Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris & Tom

Episode 47: “See You at the Crossroads”Well, we’ve bicc’ed off most of the Mantlo threads and are into Hudnall proper. We cover three issues this week and they’re…interesting?! [upward vocal fry] We get into some of the neat things going on in these pages and a lot of the not-so-neat things. We also discuss Malört, losing Beta Flight for the next while, AI chatbots, and Goethe and The Sorrows of Young Werther. So kind of a typical episode for us, we suppose.Issues discussed:Alpha Flight #71 - “Power Plays” - cover date June 1989Writer is James D. HudnallPenciler is John CalimeeInker is Mike ManleyLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc McLaurinand Tom Defalco is the Editor in PowerAlpha Flight #72 - “End Game” - cover date July 1989Writer is James D. HudnallGuest Artist is Gerry TalaocLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc McLaurinand Tom Defalco is the Editor in WonderlandAlpha Flight #73 - “Homeward Bound” - cover date August 1989Writer is James D. HudnallPenciler is John CalimeeInker is Mike ManleyLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc McLaurinand Tom Defalco is the Still Not CanadianWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by The Excelsior Embroidery Company. This week Excelsior is featuring a patch that looks like a charged playing card from Gambit: it’s pretty neat.  See this and hundreds more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com, where listeners of Why Not?! can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off any 3 items in the store.  Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 46: “What the Hudnall?!”…and thus does the James D. Hudnall era begins…And we’re befuddled. It’s a rough start but hope springs eternal! We’ve a ton more Talisman, a new old face returns (much to Tom’s chagrin), and we simply burn off a whole mess of plotlines. Oh, and we set a record for the number of deaths in a single episode. So that’s something…Issues discussed:Alpha Flight #67 -“The Ties That Bind” - cover date February 1989Script by James D. HudnallPencils by Hugh HaynesInks by Gerry TalaocLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenAssociates by Marc McLaurinEdits by Carl Pottsand Tom DeFalco as Archaeologist in ChiefAlpha Flight # 68 - “All That We Are” - cover date March 1989Script by James D. HudnallPencils by John CalimeeInks by Sam DelarosaLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenAssociates by Marc McLaurinEdits by Carl Pottsand Tom DeFalco as in HereAlpha Flight #69 - “And All That We Seem…” - cover date April 1989Script by James D. HudnallPencils by Hugh HaynesInks by Hilary BartaLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenAssociates by Marc McLaurinEdits by Carl Pottsand Tom DeFalco  is the Dream ChiefAlpha Flight #70 - “...is but a dream within a dream” - cover date May 1989Script by James D. HudnallPencils by Hugh HaynesInks by Hilary Barta, Sam Delarosa, and Jon NybergLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenAssociates by Marc McLaurinEdits by Carl Pottsand Tom DeFalco  is “Not Canadian”\Why Not Read Alpha Flight?! is made possible by listeners like you, who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, part of the Roxxon family of companies and legally required to say it is proud to be an official Sponsor of the Donald J Trump America 250th celebration at the Donald J. Trump Center For the Arts and Chicken Wing Emporium, please don’t park in the Circle K’s lot they will tow you.  See the new Roxxon trucker hat and hundreds more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com, where listeners of Why Not?! can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off any 3 items in the store.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 45: “Bill, Adieu”Well, we’ve come to the end of Bill Mantlo’s run on Alpha Flight and, folks, he absolutely saved his best issue for last. It’s a wild and, frankly, incredibly well-accomplished issue as Manikin confronts his creator. Both a super-smart metacommentary and just an all-around solid story, it’s quite the issue to go out on.In this episode, Chris:gives some recommendations re: Puscifer’s best workdoes a great High Browand makes some great sound effectsand Tom:has a great time with Manikin’s attacks on “the Scribbler” who created himprobably does more talking as Knapp than he has any other character, which doesn’t feel awesometotally predicted that Knapp and Mantlo might have a heart-to-heart at some point and is damn proud of that random occurrenceIssue discussed:Alpha Flight #66 - “Killing Me Softly With His Word Processor” cover date January 1989Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is Hugh Haynes Inker is Gerry TalaocLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc McLaurinand Tom Defalco is Head of the ClassWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you, who support our Patreon, and by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a subsidiary of the Roxxon Corporation, celebrating 26 years of being the leading provider in vote counting technology.  This week, Excelsior is proud to feature a new Venture Brothers patch of Brock Sampson.  It’s the first new addition to the VB line in quite some time and there are more coming so be sure to follow the shop at  excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com, where listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off any 3 items in the store.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

In our penultimate episode covering Bill Mantlo's run on Alpha Flight things. get. weird. But quite interesting, too, as Wanda works some things out and Madison, well, Madison discovers the past isn't always done with you. Really interesting episodes but just kinda weird, too.But, hey, that's not such a bad thing is it?Issues discussed:Alpha Flight #64 - "God War/inside title: "Where There's A Will There's A Way" - cover date November 1988Writer is Bill MantloBreakdown Penciller is Jim LeeFinisher is Al MilgromLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc Mc Laurinand Tom DeFalco is Editor In QuirerAlpha Flight #65 - "When Robots Dream" - cover date December 1988Writer is Bill MantloGuest Penciller is Hugh HaynesInker is Al MilgromLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc Mc Laurinand Tom De Falco is Somnambulist In ChiefThis episode is brought to you by listeners like you, who subscribe to our Patreon. And by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder with great comics themed patches like the new classic Captain America shield design reinterpreted in white, pink and blue, available for order now so you’re all set for Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, 2026.  See this and hundreds more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com, where listeners of Why Not?! can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off any 3 items in the store.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 43: “All My Life I Wanted To Be a Supervillain”We cover two issues this week and, holy hell, we have…a GOOD TIME?!?! Two very different issues focusing on two of our least explored AF members (Kara and Madison) by both Bill Mantlo and the writer soon to replace him, James Hudnall. And while the Kara/Bill issue leans (effectively) into horror, the Madison/Hudnall is almost a slapstick adventure. And they both work!!! Feels like Christmas came early.In this episode, Chris:has an incredible time with the Technomancer: maybe his favorite villain to dateis thrilled to be back on Laurier Drivereminds us that corporate ownership of culture rarely goes welland Tom:absolutely digs the Kara issue: everything about it works for himponders just how damn powerful both Kara and Madison really areis convinced Heather is about to put Box on ice (it really wouldn’t be that surprising, would it?)Issues covered:Alpha Flight #62 - “A Real Gone Daddy!” - cover date September 1988Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is Jim LeeInker is Al MilgromLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAssociate Editor is Marc McLaurinand Tom DeFalco is credited as Two Fisted ChieftanAlpha Flight #63 - “Technomancer” - cover date October 1988Writer is James HudnallPenciler is Hugh HaynesInkers are Mike Gustovich and Don HudsonLetterer is Janice ChiangColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl Pottsand Tom Defalco is Hoo Hah in ChiefWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by Excelsior Embroidery! This week check out the new line of Booty patches, which is pretty self-explanatory. Use coupon code WN503 to save 50% on a purchase of 3 patches.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 42: “Wanda and the Kids”It’s our somewhat delayed coverage of issue 61 and, yeah, getting sick really throws a wrench in things. But! It’s a great issue as Heather and Jeffries spar with Canadian MPs over Alpha Flight’s direction and Wanda and Beta Flight go on a helluva field trip through Ottawa. The kind of issue that makes you wish THIS Mantlo showed up more often…In this episode, Chris:is quite amused by Wanda’s habit of Sassing out at almost every turnreally thinks the Canadian MPs should’ve, maybe, insisted the incredibly deadly superheroes not wear their murdersuits to the hearingand Tom:actually has a pretty good time! It’s fun when the issue is good!does find Heather’s arguments to the Canadian Parliament a bit…unreasonable (Murder Mommy really wanted to just do her thing in that thar chamber)Issue covered:Alpha Flight #61 - “Inquisition!” - cover date August 1988Bill Mantlo is WriterJim Lee is PencilerAl Milgrom is InkerJanice Chiang is LettererBob Sharen is ColoristCarl Potts is EditorTom Defalco is Editor In QuirerWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris & Tom is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company turning thread into thunder where every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair. Check it out at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com and use the code WN503 to get 50% off when you order any three (3) items from the Etsy store.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 41: “Enter the Jaded Dragon”We’re wrapping up the Dream Queen arc this episode with some help from…Old Puck?! And, really, that’s not even the oddest thing that happens in these issues, which ya have to hand it to ol’ Bill is kinda impressive. The team meets a dragon, almost start WW3, and see their old friend for just long enough for it all to feel very awkward. Stick around for some excellent fantasy casting in the outtake!In this episode, Chris:does a mean Rod Serling impressionmakes a lama≠llama joke…that Tom readsmakes a lot, and I mean A LOT, of Dairy Queen© jokes that may or may not take this podcast downand Tom:learns more about the inner workings of Dairy Queen than he ever expected(realizes that’s a theme of this podcast: Tom learning things he never cared to know)remembers the old days of K-1Issues covered:Alpha Flight #59 - “Comes A Dragon!” - cover date June 1988Story by Bill Mantlo Art by Jim Lee and Al MilgromLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenEdits by Carl Pottsand Tom DeFalco as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #60 - “War! What Is It Good For?” - cover date July 1988Bill Mantlo is WriterJim Lee is PencilerAl Milgrom is InkerJanice Chiang is LettererBob Sharen is ColoristMarc McLaurin is SoldierCarl Pots is Editorand Tom Defalco is Dragon in ChiefWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Roxxon Energy Corporation, parent corporation of the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder where every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair. This week we’re featuring new Alpha Flight patches! We’ve got Vindicator, Jeffries’ Box, White Sasquatch, and The Purple Girl and they look great! You can see these and hundreds more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com where Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the Etsy store. When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 40: “RiDQulous”And we’re back! New year, new energy, and the return of some of our favorite audio gags! It’s been a minute since we talked Alpha Flight so we take our time catching back up on everything that’s brought the team to this place; that place being inside of Box who is now a spaceship. Yep, we’re still hanging with Bill.In this episode, Chris:almost kills Tom with a Kid Rock jokeargues Frankenstein is an “oops baby” novelwistfully considers what Louise Simonson would have done with Alpha Flight: it made us both sad to think what could have beenand Tom:manages to fit in two references to The Who (the latter of which triggers a bit of PTSD for Chris)argues Frankenstein is very much NOT an “oops baby” novelgets to do the SCRAMMMMBBBLE voice againIssues discussed:Alpha Flight #57 -”Life” - cover date April 1988Script by MantloPencils by LeeInks by DezunigaLetters by ChiangColors by SharenEdits by PottsCoffee by DeFalcoAlpha Flight #58 - “Liveworld” - cover date May 1988Scripts by MantloPencils by LeeInka by MilgromLetters by ChiangColors by SharenEdits by LottaAssists by McLaurinand DeFalco LivesWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder where every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair. This week we’re featuring a set of paired patches of Northstar and Aurora, they show the hip detail of their classic black and white costume, you really gotta check these out. You can see these and a hundred more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com where Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store. When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

We thought during this fallow period between episodes on Alpha Flight we’d drop our Boxing Day 2024 special: our conversation about A Knight’s Tale. These movie convos live on the Patreon so if this is the kind of thing you enjoy from us, maybe consider joining up.In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our chat and the realization that this ain’t a swords-and-horses or even a historical romance: this is a straight-up sports movie, and one of the best ever made.Have a great rest of 2025 and we’ll be back with you on January 12th, 2026.Music: “Golden Years”- Disco Purrfection VersionWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to our second Holiday Spectacular! In which we share some of the more amusing outtakes that didn’t make it into the show over the last year interspersed with some delightful holiday music. This year we also explore a different and similarly fascinating question to our usual “Why Not?!”: What If?! Giant-Size Alpha Flight???Thanks for coming along on this ride with us. We have a great time making the show and really appreciate everyone who listens. See you in the new year for more from Canada’s greatest superhero team!Music: “Just Another Christmas Song” by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings from the album It’s a Holiday Soul PartyWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 39: “A Sas Called Wanda”In which Alpha Flight goes on several distinct genre-based adventures over the course of 3 issues…and we feel the whiplash. Lot more on Goblyn; less discernible rules to characters’ power; and the return of…the Great Beasts?!?!?!In this episode, Chris:makes it clear that Heather’s bloodlust is only growinggets further confirmation of Jeffries…proclivitiesgives one of the best defenses of Universal Healthcare you’ll ever hear (doesn’t happen on the recording, but just seeing if anyone is reading)and Tom:drops in some great lit references, including the origin of the term “Poohbah”almost quit the pod over how all over the place it iscapably refutes Chris’s points re: healthcare (just closing the loop on the bit)Issues discussed:Alpha Flight #54 - "Goblyn!" - cover date January 1988Script by Bill MantloPencils by Hugh HaynesInks by Wilce PortacioLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Gregory WrightEdited by Carl Pottswith Tom DeFalco as Editor in SleetAlpha Flight # 55 - "Identity Crisis!" - cover date February 1988Script by Bill MantloPencils by Jim LeeInks by Tony  DeZunigaLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenEdited by Carl Pottsand Tom DeFalco as Poohbah in ChiefAlpha Flight #56 - "Have you ever heard a spaceship scream?  Warped!" - cover date March 1988same creative team as last issueWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Roxxon Energy Corporation, Parent corporation of the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder where every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair. This week we’re featuring a patch of Prince Namor’s trident. You can see these and 2 hundred more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com where Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store. When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!  Quick note on “Poohbah”Tim Curry in Command & ConquerBell sound Effect by u_7xr5ffk4oq from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

We circle back to a couple issues we skipped over in our zeal to keep the narrative moving and boy do they really expand on Heather’s characterization. Are they groundbreakingly original stories? No. Are they solidly done and enjoyable? Absolutely. Mantlo…you really know how to play with our emotions.In this episode, Chris:points out that the only Alphan with a traditionally stable childhood is Marrina, who opted not to stick around very longhas some thoughts on Larry Hama writing AFoffers some recommendations for visitors to the St. Louis Zooand Tom:manages to get a dig in on Waltmakes a pretty wild accusation against the McNeil familymakes an even wilder accusation against JMHIssues discussed:Alpha Flight #47 - You Can’t Tell The Forest from the Trees! - cover date June 1987Script by Bill MantloPencils by Craig Brasfield, Mike Mignola, and Steve PurcellInks by Whilce Portacio and Terry AustinLetters by Jim NovakColors by Bob SharenEdited by Carl Pottsand Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight Annual #2 - The Fire Inside! - cover date December 1987Writer is Bill MantloLayouts by June BrigmanFinishes by Bob McLeodLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenEditor is Carl Potts and Tom DeFalco is credited as Editor in DeepWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Roxxon Energy Corporation, Parent corporation of the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder where every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair. This week we’re featuring a HOP patch, you’ve seen the image of the Portland Frog set to the classic Shepard Fairey Obama poster motif that says Hop instead of Hope, well I made a patch out of it. You can see this and a hundred more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com where Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store. When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

It’s a proper 3-issue arc! Which feels shockingly novel! In which, the Canadian government finds out just how different an Alpha Flight—and Vindicator—they have on their hands; one of JMH’s failed experiments makes a return; JMH’s GREATEST failure shows up for a bit (yeah, Wolverine is guesting); Wanda muses on her current state (we’ll get to that conversation very soon); and members of the team wonder at, but do not act on, Purple Girl and Knapp’s budding relationship (which is indefensible). But, like, one story over three issues! And no Alphans leave or die! Winning!!!In this episode, Chris:asserts Californian = Canadianoffers a quick business lesson on comics publishingreally likes the name “portaputer”...to each their own, I supposeand Tom:deploys a new voice he’s not totally sure about (he misses Northstar and Aurora already)really digs June Brigman’s work in issue 52enjoys Heather but absolutely calls her out on some bullshitIssues covered:Alpha Flight #51 - “Friends in High Places!” - cover date October 1987Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is Jim LeeInker is Whilce PortacioLetterer is Janice ChiangColorest is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #52 - “Specters!” and/or “Flashback!” - cover date November 1987Script by Bill MantloPencils by June BrigmanInks by Whilce PortacioLetters by Janice ChiangEditor is Carl Potts And Editor in Chief is Tom DeFalcoAlpha Flight #53 - “A Blast From The Past!” - cover date December 1987Writer by Bill MantloPencils by Jim LeeInks by Whilce PortacioLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsAnd Tom DeFalco as Predator-in-ChiefWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Roxxon Energy Corporation, parent corporation of the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder where every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair. This week we’re featuring a sugar skull girl oversized patch that looks super. You can see this and a hundred more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com where listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store. When company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving! And on this day of days we bring you issue 50: a double-sized offering in which three Alphans depart the team, two of whom get their pasts rather aggressively reimagined. And Loki’s here. There’s a lot going on.In this episode, Chris:brings up the Siege Perilous, which Tom definitely didn’t see comingand then almost rage quits over the Knapp/Kara Killgrave…escalationsgets real excited during some listener mail that mentions Emo Philipsand Tom:misses some obvious Shakespeare jokes: he’ll do better next timeand then almost rage quits over the Knapp/Kara Killgrave…escalationsgives Mantlo some due; not flowers, but a curt nodIssue covered:Alpha Flight #50 - “This Mortal Coil” - cover date September 1987Writer is Bill MantloArtists are June Brigman and Whilce PortacioLetterer is Janice ChiangColorer is Bob SharenEditor is Carl Potts and Editor in Chief is Jim ShooterWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Roxxon Energy Corporation, who wishes all our listeners a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving.  Was your turkey a time-intensive hassle?  Between thawing, cooking, and basting, making a thanksgiving turkey can take days.  Well, A wise man once said that every frozen pizza in the grocery store is cooked to perfection at a certain distance from a nuclear blast and Roxxon has taken this insight and applied it to turkeys.  So if you’ve got a minimum of 5 acres and a Nuclear Regulatory Agency license to handle plutonium, you can cook your next turkey in a literal flash with Roxxon’s Turkey Nooker.  You will need to have a minimum diameter of 10 acres of continuous land you both own and don’t care about to use the Turkey Nooker.  Support for this podcast also comes from the Excelsior Embroidery Company, turning thread into thunder creating original iron-on patches with a flair for punk, niche memes, and comic book chaos!  Every piece is stitched with style, sarcasm, and just a dash of superhuman flair.    From tea towels to tote bags, if it can hold a stitch, it can hold a story!  You can see a hundred designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com where Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store.  When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels.  Excelsior!Order a copy of True North here!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Another two-fer this episode as we bring to a close our time with Roger Bochs. Y’know, given the way things were going, this might not be the worst possible…nah, this is still a pretty bad way to go out. Plus: Whitman Knapp shoots up the “worst character” rankings; Aurora is barely in either issue; and Wanda Langkowski works her way into our hearts.In this episode, Chris:provides a great update on his Baldur’s Gate 3 playthroughneeds to be more careful about what links he clickssuddenly has A LOT of voices to doand Tom:suggests there may have been some ghostwriting during Mantlo’s run: just, you know, saying things on the internetmay also have incriminated himself in the destruction of a beloved kids restaurant franchisemakes quite assertion vis-a-vis the English languageIssues covered:Alpha Flight #48 - cover date July 1987 - “Madness”Script by Bill MantloPencils by Terry ShoemakerInks by Steve Leialoha and Hillary BartaLetters by Ken BruzenakColors by Glynnis OliverEditor is Carl Pottsand James Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #49 - cover date August 1987 - “Flesh of My Flesh”Script by Bill MantloPencils by June BrigmanInks by Wilce PortacioLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenEditor is Carl Pottsand Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Roxxon Energy Corporation, which is celebrating its 88th anniversary this year by releasing 14 different collectible coins highlighting the company’s role in American history. Roxxon: as American as Apple pie.As part of the celebration, Excelsior Embroidery Company has released a new patch that is He-Man’s face from that YouTube video where he sings 4 Non Blondes terribly. You can see this and a hundred more designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com. Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store. Remember, when Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

After a few short-er episodes, we’ve got a bit of a doozy for your ears this week. Two, count ‘em two!, issues of that Alpha Flight…goodness. In which we watch Roger Bochs change in all so many terrible ways! And the return of Tom’s bete orange in a very different form. There’s a lot to go over and even more to say in episodes to come, so onwards!In this episode, Chris:welcomes back his favorite characternotes the distinctive faces new artist June Brigman brings to the teamthinks he’s cracked the code re: some of the more uneven qualities of these issuesand Tom:is very professional about the return of his least favorite characterwho, Tom notes, isn’t the worst part of these issueshas some fun bringing the “Scramble!” voice backIssues covered:Alpha Flight #45 - cover date April 1987 - “Resurrection”Script by Bill MantloPencils by newcomer June BrigmanInks by Wilce PortacioLetters by Jim NovakColors by Bob SharenEdited by Carl Pottswith Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #46 - cover date May 1987 - “Friends…and lovers”Same creative team as #45Why Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by listeners like you who subscribe to our Patreon, and by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Roxxon Energy Corporation, proud sponsor of the Texas National Guard’s 2025 Tour of Chicago. You can get in on the fun by informing on your brown neighbors, or by coming down to Navy Pier to see the new exhibit on Warcrimes Through The Ages, a joint production of Roxxon with the Carl Jeppson Company, makers of Malort.And as usual, the Excelsior Embroidery Company is here to help outfit you for whatever your 2025 Tour of Chicago adventure brings, with lots of new patches suitable to the season available 24/7 at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com. I’m particularly proud of the GOP Delenda Est in white block serif letters on a red background, really befuddles the folks who haven’t read a book since they left high school. Listeners of Why Not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the etsy store. When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Short but impactful one this week as we bid farewell to a founding member of Alpha Flight…looks like that Dead Alphans list is gonna grow a bit in Episode 34! We also get more amazing characterization for Madison Jeffries, the continuation of miserable Puck, and, well, a lot of other characters are…there. Oh, and Bochs having the Bends gets resolved in 5ish panels.Like we said, an impactful one.In this episode, Chris:references Rush of all bands; just struck Tom as surprisingin the Watchmen-like vs not-Watchmen-like comics dividing line, Chris puts the initial 12 issues on the Watchmen-like side of the lineis totally getting hosed by Roxxonand Tom:makes a very specific Simpsons reference that the old heads will have never forgottenseems to be accepting that Walt will return and is maybe at peace with it (he’s not)on which note, he may or may not be in the next episode: tune in to find out!Issue discussed:Alpha Flight #44 - “Plague [Exclamation Point]” - cover date March 1987Script by Bill MantloPencils by Dave Ross (for the last time)Inks by Whilce PortacioLetters by Jim NovakColors by Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterIt’s back to school season and Chris’s youngest picked a minimalist Superman backpack on her own and asked me to make her a Krytpo patch, which I did.  Along with a Devil Dinosaur and Jeff the Shark patch.  You can see picks of the coolest backpack in 3rd grade by following Excelsior Embroidery on Bluesky and Instagram. You can also see my “Being Kind is Punk Rock” patch now on sale by going to excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.  Listeners of why not can use the coupon code WN503 to get 50 percent off when you order any 3 items from the Etsy store.  When Company’s coming over, bring out the good towels.  Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Just one issue this week but it’s a doozy as we get another situation designed to keep Kara Killgrave on the straight and narrow. Really: that feels like the only reason we get this villain this month. But! We do get some interesting characterization for Misssster Jeffries (who might be extremely overpowered?!) and there’s a decent chance Roger Bochs will stop having the bends sometime soon. Maybe.In this episode, Chris:takes an unnecessary shot at the USPS right from jump, but reels it right back inaccurately conveys how bonkers terrifying tornadoes arerails against Mantlo’s…inconsistency (don’t be mostly frustrating if you can actually be quite good; it’s confusing and upsetting!)and Tom:might do decent voicework but is no Michael Winslowsuggests the twins have at least one additional mutant poweris enjoying Madison Jeffries quite a bitIssue discussed:Alpha Flight #43 - “Strike Across the Border!” - cover date February 1987Story by Bill MantloPencils by Dave RossInks by Wilce PortacioLetters by Ken BrusenakColors by Bob SharenEditor is Carl Potts andEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris and Tom is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Roxxon Energy Corporation. Listeners of Why Not?! can go to https://excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com and use the code WHYNOT20 to get 20% off any 2 items. When Company Is Coming Over, Bring Out the Good Towels!  Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

We’re back to our regularly scheduled episodes and in this one we cover three issues, including one of our least favorite to date, Marvel Fanfare #28. Just a very odd, unnecessary story. But! We also meet Purple Girl AND witness the return of Beta Flight! Mantlo’s really starting to put his stamp on this book and it is absolutely motoring along.In this episode, Chris:really doesn’t want to waste time talking about Marvel Fanfare #28…and makes some good points as to why we shouldn’toffers some honest-to-God science facts by way of The Far Sideand Tom:gives a brief Canadian history lessongets in some quality work on Walt while the getting is goodpulls in a ringer for some voice workIssues discussed:Marvel Fanfare #28 - “Murder By Numbers” - cover date September 1986Written by Bill MantloEverything else (pencils, inks, letters, colors) by Ken SteacyEdited by Al MilgromEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #41 - “It’s Not Easy Being Purple” - cover date December 1986Written by Bill MantoPencilled by David RossInked by Wilce PortacioLettered by Jim NovakColored by Bob SharenEdited by Carl PottsEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #42 - “Auction” - cover date January 1987same creative team as #41Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris and Tom is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Roxxon Energy Corporation. Listeners of Why Not?! can go to https://excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com and use the code WHYNOT20 to get 20% off any 2 items. When Company Is Coming Over, Bring Out the Good Towels!  Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Happy summer, folks! We pulled together something akin to a double-sized issue: we dig into Alpha Flight Annual #1 (which might be both of our favorite single issue) and have a conversation with Professor Joseph A. Stramondo on disability, ableism, and the word “cripple”. It’s a fascinating conversation and one we’re sure you’re going to enjoy.In this episode, Chris:creates the AI that will kill us allmakes an unexpected musical referencewonders who even designed Mansion Alphaand Tom:pulls off a perfect terrible Skeletorinvokes the rule of coolfinds himself, sort of?, missing Walt; at least as a foil to PuckIssue discussed:Alpha Flight Annual #1 - “Homebody” - cover date May 1986Script by Bill MantloLayouts by Larry StromanFinished by Gerry TalaocLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Bob SharenEditing by Carl PottsEditor in Chiefing by Jim ShooterWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, part of the Roxxon Energy Corporation family.   Listeners of Why Not?! can go to excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com and use the code WHYNOT20 to get 20% off any 2 items in the Etsy store and a free Alpha Flight patch.  When company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

This summer has been busy, y'all, and with our presentation at The Uncanny Experience right around the corner we thought we'd drop another tasty treat from behind ye olde Patreon wall into the feed this week: our true to the movie's runtime conversation about Thunderbolts*. Which we both really liked! A lot! Plus, it's now available for digital rental or purchase (that simulacrum of actual ownership) and out on DVD end of the month (that's the good stuff!), so the timing makes sense...right?!In two weeks we have our Slammin' Summer Special and it's going to be a doozy. Which also means you have to wait just a bit longer to hear how Tom feels about Northstar...fighting an alligator?!?!Stay cool folks, hope you enjoy the listen, and make sure you start playing the episode right as the credits go black so our audio syncs with the movie Dark Side of the Moon-style.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

In this episode we finally catch up with everyone’s favorite fish lady from Newfoundland, MARRINA! And, really, we do. Not messing with you. Which also means we have to spend time with no one’s favorite Atlantean…Namor. He brought some friends with, though, in the form of the 1986 Avengers! It’s a team-up!In this episode, Chris:does a pretty good Namorwants more realistic sea floor battles, which is an interesting requestsays “Mr. Jeffries” waaaay too muchand Tom:absolutely crushes his Northstarmakes a Simpsons reference Chris totally missesis seeing innuendos everywhere these days…Issues discussed:Alpha Flight #39 - “The Invasion of Atlantis!” cover date Oct 1986Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is David RossInkter is Wilce PortacioLetterer is Jim NovakColorer is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterAvengers #272 - “Assault on Atlantis” - cover date October 1986.  Writer is Roger SternBreakdowns by John BuscemaFinished Art by Tom PalmerLetterer is Jim NovakColorist is Paul BectonEditor is Mark GruenwaldEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #40 - “Love” - cover date November 1986same team as #39Excelsior Embroidery Company continues to celebrate Pride month by rolling out even more variations on the classic X-Men icon, one of which came from a listener who asked “Can you take the bisexual flag colors and make it less flag like and also have it reflect my love of Gambit?” To which I replied: Say less, fam, I gotchu.Check out this design and more at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.  Listeners of Why Not can use the code WHYNOT20 to get 20% off any 2 items in the Etsy store and a free Alpha Flight patch.  When company’s coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Episode 29: “What Color Is Your Sasquatch?”Welcome to Episode 29, in which we wrap up Snowbird’s magical mystery pregnancy, encounter a real-life tale of Arctic exploration gone wrong (redundant, really, that “gone wrong”) made mystical(?!), and run into Talisman again. And, y’know what? Chris may have had a point about her. But maybe don’t mention that to him such that it goes to his head.Very much not in this episode? Marrina! But probably next time. Maybe.In this episode, Chris:gives some solid advice re: best practices when one’s partner is giving birth (short version: do what you’re told)acknowledges that there’s nothing subtle about Aurora’s…depiction heremakes some choice selections vis-a-vis audio gags (try and figure out which ones are his!)and Tom:tries something new to memorialize le morte de Waltairtakes us on quite the diversion re: The Terror and Dan Simmonsgets why The Doug is so upset, just can’t give him too much credit since he’s way too much of a dick about itIssues covered:Alpha Flight #37 - “Death Birth” - cover date August 1986Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is David RossLetter is Jim NovakColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl Potts Editor in Chief is Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #38 “Pestilence!” - cover date September 1986Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is David RossLetter is Jim NovakColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl Potts Editor in Chief is Jim ShooterRoxxon also wishes all the listeners of Why Not?! A happy Pride Month with Excelsior’s X-Men icon with a transflag background on a color appropriate trucker hat, perfect for keeping the hot sun off your dome at the scaled-down Pride fest in your city that Roxxon refused to sponsor this year.  Check out this design and more at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.  Listeners of Why Not can use the code WHYNOT20 to get 20% off any 2 items in the Etsy store.Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 28: “The Doug…Undone!”It’s a surprise-entirely-unnatural-pregnancy episode, everyone’s favorite scifi/fantasy trope! And The Doug Thompson handles it…poorly. Little less of the Puck/Bochs self-loathing (though not none of that nonsense), but the issues covered this episode represent a real corner being turned as we put the…rocky start to Mantlo’s time behind us. Overly optimistic? Probably!In this episode, Chris:proves Tom very wrong on a bit of character backstory, which shouldn’t be surprising, but here we arewrote a script that goes pretty hard at Canada, our beloved neighbor and (future?) homeadores Shaman’s new outfit!and Tom:leaves in Chris proving him wrong because he’s a real onethinks “Mansion Alpha” sounds like an influencer houseposits that we were all deprived of some righteous Mignola-mystical artIssues covered:Alpha Flight #35 - cover date June 1986 - “The Child is Father to the Man”Writer is Bill MantloIntroducing Canada’s own David Ross and pencilerInker is Gerry TalaocLetterer is Jim NovakColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #36 - cover date July 1986 - “Labor Pains”Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is David RossInker is Gerry TalaocLetter is Joe RosenColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsEditor in Chief is Jim ShooterWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, part of the Roxxon family of companies. Roxxon is proud to celebrate Pride month with a series of pride themed comic book patches like the Deadpool icon with a pan flag in the background and an X-Men icon with a trans flag theme. But my favorite has to be the Alpha Flight combined logo with a full pride flag of colors throughout: it’s really something special. You can see all these and hundreds more by going to excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.Airhorn sound effect by freesound_community from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 27: “Big Throuble in Westchester County”We’ll be at The Uncanny Experience in July, giving a talk on the history of Department H, which sounds boring, but it’s us, so we’ll find a way to spice it up (I mean, a full-scale assault on civil rights tends to make for spicy conversation)! But in today’s episode, we cover the last(?) two especially rough issues in the Mantlo run (Tom hopes), featuring Wolverine and the first appearance of Lady Deathstrike (if you’re listening to us, you know what that is).Oh, and inexplicably, as is their wont, a member of Power Pack makes an appearance. They’re literally everywhere.In this episode, Chris:makes a Secret Wars joke that there’s no way in hell Tom could’ve possibly understoodcomments on the corner box art and how it’s a lost art in modern comics (shakes fist at sky)makes a frankly INSANE suggestion for a THUNDERBOLTS* post-credit scenelays out the rules for Power Pack/X-Men team-upsand Tom:is running out of ideas re: celebrating Walt’s…absencesuccessfully argues that we all need to show “The Doug” some ‘spectfeels Teeny really pulled her weight this episodeabsolutely does NOT nail a Rogue voicegoes on another literary tangentAlpha Flight #33 - “A Friend in Need” - cover date April 1986Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is Sal BuscemaInker is Gerry TalaocLetterer is Jim NovakColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl Pottsand Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #34 - “Honor” - cover date May 1986Writer is Bill MantloStoryteller is Sal BuscemaFinisher is Gerry TalaocLetterer is Janice ChiangColorer is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsEditor in Chiefer is Jim ShooterThis week our sponsor, the Excelsior Embroidery Company, is featuring the iconic X-Men logo with a variety of Pride flags in the background.  Available as a patch, towel, or hat, this is a great addition to your summer wardrobe. See this patch and hundreds more designs by going to excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.  When company is coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Airhorn sound effect by freesound_community from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 26: “Tall Tale”Do you ever feel like you’re just talking to yourself most of the time? Just Tom? Because he spends swaths of this episode doing voices? Ok. Just Tom.It’s time for that episode folks. THAT episode. Wherein we learn how Puck came to be…Puck…according to Bill Mantlo. But! We make the most of it. We think.In this episode, Chris:brings back an oldie, but a goodie, sound effectreally wants to see Harrison Ford take out Pucktries out a new sign off?and Tom:is more than a touch flummoxed by the…necromancy?...committed to give Heather her suitkinda struggles w/ Northstar & Aurora’s accents: he’ll do better next timesays “immensely black storm cloud” and wonders what language even is anymoreAlpha Flight #32 - “Tall Tales” - cover date March 1986Writer is Bill MantloPenciler is John BogdanoveInker is Gerry TalaocLetterer is Jim Novak Colorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl Pottsand Jim Shooter as Editor In ChiefWhy Not Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, specializing in comic themed patches, towels, and more.  This week we are featuring our delightfully cheeky Rogue towels, now 100% lead free in the state of California. See what everyone at C2E2 was talking about by going to excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com.  When company is coming over, bring out the good towels. Excelsior!Airhorn sound effect by freesound_community from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 25: “Pucking Around and Finding Out”Well we’re back from C2E2 and boy howdy was that a good time. Great meeting folks and finding out just how many folks can recognize Puck in the wild (and were incredibly excited to see the costume!). We’re back in your ears today with a deep dive on issue 31 and the return of Deadly Ernest.In this episode, Chris:does an incredible amount of Puck voicework. Really think he’s only going to speak as Puck in the very near futurerecounts the worst job he ever had, which does connect to this issue. Sort ofand Tom:theorizes John Byrne may have held his characters and their lives hostagegets a basic Canada fact wrong, which is very much not his role on this podcastAlpha Flight #31 - “The Grateful Dead” - cover date February 1986Writer is Bill MantloPencils by Mike MignolaInks by Gerry TalaocLetters by Jim Novak Colors by Bob SharenEditor is Carl Pottsand Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefWhy Not?! Read Alpha Flight is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company which is happy to mail you a nerdy iron on patch, kitchen towel, tote bag, or anything else embroiderable! This week we’re featuring a new design, it’s a mini Alpha Flight icon patch that’ll fit on anything you could imagine and listeners can get one for free! For a limited time, go to excelsiorembroidery.etsy.com to make any purchase and use the code ALPHAN to get this little guy tossed in your order for free.Airhorn sound effect by freesound_community from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

What the title says! We'll be at C2E2 Friday, April 11, 2025 and Saturday, April 12, 2025, just hanging out and taking it all in. And we'll be in costume. Alphan costumes.So if you're nearby and have the time, you should come. Not just because of us. But mostly because of us. And if you're not nearby, you can engage vicariously through our socials.Tom never thought he'd dress up for a con. The things we do...Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 demoexpands the universe of Madison Jeffries…proclivitiesis feeling largely alright about Mantlo’s run…so farand Tom:speculates comics led to Chris’ first time…cursing up a stormtalks Jonathan Swift and the current moment in Canadian politicsdances a jig on Walt’s grave. If he had one. Which he doesn’tIssue discussed:Alpha Flight #30 - “Enter…Scramble!” - cover date January 1986Writer: Bill MantloPencils: Mike MignolaInks: Gerry TalaocLetters: Jim NovakColors: Bob SharenEditor: Carl PottsEditor-in-chief: Jim ShooterTom 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 PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 23: “Bills, Bills, Bills”Here we go! The Mantlo era has begun! Only one issue today as we get our feet under us a bit. And what with all the sturm und drang we (Chris) injected in anticipation of this run…it might not be terrible? Or, more accurately, parts will be rough and other parts will be great and we’re going to call a clean game. And we make time to have a very thorough conversation about soap operas.In this episode, Chris:retires the “MANTLOOOO” battlecry for the time beingadvocates for self-care and really taking care of yourself…even if it means walking away from your team while they’re fighting the Hulkcalls an audible 20 minutes in to get some more coffee: the magic of audio!figures out the proper network for an Alpha Flight tv show: the CWis…somehow feeling ok about what’s to come?! Or putting on a brave face. It’s one or the otherand Tom:fills everyone in on Bill Mantlo’s history and, yeah, that wasn’t funalso advocates for self-care…even if it means flattening a major metropolitan area and reducing it to dusttakes that opportunity to also get coffee: do you like this level of detail?compares The Iliad, Odyssey, and The Aeneid to soap operas and by extension…Alpha Flight?!?!knows that it’s “New South Wales”, not “North South Wales” but left the mistake in for accountabilityIssue covered:Alpha Flight #29 - “Cut Bait & Run” - cover date December 1985Writer is Bill MantloArtists are Mike Mignola and Gerry TalaocLetterer is Jim NovakColorist is Bob SharenEditor is Carl PottsJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefTo read more on Bill Mantlo, this story from TripAdvisor (of all places) provides a good bit of background. It’s a difficult read, so buyer beware.And Tom was on another podcast recently: “Mining the Dalkey Archive”. He joined the hosts in a conversation on Flann O’Brien’s The Third Policemen and for you Lost-heads, there’s some interesting show lore discussed.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!Airhorn sound effect by freesound_community from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 22: “Au Revoir, Jean-Byrne”Well, folks, this is it: the end of the line for our good buddy and creator of Alpha Flight, John Byrne. Issue 28 is his last on the title, as he moves on to The Incredible Hulk and, very soon, Superman. It’s been quite the ride and we take some time at the end of this episode to  sum up our thoughts on his now completed run.But before all that! There are three issues to get through as we wrap up the pseudo-Guardian storyline and learn what new and even dumber hijinks Roger Bochs and Walter-Box can get themselves up to. Oh, and Shaman pretty much crashes out. It’s quite the episode!Next episode: THE MANTLO ERA BEGINS!!!In this episode, Chris:stakes a lot on Heather still being humanliterally edits a joke as we record…so Tom left that WHOLE process indeclares his undying love for Rick Parker. Which…fairgoes…places with a discussion of robosexuality which is only going to be available on Patreon. Because Tom doesn’t need that smokeand Tom:doesn’t really nail the Madison Jeffries voice and will strive to do better next timeis getting some real whiplash with all this “will they or won’t they” re: killing Walthad to listen to that robosexual riff a few times too manyIssues covered:Secret Wars 2 #4 - “Love Is The Answer” - cover date October 1985Scripter is Jim ShooterPenciler is Al MilgromInkers are Leialoha and RubensteinLeterrers are J Rose. & Friends Colorist is Max ScheduleEditor is Bob BudianskiAlpha Flight #28 - “Crossover” - cover date November 1985Words and picture by John Byrne for the last timeInking Assist by Keith WilliamsColors by Andy YanchusLetters by friend of the pod Rick ParkerEdited by Dennis O’NeilWith Jim Shooter as Editor In ChiefIncredible Hulk #313 - "Hook Line and Sinker" - cover date November 1985Story by Bill MantloArt by Mike Mignola and Gerry TalaocLetters by Jim NovakColors by Bob SharenEditor Carl PottsEditor-in-Chief Jim Shooter Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris and Tom is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a subsidiary of the Roxxon Corporation.  This week’s special is a very cool sketchy Black Panther design, available in several color combos to fit in any kitchen or bathroom.  You can see this towel and hundreds of other designs at excelsiorembroidery.etsy.comCheck 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!Elevator music by music_for_video from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 21: “Beautiful Oblivion, or the Episode with Entirely Too Many Dicks In It”A lot of returning characters in this episode’s issues, though not precisely in the way one might expect. Which suggests a really clever reveal, but it’s honestly kinda…meh? Oh, and way more Eve 6 references than one might expect, all things considered.In this episode, Chris:makes one of the worst puns he’s ever committed to tape (this has to be on tape somewhere, right?) and proceeds to revel in pointing it out: send helpMAKES A WRESTLING REFERENCE!!!seems to have a problem with Doug? Just Snowbird’s Doug or all Doug’s, we wonder…acknowledges Talisman’s outfitand Tom:has maybe too much fun editing in voices from other mediathinks he knows what Byrne was watching during this timecontinues to speak French poorly (but can crush a Marvel-French accent)at one point absolutely loses it about Walt; he’s trying to be better about this…Issues covered:Alpha Flight Issue #25 - “And Graves Give Up Their Dead” - cover date August 1985Story and pencils by John ByrneEmbellishing by Bob WiacekInking Assist by Keith WilliamsColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefCreative Kibbitzing by Bill MantloAlpha Flight Issue #26 - “If At First You Dont Succeed…” - cover date September 1985Story and pencils by John ByrneEmbellishing by Bob WiacekInking Assist by Keith WilliamsColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight Issue #27 - “BETRAYAL!” - cover date October 1985same creative team as last issue!Why Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company, a subsidiary of the Roxxon Corporation.  New this week we have a fun twist on the classic Luigi hat. We think you’ll like it, but they are moving fast so don’t sleep on it.  You can see this hat and hundreds of other designs 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!Elevator music by music_for_video from PixabayCracking ice sound effect by freesound_community from PixabayWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 20: “SASQUATCH FIGHT!!!”This is a big one. Another Alphan bites it and boy does it make Tom happy (and then very, very angry). A lot of laughs in this one as we very much lose the wrong team member. Oh, and a conversation about Malört. That stuff is just everywhere now.In this episode, Chris:gets to really stretch ye olde voice work chordsadds “SASQUATCH FIGHT!!!” to his family lexiconis traumatized by panels of Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen smiling. It just feels…wrongand Tom:goes through all of the stages of grief in a matter of a few comics pagesseriously, they were so close to being free of WaltI WAS SO CLOSE TO BEING FREEIssues covered:Alpha Flight #23 - “Night of the Beast” - cover date June 1985Story and pencils by John ByrneEmbellishing by Bob WiacekInking Assist by Keith WilliamsColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O’Neiland Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #24 - Final Conflict - cover date July 1986Story & pencils by John ByrneEmbellishing by Bob WiacekColoring by Andy YanchusLettering by Rich ParkerEditing by Dennis O’NeilPeacekeeper Jim ShooterWhy Not?! is brought to you by the Excelsior Embroidery Company! This week there’s some new Luigi Mario merch. 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 peaceTalks comic book price inflationReads a fantastic piece by Stan the Man to close us outand Tom:Won’t call Walt his bete orange, but you can if you want toSpent a good bit of time trying to make some of these voices…differentGets 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 ClaremontAnd very much hopes that’ll continue with MantloIssues covered:X-Men and Alpha Flight #1, cover date December 1985Written by Chris ClaremontArt by Paul Smith & Bob WiacekLettered by Tom OrzechowskiColored by Glynis OliverEdited by Ann Nocenti and Denny O’Neilwith Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefBased on a Premise by Jim Shooter, Ann Nocenti, and Denny O’NeilX-Men and Alpha Flight #2, cover date January 1986Written by Chris ClaremontPencils by Paul SmithInks by Bob Wiacek & friendsLettered by Tom OrzechowskiEdited by Ann Nocenti and Denny O’Neilwith Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefBased on a Premise by Jim Shooter, Ann Nocenti, and Denny O’NeilWhy 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 QuickeningChris really can do a Sean Connery. It’s impressive. Probably how he won over his wifeTom suggests that maybe some of the actors should’ve swapped places. Just sayingChris recounts his “sword period”: the pre-social media era was an interesting time to be aliveChris makes some very specific comics comparisons (X-Ternals; Ramirez-MacLeod / Xavier-Summers)One of those comparisons almost nails the weirdness of Highlander 2…Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 hisselfHas an incredible time performing NPR/CBC style pledge appealsOnly mentions MANTLO!!! once: a holiday miracle!and Tom:Manages not to seize the means of productionMarvels at the assertions made as to how Guardian’s suit worked…until, you know, it didn’tUnveils 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 1987Script by Chris ClaremontPenciled by Kieron DwyerInked by Terry AustinLettered by Ken LopezColored by Petra Scotese and/or Glynis OliverClassic X-Men #26 - “Wanted: Wolverine, Dead or Alive!” - cover date October 1988Script by Chris ClaremontPenciled by Kieron DwyerInked by Terry AustinLettered by Tom OrzechowskiColored by Gregory WrightClassic X-Men #27 - “Shoot Out At the Stampede” - cover date November 1988Script by Chris ClaremontPenciled by Kieron DwyerInked by Terry AustinLettered by Ken LopezAlpha 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 GangWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 VoldemortSuggests not kidnapping and murdering in support of your political causeDoes a more than passable Northstar voiceMakes a devastating, yet accurate, assessment of psychiatric counselingand Tom:Continues to argue that Box didn’t kill Guardian, Guardian killed GuardianDrops some French-Canadian historyKnows Chris won’t admit it: Walt made Aurora’s life demonstrably worseMakes an old internet cat girl meme reference (see if you catch it)Issues covered:Alpha Flight #22 - “Rub Out” - cover date May 1985Written and drawn dramatically by John ByrneEmbellished Enthusiastically by Bob WiacekColored Prismatically by Andy YanchusLettered Alphabetically by Rick ParkerEdited Diplomatically by Dennis O’NeilObserved Enigmatically by Jim ShooterIron Man #195 - “The Thing Most Precious” - cover date June 1985Written by Denny O’NeilPenciled by Luke McDonnellInked by Akin & GarveyLettered by Rick ParkerColored by Bob SharenEdited by Mark GruenwaldJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefIron Man #196 - [no title?!?!] - cover date July 1985Written by Denny O’NeilPenciled by Rich BucklerInked by Akin & GarveyLettered by Rick ParkerColored by Bob SharenEdited by Mark GruenwaldJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefWhy 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 oncegives some naval officer ranking infosuggests Jim Shooter has some serious poetry chopsmakes a very modern Lt. Dan reference that this listenership will absolutely getmight want a remake of the Stapleton standard, “Tennessee Whiskey”, to something a bit more…Canadianand Tom:can’t believe he has to spend an episode talking about mostly Walt and his nepo baby lifestyledoes an ungodly amount of Aurora voicework: you’re welcome!rechristens Byrne from “John” to “Jean”decides Walt isn’t a scientist but rather an alchemistrecommends 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 1985Written and Art by John ByrneBackground inks by Keith WilliamsLettered by Rick ParkerColored by Andy YanchusEdited by Denny O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #21 - “Love Wrought New Alchemy,...” - cover date April 1985Story and pencils by John ByrneInked by Bob WiacekColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Dennis O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefWhy 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 WimmerCivilizations by Laurent Binet, translated by Sam TaylorPoetry by John Donne cited:A Nocturnal Upon St. Lucy’s DayLove’s AlchemyWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 costumedelivers a great reminder vis-a-vis prophylacticsand Tom:edits out WAY more political jokes/comments than you’ll ever know: this was recorded in the beforetimes“waxes” poetic about Buckaroo Bonzaiargues against Chris’s superhero costume sensibilitiesIssue covered:Alpha Flight #19 - “Turn Again, Turn Again Time In Thy Flight…” - cover date February 1985Created, Written and Art by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O’Neil and Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefWhy 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-sleepHAMLET: “How long will a man lie in the earth `ere he rot?"Hamlet, 5.1.168Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 bronyand agrees that Northstar would find Black Bolt’s stand-offishness…interestinggets to properly nerd out about how great Louise Simonson isand Tom:now knows for a fact there are some fun books out there that don’t involve…Waltdoesn’t do voicework, but hears some of the best he’s heard from Jeff and has a new standard to strive towardseriously, the lack of Walt is liberatingIssue covered:Power Pack #10 - “Sea Hunt!” - cover date May 1985Written by Louise SimonsonPenciled by Brent AndersonInked by Bob WiacekColored by Glynis WeinLettered by Joe RosenEdited by Carl Potts and Jim Shooter as Editor In ChiefAnd for more from Jeff and Rick, here are some links!:FacebookJeff and Rick Present (@jeffandrickpresent.bsky.social) — BlueskyJeff and Rick Present – Unpacking the Power of Power Pack – Analyzing awesome and amazing adolescent adventures and absorbing alcohol!Tales of Tails! – Jeff and Rick PresentThe Hero InitiativeIf 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 questionWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 hashtagcomments on Walt’s…laissez faire?...attitude?...re: university equipmentand Tom:is very much proven right about Waltgoes 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 ChrisIssues covered:Alpha Flight #17 - “Dreams Die Hard…” - cover date December 1984John Byrne is credited as Creator / ChroniclerColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Joe RosenEdited by Denny O’Neil with Jim Shooter as Editor In ChiefAnd some credits to Chris Claremont and Terry Austin for the pages reprinted from their work on X-MenAlpha Flight #18 - “How Long Will A Man Lie In The Earth ‘Ere He Rot?” - cover date January 1985Written and penciled by John ByrneInked by Bob WiacekColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O’Neil with Jim Shooter as editor in chiefWhy 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 Simonsonsgoes on another helmet related rant, which Tom promptly crushesdelights in what an absolute pro Louise Simonson is. Seriously, she crushes itand Tom:“adjusts” the Marvel cosmic-being pantheonmakes Chris sad by imagining a world where Louise Simonson took over Alpha Flight after Byrneimagines another, better world where Brian K. Vaughan writes a version of The Saga of Crystar, Crystal Warriorwonders right along with you, dear listeners, why opera gloves are a thing Chris would even mentionIssues covered:Marvel Team Up Annual #7, - “The Collected Spider-Man” - cover date Halloween 1984Written by Louise SImonsonPenciled by Paul NearyInked by Dam De La RosaLettered by Joe RosenColored by Christie ScheeleEdited by Danny Fingeroth and Jim Shooter as Editor-In-ChiefThe Saga of Crystar Crystal Warrior #11 - cover date February 1985Script and Plot by Jo DuffyArt by Ricardo VillamonteLettered by Janice ChiangColored by Andy YanchusEdited by Ralph Macchio with Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefSpecial 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 comicsclearly wishes AF had Doom as a nemesis and not The Master of the Worldis ok with saying “Alphan” but “broodmate” gets his hackles upreally wishes Tom wouldn't make some of the speculations he doesTom:cops to watching a lot of Dark Shadowsmakes a Hemingway title recommendation for probably the first time in his lifesays “Box” in a, somewhat, peculiar mannerspeculates on Walt's hobbiesIssues covered:Alpha Flight #14 - “Biology Class” - cover date September 1984Written and penciled by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Michael HigginsEdited by Denny O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #15 - “Blind Date” - cover date October 1984Written and penciled by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefAlpha Flight #16 - “And Forsaking All Others” - cover date November 1984Written and penciled by John ByrneFinished by Bob WiachekColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Rick ParkerEdited by Denny O'NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefSpecial 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 Marvelwants some poutine from JoJo’sgives Mantlo some credit…for nowTom: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 contentlikes saying “ROM”; isn’t so sure about the comic itselfIssues covered:Alpha Flight #13 - “Nightmare” - cover date August 1984Writing and art by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Michael HigginsEdited by Dennis O’NeilJim Shooter as Editor in ChiefROM 56-58Written by Bill MantloArt by Mark BrightInks by Mel CandidoLetters by Janice ChiangColors by Ben SeanEdited by Ralph Macchio (yes the one you’re thinking of, not the 80s movie star)Jim Shooter as Editor in ChiefSpecial 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

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 pointoffers a brief but interesting digression on Captain America and…Nixon?!channels one helluva Bob Barkerreally digs Wildchild’s hairTom:asserts the similarities between pro wrestling (specifically of the WWE persuasion) and Alpha Flightabsolutely nails some voice workmakes some frankly wild assertions about who has the power to make a death squaddoesn’t see Guardian’s suit’s powers making a…pleasant transition to the big screenIssues covered:Alpha Flight #11 - “Set-Up” - cover date June 1984Writing and art by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Michael HigginsEdited by Dennis O’Neil and Linda GrantAlpha Flight #12 - “...And One Shall Surely Die” - cover date July 1984same team as #11Special 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!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?! Episode 8: “Is SASLD Walter Langkowski Actually Boring?!?!”It’s a short one this week folks! (Don’t worry we’ll make up for it with…however long Episode 9 will be (very long).) We cover a two-issue solo adventure for Sasquatch (which probably should’ve been a single issue…at most), Snowbird’s origin, and Sasquatch’s origin! A lot of Walt and yet hardly much at all to say about it. Despite the length, there are more than a few opportunities to toast death, sex, failure, and team-ups!In this episode, Chris:almost starts a conversation about when life begins (specifically regarding the pregnancies of gods)does some incredible work fitting everything into the timelineTom:really wants to bring back the concept of conferring “boons”suggests that JMH should be careful about throwing stones re: the age of one’s partner (not that he does! But he should still be careful)Issues covered:Alpha Flight #7 & #8 - (specifically the backup story) - cover dates February and March 1984same creative team as #9 & 10 belowAlpha Flight  #9 and 10, cover dates April and May 1984Written and drawn by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Michael HigginsEdited by Denny O’Neil and Jim ShooterCheck us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality.  Here's this episode's Featured Design: the Marrina face patch! Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

It’s a loose (very loose) drop-in episode this week. Just thought we’d offer some thoughts on Deadpool & Wolverine. Main takeaway: so much fun. If you don’t know what fun is, this will cure you of that affliction. Pure. Unadulterated. Bolivian Marching Fun.And some stray thoughts for here, the written bit:Chris and Short Kings: why this podcast existswe spend a lot of time waxing poetic about Blade: which is right and justwe get maybe a bit too deep into the meta of it all (tbf: Tom gets a bit too deep into the meta of it all)chat about the Fan 4 more than one may have expected all things consideredand Chris offers an excellent perspective on comics: sometimes they suck, so focus on what you like and keep on truckinghe also claims that Tom argues for Fox’s version of comics movies, which he maintains he didn’t. But he probably did.We’ll do these from time to time so we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did recording it!Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 7: “Borealis; or The Twins”!As you may have guessed by the title, this is the one we’ve been talking about, where we “chat” about Aurora and Northstar and…a lot of what’s been going on there.So! We called in some backup and are joined by Sara Netzley! Sara is a professor of communication by day and a romance author and freelance entertainment writer by night. Her first exposure to comic books were the X-Men posters on her brother Chris' (this is how we were able to get her) walls in the '90s, but since then she's read a bunch and watched a whole lot more. Sara teaches classes on journalism, fake news, conspiracy theories, and representation in the media, and she definitely has an opinion about your favorite TV show. You can find her on all the socials under Sara Netzley (Instagram and Threads), and she publishes her rom-coms as Sara Whitney (Instagram and website).In this episode, Chris:almost pulls a Jean Reno (listen to the outtake)makes fantastic points re: how we understand characters and stories and how reading the things we love at different points in your life can really peel back some layershas a great time interacting with his older sister (like, folks!, it’s really quite sweet)Sara:wonders why she agreed to come on heregives a crash course in media theory, specifically re: queer representationbrings up the appropriate amount of information vis-a-vis slash fiction (Tom here: I never thought I’d write such a phrase but here we are)Tom:does his favorite thing: a lot of accent workengages in some unfortunate internet researchalso wonders why Sara came on herereally wants a livestream of Thanksgiving at the Baker household this yearIssues covered:Alpha Flight #7 - The Importance of Being Deadly - cover date February 1984Written and drawn by John ByrneColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Michael HigginsEdited by Denny O’Neil and Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #8 - Cold Hands, Cold Heart - cover date March 1984same creative team as #7Alpha Flight #9 - A Stranger In My Mirror (specifically the backup story) - cover date April 1984same creative team as #8Alpha Flight Issue #10 - Family Ties (again, the backup story) - cover date May 1984same creative team as #9We jump around a fair bit in this one as we pull from 4 different issues to build this tapestry of Aurora and Northstar. We get into queer coding, possibly some incest coding, and address the use of Aurora/Jean-Marie’s split personality. So there’s a lot we talk about but damn if we don’t keep it as light as possible!Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality.  Here's this episode's Featured Design: the Sasquatch face patch! You can see this and more at the Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome to Why Not?!, Episode 6: “The Full Mufasa”! In this episode we dig into our first solo adventures with the team members. And y’all officially meet one of our team members, Chris’s cat Athena.In this episode, Chris:has issues with…hairreally thinks oil companies need to rethink their Canadian projectscompares Stan the Man to J Jonah…on an Alpha Flight podcastand Tom:lays out the existential grounding of the narcthinks Byrne really borrowed from Tolkien in issue 6agrees that Snowbird is likely the least…complicated of the teamand that Shaman could crush it in the Instagram/fitness influencer fieldIssues covered:Alpha Flight #5 - What Fools These Mortals Be - cover date December 1983Written and drawn by John ByrneInked by John Byrne and Terry AustinColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Tom OrzechowskiEdited by Denny O’Neil and Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #6 - Snowlbind! - cover date January 1984[all the same as issue 5 except!:Lettered by Michael HIgginsEdited by Linda Grant]Issue 5 is a focus story on Puck as he recovers from his unexpected surgery vis-a-vis Marrina’s claws and stumbles across…well, just listen to the episode. (NB: we totally miss making a point of the Shakespearean reference in both Puck’s name and the issue title: we’ll do better, promise.)Issue 6 focuses on Snowbird and includes a very, very smart artistic choice.The backup feature for both issues tells the origin story of everyone’s favorite Canadian doctor (eat it Langowski!-Tom): Michael Twoyoungmen aka Shaman! Who gets hit with a full Mufasa.And we’re starting to include some outtakes! So please listen to the end for a peak behind the curtain.Art Clips for today's episode are up on ImgurWe’ve had a lot of fun making this and we really do hope you enjoy it, too. And even if you don’t, a great rating and review costs you nothing. Literally nothing. Not even five seconds, right? Less time than it takes Guardian to cross Canada. (Still can’t believe they did the math that…wrong.)Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality.  Here's this episode's Featured Design: the Shaman face patch! You can see this and more at the GeekCraft Expo in St. Louis on July 27 and 28.  Mention the podcast and Chris will have something nice for you.  Written by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon

Welcome back to Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris & Tom, Episode 5: “Marrina Swims Into a Berlin Nightclub”, wherein we discuss the first multi-arc adventure of Alpha Flight!In this episode, Chris:wonders how Shaman keeps his medical license what with all the superheroingAND what kind of admitting privileges they use in the Great Northmakes an unsettling claim re: who Snowbird kinda-sorta looks like\asks how everyone feels about Superman 3and Tom:offers an…unfortunate nickname for Shamandiscusses abnormally large avian speeds, ad nauseamdiscovers that this is, in fact, an audio formatquestions the quality of the Department H psych teamWe get to see the Alpha Jet! For…a few frames. We also debut a few new sound effects. And we’re very proud of that.And, Aurora! Shares pages with Jean-Marie! It’s a problem!Issues covered:Alpha Flight #2 - Shadows of the Past - cover date October 1983Written and drawn by John ByrneInked by John byrne and Terry AustinColored by Andy YanchusLettered by Tom OrzechowskiEdited by Denny O’Neil and Jim ShooterAlpha Flight #3 - Yesterday Man - cover date October 1983[all the same as issue 2]Alpha Flight #4 - Resolutions - cover date November 1983[all the same as issue 2 except!:Lettered by Rick Parker]And we’re starting to include some outtakes! So please listen to the end for a peak behind the curtain.Art Clips are available on Imgur.We’ve had a lot of fun making this and we really do hope you enjoy it, too. And even if you don’t, a great rating and review costs you nothing. Literally nothing. Not even five seconds, right? Less time than it takes Guardian to cross Canada. (Still can’t believe they did the math that…wrong.)Check us out at The Why Not Pod to leave us a comment; we love to (try to) answer your questions about Alpha Flight!Special thanks to the Excelsior Embroidery Co. for helping make this project a reality.  Here's this episode's Featured Design: the Alpha Flight logo and a headshot of Guardian!Follow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurWritten by Chris BakerProduced and edited by Tom FlynnMusic:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron FrenzyFollow us on these platforms:InstagramTikTokImgurYouTubePatreon