Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 19: “THE GIFT!”

A bit of a diversion this week as we discuss a two-issue special, “The X-Men and Alpha Flight”. Which has happened before, but this time, Loki’s involved. And no one is trying to steal Wolverine. Mostly.

This series was published well after certain…other events took place in the main Alpha Flight series (and in the X-Men for that matter) and is penned by Chris Claremont and not drawn by Byrne, so, yeah: this is kinda wild.

But it’s fun! And more than a bit appropriate for January 20, 2025. Anyways, have a great time listening and hold your people a bit closer.

In this episode, Chris:

• Discovers that his bete noire isn’t Mantlo, but…CLAREMONT?!?!
• Wonders if Coca-Cola is the key to world peace
• Talks comic book price inflation
• Reads a fantastic piece by Stan the Man to close us out

and Tom:

• Won’t call Walt his bete orange, but you can if you want to
• Spent a good bit of time trying to make some of these voices…different
• Gets to talk about Joyce and Le Guin and just appreciates how much straight literature there always seems to be in an Alpha Flight issue, written by Byrne or Claremont
• And very much hopes that’ll continue with Mantlo

Issues covered:
X-Men and Alpha Flight #1, cover date December 1985
Written by Chris Claremont
Art by Paul Smith & Bob Wiacek
Lettered by Tom Orzechowski
Colored by Glynis Oliver
Edited by Ann Nocenti and Denny O’Neil
with Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief
Based on a Premise by Jim Shooter, Ann Nocenti, and Denny O’Neil

X-Men and Alpha Flight #2, cover date January 1986
Written by Chris Claremont
Pencils by Paul Smith
Inks by Bob Wiacek & friends
Lettered by Tom Orzechowski
Edited by Ann Nocenti and Denny O’Neil
with Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief
Based on a Premise by Jim Shooter, Ann Nocenti, and Denny O’Neil

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Get a jump on next-Christmas shopping in this post-Christmas period with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.

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

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Today’s episode gives a sampler of what’s behind the Patreon wall (kinda like the Source Wall, but that’s a DC reference and Chris might not like it…). The holidays ran rough-shod over our recording/production schedule, so we’ll have more of that Alpha Flight sweetness you crave in a couple weeks’ time. But for today…

Welcome to the Why Not?! Have A Drink Thanksgiving special. That's right, this is the only Thanksgiving special we will ever make because there can be only one. And that’s also right, we're pulling a Highlander, alternately titled "Swords Do Not Work That Way"!

A few notes to set the stage:

• We say we’re going to circle back to a number of items, which we don’t really. It’s just that kind of episode!
• But! There’s always another bite at that apple with…Highlander 2: The Quickening
• Chris really can do a Sean Connery. It’s impressive. Probably how he won over his wife
• Tom suggests that maybe some of the actors should’ve swapped places. Just saying
• Chris recounts his “sword period”: the pre-social media era was an interesting time to be alive
• Chris makes some very specific comics comparisons (X-Ternals; Ramirez-MacLeod / Xavier-Summers)
• One of those comparisons almost nails the weirdness of Highlander 2…

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 18: “Holiday Spectacular”

It’s the holiday season and in that spirit we’ve got a festive episode! We take a delightful romp through a decades old Marvel Handbook, discuss the ONLY Alpha Flight issue that takes place at Christmas, and unveil some outtakes that simply did not make it into the show…until now! We keep it pretty light this episode and hope you can enjoy this with your preferred holiday beverage among the folks you value in your life. Or while doing the dishes. Whichever!

And we’ve launched a Patreon! First bit of extra content is up with a Have a Drink episode about Tom’s favorite movie: Highlander. Another goes up later this week! Click here to sign up and, if you’d be so kind, do tell all your friends!

Lastly, a very heartfelt and full-throated thank you from us to you. We’ve had a great time making this podcast and the response has been fantastic. Thanks for coming along on this ride with us and here’s to another year with everyone’s favorite Canadian superheroes!

In this episode, Chris:

• Wonders just how many D batteries it would take to incinerate hisself
• Has an incredible time performing NPR/CBC style pledge appeals
• Only mentions MANTLO!!! once: a holiday miracle!

and Tom:

• Manages not to seize the means of production
• Marvels at the assertions made as to how Guardian’s suit worked…until, you know, it didn’t
• Unveils a new sponsor for the show!

Issues covered:
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (1983)

CLASSIC X_MEN #16 - “Home Are the Heroes” - cover date December 1987
Script by Chris Claremont
Penciled by Kieron Dwyer
Inked by Terry Austin
Lettered by Ken Lopez
Colored by Petra Scotese and/or Glynis Oliver

Classic X-Men #26 - “Wanted: Wolverine, Dead or Alive!” - cover date October 1988
Script by Chris Claremont
Penciled by Kieron Dwyer
Inked by Terry Austin
Lettered by Tom Orzechowski
Colored by Gregory Wright

Classic X-Men #27 - “Shoot Out At the Stampede” - cover date November 1988
Script by Chris Claremont
Penciled by Kieron Dwyer
Inked by Terry Austin
Lettered by Ken Lopez

Alpha Flight #105 - “The Bachelor Party”
Credits read: Lobdell / Morgan / Icy / Chiang / Sharen / Chase / Defalco
(which should mean: writing/pencils/inks/letters/editing)

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Get a jump on next-Christmas shopping with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.

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

Special theme music: "Oi to the World” as recorded by Tequila and the Sunrise Gang

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 17: “I’ve Seen That Movie”

Bit of a mishmash, this episode: an Aurora/Northstar adventure (really hope those kids work things out!), a Shaman guest appearance in Iron Man of all things, and a bit of Canadian political history (by a bit, we mean a lot). We also briefly touch on music and how comic book writers like to put real-world bands/songs/titles into their work (we see you Byrne and Claremont!). A regular smorgasbord of Why Not goodness.

And we’ve launched a Patreon! First bit of extra content is up with a Have a Drink episode about Tom’s favorite movie: Highlander. Click here to sign up and, if you’d be so kind, do tell all your friends!

In this episode, Chris:

• Uses a construction that compares MANTLO!!! to Voldemort
• Suggests not kidnapping and murdering in support of your political cause
• Does a more than passable Northstar voice
• Makes a devastating, yet accurate, assessment of psychiatric counseling

and Tom:

• Continues to argue that Box didn’t kill Guardian, Guardian killed Guardian
• Drops some French-Canadian history
• Knows Chris won’t admit it: Walt made Aurora’s life demonstrably worse
• Makes an old internet cat girl meme reference (see if you catch it)

Issues covered:
Alpha Flight #22 - “Rub Out” - cover date May 1985
Written and drawn dramatically by John Byrne
Embellished Enthusiastically by Bob Wiacek
Colored Prismatically by Andy Yanchus
Lettered Alphabetically by Rick Parker
Edited Diplomatically by Dennis O’Neil
Observed Enigmatically by Jim Shooter

Iron Man #195 - “The Thing Most Precious” - cover date June 1985
Written by Denny O’Neil
Penciled by Luke McDonnell
Inked by Akin & Garvey
Lettered by Rick Parker
Colored by Bob Sharen
Edited by Mark Gruenwald
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Iron Man #196 - [no title?!?!] - cover date July 1985
Written by Denny O’Neil
Penciled by Rich Buckler
Inked by Akin & Garvey
Lettered by Rick Parker
Colored by Bob Sharen
Edited by Mark Gruenwald
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Get a jump on Christmas shopping with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsioremmroidery.etsy.com.

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

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 16: “Langkowski Island”

Yeah, we recorded this the week of the US election and, honestly, this was a bright spot during a crap time! Hoping it offers that to y’all, too!

And we’re launching a Patreon! First bit of extra content hits this Thursday with a Have a Drink episode about Tom’s favorite movie: Highlander. Click here to sign up and, if you’d be so kind, do tell all your friends!

In this episode, Chris:

• brings up Scooby-Doo. More than once
• gives some naval officer ranking info
• suggests Jim Shooter has some serious poetry chops
• makes a very modern Lt. Dan reference that this listenership will absolutely get
• might want a remake of the Stapleton standard, “Tennessee Whiskey”, to something a bit more…Canadian

and Tom:

• can’t believe he has to spend an episode talking about mostly Walt and his nepo baby lifestyle
• does an ungodly amount of Aurora voicework: you’re welcome!
• rechristens Byrne from “John” to “Jean”
• decides Walt isn’t a scientist but rather an alchemist
• recommends a couple books and does some John Donne analysis: exactly what you come to this podcast for!

Issues covered:
Alpha Flight #20 - “Gold and Love Affairs” - cover date March 1985
Written and Art by John Byrne
Background inks by Keith Williams
Lettered by Rick Parker
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Edited by Denny O’Neil
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Alpha Flight #21 - “Love Wrought New Alchemy,...” - cover date April 1985
Story and pencils by John Byrne
Inked by Bob Wiacek
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Rick Parker
Edited by Dennis O’Neil
Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Get a jump on Christmas shopping with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.

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

Novels recommended:

You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrigue, translated by Natasha Wimmer
Civilizations by Laurent Binet, translated by Sam Taylor

Poetry by John Donne cited:

A Nocturnal Upon St. Lucy’s Day
Love’s Alchemy

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 15: “Prom Night Theme: Alphalutin’ Flight”

In which we do SO MUCH voicework. And journey back 100 years to Calgary’s past and close the loop on Lucas Stang and Ranaq, the Great Devourer. Get more questions than answers on Elizabeth Twoyoungmen’s powers (normal). Spend an inordinate amount of time talking language. 

In this episode, Chris:

• is shocked at how much time is spent discussing the meaning of the verb “hock”
• really doesn’t like Talisman’s costume
• delivers a great reminder vis-a-vis prophylactics

and Tom:

• edits out WAY more political jokes/comments than you’ll ever know: this was recorded in the beforetimes
• “waxes” poetic about Buckaroo Bonzai
• argues against Chris’s superhero costume sensibilities

Issue covered:

Alpha Flight #19 - “Turn Again, Turn Again Time In Thy Flight…” - cover date February 1985
Created, Written and Art by John Byrne
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Rick Parker
Edited by Denny O’Neil and Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Get a jump on Christmas shopping with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsioremmroidery.etsy.com.

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

Works cited:

Elizabeth Akers Allen, “Rock Me To Sleep”
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52071/rock-me-to-sleep

HAMLET: “How long will a man lie in the earth `ere he rot?"
Hamlet, 5.1.168

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 14: “Friday, Marrina Is Depressed”

We’re doing something different this episode as we venture away from Alpha Flight proper and address Marrina’s appearance in Power Pack. To help us understand what it is we’re reading, we’re joined by Jeff and Rick of The Unpacking the Power of Power Pack Podcast. In this issue of Power Pack, Marrina teams up with the Power Pack to handle Snake-Eyes, the giant snake The Collector had on his ship, and manages to not…really…contribute, but my goodness does she mope.

Jeff and Rick are great, WE have a great time, they give us the cliffsnotes on the Power siblings, “the big guns of the Marvel Universe” (no, really: Spider-Man said so and given their abilities, he ain’t wrong), and we think you’ll enjoy the shenanigans committed, jokes made, and friendships forged along the way.

In this episode, Chris:

• learns that Black Bolt is a brony
• and agrees that Northstar would find Black Bolt’s stand-offishness…interesting
• gets to properly nerd out about how great Louise Simonson is

and Tom:

• now knows for a fact there are some fun books out there that don’t involve…Walt
• doesn’t do voicework, but hears some of the best he’s heard from Jeff and has a new standard to strive toward
• seriously, the lack of Walt is liberating

Issue covered:
Power Pack #10 - “Sea Hunt!” - cover date May 1985
Written by Louise Simonson
Penciled by Brent Anderson
Inked by Bob Wiacek
Colored by Glynis Wein
Lettered by Joe Rosen
Edited by Carl Potts and Jim Shooter as Editor In Chief

And for more from Jeff and Rick, here are some links!:

• Facebook
• Jeff and Rick Present (@jeffandrickpresent.bsky.social) — Bluesky
• Jeff and Rick Present – Unpacking the Power of Power Pack – Analyzing awesome and amazing adolescent adventures and absorbing alcohol!
• Tales of Tails! – Jeff and Rick Present
• The Hero Initiative

If you like what we’re doing you should absolutely give their podcast a follow on your preferred podcatcher. And if you like them and are now meeting us: WELCOME! We hope you’ll stick around!

Our good buddy G also gets a mention in this episode. We’re behind (currently) in releasing the playlists he’s made for the podcast, but do give him a follow on Spotify.

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Come check out the nearly 100 new items listed. Get a jump on Christmas shopping with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.

Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment or email us at [email protected]; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Al

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 13: “...Worth Two Twoyoungmen in the Bush”

In which almost everyone has a heart-to-heart except for maybe the people that really should (Shaman and his daughter; Aurora and Northstar). We also manage to hang out in 4-5 cities across Canada, so, you know, normal-AF.

In this episode, Chris:

• suggests #waltwasright and isn’t totally wrong
• …until #waltisanass becomes the better hashtag
• comments on Walt’s…laissez faire?...attitude?...re: university equipment

and Tom:

• is very much proven right about Walt
• goes in on Walt’s ethics (seriously, the guy is barely in these issues and yet somehow still manages to suck. A lot)
• unveils some amazing voice work, which almost kills Chris

Issues covered:
Alpha Flight #17 - “Dreams Die Hard…” - cover date December 1984
John Byrne is credited as Creator / Chronicler
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Joe Rosen
Edited by Denny O’Neil with Jim Shooter as Editor In Chief
And some credits to Chris Claremont and Terry Austin for the pages reprinted from their work on X-Men

Alpha Flight #18 - “How Long Will A Man Lie In The Earth ‘Ere He Rot?” - cover date January 1985
Written and penciled by John Byrne
Inked by Bob Wiacek
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Lettered by Rick Parker
Edited by Denny O’Neil with Jim Shooter as editor in chief

Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! Come check out the nearly 100 new items listed, including a full line of Halloween themed towels and wall hangers.  Get a jump on Christmas shopping with a variety of classic and cheeky designs. See these and more at excelsioremmroidery.etsy.com. 

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

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 12: “See No Crystar, Speak No Spider-Man, Hear No Marrina”

SIDE QUESTS! This episode we dig into two issues that present more…ephemera(?!) in Alpha Flight’s history. And while the second issue discussed is just plain bizarre, the first one featuring everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood superhero is an absolute delight. Oh, and we added more sound effects.

In this episode, Chris:

• is really into the idea of an Aunt May podcast (you can make this happen!)
• may or may not want to make a throuple with the Simonsons
• goes on another helmet related rant, which Tom promptly crushes
• delights in what an absolute pro Louise Simonson is. Seriously, she crushes it

and Tom:

• “adjusts” the Marvel cosmic-being pantheon
• makes Chris sad by imagining a world where Louise Simonson took over Alpha Flight after Byrne
• imagines another, better world where Brian K. Vaughan writes a version of The Saga of Crystar, Crystal Warrior
• wonders right along with you, dear listeners, why opera gloves are a thing Chris would even mention

Issues covered:
Marvel Team Up Annual #7, - “The Collected Spider-Man” - cover date Halloween 1984
Written by Louise SImonson
Penciled by Paul Neary
Inked by Dam De La Rosa
Lettered by Joe Rosen
Colored by Christie Scheele
Edited by Danny Fingeroth and Jim Shooter as Editor-In-Chief

The Saga of Crystar Crystal Warrior #11 - cover date February 1985
Script and Plot by Jo Duffy
Art by Ricardo Villamonte
Lettered by Janice Chiang
Colored by Andy Yanchus
Edited by Ralph Macchio with 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 Designs: an Aunt May face patch and a DOOM! sound effect patch from the Walt Simonson run on Thor!

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

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

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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!

Produced by Tom Flynn
Assisted by Chris Baker
Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy

Follow us on these platforms:
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