pummelling our hapless hero. We learn that the massive robot is being operated by disabled Jerry Jaxon! But Guardian is not without resources. He rips out wiring from his electric suit, and smashes it into Box's machinery under his head. There is a huge explosion. Not far away, there is electric backlash, and Jerry Jaxon himself is assaulted by energy blast, and collapses in silence.

The next sequence is a shocker! Bloodied and bruised Guardian stands, his suit badly ripped up, exposing circuitry. His suit has taken a bad beating, and it's power pack may explode if Mac doesn't disconnect it soon. In a pulse-pounding page, John Byrne draws panels designed as numbers; each panel showing Guardian carefully removing the power pack to disengage it. Suddenly, Heather enters the room, distracting Guardian. And then....BOOM!! A massive explosion which engulfs Guardian in a ball of flame. Mac whispers "Heather..." and falls to the floor, consumed in fire. Heather stands shocked....before the burning and dying body of her husband....the leader of Alpha Flight.....dead.

My thoughts: A sweat-inducing issue, Omega Flight prove a worthy opponent for Canada's superhero team. Again, I found it amusing Alpha Flight always fight when they are together. A very disfunctional team!! Courtney Delphine's revelation was rather gooey. Jerry Jaxon's plans for revenge may have lead to his death, but it appears he won. James "Mac" Hudson is killed, in a shocking conclusion. I kind of wish Marvel had NOT promoted #12 as the death of a hero. I think the finale would have been even more devastating if the readers had had NO IDEA what was coming. It was a superbly crafted sequence when Guardian perishes, filled with tension and shock. Heroes always make it, even in tight moments like this. But this time........one hero falls. It really feels like one subplot from #1 comes to conclusion here, with horrible results.

John Byrne's Alpha Flight is memorable because he did not use any comic book cliches once the book is established; as you mentioned, Alpha Flight is hardly together as a team & meet by happenstance for battles. Alpha Flight #11-12 is the time the whole team has been together since Alpha Flight #1-4. John Byrne also took a great risk by having the leader & heart of the team, James McDonald Hudson, die tragically & a hero over some man's mad scheme of revenge.

More subplots are getting their time with Snowbird & Sasquatch. I believe Jaxon knew of Snowbird's weakness & that's why the battle takes place in NYC. Shaman made his spell too specific & turned one of Alpha Flight's most powerful members into a weakness.

Marvel take note. This is how good comics are written.

Looking at my backissues, I've got replace several of them given they are not in M-NM condition.

[Falconen]

You're thinking of Marvel Team-Up #61-62 by Chris Claremont & John Byrne:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52019311922.61.WHITMAN.GIF

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52019311922.62.GIF

Chris Claremont's last issue is Marvel Team-Up #100 to focus on The New Mutants book. John Byrne's last issue is Marvel Team-Up #79.

Thanks DDM, I wasn't sure of the issue number, and I knew the Ms Marvel had shown up more than a few times in Marvel Team Up. She even showed up for the first time in the Lightining Bolt outfit in one of the Team Up stories.

[david r]

To everyone who has posted, I too was shocked by Guardian's sudden death. We see superheroes in similiar jams all the time, and they always make it at the last second. Only this time................Guardian didn't make it.

Also, the fact he was the leader, as DDM noted. Leaders rarely get knocked off, especially so soon in a book's life. That made James Hudson's death so memorable. And it was rather a meaningless death. Sure he'd beaten Jerry Jaxon, but dying the way he did isn't how heroes usually die. The battle was won, and then....BOOM!!

I wonder when John Byrne started this book, if he planned from the start to kill Guardian?

DDM, I agree it was devilishly clever of the villains to send Snowbird away from Canada. Thus, they hoped to weaken one of Alpha Flight's strongest members. They proved correct in their scheme. As for my back issues, I need to buy a new #12, as this copy is in bad shape. It even has lost color on the cover from so much holding it too long. :tongue: :biggrin:

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.12.GIF

Alpha Flight #12

"...And One Shall Surely Die"

This is it! A member dies, as the book hits #12 in a double-sized extravaganza! Heather Hudson has been captured by Courtney Delphine, and she learns, via television, that Jerry Jaxon is her kidnapper. We learn how over the last 10 years, Jaxon lost everything. He blames James Hudson for his failures in life. Once Mac left the Am-Can company, Jerry Jaxon's life collapsed in every way. He eventually tries to hang himself, but it only leads to his becoming paralyzed from the waist-down. His plans are now afoot to avenge himself on Hudson....and Alpha Flight! :evilsmile:

The rest of Alpha Flight are journeying to an isolated hill in Ontario, Canada. Where Shaman and Snowbird await them. Shaman has sent out the "call", to assemble the team for the first time since #2. Puck, Northstar, Aurora and Sasquatch heed the call. Unfortunately, the woman/child Marrina is enjoying her new aquatic life below the waves, along with her new lover, Namor the Sub-Mariner. Marrina does not hear the call. I find it amusing each time Alpha Flight has assembled in this book, they IMMEDIATELY START FIGHTIN'! This time is no difference, as Sasquatch and Northstar start the fists a'flying when Jean-Paul wants to talk to his sister. Soon, Puck has leaped and kicked Sasquatch in the face, to stop him. Quickly (too quickly), Walter Langkowski has lost control of his furry beast-side, and Sasquatch has gone animalistic and savage again!! Shaman realizes they cannot waste time like this, Guardian is waiting for them! He halts most of the heroes with his Indian powers, and asks Aurora to soothe the wild beast. Aurora's calm voice, and intimate nature with Walt, calms Sasquatch. Walt regains control. Shaman realizes something is wrong with Sasquatch, but that is for another time. Guardian has called them, and off they go....sent away on another Shaman trick from his medicine bag!

The next page is a stunning two-page spread, as Alpha Flight "re-emerges" in a room, with Guardian in the air shooting down on Omega Flight! A highpoint of this issue, indeed! The heroes begin beating up on Omega Flight. However, some fare better than others. Aurora gets cut up by Wild Child's sharp claws. Wild Child's costume makes him look feminine IMO. Diamond Lil begins to suffocate Snowbird with a single hair from her head! (An interesting power!) Shaman rescues Snowbird, only to discover Narya has aged considerably in mere moments. Michael Twoyoungmen realizes the farther away from Canada Snowbird goes, she begins to lose her lifeforce. Not good at all. Jerk Smart Alec grabs Shaman's medicine bag....and looks inside it!! Something you should never do! Smart Alec loses his mind as a result!!

Meanwhile, Heather Hudson is trying to break free from her captivity. She struggles with Courtney Delphine....and pulls skin from her face!! HOLY S**T! Courntey pulls her "skin" off, and stands revealed as a robot, with slightly feminine eyes. She was assigned to help Jerry Jaxon destroy Alpha Flight. Even Jaxon does not know her true nature. Back in the battle royale, Guardian is fighting with the giant robot Box, and the two plunge down a long tunnel. At the bottom,Box rips off Guardian's helmet and begins pummelling our hapless hero. We learn that the massive robot is being operated by disabled Jerry Jaxon! But Guardian is not without resources. He rips out wiring from his electric suit, and smashes it into Box's machinery under his head. There is a huge explosion. Not far away, there is electric backlash, and Jerry Jaxon himself is assaulted by energy blast, and collapses in silence.

The next sequence is a shocker! Bloodied and bruised Guardian stands, his suit badly ripped up, exposing circuitry. His suit has taken a bad beating, and it's power pack may explode if Mac doesn't disconnect it soon. In a pulse-pounding page, John Byrne draws panels designed as numbers; each panel showing Guardian carefully removing the power pack to disengage it. Suddenly, Heather enters the room, distracting Guardian. And then....BOOM!! A massive explosion which engulfs Guardian in a ball of flame. Mac whispers "Heather..." and falls to the floor, consumed in fire. Heather stands shocked....before the burning and dying body of her husband....the leader of Alpha Flight.....dead.

My thoughts: A sweat-inducing issue, Omega Flight prove a worthy opponent for Canada's superhero team. Again, I found it amusing Alpha Flight always fight when they are together. A very disfunctional team!! Courtney Delphine's revelation was rather gooey. Jerry Jaxon's plans for revenge may have lead to his death, but it appears he won. James "Mac" Hudson is killed, in a shocking conclusion. I kind of wish Marvel had NOT promoted #12 as the death of a hero. I think the finale would have been even more devastating if the readers had had NO IDEA what was coming. It was a superbly crafted sequence when Guardian perishes, filled with tension and shock. Heroes always make it, even in tight moments like this. But this time........one hero falls. It really feels like one subplot from #1 comes to conclusion here, with horrible results.


So many shocking moments in this issue... from Omega Flight's onslaught, to Smart Alec being driven crazy, to the nature of Snowbird's powers, to Courtney Delphine being revealed as a robot, and Jaxon and Guardian's deaths... WOW. One issue, ladies and gents.

John Byrne admits he has a bit of an ego (See the cover of She-Hulk where he cameos, and he wrote Jen to tell him as much if you need reference for that fact). I think when he writes like this, I can understand why. This really is a great series so far, and an AMAZING end to his first year on the book.

[david r]

So many shocking moments in this issue... from Omega Flight's onslaught, to Smart Alec being driven crazy, to the nature of Snowbird's powers, to Courtney Delphine being revealed as a robot, and Jaxon and Guardian's deaths... WOW. One issue, ladies and gents.

Indeed. It is a double-sized issue, and Marvel rams as much story in here as they can.

John Byrne admits he has a bit of an ego (See the cover of She-Hulk where he cameos, and he wrote Jen to tell him as much if you need reference for that fact).

As least he has a sense of humor about his ego.

I think when he writes like this, I can understand why. This really is a great series so far, and an AMAZING end to his first year on the book.

Totally in agreement. Alpha Flight so far has been superb. Byrne maybe at the peak of his artistic powers. Great, colorful characters. Multiple subplots running thru the title, to keep it interesting. And the first year certainly ended with a BANG.

[david r]

John Byrne draws a good Shaman. I especially like that fourth panel shot of him:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-20_101026_AF_12_09.jpg

Alpha Flight rough-housing:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-20_101105_AF_12_17.jpg

Two-page spread, Guardian versus Omega Flight:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-20_101220_AF_12_22-23.jpg

A creatively drawn page, as Guardian attempts to remove his power pack from exploding:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-20_101426_AF_12_36.jpg

[david r]

Like a kick in the gut, Guardian's suit explodes...

http://www.alphaflight.net/character_galleries/guardian1/guardian1_gallery8.jpg

[Ravenheart]

Byrne drew the best Alpha Flight.

[david r]

John Byrne's thoughts on #12:

There is something very subtle in this issue, that tied in to plans I had in FANTASTIC FOUR. Plans that, as it turned out, didn't ultimately come to fruition. (That happens a lot!)

In any case, keep in mind that this whole scene was pushing the Code about
as far as superhumanly possible. Had I made the images much clearer, the
scene might not have passed review.

This issue clearly generated an emotional response. Sometimes, looking back, I think it got more than a tad too emotional, in some quarters. There were letters I received that, by virtue of having crossed state lines, would have been suitable fodder for the FBI if they'd taken their ire about .01% further. (Frank Miller, when he killed Elektra, got mail that went that extra percentage and more! And Frank did forward those letters to the FBI!)
I wonder, thinking about it now, at this end of the long tunnel of history, if no small number of "Bad Byrne" stories were begun in the pages of this comic. I mean, the responses were really that charged, and we know there are some fans who never, ever let go. (You can find many of them still happy to discuss how MAN OF STEEL "ruined" Superman.) This certainly drew a line thru my career, and I was at least vaguely aware even then that some fans seemed to have entirely lost their sense of humor in the wake of this issue. That things I said in interviews and at conventions, from this point forward, for many people no longer elicited the expected laughs, but frothing, foaming anger.

Gee -- I miss the days when the audience turned over every five years!!

Byrne has confirmed he planned to kill Guardian from the first issue. And.........confirms Guardian indeed would have LIVED if Heather had not walked in on him!

[Steven F.]

It is great to see Byrne's comments. I have never seen any of these comments.

[Agent_Torpor]

No one draws a better Sasquatch. NO ONE!

[Imraith Nimphais]

This issue was absolute brilliance all round...a classic...when it was released I bought two...one to read and one to keep in pristine condition...I've always appreciated difference and change (for the better)...and with this single issue Byrne changed the status quo so dramatically, so incredibly...how can one not truly appreciate what he has accomplished with this superhero team, indeed the superhero genre in just twelve issues...one year. Granted...nowadays it has now become en vogue (read cliche) to "die" or to loose one's powers (even Byrne himself was not exempt from this...in fact he may actually be the one to have started it...with a later issue) but at the time, for this one comic collector/reader...this was a thousand times better than whatever drug the other kids were using.

[david r]

This issue was absolute brilliance all round...a classic...when it was released I bought two...one to read and one to keep in pristine condition...I've always appreciated difference and change (for the better)...and with this single issue Byrne changed the status quo so dramatically, so incredibly...how can one not truly appreciate what he has accomplished with this superhero team, indeed the superhero genre in just twelve issues...one year. Granted...nowadays it has now become en vogue (read cliche) to "die" or to loose one's powers (even Byrne himself was not exempt from this...in fact he may actually be the one to have started it...with a later issue) but at the time, for this one comic collector/reader...this was a thousand times better than whatever drug the other kids were using.

It was another shocking death, even on par with Jean Grey. John Byrne was clever, because they reveal *someone* is going to die. But you would NEVER guess the team leader. And then.....it IS THE TEAM LEADER who gets killed. And like you say, back then, deaths were still rare and held some power. I think the fact the leader got it, for such a new team, made it resonate even more.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.13.GIF

Alpha Flight #13

"Nightmare"

Guardian is dead. Alpha Flight have lost their leader. Just the right time for a Wolverine guest-star appearance... :wink:

Kudos to Byrne, for the 1st half of #13 is a silent issue. These are always interesting in their way. As you must really pay attention to the artwork to follow the story. The issue's credits are listed on tombstones! :eek: The issue opens in a graveyard. At the funeral of James MacDonald Hudson. All of Alpha Flight (minus Marrina) are present. Dressed in black, and with looks of deep sorrow on their faces. Each member shows their sorrow for Heather Hudson in their own way. Snowbird touches Heather's forehead, then transforms into an owl and flies away. Heather and Aurora hesitantly look at each other....then embrace. Heather turns to Northstar, but he moves away and flies off. (What a generous fellow.) Heather and Puck embrace.

Soon, Heather is alone at the grave. Except for a short guy wearing a cowboy suit, standing in the shadows of a tree. He lights a cigarette....there stands Wolverine. With no words or captions in this entire sequence, Heather lays down and places her head on her husband's grave. Suddenly, the grave begins to crack! As Wolverine watches with shock, fiery, burning hands smash out of the grave!! A burned creature....who was once Guardian...rises from the grave and chases Heather through the cemetery. Wolverine leaps to action, his cowboy hat falling off! He slahes at the burning man with his indestructible claws!! But the fiery figure holds Wolvie's hands down, and then places his hot hand on Wolverine's face..burning him horribly. The creature chases after Heather and finally catches her at the fence. It brings her close and tries to....KISS HER! Heather now awakens screaming in her bed, having had a horrible nightmare!!

Shaman and Puck are in the next room, and Michael Twoyoungmen comforts her. The whole funeral sequence was an awful dream. It has been a month since Guardian's death. We learn Shaman has "shrunken" Smart Alec down and carries him in his medicine bag. Shaman wants to find a way to cure him from his comatose state. The rest of the issue has plenty of dialogue; as Puck, Shaman and Heather Hudson meet with Alpha Flight's government liaison, Gary Cody, and inform him of Guardian's death. Gary is shocked by the news! Why hadn't the gov't been informed until now?Heather wants some answers of her own, and tells him the details surrounding her husband's murder. Specifically Omega Flight, Jerry Jaxon and Courtney Delphine. But Gary says there's nothing he can do. Once Department H was disbanded, Guardian and Alpha Flight were on their own. Hell, the government cannot even recognize that Mac Hudson even worked for them. EVER. Department H was THAT Top Secret. Heather and Puck are outraged, Puck threatening to punch Gary Cody's lights out. After the meeting ,the 3 talk at a fast food restaurant named Jo-Jo's. Heather doesn't know what she's going to do. She has lost her apartment. She has no job. Hudson had insurance, but there's no body. The body is ashes. She cannot collect her insurance money. And without Mac, there is no Alpha Flight. His dream died with him. But Heather isn't beaten yet.

My thoughts: The funeral scene was very powerful. I think using no script or dialogue struck home even more the solemn occasion. It's rare to see a silent issue in superhero books; even though this was only half silent, it still packed a wallop. The individual members of Alpha Flight expressing their grief to Heather pulled on the heart-strings. As for Logan, I'm really not sure what to make of Wolverine's cameo. The whole thing was a dream. Did Wolverine actually attend James Hudson's funeral? I would think so, myself. But I don't like advertising him and then it's all only a nightmare. Seemed a little gratuitous.Byrne's art shined, as usual. I think his artwork is getting better on AF.

[worstblogever]

Alpha Flight #13

"Nightmare"

Guardian is dead. Alpha Flight have lost their leader. Just the right time for a Wolverine guest-star appearance... :wink:

Kudos to Byrne, for the 1st half of #13 is a silent issue. These are always interesting in their way. As you must really pay attention to the artwork to follow the story. The issue's credits are listed on tombstones! :eek: The issue opens in a graveyard. At the funeral of James MacDonald Hudson. All of Alpha Flight (minus Marrina) are present. Dressed in black, and with looks of deep sorrow on their faces. Each member shows their sorrow for Heather Hudson in their own way. Snowbird touches Heather's forehead, then transforms into an owl and flies away. Heather and Aurora hesitantly look at each other....then embrace. Heather turns to Northstar, but he moves away and flies off. (What a generous fellow.) Heather and Puck embrace.

Soon, Heather is alone at the grave. Except for a short guy wearing a cowboy suit, standing in the shadows of a tree. He lights a cigarette....there stands Wolverine. With no words or captions in this entire sequence, Heather lays down and places her head on her husband's grave. Suddenly, the grave begins to crack! As Wolverine watches with shock, fiery, burning hands smash out of the grave!! A burned creature....who was once Guardian...rises from the grave and chases Heather through the cemetery. Wolverine leaps to action, his cowboy hat falling off! He slahes at the burning man with his indestructible claws!! But the fiery figure holds Wolvie's hands down, and then places his hot hand on Wolverine's face..burning him horribly. The creature chases after Heather and finally catches her at the fence. It brings her close and tries to....KISS HER! Heather now awakens screaming in her bed, having had a horrible nightmare!!

Shaman and Puck are in the next room, and Michael Twoyoungmen comforts her. The whole funeral sequence was an awful dream. It has been a month since Guardian's death. We learn Shaman has "shrunken" Smart Alec down and carries him in his medicine bag. Shaman wants to find a way to cure him from his comatose state. The rest of the issue has plenty of dialogue; as Puck, Shaman and Heather Hudson meet with Alpha Flight's government liaison, Gary Cody, and inform him of Guardian's death. Gary is shocked by the news! Why hadn't the gov't been informed until now?Heather wants some answers of her own, and tells him the details surrounding her husband's murder. Specifically Omega Flight, Jerry Jaxon and Courtney Delphine. But Gary says there's nothing he can do. Once Department H was disbanded, Guardian and Alpha Flight were on their own. Hell, the government cannot even recognize that Mac Hudson even worked for them. EVER. Department H was THAT Top Secret. Heather and Puck are outraged, Puck threatening to punch Gary Cody's lights out. After the meeting ,the 3 talk at a fast food restaurant named Jo-Jo's. Heather doesn't know what she's going to do. She has lost her apartment. She has no job. Hudson had insurance, but there's no body. The body is ashes. She cannot collect her insurance money. And without Mac, there is no Alpha Flight. His dream died with him. But Heather isn't beaten yet.

My thoughts: The funeral scene was very powerful. I think using no script or dialogue struck home even more the solemn occasion. It's rare to see a silent issue in superhero books; even though this was only half silent, it still packed a wallop. The individual members of Alpha Flight expressing their grief to Heather pulled on the heart-strings. As for Logan, I'm really not sure what to make of Wolverine's cameo. The whole thing was a dream. Did Wolverine actually attend James Hudson's funeral? I would think so, myself. But I don't like advertising him and then it's all only a nightmare. Seemed a little gratuitous.Byrne's art shined, as usual. I think his artwork is getting better on AF.

Byrne really takes this funeral in a different direction than most would expect. I mean, rather than a big state funeral to honor their heroic champion... the Canadian government up and DISAVOWS all knowledge of his existence, and his widow is jerked around by insurance companies since there's no body! It's a great issue for me, because nothing's sacred. Including that flashback sequence!

Somehow, what with all the issues with Wolverine and Guardian, I don't know if he'd make the funeral. If he did, I'd read into the dream Heather had a bit more to wonder if there was some sort of "mourning hook-up". Grief is weird that way, and Logan, in my mind, would be just as likely to not take advantage of a widow as he would to go ahead and help her grieve in that way.

I hate myself so much for saying that right now. :frown:

Anyway, my other thought on the issue? Shaman should've known to just leave Smart Alec in a coma. :wink:

[Imraith Nimphais]

This issue for me was another example of pushing the artistic/creative envelope...much as he did with "Snowblind"...wheras that issue was art-less/with dialogue...this one, for the first half, was dialogue-less with art...and you are quite correct David...it allowed the reader to focus on the art/characters which in turn allowed us to truly "feel" the depth of the moment, much like "snowblind" allowed us to truly imagine what was happening to both combatants...these issues seemed almost interactive by drawing the reader deeper into the narrative emotionally and mentally and not just visually.

[Steven F.]

This issue for me was another example of pushing the artistic/creative envelope...much as he did with "Snowblind"...wheras that issue was art-less/with dialogue...this one, for the first half, was dialogue-less with art...and you are quite correct David...it allowed the reader to focus on the art/characters which in turn allowed us to truly "feel" the depth of the moment, much like "snowblind" allowed us to truly imagine what was happening to both combatants...these issues seemed almost interactive by drawing the reader deeper into the narrative emotionally and mentally and not just visually.

I totally agree with this.

Speaking for this issue in particular, it really helped me as a reader get into the story, and feel real emotion.

Brilliant issue.

[david r]

Worstblogever, Wolverine and "mourning hook-up"! I don't know where you are getting that. I didn't sense any vibe like that. Yes, I do think Logan attended the funeral. I think Heather's nightmare replayed the funeral, and only the end was different. The whole "Guardian's hand smashing out of grave" part reminded me of the movie Carrie at the end.

Imraith Nimphais, John Byrne indeed does experiment in this series. #13 flipped what he did in "Snowblind" very well. Somehow seeing the funeral with no words drove the point home even more. I also think it helped Byrne meet his deadline! :smile: But you know what, it's these kinds of things that make a series memorable. So I'm all for it.

More thoughts on the funeral:

--When I read that Guardian's body was "not found"....I raised an eyebrow. Hmmm..............
--Steven, I felt real emotion actually when Heather and Aurora embraced. These two have NEVER liked each other, and yet their hesitant show of emotion made the funeral even more real. It's moments like these that make these full character.
--I wonder why Jean-Paul was so standoffish with Heather? She goes to connect with him, he shrugs and then flies away. He's shown some ego, but this emotionless gesture I did not expect from Northstar.

[david r]

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-27_103224_AF_13_01.jpg

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-27_103312_AF_13_05.jpg

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2007-12-27_103350_AF_13_09.jpg

John Byrne has confirmed that the first part of the funeral DID happen.

[Steven F.]

I am glad you posted some of those pages, so people who don't have it can see the power in this art...the story being told so masterfully.

[Falconen]

I loved John Byrne's art during this time. Marvel Team Up, Iron Fist, X-Men, Avengers (loved his Scarlet Witch & Beast), Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, Hulk, Superman... Wow!!! He had a great run, and was very consistent in all his titles (even the ones he was only on for a short time). He always seemed to want to push envelopes as well as try new artistic things.

[Valjean999]

Logan couldnt make it to the funeral, as he was busy in the 'Kitty Pryde and Wolverine" mini-series. He found out about the death in issue 4 of that series (I think it was 4, anyway..I'm going by memory here...)

[Imraith Nimphais]

Just how creepy is that first page with the production crews' names on the headstones? and Jim Shooter's has "Death" as his guardian angel...creepy, with a dash of humour?

[Agent_Torpor]

This thread is bringing back so many memories of this series when I was a kid. I just actually bought the tpb of Alpha Flight Classic thanks to you guys. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

And just how hawt was Heather Mac in her sexy funeral boots there? Rooowr.

[Froggy]

i'm ssly ng about getting alpha flight classic now

[david r]

Steven Faulkner, You're welcome. It's odd that John Byrne himself thinks this art is...bad!

Falconen, I agree totally, Byrne had a fantastic run. I think all the way through till the mid-1990s. He is my favorite artist of the 1980s. :smile:

Valjean999, Do you recommend the Kitty Pryde and Wolverine mini-series?

Imraith Nimphais, I felt those credits are quite humorous. JB finds innovative ways to do the credits, eh? I think Jim Shooter is the Grim Reaper? Artistic license, Mr. Byrne??

Agent Torpor, Froggy, I hope you both get the Alpha Flight Classic tpbs! Good, good stuff here. And it has only gotten better & better. I hope Marvel finishes out the entire Byrne run. :smile: And Torpor...wait until you see Heather in #14. Heather has quite the long legs! See now why Mac was smiling.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.14.GIF

Alpha Flight #14

"Biology Class"

What lurks in Lake Ontario? This cover has a strong Jaws feel to it. Will Heather soon be reunited with her dead husband in Heaven? :eek:

But first Snowbird is returning home. To Canada, after her ordeal in New York. She barely survived. Shaman greets her,and wishes she'd cool it down. Narya is partly human, as well, and has her limits. She heeds his words, and flies away. But where she sat against a rock...begins to stain and corrode. Something is WRONG with Snowbird. (I love her unique look. And her eyes which are white in the pupil, and black on the outside.) Back in Toronto, Puck and Heather Hudson are the shores of the Great Lakes. It has been six weeks since Guardian's death, and Heather is still coping with the loss of her husband. She is down to just a few thousand dollars, which won't last out the year. She hasn't had a job in years. What will she do? There is a scream near the water, and the 2 heroes rush out to see. A woman is beside herself, as her child was just grabbed by "something in the water" and vanished in the depths below. Heather takes off her shirt and dives in with just a bra and jeans!

Heather swims to the murky depths of the lake, and senses something wrong. She locates the baby-stroller, but the child is gone. A tentacle swims near her and grabs her leg!! She swims to the surface but is dragged down again! Puck reaches out his arm to save her, and several panic-filled seconds tick as Heather fights the creature! But finally Puck grabs her arm and pulls her out of the water. Heather is dazed, and her legs are ripped to shreds. Like a "hundred razor blades" have slashed them. She is rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, with Aurora, she is taking a shower when her bless is disrupted by her alter ego, Jeannie-Marie Beaubier the schoolteacher, comes thrusting out of the window and tries to grab her. Aurora collapses in the bathroom, shocked.

In Toronto, with Heather in the hospital but doing better, Puck sees the investigating police officer. He learns sixteen people have vanished recently around the Great Lakes. Something is taking people! Real fast, let's get re-acquainted with Marrina, who is immensely enjoying her time with Prince Namor in Atlantis. So much so that Namor asks for her to become his Queen! But before Marrina can say YES!, she receives the Alpha Flight call signal and swims to meet with Puck. Puck, waiting on a dock, has surmised the creature under the waves is one of Marrina's alien descendents. One of the "pods" much have survived as she did, and now it is awake and feeding on human beings.

My thoughts: This issue has a cool mystery vibe; and the water sequence with Heather was very scary. Anyone who has gone swimming in a lake or the ocean knows that fear of *something* waiting in the watery depths below. I hope she recovers from her hurt legs. As for Puck and Marrina.....I question HOW Puck can forgive Marrina so easily for her act in Alpha Flight #2. Marrina nearly killed Puck, and I can't see him casually brushing this away. I would never trust her again. I also wonder.....now that Guardian is dead, what is the status of Alpha Flight? The members have all gone back to their normal lives. Is this team still a reality now?

[Falconen]

I really liked how JB included always included Heather as a supporting character, and slowly brings her in as the main driven focus of the group. She is the J'onn J'onzz of Alpha Flight. The Heart and Soul of the group. She is a real person, and you care about her... and she doesn't have powers, just inner strength that she discovers she never had.

[Steven F.]

Puck and Marrina have long been friends and teammates, before Alpha, as two of the more successful members of Beta. I don't doubt Puck would forgive her, especially since it was not her fault...she had no control.

Also, feel free to call me Steven, haha. :D

[Steven F.]

I can't stand it anymore...I am starting to read Alpha Flight again tonight, lol. I have read through this series numerous times, start to finish, every appearance outside of the title, etc. I look forward to it again!

Plus, this time I will continue with volume 3 and Omega (and continue with Marvel Comics Presents and Hercules)...last time I read these runs was back before Vol 3 started.

Also, Marvel has plans for Alpha Flight next year...shhh...don't tell anyone I revealed that. :x

[Valjean999]

Valjean999, Do you recommend the Kitty Pryde and Wolverine mini-series?


I do recommend it, very much so. Its one of my favorites from this era, featruing two of my favorites and really cementing their close friendship.

[david r]

Falconen, Good points on Heather Hudson. She didn't get much attention in the first 10 issues of AF. But I've noticed a much larger role for her since Guardian died. She has an inner strength. I've noticed John Byrne has never shown her crying over James' death.

Steven, it is! :smile: Wow, you've even read every appearance OUTSIDE the main book. That is passion, right there. They are a great team, no doubt. And eh....it sounds like you have an "inside track" into Marvel Comics. Do you have a crystal ball? Are you a name I should remember??

Valjean999, I can't wait to read that mini. I haven't enjoyed that one yet. If it has the same quality as the first Wolverine series, I'll like it a lot.

[david r]

John Byrne on doing subplots:

I so miss that. As was RAMMED home while I was working on BLOOD OF THE DEMON,
there's no point in working stuff out one or two years in advance, as I did on ALPHA or
FF. Not when an editorial whim can rip the guts out of your story at any time for a
crossover stunt.

I've been discussing a new series (series of miniseries, really) with the good folk at IDW.
If it happens, one of the best things about it will be that, like NEXT MEN, I can start
layering again.

[Steven F.]

Edited Edited

[david r]

lol...no, my name would probably not be a name to remember (I did write a few handbook entries, LOL...lame)

That is cool! You have entered the pantheon of Marvel writers! Did you try to get more gigs there?

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.15.GIF

Alpha Flight #15

"Blind Date"

A very striking cover! As in...Marrina is striking Puck and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. It's one of my favorite covers yet. :smile: The mystery of Marrina and her undersea powers continues to deepen.

But first, the issue begins in the Northwest Territories. Back to the military base, that Snowbird worked at in her civilian guise as Anne McKenzie. Anne makes an unexpected visit to her military friend, Douglas Thompson. Anne feels Doug deserves an explanation for breaking out of her cell and disappearing. She reveals her SNOWBIRD appearance, before Doug's shocked eyes. He learns she is a member of Alpha Flight, and MUCH more than she seems. Snowbird goes to leave....but stops when Doug replies, HE LOVES HER!! (I've noticed this is a flip to the usual Marvel "secret identity" story. Instead of Don Blake/Thor or Peter Parker/Spider-Man with swooning females wanting to meet them, it's Anne McKenzie/Snowbird as the "Secret Identity", and Douglas Thompson as the unsuspected lovetorn male.

But the meat of the issue concerns the newest members of AF: Puck and Marrina. Something is killing people in huge Lake Ontario, and they plan to find out. (Interestingly, we learn Lake Ontario is truly HUGE and larger than many U.S. states!) I like Marrina's green outfit here. The arms of this suit resemble an octopus' arms, to me! Marrina dives into the lake's depths, to discover this unseen menace haunting it. She uses her enhanced senses to probe the water's mysteries. She finally finds a "scent trail" in a tunnel, leading to parts unknown. Marrina hesitates...and then swims into the tunnel. It leads a long ways, in pitch darkness. At last, Marrina surfaces in a hidden, grotto. Marrina emerges from the water....but some unseen "thing" hovers over her. Marrina yells, "Oh!" And that's that!

Soon, Marrina swims back to the surface. But she has turned into the angry, animalistic being we saw back in Alpha Flight #2. Marrina hits the land and attacks Puck. Puck takes off his jacket and wildly dodges the savage Marrina! We learn that our Puck was friends with Ernest Hemingway at one time, and apparently was good at fighting the bulls. Namor, the Sub-Mariner leaps out of the water, searching for Marrina. He makes a mistake and knocks out Puck. Soon, however, Namor himself is knocked out by a mysterious stranger. Who touches him and makes him senseless. The stranger removes his trenchcoat to reveal... the MASTER! Another subplot is touched on as Elizabeth Twoyoungmen walks in on her father, Shaman, at his medical office. Elizabeth doesn't want a cheery family reunion, she is here for another reason. Shaman stands shocked with disbelief at his grown daughter.

My thoughts: I liked seeing Marrina get some screen-time. She is one of my favorites, and I like her journey into Lake Ontario. Very scary. Puck also gets to shine, though he gets knocked out again pretty easily. And again, a gorgeous cover. I hope the Master finally illumates his "grand Plan" soon. He also has plans to destroy Atlantis!

[Steven F.]

Edited Edited

[Steven F.]

I love the way, right from the start, Heather has been such an important character in this series. The non-powered wife of a superhero. As you can tell, with the death of James, Heather is becoming even more of an important part, instead of fading away as one might expect.

Heather really is such a great character...I wish she was utilized at Marvel more.

And in this issue...we start getting more of Elizabeth Twoyoungmen! Yay!

[Hi-Fi]

I totally agree. I love Heather. You don't have to have super-powers to be an important character in a super-heroes group comic book.

[david r]

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-10_093653_AF_15_11.jpg

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[Agent_Torpor]

[IMG]http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-10_093849_AF_15_23.jpg

Crap, i just missed the deadline. :(

[david r]

Crap, i just missed the deadline. :(

So did I. And my copy of Alpha Flight #15 just arrived in the mail. :(

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.16.GIF

Alpha Flight #16

"...And Forsaking all Others..."

The climactic finale to the 2nd Master storyline. Puck and Namor are held prisoner on the Master's aquatic ship, with Marrina's fate held in their hands. Another adventure comes to a watery conclusion!

The Master stands aboard his aquatic craft (in the form of a fish!). Hidden in the waters of Lake Ontario. Namor and Puck are trapped inside cylinders; Namor is exhausted from water deprivation. Puck is dying from dehydration. Marrina has reverted to an animal-form, and floats in a water tank. The Master recounts his origin again to the assembled heroes. Along with that, is the monstrosity which is connected to Marrina. It is in another water-tank, and appears as a giant plant/octopus creature. It is Marrina's alien brethren; bred to destroy all life on Earth. The Master opens a doorway, and Marrina and the creature meet, and begin fighting each other. Puck tries to escape his cylinder, to no avail. He has an idea. Puck falls to the cylinder floor, and the monitors announce he is DEAD! The Master is shocked, and opens the cylinder to investigate. Sure enough, Puck has no pulse. Judd died from dehydration. The Master picks up the dwarf, as Namor vows to avenge his fallen comrade.

Happily, Puck can stop his heartbeat and breathing for short times. Taught to him in the Orient. Puck comes to life in the Master's arms, and kicks him with his legs. Puck leaps away and opens Namor's cylinder! The battle is afoot!! Puck rips off the Master's helmet and shatters the water-tank holding Marrina. The savage Marrina spills out into the chamber! The enriching salt water enlivens Namor, as the Master screams and stands revealed. The skins from his upper head has been ripped off!!! The helmet gave the Master control over this ship....and now he has lost it completely. The hideous alien monstrosity enters the chamber and attacks Namor, as the Master's aquatic ship moves violently. Luckily, Namor grabs Puck (who cannot breath water) and swims to the surface. A huge bubble reaches the surface, as the Master's ship implodes!!

Meanwhile, Heather Hudson is still in a hospital, recovering from leg wounds. Wolverine appears with his trademark cowboy hat. Logan has learned of James Hudson's death, and is here to help his old friend, Heather. Six hours later, Namor returns to mainland, with Puck waiting. He has searched for Marrina, but no sign of her remains. Namor is beside himself with grief, as he loved Marrina. But there is no more he can do, he must return to Atlantis. He flies away, bidding farewell to Puck. Puck waits, and then calls to Marrina. Marrina appears behind some rocks, having reverted back to normal. She did not want to see Namor. Marrina no longer believes she is even remotely human. As she wanders out into the vast sea, Marrina says, "No, I'm NOT Marrina, Judd. Marrina was a simple girl from a tiny island. She had a family and friends. People she loved and who loved her. While I...I am only a MONSTER."

My thoughts: I enjoyed this second go-around with the Master. Again, his costume remind me of Magneto. Puck hiding his breathing seemed a rather easy way out of his predicament; I guess the Master isn't too clever. But Puck saved the day again. Way to go, Judd! Wolverine made a nice cameo, as he shows caring feelings for Heather seldom seen in Logan. I found John Byrne writes him more straight-forward than Chris Claremont does, here. But...I feel the most sorry for poor Marrina. She doesn't deserve this despair and pain. I hope this isn't the last we see of her in this series.

[Steven F.]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.16.GIF

Alpha Flight #16

"...And Forsaking all Others..."

The climactic finale to the 2nd Master storyline. Puck and Namor are held prisoner on the Master's aquatic ship, with Marrina's fate held in their hands. Another adventure comes to a watery conclusion!

The Master stands aboard his aquatic craft (in the form of a fish!). Hidden in the waters of Lake Ontario. Namor and Puck are trapped inside cylinders; Namor is exhausted from water deprivation. Puck is dying from dehydration. Marrina has reverted to an animal-form, and floats in a water tank. The Master recounts his origin again to the assembled heroes. Along with that, is the monstrosity which is connected to Marrina. It is in another water-tank, and appears as a giant plant/octopus creature. It is Marrina's alien brethren; bred to destroy all life on Earth. The Master opens a doorway, and Marrina and the creature meet, and begin fighting each other. Puck tries to escape his cylinder, to no avail. He has an idea. Puck falls to the cylinder floor, and the monitors announce he is DEAD! The Master is shocked, and opens the cylinder to investigate. Sure enough, Puck has no pulse. Judd died from dehydration. The Master picks up the dwarf, as Namor vows to avenge his fallen comrade.

Happily, Puck can stop his heartbeat and breathing for short times. Taught to him in the Orient. Puck comes to life in the Master's arms, and kicks him with his legs. Puck leaps away and opens Namor's cylinder! The battle is afoot!! Puck rips off the Master's helmet and shatters the water-tank holding Marrina. The savage Marrina spills out into the chamber! The enriching salt water enlivens Namor, as the Master screams and stands revealed. The skins from his upper head has been ripped off!!! The helmet gave the Master control over this ship....and now he has lost it completely. The hideous alien monstrosity enters the chamber and attacks Namor, as the Master's aquatic ship moves violently. Luckily, Namor grabs Puck (who cannot breath water) and swims to the surface. A huge bubble reaches the surface, as the Master's ship implodes!!

Meanwhile, Heather Hudson is still in a hospital, recovering from leg wounds. Wolverine appears with his trademark cowboy hat. Logan has learned of James Hudson's death, and is here to help his old friend, Heather. Six hours later, Namor returns to mainland, with Puck waiting. He has searched for Marrina, but no sign of her remains. Namor is beside himself with grief, as he loved Marrina. But there is no more he can do, he must return to Atlantis. He flies away, bidding farewell to Puck. Puck waits, and then calls to Marrina. Marrina appears behind some rocks, having reverted back to normal. She did not want to see Namor. Marrina no longer believes she is even remotely human. As she wanders out into the vast sea, Marrina says, "No, I'm NOT Marrina, Judd. Marrina was a simple girl from a tiny island. She had a family and friends. People she loved and who loved her. While I...I am only a MONSTER."

My thoughts: I enjoyed this second go-around with the Master. Again, his costume remind me of Magneto. Puck hiding his breathing seemed a rather easy way out of his predicament; I guess the Master isn't too clever. But Puck saved the day again. Way to go, Judd! Wolverine made a nice cameo, as he shows caring feelings for Heather seldom seen in Logan. I found John Byrne writes him more straight-forward than Chris Claremont does, here. But...I feel the most sorry for poor Marrina. She doesn't deserve this despair and pain. I hope this isn't the last we see of her in this series.

Isn't Marinna's story such a sad story? She was exactly what she said...about being a simple girl (she was so young too) from a tiny island...and then to all this mess. :( Poor girl.

BTW, Marinna's story is not yet over in Alpha Flight. :D

Oh, and next issue is a big issue in the history of Alpha Flight.

[david r]

Marrina's story is sad, indeed. Right when she had marital bliss in her grasp (and QUEEN!), the Master shows up and ruins everything. I'm so glad to hear she will return again. She has developed as a favorite.

I noticed Puck mentions how Namor has been hero and villain in #16. Then replies they have much in common? Was Puck ever a villain?????:eek:

The Master escaped again. I guess you can't keep a good bad-guy down. Alpha Flight #16 was a fave issue so far. :smile:

[david r]

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-17_101843_AF_16_11.jpg

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-17_101904_AF_16_15.jpg

Goodbye, Marrina:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-17_101944_AF_16_22.jpg

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[Steven F.]

I can't wait for your summary and thoughts on 17. A new leader? Check. Some never before seen stories from the past? Check. More repercussions from Aurora breaking off her partnership with Northstar? Check.

Good stuff.

[david r]

Steven, what would you say was your favorite issue of ALPHA FLIGHT ever?

[Steven F.]

Steven, what would you say was your favorite issue of ALPHA FLIGHT ever?

Geez...that is way to tough for me to answer. While we continue going through the issues, I might figure that one out! It would probably be much later in the series through.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.17.GIF

Alpha Flight #17

"Dreams Die Hard"

I'm not sure what to make of #17. A good portion of it is lifted straight from Uncanny X-Men #109. When "Weapon Alpha/Guardian" made his comics debut, going after Wolverine and the X-Men in a New York forest. The rest of this issue has heart-to-heart discussions with Heather Hudson, Wolverine and Puck. With a major decision made...

#17 begins in the past, with James "Mac" Hudson donning the cool Canadian-flag costume for the first time. (I love how great it looks!) His wife, Heather, is very impressed with it. But James doesn't plan to be using it much; he's not going to lead Alpha Flight anyway. But at that moment, James gets a call from Major Chasen, straight out of events in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Weapon X, aka Wolverine, had just had a meeting with Professor Charles Xavier, and decided to jumpship, and leave Department H and Canada altogether. Logan slashed Chasen's tie on the way out. Chasen is now ordering Hudson to locate and retrieve Weapon X, NO MATTER WHAT!! (I love Chasen holding his shredded tie!)

All this is being remembered in the present. By widow Heather Hudson in a hospital bed, following events in AF #14. Logan is sitting by her side, trying to make her feel better. They reminisciese about James, and how the Hudsons were like parents to younger Logan. When they found him lost out in the wilds of Canada. Heather tells Logan how HURT James was when Logan-Weapon X stormed away from Department H. How the Canadian government ordered him to bring Logan back; so James donned the Guardian costume and went into action for the first time. The next several pages are lifted whole from the Chris Claremont/John Byrne issue of X-Men---#109. We see Weapon Alpha (James Hudson) battle Wolverine in a forest, then battle Colossus, Storm and Banshee. James hurts Moira MacTaggert with a stray shot. Weapon Alpha escapes from all the mutants, minus the canucklehead. Once safe, James realizes what a mess he made of the operation. And he says "Whatever else happens, there's an awful lot I have to VINDICATE". I wonder if that was a gag line from Byrne?

Back in the presnent, Heather tells Logan she thinks she killed Mac. That walking in on him disrupted him, and he perished. She sobs and Logan tries to help. At that moment, Puck enters the hospital room and Logan and Puck meet and shake hands. Once again, there is a mention that Puck was a villain, as Logan states "We've seen enough of the same action--even though it wasn't always on the same side." Puck states that even though Guardian is dead, Alpha Flight should continue. And it should have a new leader. Wolverine says he's flattered, but he has commitments elsewhere. Puck says he DIDN'T MEAN Wolverine. Puck nominates Heather Hudson as new team leader. Heather is flabbergasted and says she's never done super-heroics before. But Logan and Puck talk her into it.....so Heather says "I will be that leader!!" Also,Walter Langkowski is doing experiments on Aurora in a lab to separate her from the connection with her brother, Northstar. He seems to be succesful in the operation.

My thoughts: I'm on the fence over this one. I very much enjoyed the deep discussion with Logan & Heather. Also, with Puck and his belief that this Canadian super-team should continue. Though Heather agreed to become team leader WAY TOO fast. She seems too responsible to leap into that so quickly. She now knows firsthand what a dangerous job it is. Also, I'm intrigued about Puck's past and what's been hinted about it. I am not sure I liked 1/3 of #17 being taken from an X-Men issue. Seemed Byrne just wanted to make his deadline by skipping those pages and using some old artwork. But overall, I liked this issue.

[Steven F.]

I think the great, and quite lasting, moments in this issue make up for the reprint parts. Namely, Heather is the leader of Alpha Flight, and Aurora's changes...which were only teased at in this issue. Both of these major changes will get more in depth in the coming issues of course.

[Babylon23]

While most of this issue was repint, Heather's decision to lead Alpha Flight absolutely blew me away. There was something about that moment that made me realise just how important Heather was to the series. Early on, it was easy to dismiss her as just part of the supporting cast. By the time we reach this issue, it's obvious that there is nobody better suited to lead the team.

This was just another example of Byrne taking AF in new and unexpected directions.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.17.GIF

Alpha Flight #17

"Dreams Die Hard"

I'm not sure what to make of #17. A good portion of it is lifted straight from Uncanny X-Men #109. When "Weapon Alpha/Guardian" made his comics debut, going after Wolverine and the X-Men in a New York forest. The rest of this issue has heart-to-heart discussions with Heather Hudson, Wolverine and Puck. With a major decision made...

#17 begins in the past, with James "Mac" Hudson donning the cool Canadian-flag costume for the first time. (I love how great it looks!) His wife, Heather, is very impressed with it. But James doesn't plan to be using it much; he's not going to lead Alpha Flight anyway. But at that moment, James gets a call from Major Chasen, straight out of events in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Weapon X, aka Wolverine, had just had a meeting with Professor Charles Xavier, and decided to jumpship, and leave Department H and Canada altogether. Logan slashed Chasen's tie on the way out. Chasen is now ordering Hudson to locate and retrieve Weapon X, NO MATTER WHAT!! (I love Chasen holding his shredded tie!)

All this is being remembered in the present. By widow Heather Hudson in a hospital bed, following events in AF #14. Logan is sitting by her side, trying to make her feel better. They reminisciese about James, and how the Hudsons were like parents to younger Logan. When they found him lost out in the wilds of Canada. Heather tells Logan how HURT James was when Logan-Weapon X stormed away from Department H. How the Canadian government ordered him to bring Logan back; so James donned the Guardian costume and went into action for the first time. The next several pages are lifted whole from the Chris Claremont/John Byrne issue of X-Men---#109. We see Weapon Alpha (James Hudson) battle Wolverine in a forest, then battle Colossus, Storm and Banshee. James hurts Moira MacTaggert with a stray shot. Weapon Alpha escapes from all the mutants, minus the canucklehead. Once safe, James realizes what a mess he made of the operation. And he says "Whatever else happens, there's an awful lot I have to VINDICATE". I wonder if that was a gag line from Byrne?

Back in the presnent, Heather tells Logan she thinks she killed Mac. That walking in on him disrupted him, and he perished. She sobs and Logan tries to help. At that moment, Puck enters the hospital room and Logan and Puck meet and shake hands. Once again, there is a mention that Puck was a villain, as Logan states "We've seen enough of the same action--even though it wasn't always on the same side." Puck states that even though Guardian is dead, Alpha Flight should continue. And it should have a new leader. Wolverine says he's flattered, but he has commitments elsewhere. Puck says he DIDN'T MEAN Wolverine. Puck nominates Heather Hudson as new team leader. Heather is flabbergasted and says she's never done super-heroics before. But Logan and Puck talk her into it.....so Heather says "I will be that leader!!" Also,Walter Langkowski is doing experiments on Aurora in a lab to separate her from the connection with her brother, Northstar. He seems to be succesful in the operation.

My thoughts: I'm on the fence over this one. I very much enjoyed the deep discussion with Logan & Heather. Also, with Puck and his belief that this Canadian super-team should continue. Though Heather agreed to become team leader WAY TOO fast. She seems too responsible to leap into that so quickly. She now knows firsthand what a dangerous job it is. Also, I'm intrigued about Puck's past and what's been hinted about it. I am not sure I liked 1/3 of #17 being taken from an X-Men issue. Seemed Byrne just wanted to make his deadline by skipping those pages and using some old artwork. But overall, I liked this issue.

It seems that Heather, despite her memories of her husband being thrown into a leadership role he wasn't ready for, and the consequences of it... is about to make the same mistake, and get in over her head. Or, maybe she's a better leader than we'd expect?

Sasquatch/Aurora/Northstar is a dynamic that you know isn't over by a longshot.

Whether or not Byrne was trying to beat deadlines, or just reference a lot of important past continuity... I can't say. It's a great potential Comic Book Urban Legend that you might be able to get Brian Cronin to look into, though. Our mod is damned good at debunking or confirming stuff like that.

[david r]

Steven, Don't get me wrong. I liked the issue. It's interesting to compare John Byrne's art from 1977, to this Alpha Flight artwork. It's all right here in #17. I'm looking forward to Heather's decision playing out soon. I was quite taken aback.

Babylon23, I too was surprised by Heather's momentous decision. But I realize now, Byrne MUST have planned this from #1. You can see him planting the seeds all along in this series. WHO was the person who actually reformed the group back in Alpha Flight #1 ? It was more Heather than James.

worstblogever, WOULD a responsible person like Heather Hudson become a "Superhero"?? Just after seeing her husband killed? After all is said and done, I'm still finding it difficult to see her "leap" into this spot. For Brian Cronin, I might ask him. The problem is will the lovable John Byrne want to answer questions??

One last thing.... Wolverine. It seems to me Byrne writes him a bit TOO mature and reasonable in #17. I thought Mr. Byrne felt Wolverine was a homicidal maniac? You certainly don't see that in his portayal of him here. Logan seems very mature and stable. I still love how JB draws him. (And of course, seeing Puck and Logan together was :tongue: :tongue: :smile: )!

[Babylon23]

Babylon23, I too was surprised by Heather's momentous decision. But I realize now, Byrne MUST have planned this from #1. You can see him planting the seeds all along in this series. WHO was the person who actually reformed the group back in Alpha Flight #1 ? It was more Heather than James.

Not quite from the start, but close. As always, let's go to the source himself. Here's Byrne talking about Heather:

It was a couple of issues into the run on ALPHA that I decided Jim Hudson was for the high jump, and that Heather would become team leader. I did NOT want her to get powers, or put on the suit. That was such a cliché, I thought.

[escapegoat]

This was a cool issue for me, because I discovered that I had read the section that was taken from Uncanny X-Men #109 before, but I had no idea where! I couldn't figure out if we had the issue at one point, or if I read it at a friend's or cousin's place. It was neat to re-discover that story.

[david r]

Babylon23, Another quote from Byrne. Thank you. So it sounds like Heather Hudson does NOT don the costume.

escapegoat, I liked how John Byrne weaved the vignette from UXM #109 into his current tale. Though I still wonder about his motive for doing it. :redface:

I liked this connection with Major Chasen from Giant-Size X-Men #1

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-24_094818_AF_17_03.jpg

Puck and Wolverine together:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-24_095032_AF_17_19.jpg

[david r]

John Byrne on AF #17:

During the time I was doing FF and ALPHA, Marvel changed the schedules. They were -- wisely -- trying to build in more "office time", production time, when paste up and art corrections could be done in a leisurely manner, and not as last second scrambles. Unfortunately, they insisted on revamping the schedules retroactively, so one morning I awoke to learn I had lost a month. (I was fortunately ahead of schedule, but Frank Miller awoke that same morning to find himself suddenly a month late!) They did this twice, with the cumulative effect of me ending my run on FANTASTIC FOUR a month behind schedule, when I had started three months ahead, and produced no less than one book per month for my whole run.
Anyway, this issue was structured as it is in an effort to recapture some of my lost time. Those few reprint pages bought me an extra couple of days.

Byrne on whether Aurora's change was permanent:

Nope. In fact, I hinted at the future I planned (in the loosest sense) for
Aurora, when I had the psychiatrist point out to Jean-Paul that curing her
might merely result in the emergence of a third, completely different
personality.

Sasquatch's feelings about curing Aurora of her mutant power:

Correct! I wanted to show how deeply ingrained that prejudice was/is.
Walter was like one of those well-meaning souls who wants to "cure"
homosexuals.

[Babylon23]

Babylon23, Another quote from Byrne. Thank you. So it sounds like Heather Hudson does NOT don the costume.

Well, I don't want to spoil anything for you. Suffice it to say that the matter plays out post-Byrne.

[Fire_And_Light]

The Byrne Robotics forum is so fun if you are a die-hard fan of AF. (That's where all those JB quotes came from.) I really enjoyed the AF reading club there while it lasted.

I have to say I am happy to see how much love the Flight is getting from fans these days. I sincerely hope it pans out into something.

[david r]

It's a shame John Byrne himself wouldn't be interested in a return. But apart from Puck (which he still likes), he seems disinterested in his own creations---Alpha Flight.

Another fun fact is many 1980s readers wanted Puck and Heather Hudson to become romantically linked---after Guardian's demise. Byrne said it would NEVER happen. He says never give the fans what they want.

[Fire_And_Light]

I totally wanted Puck and Heather to hook up. But it is true, especially in a serial format, it's ill-advised to give in to the romance. As I am sure most of us know, it is shark jumping territory (perfect example- consummated Scott/Emma. Total boredom! Apollo/Starbuck -> momentum buzzkill).

But as a fan- aww! let them make sweet, missionary style love.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.18.GIF

Alpha Flight #18

"How Long will a Man Lie in the Earth 'Ere He Rot?"

1st appearance: Emily Stang, Lucas Stang

The cover logo has changed. And John Byrne's artwork rocks in this issue!

#18 begins with new team leader, Heather Hudson, sizing up the Guardian suit on herself. Now that she is in command, perhaps she should wear it! Puck brings some McDonalds burgers, and they sit on the floor. Heather says she will not wear the costume. She states she won't let Mac's death destroy her. Which is what Puck wants to hear. Anyway, Heather decides Alpha Flight need a base of operations. Just like the Fantastic Four and Avengers have a homebase, this Canadian team needs one, and not be scattered all over Canada! (Sounds like a good plan...) Heather calls Northstar at his luxurious home in Quebec. But Jean-Paul has zero interest, since Aurora terminated their relationship. Jean-Paul then hangs up on her (What a Jerk!)

Meanwhile, in Calgary, Shaman and his daughter, Elizabeth Twoyoungmen, are investigating the bizarre skull that Elizabeth found recently. Shaman observes the skull, and senses great evil about it. Shaman is convinced the forces in this skull reached out to his daughter for a reason. Again, the story shifts to a large house, where we meet a 117-year-old man named Lucas Stang. He is old and bitter. His great-granddaughter, the blonde-haired Emily Stang, is helping him out at his large house. Lucas wants to die, but Emily's undying love for him keeps him going. Emily enters the kitchen and begins making scrambled eggs. The eggs suddenly grow and pile over the oven!! Emily is shocked!!

Shifting scenes yet again, we now meet up with Snowbird and her military friend, Douglas Thompson. Doug has expressed his love for her, and romantic love at that. Snowbird says she cannot love him, but Doug takes her in his arms, and begins kissing her. Snowbird pulls away. She remarks that she DOES love him, but she is not what she seems. Her faces transforms from ivory white to a dark, forboding look, complete with fangs and red-eyes. She asks if he loves her NOW! Back in Calgary, Shaman and Elizabeth arrive at the home of the Stangs, having heard word from the police about strange activity there. They enter and Shaman opens the kitchen door! The scrambled eggs have grown HUGE and are in the shape of a monster! Shaman removes something from his medicine bag, and shoots into the eggs. They explode! And disappear. The kitchen now looks completely normal. Now, they all head upstairs to see how elderly Lucas Stang is doing. When they open the door, the entire room is all-white, except for Lucas, sitting in his chair. Lucas is far more than he seemed! Lucas stands and says he's waited 100 years for this moment. The Ancient Evils are coming home to roost. He appears to be ready to strike Emily, and Shaman goes to stop him. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is shocked to be attacked by Emily----who has been possessed and looks truly GRUESOME! (A hideous transformation remiscient to possessed people in The Evil Dead movie.) Elizabeth shows surprising magic powers, fighting back against the possessed Emily, and they begin a massive magical battle! Shaman notices this and wonders if Elizabeth is a mutant! Shaman removes some objects from his medicine bag,and hurtles them at Emily Stang. They touch her and there is a blinding FLASH!

Then...a huge gaping hole appears in the side of the Stang house. Both Stangs live, Emily reverted back to her normal self. Shaman replies that Ranaq the Great Devourer had possessed Emily. But he has been defeated. They have won a great victory this day. The answers to Elizabeth's questions lie in that skull. And she will need to face it soon.

My thoughts: Story aside, John Byrne's artwork is fantastic in this issue. I felt, some of his best work yet. I probably liked the conversation between Snowbird and Douglas Thompson the most. I wished it had been explored more in #18. The Stangs were interesting, though the "monster scrambled eggs" was odd. I didn't know whether I should scream or laugh at that. And WHO is Ranaq the Great Devourer? Certainly a lot of "Gods" seem to be appearing in this book! Shaman wins the day---but I feel his medicine bag schtick is a little TOO EASY a way out for Mr. Byrne to end the tale. Ah well. I have a feeling Elizabeth Twoyoungmen is going to play a pivotal role here very soon.

[david r]

An early version of the 1980s Alpha Flight:

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities/images/2007-04-11_102848_afsmall.jpg

Snowbird:

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities/images/snowbird.jpg

Anyone ever play this game?

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities/images/CatsPaw.jpg

[Steven F.]

I love these little additions you throw in these threads! The thoughts from Byrne, the pictures above, etc.

I am really looking forward to your thoughts on issue 19...Elizabeth has some major moments. ;)

[Imraith Nimphais]

I totally agree with Steven, that pic of Snowbird...my favourite-est Alphan...is wonderful...and yes, wait til you get a gander at "Elizabeth"...a definite high-point in AF history.

[just another user]

Anyone ever play this game?

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities/images/CatsPaw.jpg

Wow! I'd totally forgotten that existed until I saw your post.

I can't remember if I bought that expansion pack, but I did have some of the series.

[Agent_Torpor]

Love love love this thread.

I just went and read the Vol 1 tpb of Alpha Flight Classic, and really, John Byrne left nothing to the imagination in terms of Jean Paul's sexuality. I used to think it was a bit more subtle than that. Raymonde Belmonde? "Much more than a friend"???

Very sad that the editorial code of the day precluded Byrne from coming out and saying the obvious. It was ok for Aurora to be a "French tart" (making googly eyes at Guardian, beddin' down with Walt upon meeting him), but heaven forbid Jean Paul might be gay.

[Agent_Torpor]

I have to say I am happy to see how much love the Flight is getting from fans these days. I sincerely hope it pans out into something.

Yes, something true to the original spirit of Byrne's creations, not the abominable "Omega Flight" incarnation from a year ago. That was dreadful.

[david r]

Steven, Imraith Nimphais, I'm glad you like the extras. I was bored Sunday and wanted some Alpha Flight goodness. :smile: I'm really liking the book so far. (Can't wait where Elizabeth is headed.)

Just Another User: I've never played the game at all. Is it fun?

Agent Torpor, There was simply no way Marvel Comics of the 1980s could have an openly gay character. Just wasn't going to happen. I wonder if John Byrne made Northstar gay just as a whim, or if he really had something he wanted to say about gay characters?

I bet the coloring in the Alpha Flight tpbs is better. The old issues here had some murky coloring. Agent Torpor, any other thoughts on that first trade? Those early adventures were great.

[Agent_Torpor]

Steven, Imraith Nimphais, I'm glad you like the extras. I was bored Sunday and wanted some Alpha Flight goodness. :smile: I'm really liking the book so far. (Can't wait where Elizabeth is headed.)

Just Another User: I've never played the game at all. Is it fun?

Agent Torpor, There was simply no way Marvel Comics of the 1980s could have an openly gay character. Just wasn't going to happen. I wonder if John Byrne made Northstar gay just as a whim, or if he really had something he wanted to say about gay characters?

I bet the coloring in the Alpha Flight tpbs is better. The old issues here had some murky coloring. Agent Torpor, any other thoughts on that first trade? Those early adventures were great.


To be honest, the color looked a little TOO poppy in the tpb. Remember when Turner was colorizing all the old classics and it just looked off? That's how the tpb color looked to me, just way too "cartoony". Maybe it's the glossy paper? Still, nothing to detract from the quality at large.

Other than that, the art is great and the stories were even better than I remembered. His work on AF really stands the test of time - and i'm picking up little things I missed the first time around. I read on Amazon that an AF Classic vol 2 (sasquatch's cover on the cover) is coming soon. I'm torn between getting this and scrounging around for the back issues. Either way, i'll be definitely getting the rest of the issues.

[david r]

To be honest, the color looked a little TOO poppy in the tpb. Remember when Turner was colorizing all the old classics and it just looked off? That's how the tpb color looked to me, just way too "cartoony". Maybe it's the glossy paper? Still, nothing to detract from the quality at large.

I know what you mean. I've had that experience with trades, sometimes. I bought the comics because I wanted to get the "original" experience. :tongue:

I read on Amazon that an AF Classic vol 2 (sasquatch's cover on the cover) is coming soon.

I hope it includes #12. That Omega Flight story with Guardian was fantastic!

[Zero Hunter]

I know what you mean. I've had that experience with trades, sometimes. I bought the comics because I wanted to get the "original" experience. :tongue:



I hope it includes #12. That Omega Flight story with Guardian was fantastic!

I belive Alpha Flight Classic v2 will contain issues 9-16.

[david r]

Hint of the future?

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-31_101646_AF_18_01.jpg

Snowbird and Douglas together:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-31_101807_AF_18_11.jpg

Against the scrambled eggs:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-01-31_101825_AF_18_13.jpg

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.19.GIF

Alpha Flight #19

"Turn Again, Turn Again, Time in Thy Flight"

1st appearance: Ranaq the Great Devourer

Another great cover! Another long-winded title! :tongue: Another new member! TALISMAN! Elizabeth Twoyoungmen gains powers, and costumes, and joins the cast.

To deal with last issue's repercussions, Shaman decides Alpha Flight must journey to the past. Snowbird, Puck and Heather Hudson arrive on the scene. Upon introduction, Snowbird bows before Elizabeth Twoyoungmen. To Shaman's astonishment, Elizabeth must be the "promised one"! Elizabeth takes Shaman's medicine bag, looks inside (and does NOT go insane) and removes a head-band from the mysterious bag. Elizabeth places the head-band upon her forehead...and presto!! New uniform-- Talisman has arrived! (Cool title.)

Now the journey begins. Heather remains in our world, still healing from wounds. Puck, Snowbird, Shaman and Talisman enter a vortex wall (created by Shaman) and materialize in 1884 Calgary. It is the 19th Century, and Calgary is barely a shadow of what it is to be. The Old West is best way to describe it. Our Alphans don the illusion of Old West garb, and wander the quiet town. They soon come upon two gunslingers, holding an indian woman at gunpoint. (The indian woman looks like Talisman!) Before them is an elderly indian, sitting indian-style and airborne!! The 2 cowboys want Ranaq the Great Devourer conjured up, or the indian's grand-daughter will be shot. The indian complies, and the great barrier opens. Ranaq the Great Devourer appears, and handsome HE ISN'T!! A giant face appears in mid-air, with gloating bits of flesh (?) float around the face. Red, menacing eyes and large hideous teeth. The cowboys are protected against Ranaq by wearing some magical necklaces, which ward off magic. Ranaq wants to know why he's been summoned. The cowboys want riches, women and power. Ranaq supplies treasure and a beautiful woman, but they can only actually TOUCH them if they remove their magical necklaces. One horny cowboy removes the necklace, so he can kiss the woman. What a maroon!

Without the necklace, Ranaq possesses the lone cowboy. The man's face gains a monstrous look (ever seen the possessed people in The Evil Dead?) Snowbird & Talisman battle Ranaq in this new human form. But only the gunshot by the other cowboy, a young Lucas Stang, blows a bullet into his head, and sends Ranaq back into the netherworld. Is Ranaq actually killed? Alpha Flight don't know, but his threat has been stopped. They prepare to return to present-day Canada, and Snowbird christens Elizabeth with the name....Talisman!

My thoughts: A cool time travel tale. I definitely like Elizabeth and her new name & costume. In fact, John Byrne draws Shaman and Talisman VERY WELL. I love their uniforms. I noticed both indians have the word "man" in their codenames. And their last names "Twoyoungmen". Coincidence? The subplot of the Great Beasts continues to deepen. I am very curious where this is all headed. I am glad Puck joined in the fun, though he did little to further the plot. I think Byrne is a big country-and-western fan, for cowboys often figure into his runs. I recall his Fantastic Four also battling cowboys around this same time. Byrne does a good job of it. This was another enjoyable issue!

[Imraith Nimphais]

I really like Elizabeth/Talisman very much as well...as for the art...I notice Byrne's men are quite "hunky" as per expected, but he draws/drew his women very "natural" with less-than-ample bosom and narrower hips...none of that "Pam Anderson" t-n-a exxageration that was so prevalent not too long ago...not that he didn't/couldn't do voluptuous...Aurora certainly has a womanly shape...so too, Ororo...but they still looked well-proportioned and not "over-enhanced"...On reading this issue again (for the ump-teenth time) I could not help but notice how lyrical his writing is, esp. in those expository moments between dialogue, (cultivated I would guess, while working alongside CC all those years on UXM...though not quite as "verbose")...I like that they (both) sometimes use actual lines from existing poetry to add more depth to the story...as an aside...to my shame, I only just today(after all these years) noticed an editorial "nit"...pg.9 upper right panel...half of Shaman's speech is attributed to Elizabeth...hehe...over-all, a good intermediate arc...one question though (for DDM?)...wot are the 17 languages Judd speaks?.

[Steven F.]

Ahhh...so nice. I have been waiting for you to get to this one. :D

I love this issue, and the introduction of one of the most interesting characters in Alpha's history. She looks amazing, and is in fact one of the more powerful mystics in the MU. I think it is kinda cool that Heather used to babysit little Elizabeth, and her family "adopted" her after her mom died.

[worstblogever]

Those are the two dumbest cowboys ever. Why couldn't they just fall in love and film their secret romance and make a fortune? Ang Lee would've totally been all over that.

Not a fan of the writing on this issue, what with how ridiculous the cowboys' plan is, but the art is solid, no doubt there. There's a level of plot-induced stupidity I can't handle. Summoning a great beast of the North for money and one woman? Ridiculous.

[Imraith Nimphais]

simpler times...simpler minds...simpler desires...

[limerick]

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?
you're right about byrnes writing.it's very similar to the structure claremont &byrne used with their classic x-men run.not the action part of the stories but the gradual character development.i'm actually reading this series for the fist time at the moment and it's a real page turner.appreciate the time you put into this and other threads.

[david r]

Imraith Nimphais, You also noticed that Byrne's women are more realistically drawn! I've noticed it too. I give him credit for not drawing these outrageously-proportioned women, like so many artists do. And yeah, I DID notice that screw-up with Shaman & Talisman's dialogue. I guess Marvel isn't perfect, eh?

Steven F., Talisman seems to have a cool future ahead. Her father thinks she has the potential to rival Dr. Strange on the mystic arts. I expect big things from her. :smile:

WBE, Och! You may be right about the cowboys. Plot-induced stupidity. Good way to put it. Seems to me the sight of grotesque Ranaq would have sent them packin'.

Limerick, Thanks for the nice words. I'm enjoying this book quite a bit so far. I like how Byrne throws these crazy things at us (like cowboys summoning demons) without any warning. And he keeps shifting the cast around--you never know what's coming next!

[david r]

Elizabeth Twoyoungmen becomes Talisman:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-02-07_100212_AF_19_05.jpg

The team time travels:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-02-07_100231_AF_19_07.jpg

Ranaq the Great Devourer and a gunfight at the O.K. Corral:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-02-07_100326_AF_19_12.jpg

John Byrne on Talisman:

Not much I can say about this that you guys haven't already covered. Yeah, I did intend Elizabeth to be kinda snotty and unlikable. I wanter her to grow on you. Dialog edit of the clumsy kind -- in the scene in the barn with the two baddies and the spectral maiden, the bearded guy in my original script said "This ain't gonna hurt --- much."

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.20.GIF

Alpha Flight #20

"Gold and Love Affairs"

1st appearance: Gilded Lily

First of all, this issue introduces a new paper stock, much higher in quality than Marvel was using up till now. No longer can you see the artwork on the opposite side of the page, which marred Marvel's books during the 1980s. The coloring is brighter and clearer, and it has a MUCH IMPROVED look for John Byrne's art. His Sasquatch never looked better till now!

#20 begins with aforementioned Sasquatch ripping a tree out of a forest ( in a panel reminiscent of Colosuss ripping out a tree from Uncanny X-Men #140, by Mr. Byrne himself. Kudos, JB.) Walter is tearing apart a forest to make way for development; but he is also seeing if he becomes angry and loses control of himself again. He does not. In a beautiful page by Byrne, Sasquatch unearths a spring of water and it flows down the mountainside to the valley below. Truly, Byrne's Sasquatch is gorgeous here. Aurora flies into the scene, wearing a new, very revealing yellow-black-white uniform. Aurora has cut her hair very short. However, the construction workers are NOT goggling at her hair. They've seen virtually no women in a month. And Aurora is more woman than they can handle!

Meanwhile, the rest of Alpha Flight are meeting after #19's events. Elizabeth Twoyoungmen is less-than-happy over becoming Talisman. She attempts to remove the "coronet of enchantment" on her forehead, but a shot of stinging pain stops her. Her father, Shaman announces she cannot remove it, ever! Puck and Heather Hudson enter the kitchen of Heather's parents home. There are continual hints of Puck's past life. He's lived twice the time of Heather herself. And seen parts of the world few men even dream of. The two seem to be flirting together. Heather leaves and Shaman enters. Shaman warns Puck about this current developments with Heather. Heather is highly vulnerable after Guardian's death, and susceptible to falling into a friend's arms for moral support. Puck replies he know, and that he cannot "give" what Heather needs in a man. In a stunning surprise, Shaman says Puck misunderstands him. When Heather reaches out to Puck, the dwarf must give all of himself he can possibly give to her!!

The final act of #20 begins off the tip of Vancouver Island, as Aurora and Walter Langkowski ride a motor-boat along the gorgeous lake. Lovingly drawn by John Byrne. They dock, and walk through the woods. Coming across an old Victorian styled home, we learn the home is in Walter's family. He hopes for it to become Alpha Flight's headquarters and base. The 2 lovers enter the house, which is strangely devoid of cobwebs or dust. Odd as no one is supposed to be there. Walt rests against a wall as he's worried about Aurora's changing personality. More aspects of Jeanne-Marie, her alter ego, are seeping through. Suddenly, a hidden hatch opens and Walter falls through. Aurora looks around in surprise, as the lights go out. She is plunged into darkness!! Aurora stumbles thru the dark, frightened enough that her Jeanne-Marie personality begins to fight to regain control of her body! Finally, she sees light and enters a long hallway. On each side of the hallway, stand gold statues of eight men. Again, another gorgeous drawing by Byrne. The men are decked out in 19th century/early 20th Century garb, and Aurora looks at each. Until an eye opens on one of the men! They are ALIVE! Aurora turns to run and behind her is a tall, woman with a very 1920s-style look of hair and makeup (see cover). Her skin looks pure gold! The woman says to follow her, and Aurora does. As she enters another room and finds Walter Langkowski turned into pure GOLD!

My thoughts: Again, the new paper quality makes Byrne's art even more beautiful to behold. His line work looks almost flawless. His Sasquatch, Puck, Shaman etc. have never looked so good. And his background work (forests, the island, the Langkowski House) are captivating. But,well....Byrne pulls another fast-one by having two pages nearly devoid of art! This time black covers most panels, as Aurora wanders lost in the darkness of Gilded Lily's house. This does not harm the story, but seems a little lazy on his part. The big shocker of the issue was Shaman's saying Puck should reciprocate if Heather Hudson reaches out romantically. Byrne pulls another twist as we readers are assuming Puck and Heather have zero chance of becoming a couple. The last twist was Aurora's continued changes, as she is seemingly losing control of her personalities. I'm sure this cannot end well.

[Imraith Nimphais]

I remember being utterly fascinated with this cover (the way he drew Lily's mask/face) and being creeped out simultaneously. Truly, thus far JB has not introduced a single character I did not like...I found Lily's to be exactly wot the cover stated: mysterious, menacing, macabre...and, most intriguing...somewot like being in the same room with a viper...you know it's deadly but one can't help being drawn to its beauty...I just love his character design for GL...and just how HAWT! is Aurora's new look?...mental instability never looked so good.

[Steven F.]

Totally agree...Aurora looks SO AMAZING in her new look.

I was never the biggest fan of this issue...but reading it back now, I like it more. Weird. No idea why I didn't love them as much as most issues originally. I think, when I was little...I bought the issue and was excited because I thought the "Lily" mentioned on the cover would be a story somehow featuring Diamond "Lil".

I was kinda stupid.

Anyway, enough ramblings!

[david r]

To me, Gilded Lily's features look like the fashion styles of the 1920s. Her hair and makeup, if you see old American movies from the 20s & 30s, you see the resemblance. The gold part was all John Byrne's invention.

I must say, JB draws many Canadian cities and beautiful Canadian forests here. You can tell he wants to get them right. I wonder if Canadian comic book fans really took a shine to this book?

Imraith, I also like GL's character design. In fact, I've liked ALL of Byrne's costume designs here. He really was a genius at great character uniforms. Guardian, Shaman and Talisman's looks are among my favorites. :smile:

Steven, I like this issue. Especially the perplexing exchange between Puck and Shaman. Is Judd supposed to hit on Heather Hudson?? And especially, Walter and Aurora's tramp through the forest of Vancouver Island and inside that mysterious lonely house. I think our 2 heroes NOT being alarmed by the lack of dust and cobwebs a bit amateurish on their part! :biggrin:

--I wish Byrne would explain what happened with Narya and her human boyfriend, Douglas. He has left us hanging on that cliffhanger!

[worstblogever]

Gilded Lily is what happens if Goldmember was a Scooby Doo villain. Secret passages, and all that.

Seeing Sasquatch working to help tear down a forest seems kind of... out of sorts for him, given his underlying history...

And Shaman tells Puck to strike while the iron is hot, it seems? I think his statement is more enigmatic, than about trying to get in Heather's Kool-Aid, and meant in a supportive role.

Still, good issue. Curious to see more of the Aurora/Jean-Marie battle for control.

[david r]

Gilded Lily is what happens if Goldmember was a Scooby Doo villain. Secret passages, and all that.

As long as it's not the Love Guru. What a flop...

Seeing Sasquatch working to help tear down a forest seems kind of... out of sorts for him, given his underlying history...

Sasquatch wanted to see if he'd lose control of himself, by cutting loose. The forest was just a means to an end. It was all worth it for some damn good John Byrne art. His Sasquatch comes alive.

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-02-14_100900_AF_20_01.jpg

And Shaman tells Puck to strike while the iron is hot, it seems? I think his statement is more enigmatic, than about trying to get in Heather's Kool-Aid, and meant in a supportive role.

I'm not so sure. I think Shaman was doing his Dr. Ruth thing.

[david r]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/03018831342.21.GIF

Alpha Flight #21

"Love Wrought New Alchemy"

This cover lies. We never see Alpha Flight fight Diablo, that old villain from Fantastic Four. No, this issue mainly informs us of Gilded Lily's sordid past. How in 1875 she was a normal human female, riding in a motorized automobile in Transylvania with her first husband. (I do NOT believe automobiles were around in 1875.) The automobile crashes, her husband dies, and she wanders to a remote European castle. There she encounters a young Diablo, who wines her & dines her Victorian style. Oddly, Lily's face is hidden by artist John Byrne in this whole exchange.

Diablo and Lily fall in love, Diablo is chased by town villagers and locked in a vault for the Fantastic Four to unlock him in FF #30. (Byrne loves connecting-the-dots in Marvel history.) Lily creates potions to give her immortality, so she can live with Diablo when he's freed. But subsequently, she turns "gold". She becomes "Gilded Lily" and hunts down each villager who imprisoned Diablo; turning each one to a gold statue. Sasquatch breaks out of his statue/prison, disrupts Gilded Lily's plans for Aurora. And Gilded Lily is revealed to be little more than a robot---her chest organs and an old, old face are the only organic parts. Sasquatch rips off her gold face-plate and Gilded Lily shrivels away. Aurora is rescued. All live happily ever after.

My thoughts: I was expecting Diablo to take on Alpha. This didn't happen. It was mostly a flashback tale, and was mildly interesting. I found Aurora's changing personality more fascinating here, as her French "Cheri, what 'as 'appen to you?" accent is coming out. This issue ends with Sasquatch wondering if Jeanne-Marie is fighting for control of Aurora's body. Or........some new element is emerging from Aurora's weakened psyche. Time will tell....

[david r]

John Byrne on why Aurora & Sasquatch appear on #21's cover:

Originally, the cover was to have a "Surgeon General's Warning" on it,
informing the readers the scene was not actually in the comic. The editor
put his own copy on instead.

Later, I used the Surgeon General gag on a SHE-HULK cover.

Byrne on fans:

It is unfortunate that some fans cannot recognize when a pro is "off duty" without being told. Frank Miller and I have both had the experience of books for signing being shoved under men's room stall doors, as if there is any situation that more clearly declares "off duty"!

Conventions seem to breed this. There are a lot of fans who simply don't want to be bothered by the notions of when a Con opens and closes. I have been approached by people seeking autographs when I was eating breakfast, when I was walking across the parking lot, when I was passing the line waiting to get in, heading for my table. And, of course, there are those people who think "closed for the day" applies only to lesser beings. Once, late one evening, in the hotel bar, I was, uhm, intimately engaged with my girlfriend (nothing X-Rated!) when I felt a tap on my shoulder, and turned to find the living avatar of the Comic Shop Guy thrusting a bagged book at me. "Could you sign this? I have to get up to my room."

[david r]

I did enjoy Aurora's new look of bikini and sweater:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/uploads/RyanMaxwell/2008-02-21_093406_AF_21_02.jpg

[escapegoat]

Dagnabit Dave! Reading this thread makes me wanna dig up my old Alpha Flights so badly and re-read them all, but I've gots no time to be reading them.

I'm glad I held on to them at least.....:smile:

[Timeslip]

Dagnabit Dave! Reading this thread makes me wanna dig up my old Alpha Flights so badly and re-read them all, but I've gots no time to be reading them.

I'm glad I held on to them at least.....:smile:

I know what you mean! It got to me after a while, and I had to start pulling mine out.

[Imraith Nimphais]

I just LOVED saying her name...Lilian Von Loont...it tickles me and makes me smile, even now, after all these years...:-))

[david r]

Escapegoat, You could still read along! Who needs sleep?:biggrin: (BTW, your avatar makes me smile!)

Timeslip, This book holds up very well. Even nearly 25 years later.

Imraith Nimpais, Lilian von Loont. I hadn't noticed that name really, until you mentioned it. I'm sure John Byrne was making a funny with her name! :tongue:

I also liked Walt Langkowski's motor-boat is named Gamma Gal. A little She-Hulk in-joke??

[david r]

I have to question the decision to have Heather Hudson become Alpha Flight leader. Let alone joining the team. Heather has NO superpowers. After just seeing her husband blown to bits before her eyes, why would she even WANT to become team leader? The more I think about it, the more it doesn't make sense to me.

And Puck and Wolverine, in AF #17, have decades of experience and should know how dangerous it would be for a powerless human, with no special qualities, to join Alpha Flight. It just sounds false the more I think about it. They want what's best for Heather, so.......let's have her join our group where she will face ruthless and dangerous adversaries, ready to kill her like they just killed her husband. How could they think Heather WON'T get maimed, or killed, in action? Any thoughts?

[escapegoat]

I have to question the decision to have Heather Hudson become Alpha Flight leader. Let alone joining the team. Heather has NO superpowers. After just seeing her husband blown to bits before her eyes, why would she even WANT to become team leader? The more I think about it, the more it doesn't make sense to me.

And Puck and Wolverine, in AF #17, have decades of experience and should know how dangerous it would be for a powerless human, with no special qualities, to join Alpha Flight. It just sounds false the more I think about it. They want what's best for Heather, so.......let's have her join our group where she will face ruthless and dangerous adversaries, ready to kill her like they just killed her husband. How could they think Heather WON'T get maimed, or killed, in action? Any thoughts?


Well, even though Byrne has stated after working on the series that he had no intentions of putting Heather into the Guardian costume, I think the majority of the readers were expecting it to happen, probably for those same reasons that you've pointed out. It was just interesting that Byrne didn't allow it to happen during his tenure. :wink:

[david r]

So what did John Byrne plan for this? How could Heather Hudson become Alpha Flight leader....and not take part in battles? Was Heather meant to be the "Charles Xavier" model where she spells out the dangerous mission...and then sends AF out to investigate? Has Byrne ever divulged where this was headed?

Oh...and you have the cutest avatars on this site!! <smiles>

[Timeslip]

I always thought that Heather was put in the role more symbolically. Not to be a field leader. It didn't really turn out that way, but in truth, with as great as it turned out, I am totally ok with suspending my belief a little. :)