Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 11: “Runaway Fiance”

In which Marrina (and some other AWOL characters) waltz back into our lives…and waltz right back out. And Walt doesn't waltz at all. Hell, he isn’t even in any of these issues…or is he?!

In this episode, Chris:

• makes a compelling case for the soap opera nature of AF and how distinct that makes it from other superhero comics
• clearly wishes AF had Doom as a nemesis and not The Master of the World
• is ok with saying “Alphan” but “broodmate” gets his hackles up
• really wishes Tom wouldn't make some of the speculations he does

Tom:

• cops to watching a lot of Dark Shadows
• makes a Hemingway title recommendation for probably the first time in his life
• says “Box” in a, somewhat, peculiar manner
• speculates on Walt's hobbies

Issues covered:
Alpha Flight #14 - “Biology Class” - cover date September 1984
Written and penciled by John Byrne
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Michael Higgins
Edited by Denny O’Neil
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Alpha Flight #15 - “Blind Date” - cover date October 1984
Written and penciled by John Byrne
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Rick Parker
Edited by Denny O’Neil
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Alpha Flight #16 - “And Forsaking All Others” - cover date November 1984
Written and penciled by John Byrne
Finished by Bob Wiachek
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Rick Parker
Edited by Denny O'Neil
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality. Here's this episode's Featured Design: spooky season embroidered towels!

Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!

For art clips and additional material, head to our website The Why Not?! Podcast
Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 10: “Have It Your Way”

We discuss the immediate aftermath of Issue 12 and its series-altering, explosive finale. From there we move onto something much worse and far more scarring: ROM the Space Knight!

In this episode, Chris:

• waxes poetic about Larry Hama’s run creating THE LORE for G.I. Joe as part of a licensing deal with Marvel
• wants some poutine from JoJo’s
• gives Mantlo some credit…for now

Tom:

• remembers reading Marvel comics online when the panels would pop out at you (it was a weird time on the internet)
• wishes we could work in more Warhammer 40K content
• likes saying “ROM”; isn’t so sure about the comic itself

Issues covered:
Alpha Flight #13 - “Nightmare” - cover date August 1984
Writing and art by John Byrne
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Michael Higgins
Edited by Dennis O’Neil
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

ROM 56-58
Written by Bill Mantlo
Art by Mark Bright
Inks by Mel Candido
Letters by Janice Chiang
Colors by Ben Sean
Edited by Ralph Macchio (yes the one you’re thinking of, not the 80s movie star)
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality. Here's this episode's Featured Design: ROM and Starshine!

Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!

For art clips and additional material, head to our website The Why Not?! Podcast
Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

Follow us on these platforms:
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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 9: “...and then there were…”

Well, it’s the big one. The capstone to the first arc of Alpha Flight and the comics by which most folks know AF. We take you through the comics and, well, kind of let them do their thing. And make some…allusions to contemporary political figures.

In this episode, Chris:

• notes (via Fark) the attention to detail Byrne pays to women’s fashion, which is a nice way of pointing out ALL the detail Byrne builds into his narrative art: just a neat point
• offers a brief but interesting digression on Captain America and…Nixon?!
• channels one helluva Bob Barker
• really digs Wildchild’s hair

Tom:

• asserts the similarities between pro wrestling (specifically of the WWE persuasion) and Alpha Flight
• absolutely nails some voice work
• makes some frankly wild assertions about who has the power to make a death squad
• doesn’t see Guardian’s suit’s powers making a…pleasant transition to the big screen

Issues covered:
Alpha Flight #11 - “Set-Up” - cover date June 1984
Writing and art by John Byrne
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Michael Higgins
Edited by Dennis O’Neil and Linda Grant

Alpha Flight #12 - “...And One Shall Surely Die” - cover date July 1984
same team as #11

Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality. Here's this episode's Featured Design: an oversized Wolverine skeleton skull and crossbones patch!

Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!

For art clips and additional material, head to our website The Why Not?! Podcast
Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

Follow us on these platforms:
Instagram
TikTok
Imgur