Alpha Flight # 1 1983 VG

One Loose Staple Bottom

Alpha Flight # 1 August 1, 1983 launched the first ongoing series for Canada’s premier superhero team after their popular debut in the pages of The Uncanny X-Men. The issue is a celebrated "Bronze Age" milestone written, penciled, and inked by legendary creator John Byrne. 

• Writer/Artist: John Byrne
• Colorist: Andy Yanchus
• Letterer: Joe Rosen 

"Tundra!"

The story picks up two weeks after the team's last appearance in X-Men #140. 

• The Disbanding: The Canadian government informs leader James MacDonald Hudson (Vindicator) that Department H is being shut down, officially disbanding Alpha Flight and its training programs, Beta and Gamma Flight.
• A New Threat: While the members reflect on their uncertain futures, an ancient ritual in the Northwest Territories summons Tundra, one of the colossal "Great Beasts".
• The Reunion: Despite the lack of government funding, the team reunites to stop the elemental giant. They eventually defeat Tundra by turning him into a "muddy puddle" using Shaman’s magic and excess water.
• New Status Quo: Realizing they work best together, the team decides to continue operating as an independent superhero group. 

Key First Appearances

This issue is highly valued by collectors for introducing several major characters: 

• Puck (Eugene Judd)
• Marrina (Marrina Smallwood)
• Madison Jeffries (Gamma Flight)
• Wild Child (Gamma Flight)
• Diamond Lil (Gamma Flight)
• Tundra (Great Beast)