ICYMI! Alpha Flight #5: The Saga of Argent

Stay true north, and strong! Canada’s enigmatic clarion call of their northern identity, and the Alphans surely show their mettle with the finale to one of the best minis in the Fall of X era. Ed Brisson and Scott Godlewski have crafted a tale that shows the inner strength, and commitment that the members of Alpha Flight has to protecting all of the Canadian people from an overzealous government institution that’s launched a discriminatory policy targeting innocent mutant Canadian citizens. Will the innocents make it to Chandilar? Are the Alphans prisoners of the state? You’ll have to read it to find out…

When people think of Alpha Flight, it’s most likely their third or fourth favorite teams, with a whole bevy of D list favorites that long time fans will go to their graves to support. I should know, I’m one of them. Alpha Flight is unique in the way that it’s a superhero team that’s tied to a certain country, and is often government operatives. Whether that’s fighting the X-Men to get Wolverine, aka Weapon X, back, or get into a three way altercation between the Avengers, and Russians People’s Protectorate, aka the Winter Guard, to stop a group of terrorists from launching a nuclear torpedo due to anger against the fall of the Soviet Union. The book has deep ties to some amazing concepts and characters, and has been home to some amazing talent, like John Byrne, Bill Mantlo, Mike Mignola, Fabian Nicieza, and some guy named Jim Lee. Maybe you’ve heard of him. 

Brisson and Godlewski’s giving us long time Alphans this bittersweet taste of ambrosia, because the story’s over, but there’s so much potential for future stories here that’d be a shame if Marvel fails to capitalize on them. Especially since Brisson is Canadian, so he could give the book some that touch of authenticity, much like the way John Byrne did in his 28 issue masterpiece. If given enough time, talent, and marketing of this team. What’s going to happen with Heather? Will the captured mutants survive? What will happen to Guardian, Shaman, Snowbird and Puck? Will Alpha maintain their government status after everything that’s happened since the beginning of the mini? Plus all of the characters. Such a well of potential to explore and develop. 

Scott Godlewski’s art was fantastic here. I especially enjoyed the designs for the Box Sentinels. I would love to see him take a crack at updating the twins costumes. Sometimes a look can be rendered by the artist who did the designs,, but other artists just can’t catch that lightning in a bottle. The action sequences were high energy, and fun. This is where Godlewski really excels at on this book. Whether it’s a full on brawl between the two teams, or the attack from the Box Sentinels outside Krakoa North, it plays out like an espionage movie. And with that we wish Alpha Flight a fond farewell, and hope to see you back soon.