Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 24: “Elbows Up”

…and we’re off! We spend this episode solely discussing Issue #30, which will be our approach for the next few issues as we get used to what Mantlo is bringing to the table. And, boy howdy, is this already a VERY different book than what came before. Oh, and there’s a special treat as our pals over at “Unpacking the Power of Power Pack” sent us a note on their own experiences with Bill Mantlo. That guy wrote everything.

In this episode, Chris:

• reminds everyone listening to this podcast of that time they sent away for a “custom” G.I. Joe action figure: we know our demo
• expands the universe of Madison Jeffries…proclivities
• is feeling largely alright about Mantlo’s run…so far

and Tom:

• speculates comics led to Chris’ first time…cursing up a storm
• talks Jonathan Swift and the current moment in Canadian politics
• dances a jig on Walt’s grave. If he had one. Which he doesn’t

Issue discussed:
Alpha Flight #30 - “Enter…Scramble!” - cover date January 1986
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Pencils: Mike Mignola
Inks: Gerry Talaoc
Letters: Jim Novak
Colors: Bob Sharen
Editor: Carl Potts
Editor-in-chief: Jim Shooter

Tom appeared on “The Big Book Project” last week, discussing Roberto Bolaño’s 2666. Give that a watch/listen and follow along with the newly launched discussion of Agaat on that pretty awesome site.

And if you’re interested to learn more about Pierre Polievre, the newly released Ripper: The Making of Pierre Polievre by Mark Bourrie is out from Biblioasis. Purchase direct from them or your preferred indie bookstore (Exile in Bookville is mine).

Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris and Tom is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company. Choose from dozens of distinctly comic inspired designs available on hundreds of items at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com. Listeners of Why Not can use the discount code WHYNOT20 to get 20% off any 2 items. When company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!

“Awwww” sound effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Written by Chris Baker
Produced and edited by Tom Flynn
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

Follow us on these platforms:
Instagram
TikTok
Imgur
YouTube
Patreon