Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight with Chris & Tom

Why Not?! Read Alpha Flight w/ Chris & Tom
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The best podcast about Alpha Flight you'll ever hear!

  1. Episode 35: "Exuent: Bochs"

    5D AGO

    Episode 35: "Exuent: Bochs"

    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 Mantlo Pencils by Terry Shoemaker Inks by Steve Leialoha and Hillary Barta Letters by Ken Bruzenak Colors by Glynnis Oliver Editor is Carl Potts and James Shooter as Editor in Chief Alpha Flight #49 - cover date August 1987 - “Flesh of My Flesh” Script by Bill Mantlo Pencils by June Brigman Inks by Wilce Portacio Letters by Janice Chiang Colors by Bob Sharen Editor is Carl Potts and 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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    58 min
  2. Episode 34: "The Worst Pajama Party...So Far!"

    SEP 15

    Episode 34: "The Worst Pajama Party...So Far!"

    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 Mantlo Pencils by newcomer June Brigman Inks by Wilce Portacio Letters by Jim Novak Colors by Bob Sharen Edited by Carl Potts with Jim Shooter as Editor in Chief Alpha Flight #46 - cover date May 1987 - “Friends…and lovers” Same creative team as #45 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, 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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    1h 3m
  3. Episode 33: “The Fall of the House of The Doug”

    SEP 1

    Episode 33: “The Fall of the House of The Doug”

    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 1987 Script by Bill Mantlo Pencils by Dave Ross (for the last time) Inks by Whilce Portacio Letters by Jim Novak Colors by Bob Sharen Editor is Carl Potts Editor in Chief is Jim Shooter It’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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    33 min
  4. Episode 32: "Somehow, Bill Makes It Worse"

    AUG 18

    Episode 32: "Somehow, Bill Makes It Worse"

    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 1987 Story by Bill Mantlo Pencils by Dave Ross Inks by Wilce Portacio Letters by Ken Brusenak Colors by Bob Sharen Editor is Carl Potts and Editor in Chief is Jim Shooter Why 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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    45 min
  5. Episode 31: “Je vois un alligator, je frappe un alligator”

    AUG 5

    Episode 31: “Je vois un alligator, je frappe un alligator”

    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 1986 Written by Bill Mantlo Everything else (pencils, inks, letters, colors) by Ken Steacy Edited by Al Milgrom Editor in Chief is Jim Shooter Alpha Flight #41 - “It’s Not Easy Being Purple” - cover date December 1986 Written by Bill Manto Pencilled by David Ross Inked by Wilce Portacio Lettered by Jim Novak Colored by Bob Sharen Edited by Carl Potts Editor in Chief is Jim Shooter Alpha Flight #42 - “Auction” - cover date January 1987 same creative team as #41 Why 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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    1 hr
  6. Summer Spectacular 2025!!!

    JUL 21

    Summer Spectacular 2025!!!

    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 1986 Script by Bill Mantlo Layouts by Larry Stroman Finished by Gerry Talaoc Letters by Janice Chiang Colors by Bob Sharen Editing by Carl Potts Editor in Chiefing by Jim Shooter Why 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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    1h 42m
  7. Why Not?! Have a Drink: Thunderbolts*

    JUL 7

    Why Not?! Have a Drink: Thunderbolts*

    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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    1h 10m
  8. Episode 30: "Marrinapalooza"

    JUN 24

    Episode 30: "Marrinapalooza"

    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 1986 Writer is Bill Mantlo Penciler is David Ross Inkter is Wilce Portacio Letterer is Jim Novak Colorer is Bob Sharen Editor is Carl Potts Editor in Chief is Jim Shooter Avengers #272 - “Assault on Atlantis” - cover date October 1986.   Writer is Roger Stern Breakdowns by John Buscema Finished Art by Tom Palmer Letterer is Jim Novak Colorist is Paul Becton Editor is Mark Gruenwald Editor in Chief is Jim Shooter Alpha Flight #40 - “Love” - cover date November 1986 same team as #39 Excelsior 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 Baker Produced and edited by Tom Flynn Music:"Oh, Canada" by Five Iron Frenzy Follow us on these platforms: Instagram TikTok Imgur YouTube Patreon

    49 min
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The best podcast about Alpha Flight you'll ever hear!

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