Puck Part 62: Avengers #320 (Early August, 1990)

Puck gets directly involved in a serious international incident.

I have this issue.

Russian terrorists have taken over a British Naval nuclear submarine as the Avengers and the People’s Protectorate battle Orka, U-Man and an Atlantean army. The terrorists surface in Conception Bay, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada…Alpha Flight’s jurisdiction. Judd arrives with Shaman, Diamond Lil, Guardian and Box to assess the situation.

Notes of Interest:

1) While there is no actual reference in the story that this issue takes place after Alpha Flight #90, I think that since Judd is out of the hospital and a young dwarf again it makes sense.

2) This is the first time Judd meets Sersi, Crimson Dynamo and Perun.

WTF? Moment: Here we have Judd and Alpha Flight in yet another story featuring the Avengers and Atlanteans, but I have to admit that the plot of them getting involved in a potential nuclear disaster is a nice twist.

Puck Part 61: Alpha Flight #90 (November, 1990)

Puck is reunited with Alpha Flight and Heather…only to be one-upped by another long-lost Alphan.

I have this issue.

Judd helps his rescuers (Shaman, Talisman, Sasquatch and Aurora) fight the Master’s Remnant Men. Talisman finds the spell that stops them in Shaman’s medicine bag, costing her dearly, and they all rematerialize outside the Black Hills of South Dakota as the Master escapes. They take her back to a Canadian hospital for treatment, and it is there in the waiting room that Judd is reunited with Heather. His affection and happiness is short-lived, as another Alphan enters the room – James MacDonald Hudson.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd was naked after breaking out of Master’s container last issue. The sudden appearance of his costume here is thanks to Talisman’s mystic abilities.

2) This is the first Judd hears of Hudson’s return.

3) Judd is officially reinstated as a member of Alpha Flight.

WTF? Moment: Was it just me, or was there a nice little play on words between Judd and Talisman as they mentioned his uniform? It felt to me as if Nicieza was channeling the playfulness between these characters from back in Alpha Flight #23 when Judd first started training her in physical combat.

WTF? Moment #2: Having Judd hold Heather’s head as they hugged was a nice touch. In that one panel, Bair manages to convey the deep affection Judd has for her without any sign of the obsession Mantlo had him suffer through.

WTF? Moment #3: There is some genuine shock on Judd’s face as Hudson enters the room. My hope is that this is just the shock of seeing his dead friend walking around again, and not some plant to re-spark the horrible storyline of Judd’s pining for Heather. We are SO done with that!

WTF? Moment #4: The hospital that Judd and the others take Talisman to? Yeah, it’s Ottawa General, the same hospital Judd was kidnapped from AND where Judd uncovered that drug trafficking ring while recuperating from Marrina’s attack. W…T…F…? Is that like the only hospital in Canada?

Puck Part 60: Alpha Flight #89 (October, 1990)

All Right! Puck is BACK baby!

I have this issue.

Through a combination of Aurora’s ability to put Judd in a relaxed state and Shaman’s and Talisman’s spell castings, it is learned that Judd was part of an experiment conducted by old foe Master of the World, who has connections at Ottawa General Hospital. He had his people inject Judd with a genetic compound of the Master’s creation that was derived from Scramble’s bio-restructuring enzymes, and a blood sample taken from Judd’s first stay at that hospital back in Alpha Flight #5. The goal being to eventually develop a mate for Marrina’s brood and create an ultimate warrior.

However, the blood sample Master used was when Judd was a dwarf, and the Master’s compound was manipulating Judd’s body while converting it back to his dwarf form at the same time.

Walter, using his biochemist knowledge, learns that Scramble’s original matrix is still in Judd’s system and could be reprogrammed into converting his body back to normal…making Judd a dwarf again, based on the blood sample the Master used.

Judd is given the choice whether or not to proceed, knowing that there’s no guarantee that it would work, or that he’d survive the strain. Judd tells them to do it.

Walter, Jean-Marie, Michael and Elizabeth work together and they succeed in curing Judd - a dwarf once more - just as Master returns with his Remnant Men, who attack.

Notes of Interest:

1) The hospital Judd stayed at in Alpha Flight #5 was never named, so it could be the same hospital…

2) When Judd returned to Earth-616, his body began rejecting the magical healings from that place. He was dying. In that sense, the Master’s compound saved Judd’s life.

WTF? Moment: Judd doesn’t look very relaxed when Aurora uses her powers on him. In fact, it looks downright painful. I guess the look may be from the pain of having the Master’s compound in his system, but she says that he’s in a relaxed state at that moment, and I beg to differ.

Puck Part 59: Alpha Flight #88 (September, 1990)

Puck’s disappearance becomes an international incident.

I have this issue.

Shaman, Aurora, Sasquatch and Talisman arrive in the Black Hills of South Dakota as they follow Judd’s trail. They learn he’s a prisoner of The Master, and find him after he’s undergone some biological experiments.

Notes of Interest:

1) Nothing in terms of character development here, except that he’s a prisoner of The Master yet again.

WTF? Moment: Strong words uttered by Shaman regarding the bond they share with Judd, but where was that level of commitment when Judd went missing seven issues ago?

WTF? Moment #2: The “bubble” Judd is found in reminds me of the containers The Master put him and Namor in back in Alpha Flight #16.

Puck Part 58: Alpha Flight #87 (August, 1990)

Clues are found regarding Puck’s disappearance.

I have this issue.

Shaman, Aurora, Sasquatch and Talisman return to Ottawa General Hospital to find Judd. They’re told he was discharged, but it turns out that he was kept under sedation and kidnapped.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd was taken from the hospital weeks before his fellow Alphans arrive looking for him.

2) He was still sedated when he was taken out of the hospital.

WTF? Moment: Another writer makes an attempt to bring Puck back. Maybe Nicieza will have better luck?

Puck Part 57: Alpha Flight #82 (March, 1990)

Puck is a wanted man! Shaman is looking for him, and someone else has him…

I have this issue.

Judd is still in Ottawa General Hospital, being kept drugged by someone working for The Master.

Notes of Interest:

1) We learn Judd was moved from the recovery room he shared with Michael Twoyoungmen the previous day and hasn’t been seen since.

2) We learn that The Master is behind Judd’s abduction.

WTF? Moment: If memory serves, doesn’t Judd have a microchip implanted behind his ear that can be used as a tracking device (as of Marvel Fanfare #28) to find him? Guess nobody cares enough about him to think of that...especially Hudnall.

WTF? Moment #2: Speaking of Judd’s ear, specifically his right one, it doesn’t seem to be affected by the other changes his body's going through. Wasn’t it “cured” along with the rest of him while in the Dreamqueen’s Liveworld?

Puck Part 56: Alpha Flight #81 (February, 1990)

It doesn’t look as if Puck will be leaving Ottawa General Hospital anytime soon.

I have this issue.

Judd is starting to feel better, and wants to meet up with Alpha Flight. Unfortunately, he’s drugged by a nurse and passes out.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd has lost at least two feet in height while in recovery.

WTF? Moment: What is the deal with Judd and hospitals?

WTF? Moment #2: C’mon Hudnall, I’m still waiting for Judd’s dramatic return! GET ON WITH IT!!

Christmas Eve 2011

So it's that time of year again...a time to reflect, to enjoy the loved ones around you and to think of peace on Earth and good will towards (wo)men.

I work in retail, as many Bloggers I follow do, and it's really hard to think about those things while running around bleary-eyed on coffee fumes, bombarded with tasks and responsibilities both professional and personal.

Within the past week, my daughter turned 12 and I turned 40. It hasn't been until today that those monumental events started sinking in. She's planning a three-night sleepover in January with her friends to celebrate her birthday, and I'm looking forward to spending those three nights downstairs playing video games, watching movies and sleeping on the couch.

I guess what I'm saying is that we all need to make time for ourselves when we can, but not only to recharge the batteries or vent our frustrations, but also to enjoy what is happening at the time. To appreciate and reciprocate the love and affection of those around us...who put up with us and our crazy schedules, our dorky behaviors and our silly hobbies...and smell the comics.

I have to work tonight, and open Dec 26th, but in between I will hug my family, laugh with my in-laws, and enjoy the day.

I wish the same to all of you.

Happy Holidays

Puck Part 55: Alpha Flight #79 (Mid-December, 1989)

Puck is still recovering from his tortuous time in Dreamqueen’s Liveworld as several American super-villains cross the Canadian border.

I have this issue.

Judd’s appearance in this issue is reduced to a cameo, as he listens to Michael’s phone conversation with Madison and asks to speak with Heather, who is currently on her way to confront Nekra.

Notes of Interest:

1) We are told that something is happening to Judd while he recovers, but we don’t see what it is.

2) It seems very important that he speak to Heather, but we don’t learn why.

WTF? Moment: First of all, I loved the Acts of Vengeance storyline. I thought it was new and cool, and I was actually worried about several of Marvel’s heroes when it came out. It would have been nice to see Judd in action against…oh, I don’t know…anyone…but Hundall still has him in the hospital, most likely because the writer couldn’t come up with an appropriate villain for him to fight.

WTF? Moment #2: Why on earth is it so important for Judd to speak with Heather? Is the plan to recreate yet again the awkward love triangle between Judd, Heather and any other dark haired man who is neither a dwarf nor a father figure?

Puck Part 54: Alpha Flight #78 (December, 1989)

Puck’s still in Ottawa Central Hospital, but he learns what Alpha’s been up to.

I have this issue.

Judd and Michael have been taken off the critical list and moved to another room. Madison and Lil stop by and tell them about what’s been happening with the team since they were admitted in Alpha Flight #76.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd still isn’t feeling right, saying he feels like he’s being squeezed.

2) He learns that Diamond Lil was freed from jail to join the new Gamma Flight, only they didn’t need her so she’s hanging around with Alpha for the time being.

WTF? Moment: My one gripe about this issue is that Judd’s still in story limbo. I’m glad Hudnall is keeping him around, but my hope is that Judd’s put to more use soon.

Puck Part 53: Alpha Flight #76 (November, 1989)

Puck’s back, but his torture by Dreamqueen comes back to haunt him.

I have this issue.

Judd spends some time with the team at Heather’s apartment when Shaman falls ill. They take him to Ottawa Central Hospital, and Judd almost passes out. It seems that the healing both of them did in the Dreamqueen’s dimension has started to dissipate, and they remain at the hospital while the rest of the team investigates a tragedy in Montreal.

Notes of Interest:

1) Since Judd was tortured and healed in the Dreamqueen’s dimension numerous times, as well as being reverted to a younger self, there’s no telling how bad things are going to get for him.

WTF? Moment: Judd’s back…for all of three pages...before being left behind again? COME ON! 

Puck Part 52: Alpha Flight #75 (October, 1989)

Puck reunites with Alpha Flight in a rather peculiar way…

I have this issue.

Judd is walking along in a world that we’re told reacts to his thoughts and emotions and is surprised to find Manhattan Island there, inhabited with super-heroes fighting against Alpha Flight. He then rescues Diamond Lil from Colossus and Wolverine by setting them on fire. This isn’t Earth-616 of course, but Judd is left wondering who could be powerful enough to create an entire city without him knowing about it. Lil explains that it was the work of Llan the Sorcerer, who sent Alpha to another dimension, and the team has been trying to get home ever since. Judd teaches her how to manipulate the matter in this world, and together they save the team from the fake heroes Llan created. Judd explains that they’re all in the Dreamqueen’s dimension, and that Shaman has been injured, but is surviving through using the matter-manipulation skills Judd taught him. Talisman opens a gateway that leads the team back to Earth-616 and Judd leaves with them.

Notes of Interest:

1) It seems Judd has been wandering throughout the Dreamqueen’s “Liveworld” since she entered Earth-616 back in Alpha Flight #67.

WTF? Moment: Isn’t it cool to have Diamond Lil look up at Judd like that? Takes me back to Alpha Flight #26.

WTF? Moment #2: Hudnall does a pretty good job bringing Judd back into the series. I’m not sure what his plans are with the whole Heather/Judd/Jefferies/Lil quadrangle though.

WTF? Moment #3: I have to confess, I’m not a big fan of John Calimee’s art. Judd seems a little too cartoonish for my taste.

WTF? Moment #4: Let’s see, Judd’s got a whole dimension to himself (which is essentially one giant holodeck) after being tortured countless times by Dreamqueen, and being dissed countless times by Heather? Those teachings he learned from India and Tibet sure came in handy, didn’t they? Otherwise, he’d have gone through several creative…let’s call them “revenge sessions”…with both Dreamqueen and Heather. Then again, there’s nothing that says he didn’t get all that out of his system before Alpha showed up.

Puck Part 51: Alpha Flight #67 (February, 1989)

We learn what's become of Puck since Alpha Flight #60…and it hasn’t been pretty.

I have this issue.

This issue focuses on Dreamqueen, telling her origin and her plans to re-enter Earth-616, but we do catch a glimpse of Judd as her captive. It seems she’s been torturing and abusing him for her entertainment, using her control over her world to heal him each time and to make him young again. By issue’s end, she succeeds in crossing over, but Judd is left behind.

Notes of Interest:

1) The story is told in third person narrative, so we have no idea how Judd’s been handling the consistent torture.

WTF? Moment: This is writer James D. Hudnall’s first story featuring Judd, and I’m glad to see he hasn’t forgotten the character. My only gripe is that we don’t see how Judd deals with the torture. Having spent time in India and Tibet, Judd has learned several methods of entering trance-like states. We’ve seen them before. It makes sense that those teachings would be effective here so why not mention them, even in passing, just to let readers know that he’s still mentally strong?

WTF? Moment #2: This is also artist Hugh Haynes’ first crack at Judd and considering he’s in all of two panels this issue it’s pretty good, especially since it seems Judd’s right ear has been repaired.

Puck Part 50: Alpha Flight #60 (July, 1988)

Puck’s wish to travel to another dimension is granted, but at a cost.

I have this issue.

Judd carries an unconscious Vindicator to safety as Alpha Flight continues to battle Dreamqueen and her warriors. He contacts the spirit of the High Lama and asks him to close the Doorway Between Worlds, but the Lama replies that Judd can stop the fighting himself. By entering a peace state trance, Judd discovers that the Dreamqueen’s warriors are not real, and uses that knowledge and his acrobatic skills to push her back into her home dimension of Liveworld and hold her there as Laura closes the Doorway. 

Notes of Interest:
1) Judd still has some moves left in him, doing somersaults and jumps at his age.

WTF? Moment: I’m confused - exactly how did Dreamqueen, her minions and Alpha Flight come to Earth-616? Did Judd actually make the decision to go to help Alpha Flight and the High Lama opened the Doorway Between Worlds, or was it the Dreamqueen who somehow broke through?

WTF? Moment #2: Judd sacrifices himself for the team…again…and Heather totally misses it…again.

Puck Part 49: Alpha Flight #59 (June, 1988)

C’mon…you didn’t think he’d be gone for that long did ya?

I have this issue.

Judd hasn’t enjoyed his new life as much as expected. Feeling out of place in the world, he’s made his way to the Chinese province of Danwei in search of a lamasery containing a legendary Doorway Between Worlds where he witnesses a standoff between Tibetan priests and Chinese soldiers. The confrontation escalates, and Judd helps the priests by setting an explosion that brings down a helicopter, which unfortunately causes the military to retaliate more severely. Passing through a Wall Against the Unworthy generated by the priests as a defense, Judd reaches the monastery and meets the High Lama. Judd tells him that he seeks the Doorway to explore new worlds and have new experiences but the Lama refuses him, claiming that the Doorway is only for those worthy and willing to shed the substance of their present life. Their discussion is interrupted when a dragon (who Judd figures to be a super-being working for the Chinese government) invades the monastery and accuses the Lama of treason by associating with a foreign spy…Judd…who then attacks the beast. They fight, and Judd gets caught in the dragon’s tail. He’s about to face a fireball when the Lama intervenes and takes the blast. The dragon is guilt-ridden, and throws Judd aside. Judd, also blaming himself for the Lama’s death, is then visited by the Lama’s spirit which tells him that in death the Lama has gained passage through the Doorway, and asks Judd to join him. Judd is offered several different worlds to choose from, and one of them shows Alpha Flight in battle. Torn between his desire for freedom and his loyalty to his former teammates, Judd’s choice is taken from him, as the dimensional barrier between Judd’s world and the one containing Alpha Flight collapses, and both Alpha and the creatures they were fighting arrive in Danwei.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd understands and speaks Chinese.

2) We learn that he has seen a Wall Against the Unworthy before, decades earlier while studying tantric yoga in India.

3) The dragon that interrupts Judd’s conversation with the High Lama is actually Jade Dragon, aka Dei Guan of the Chinese Army, who is introduced here.

WTF? Moment: I wasn’t expecting Mantlo to bring Judd back at all, but this was a good way to do it. I’m just sorry to see him so unhappy considering how positive and hopeful he was back in #50.

WTF? Moment #2: Two words: Jim Lee. How cool does Judd look on that cover? Tell me he doesn’t look like Sean Connery!

Puck Part 48: Alpha Flight #50 (September, 1987)

Puck heads north to Ungava Bay with the team in search for a cure for Aurora, Northstar…and himself.

I have this issue.

Judd returns to the place where Loki once offered both Alpha Flight and the X-Men the fire-fountain - a gift of power at the cost of creativity and magic. Aurora’s gone mad, and Northstar is dying. Judd, meanwhile, is thinking of trying to cure himself of Black Raazer in order to offer himself to Heather. The team finds the fountain’s location and its source, but when the fountain is reignited, it is made of black light instead of the original white. Dark elves attack, and Judd helps fight them off, but is knocked into the fire-fountain. As he falls, he is cured of his dwarfism. The price, however, is the release of Black Raazer once more. Vindicator, Box, Sasquatch and a cured Northstar fight back the elves and Black Raazer long enough to seal the fire-fountain, but both Puck and Aurora are left on the other side. The team returns home to mourn their losses. As Loki looks on, They Who Sit Above In Shadow appear, ready to pass judgement on him for breaking his promise to leave humanity alone. Loki quickly shows them that he transported Judd to Tibet, a land most dear in his memory, to spend the rest of his days.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd is returned to his full height and proper age when Black Raazer is released.

2) We learn that Judd began his soldier of fortune career in Tibet, and if it wasn’t for Black Raazer he may never have stopped.

3) Judd sees this as an opportunity to start a new life, releases his feelings for Heather, and is actually grateful to be there.

WTF? Moment: First of all, I have to give credit to writer Bill Mantlo. I know I’ve been complaining over the last 20 issues or so about his minimal use of Judd other than as a pining, angst-driven guy who couldn’t accept the fact that the object of his affections didn’t feel the same way towards him. Mantlo could have easily dumped Judd from the title any number of ways and he doesn’t. He takes the time to tie in plot points from the X-Men/Alpha Flight crossover, frees Judd from the pain of Black Raazer and brings Judd back to his original height and age. Plus, making Loki the one who transports him back to Tibet to spend the rest of his days opens the door for possible strings to be attached to that prize. I tip my hat and give my thanks to Mantlo for allowing Judd to leave the book in such a dignified manner.

WTF? Moment #2: Can someone explain to me why Judd has to wear a jacket and mittens when he has a thermal version of his suit somewhere in the Omniship?

WTF? Moment #3: A personal note – I could have stopped reading Alpha Flight at this point and been perfectly happy with how things ended. But this was 1987, I was fifteen years old with allowance to burn, and I was hooked. I am proud to say that Alpha Flight was the first series I worked to own every issue of, and it is that level of commitment which drew me to continue collecting other titles. Not every issue is a winner, and some are downright terrible, but my interest grew as these characters evolved and changed over time. But there is a Shark Moment, a Point of No Return; that inescapable story or artwork or whatever that eventually pulled me out of that suspension of disbelief. My point is that while I could stop documenting Judd’s appearances in the Marvel Universe here, I won’t, because I didn’t stop reading then. I’ll let you know when I’m done with Judd, and yes…it will be before the series ended.

Puck Part 47: Alpha Flight #49 (August, 1987)

Puck’s feelings for Heather get stomped on…again.

I have this issue.

Judd and the others are battling Omega when Box arrives with Dr. Knapp, Lionel Jefferies intern at the New Life Clinic. Together, they manage to defeat the creature, and are confronted with how to confine him. Left with no alternative, Judd witnesses Madison destroy his brother.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd wonders if the team hasn’t regressed rather than grown since Mac died.

2) He also acknowledges that while Kara’s powers are able to subdue Omega, she can’t be made responsible for guarding him the rest of her life.

WTF? Moment: This is a little thing, but during the battle Heather gets frustrated as Judd is caught once again by Omega. Why? Judd has no distance attack capabilities. He has to get up close and personal.

WTF? Moment #2: This is the big one. When Heather learns that Madison fought in the Box armor while in physical pain because of Lionel, she runs to him in concern. Judd is right there, stunned, since he’s in constant pain because of Black Raazer and Heather never noticed. Judd…buddy…take the freaking hint!

Puck Part 46: Alpha Flight #48 (July, 1987)

Puck confronts a new villain…at the cost of another Alphan.

I have this issue.

Judd is battle bruised after Alpha Flight #46 where both Box and Sasquatch fell on him, and looks on as Bochs is encased in liquid as his legs begin decaying. He tries to give Roger some support, telling him the team will help him, while at the same time seeing himself as obsolete.

Madison Jefferies suggests they take Roger to his brother at New Life Clinic, which Northstar quickly agrees with. Judd goes along with the idea, in part because he suspects Northstar is looking for a cure to his own sickness, but also because Judd wants Lionel to heal his own wounds and possibly cure his dwarfism.

The team arrives at the clinic, where Lionel Jefferies quickly restores Judd to full health, and they decide to stay as Lionel begins treatment on Roger. After waiting for quite some time, Northstar comes barging into the waiting room saying he’s being followed by an amalgam of Bochs and Lionel Jefferies…calling itself Omega. Heather orders the team to use lethal force if necessary to stop Omega, but it’s a losing battle. By issue’s end, Judd is caught in some of Omega’s tendrils.

Notes of Interest:

1) While waiting at the clinic, Judd mentions that some societies blame the doctor when the mortality rate of the area noticeable declines, suggesting he’s seen it happen first hand.

2) This is the first time Judd faces off against Omega.

WTF? Moment: At the end of Alpha Flight #46, Judd is seen standing straight, looking healthy, in an A-shirt and shorts. But here, taking place almost exactly after #46, he’s in full costume and bandaged up. I’ll concede that Judd could have been high on adrenaline at the time and had no idea how busted up he was, but taking the time to change into costume - either before or after getting bandaged - is ridiculous.

WTF? Moment #2: While waiting with the others before Northstar arrives, Judd comments to himself that he longs to speak with Heather about his feelings for her despite knowing that she’s already rebuffed him once. WTF? He must have some really strong fantasies or whatever of her to be unable to let her go. He’s way too smart to not take the repeated hints. Plus – he believes his recent failures in battle make him less desirable in her eyes. Recent failures? He saved Heather from possible getting crushed; he absolutely saved Aurora from being crushed; he couldn’t have saved Snowbird, Doug Thompson or their son, and he had no control over his boy when Mesmero hypnotized him during the Sentinel fiasco. He is far too hard on himself, and if she did consider those actions failures then she’s not worth the time. Clearly, Mantlo has little planned for this character.

Puck Part 45: Alpha Flight #46 (May, 1987)

Puck looks on as Alpha Flight and his heart suffer yet another blow.

I have this issue.

Judd is with the rest of the team at New Life Clinic, as Aurora tries to get Lionel Jefferies to turn ‘Wanda’ Langkowski back into Walter. It doesn’t work, Aurora storms out, and Bochs – in his Box armor – chases after her. Judd joins the others in the Omnicraft and returns to their headquarters.

Later that evening, Judd has a brief conversation with Aurora regarding their similar situations of yearning after impossible loves. She gets upset because the conversation turns away from just her predicament and he comments that the longest loving relationship she’s ever had has been with herself.

Judd responds to the crashing sounds of Box breaking into Aurora’s room, and he runs to the foyer to see the metal Alphan holding her unconscious body at the top of the stairs. Kara tries to stop Roger, but it doesn’t work. Judd sneaks up the back stairway with Sasquatch and manages to free her from Box’s grip and gets her to safety.

Sasquatch and Box start fighting, which brings both combatants tumbling down towards Judd and Aurora. He pushes her out of the way and takes the full impact alone. He comes to as Vindicator is taken out trying to subdue Roger, and comforts her as Jeffries takes over the Box armor, forcing Roger out. Madison claims the armor as his own since Bochs has clearly lost his mind.

Notes of Interest:

1) We learn that Judd, Roger and Madison were all tested at the Clinic for Socially Maladjusted Super-Beings, and supposedly cured, before being allowed to graduate from Beta Flight to Alpha.

2) During the battle between Madison and Bochs, Judd learns that Madison has feelings for Heather and suspects that she feels the same, since it’s much easier for her than loving a dwarf.

WTF? Moment: I gotta call B.S. on the Judd/Heather/Madison triangle. Judd is a world traveler who has undoubtedly been around the block. There is NO way he’d still be pining for Heather after all they’ve been through by now. He would have washed his hands of her and moved on. I’ll admit that there should be some feelings of regret and even jealousy as he sees her turn her feelings to another man, Alphan or not, but that would have taken place after the burial of Snowbird and her family. He’d have buried whatever hopes or dreams he may have had, so that by now he’d feel glad that she’s found someone to care for.

WTF? Moment #2: It should be noted that at this time, Judd has no superhuman abilities beyond his acrobatic skills. Which means he gets hurt, and crushed, as easily as the next guy. So how can he be standing at the end of the issue after having Box and Sasquatch land on him a few pages earlier? Gotta call B.S. again…

WTF? Moment #3: What’s the deal with the whole “Judd getting the damsel in distress out of harm’s way” thing? There’s more to Judd than that.

Puck Part 44: Alpha Flight #45 (April, 1987)

Puck suffers a great loss, faces a harsh truth and is reacquainted with an old friend.

I have this issue.

The bodies of Snowbird (in Sasquatch’s form), her husband Doug Thompson and their infant son are laid to rest and Heather reaches out in her grief…to Madison Jefferies. They both console Kara who’s dealing with death for the first time. Judd is devastated by this, and stands alone while Shaman - speaking as Talisman - decides to leave Alpha. As Michael departs, a boat arrive on Tamarind Island carrying Lionel Jefferies and a cured Roger Bochs. Seeing the wheelchair bound Bochs now standing taller than him causes Judd to consider asking Lionel for his services. He decides to sleep on it, but is woken up later that night as Box battles a fresh-from-the-grave Sasquatch. Heather’s caught in the middle, and Judd leaps in and carries her to safety but gets slashed in the process. Judd learns that Heather was searching for Smart Alec, who escaped from Shaman’s pouch, when Sasquatch charged through the wall and attacked her. It turns out that Pestilence is in Sasquatch’s body, while the Box armor isn’t inhabited by Bochs but by Walter Langkowski. There’s a blinding flash of light, and somehow Langkowski transfers his consciousness back into Sasquatch's now empty body. Judd is then flabbergasted as Walter shifts back to human form…a female human form.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd was once attacked by a Bengal Tiger.

WTF? Moment: This is June Brigman’s first issue as artist on Alpha Flight, and I like her work. She captures Judd’s feelings of isolation very well.

WTF? Moment #2: Judd leaps into the middle of a fight between Sasquatch and Box to save Heather and what does she do? She reprimands him for saving her when she wasn’t in immediate danger. W…T…F…? True, she wasn’t being attacked; the two heavyweights were focused on each other. But she was in the freaking way! All one of them had to do was fall on her and she’d be crushed.

WTF? Moment #3: How fitting is it that the dwarf finds, and holds, the miniaturized body of Smart Alec? Another nice image by Brigman.

Puck Part 43: Alpha Flight #44 (March, 1987)

Puck witnesses the passing of two old friends.

I have this issue.

Judd returns to Mansion Alpha fully healed from last issue’s injuries (thanks to Scramble) to see a spiritual message from Shaman and Snowbird asking the team to meet them at Burial Butte where Snowbird’s son Pestilence is hiding. They arrive at the town to find it full of dead bodies, and Doug Thompson close to death. He passes away after telling Alpha that Shaman and Snowbird are in the local mine searching for Pestilence. The team enters the mine and splits up as the tunnels go off in different directions. Judd ends up getting caught in a cave-in but is soon found by Heather, who almost kills him thanks to Pestilence’s manipulations. She runs to Judd, and tries to resuscitate him, but he simply kisses her back and reveals that he was using his yoga training to slow his breathing until someone found him. The team reunites and confronts Pestilence, but Judd hesitates fighting because he’s afraid Pestilence would release Razer from within him. Snowbird transforms into the Great Beast in Sasquatch’s form, Pestilence possesses her, and orders his ‘mother’ to kill him. Judd leaps in to stop her, but gets batted away, and is helpless to stop her from killing Pestillence…or to stop Heather from killing Snowbird. The team returns to Mansion Alpha with the bodies of Snowbird (in Sasquatch’s form), Doug Thompson and their son.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd’s yoga skills come in handy again.

2) It’s becoming clear to him that Alpha Flight is becoming more powerful than he can keep up with.

WTF? Moment: It appears that Mantlo is preparing us for a relationship between Heather and Madison Jefferies. I’m okay with this, and I think Judd is too, but let’s get on with it already! Plus – I think the sneaky kiss Judd plants Heather is both a little cruel, and a little justified. Don’t you?

WTF? Moment #2: They still don’t have a definitive spelling of Raazer yet do they?

Puck Part 42: Alpha Flight #43 (February, 1987)

Puck faces off against several American fugitives with devastating results.

I have this issue.

Judd starts off fighting against fellow Alphan Box and ends up facing three Mark VI Sentinels and Mesmero. He does his best against the innocent bystanders that Mesmero has hypnotized - even keeping his eyes closed - as other Alphans take on the robots, but he eventually gets hypnotized as well. The Sentinels are destroyed, but Judd gets hit by shrapnel from one of them. Plus, he's badly beaten by the affected civilians until Mesmero is finally stopped.

Notes of Interest:

1) This is the first time Judd faces both the Sentinels and Mesmero.

2) His pilot skills come back into play as he keeps the Omnijet in the air until Jefferies can keep them from crashing.

3) He’s also able to tell that Heather’s concerns for him stem from her role as leader, rather than possible love interest.

WTF? Moment: I’m confused as to what Mesmero does with Judd after hypnotizing him. We see the mutant opening Judd’s eyes and using his powers on the dwarf, and then Judd gets hit by Sentinel pieces and human fists, so what was the point of hypnotizing Judd in the first place? So he could just stand still and get hit? 

Puck Part 41: Alpha Flight #42 (January, 1987)

Puck meets the newest member of Beta Flight.

I have this issue.

Northstar returns to Mansion Alpha with purple skin, apparently under the control of a teenage girl named Kara. Judd and the others learn that she can control people, with her victims’ skin turning purple as side effect. As they debate about what to do with her, Kara panics and takes control of the team, freezing Judd in his tracks. He wakes up to find Kara gone, along with Madison Jefferies and the Omniship, which he tracks with their homing device. He finds the Omniship in Toronto in the form of a roadster. Judd aids in the search for Kara and Jefferies when the roof of a nearby building starts shooting fireworks. Inside the building, he finds both of them along with Kara’s mother held captive during what turns out to be a secret military weapons auction. The auction is stopped and the baddies are turned over to the RCMP.

Back at Mansion Alpha, Kara is elected into the newly reopened Beta Flight, and Judd agrees.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd seems to doubt his place in Alpha as Vindicator grows more comfortable with her power.

2) Technically, Judd doesn’t agree with Jefferies’ nomination of Kara, but he doesn’t openly disagree with it either.

WTF? Moment: Judd has been a member of Alpha Flight since the first issue, and been around mutants, demigods, spirits and technologically powered humans from the beginning. So why is he questioning his place on the team now? 

Puck Part 40: Alpha Flight #41 (December, 1986)

Puck votes a new member into Alpha Flight.

I have this issue.

Judd appears in only a few pages as the group decides how to proceed after Marrina left the group following her marriage to Namor in Alpha Flight #40. Vindicator nominates Madison Jefferies to join the team and Judd votes in favor of the nomination.

Notes of Interest:

1) We see Judd having issues regarding his feelings for Heather once again.

WTF? Moment: Again it seems that Mantlo has little to do with Judd except drag up his pining yet again. Why? 

Puck Part 39: Alpha Flight Annual #1 (1986)

Mansion Alpha attacks as Judd and the others find themselves facing a new foe as well as an old one.

I have this issue.

Everyone is more or less enjoying an evening meal at home when the mansion knocks them off their feet. Further investigation leads to Judd and Shaman being trapped in an elevator. They escape, and meet up with the rest of the team as they find Diablo in the house along with Gilded Lily. The villains escape underground, but Alpha Flight catches them in a secret cave beneath the mansion. Gilded Lily conjures up a sandstorm and Judd finds himself encased in solidifying sand. Vindicator frees him, and Judd helps knock Diablo down and keeping him subdued until R.C.M.P. officers arrive to extradite him back to the United States.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd reads Shakespeare.

2) This is the first time Judd meets both Gilded Lily and Diablo.

WTF? Moment: It seems to me that Bill Mantlo still doesn’t know what to do with this character. He’s given Judd an origin that explains his size and the constant pain he’s in, and granted – his abilities don’t stray far into the realm of the exotic or interesting. What makes Puck so cool is his character; his ability to continue despite having to endure physical pain and social stigma. There must have been a lot Judd faced in his life in order to develop that strong a sense of self, and that would be interesting to read about. There’s also his brush with Logan that was hinted at in Alpha Flight #13. What happened there? Why not develop a villain that Judd deals with solo? A former mercenary perhaps that Judd had a falling out with in the past. How did he get the deformed ear? Byrne created a unique individual in Judd that had lots of potential in terms of depth and personality which Mantlo just hasn’t tapped thus far.

A Clarification of Adorkification 2...

My daughter and I are continuing our enjoyment of The Big Bang Theory (thank you Netflix).

Now many consider this a Nerd show...or a Geek show...or a Nerd/Geek combo show...to which I heartily agree.

But it is also a Dork show, and I can prove it:

In the latter half of Season One of TBBT, Penny enters the guys' apartment and gives them a series of Trivial Pursuit questions about things outside Leonard's and Sheldon's comfort zone including questions about 60's and 70's television shows and People magazine.

Needless to say, neither of them could answer the questions - which was the joke.

I knew four out of five.

I turned to my daughter and said "See, a Dork would know the answers."

My wife, who was in the other room, said "Exactly!"


I am a Dork...and this is my Blog.

Puck Part 38: Marvel Fanfare #28 (September, 1986)

Puck learns more about Northstar’s political history.

I have this issue.

Someone named Scourge is killing former members of the Front de Liberation de Quebec, an organization Northstar belonged to when he was younger that violently fought for Quebec’s independence. Judd helps track Scourge down and accepts Northstar as a true member of Alpha Flight.

Notes of Interest:

1) Not much character development here, but we do learn that the microchip call signal implanted in Judd’s skull can be altered to act as a tracking device.

2) Judd doesn’t say much this issue which is interesting…

WTF? Moment: …since the story deals with violent acts and questionably noble purposes. Judd spent years as a soldier of fortune and mercenary, killing for various reasons under many circumstances. Surely he has an opinion about Northstar’s activities in an organization focused on a political goal using any means necessary…right? Knowing Judd, he’d probably see Northstar’s past as the past, and simply be concerned about his actions now. If Northstar says he’s done with the FLQ and wishes to be part of Alpha’s family, Judd would be fine with it – so long as Jean-Paul stops being such a d!(k.