Puck Part 24: Alpha Flight #29 (December, 1985)

Puck faces off against the Hulk, and must decide whether or not to remain an Alphan.

I have this issue.

The Hulk finds himself in Bochs’ lab at Alpha Headquarters, goes berserk and badly damages Box. Judd distracts Hulk long enough for Mr. Jefferies to repair him, but Hulk escapes and tears through downtown Vancouver. Judd and the team chase after him and get soundly beaten. Hulk heads South into the U. S., and Gary Cody shows up offering Heather official government funding from newly reformed Department H. Heather poses the offer to the team, and Judd says yes.

Notes of Interest:

1) This issue takes place immediately after both Alpha Flight #28 and The Incredible Hulk #313.

2) Judd holds his own against Hulk. Sure, he gets thrown around a bit, but he survives.

WTF? Moment: This is Bill Mantlo’s first issue writing Puck, and he does a decent job. Judd’s concerns for Heather’s safety are present without putting him in needless jeopardy – like pushing her out of the way of falling debris for example. In fact, it’s his feelings for her that drive him to attack rather than defend.

WTF? Moment #2: This is also Mike Mignola’s first issue drawing Judd. I guess I’m so used to how Byrne drew him that it’s hard for me to like Mantlo’s version. His shortness seems over-emphasized, and did he start bench pressing Buicks between issues?

WTF? Moment #3: Of course Judd’s going to stay with the team…if for no other reason than another chance to “pop one” on ol’ Gary.