Sections
Writer : Chris Claremont
Art : John Byrne
Inks : Terry Austin
...Something Wicked This Way Comes!
Story : The story starts with the X-Men going through their paces in the 'Danger Room'. When the session has finished (which hasn't gone to well for the newly returned Angel) Wolverine tells Professor X that he thinks he should return to Canada to try and resolve the ongoing issues he has there.Professor X suggests that he should not go alone and Wolverine agrees, asking Nightcrawler to accompany him. Kitty Pride goes off with Storm to do some dancing, as you do.
We cut to Laurier Drive and see Heather Hudson unloading her shopping. Through text boxes and thought balloons we learn who she is, who she works for and the fact that she refers to Vindicator/Hudson as Jamie. As she approached the door to her apartment, she realises her door is open. As she enters the apartment, she hears a burp coming from the kitchen.
Blue furry fella with a tail, snarling feral fella with claws get into her apartment, obviously no neighbourhood watch here. Heather enters the kitchen and see's Wolverine, it's here that we learn one of his names is Logan (or not). Heather informs Wolverine that Hudson is near Hudson Bay on a mission for Department H.
Smooth transitional panel change to Hudson Bay.
Vindicator is flying above a cabin in which we have Michael Twoyoungmen and Anne Mackenzie. Vindicator enters and there's some discussion about the creature they are hunting. Shaman states that his magicks suggest that the creature is nearby ( Vindicator probably got the same impression from the body parts and general carnage this creature leaves).
Vindicator then relates the reason for the mission. This involves missing campers, monster attacking tent and a giant plaster cast of a non human foot. Vindicator says that at the moment they are unsure as to the nature of the creature, Wolverine relates the story of his first mission for Department H and how he went after the 'Hulk' and found him fighting the 'Wendigo'. Wolverine offers his and Nightcrawlers help to Vindicator. Wolverine says that they are going to need their gear and Nightcrawler bamfs to the vehicle to get it. He is unaware he is being watched as he reminises about Jean Grey and her demise. Wendigo attacks.
View : Maybe I'm being an old romatic, but imho, this is how comics should be written. So much packed into so few pages. X-Men danger room session, a little more insight into Kitty Pride (a relatively new character at the time), introduction of Heather Hudson, X-men - Alpha Flight angst, comedy moments and a monster. The location and villian selection sets this tale firmly in Canada, unlike others that only tell you the tale is taking place there. Character interaction seems natural and the people not their heroic alter ego's are more prevelant. Probably one of my favourite Alpha appearences outside their own books.
Art: John Byrne is probably my favourite Alpha artist, I really cannot think of anyone who has drawn them as good as him. Colours and inks just enhance how good his Alpha is.
X-Men Characterisation : Wolverine and Nightcrawler are the main characters in this and the way they interact is natural. Probably somewhere there's a Wolverine - Nightcrawler limited series (?), but I would guess that it has nothing like the characterisation we see here.
Alpha Flight : Hudson is an excellent leader, self assured and confident. The aspect of his character that 'never wanted to be leader', 'didn't want to be a hero' just doesn't equate. he seems so comfortable in that role. We get to see a fair amonut of the Anne Mackenzie personna that future writers seem to ignore. Yeah she is a demi godess, avatar of the Northern Gods etc, but the Anne Mackenzie aspect should really be explored more. Luckily in this issue we get to see a lot of that side of her. Shaman remains some what two dimensional. In this and his two previous appearences we don't get to learn a lot about him apart from the fact he is the chosen of his tribe to be Shaman. Well versed in history and myth, he must have skipped the chapter on the legend of the Wendigo.
Story 8/10
Art 9/10
Alpha Flightedness 8/10
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