Puck Part 74: Alpha Flight #98 (July, 1991)

Puck faces an alien invasion in downtown Toronto.

I have this issue.

Her has arrived on Earth, and an alien armada of various races arrives to collect…Her. Judd is called to action after the first wave lands, meeting with Sasquatch and Windshear at the docking bay of their new HQ. He contacts Shaman, who’s in the diagnostics lab with Diamond Lil, Persuasion, Witchfire, Laura Dean and her parents, requesting back-up. Shaman tells him they’re on their way, but only Lil arrives – saying Laura has awakened from her coma and teleported everyone else away.

They head downtown, and Judd is left to land the shuttle as Lil, Sasquatch and Windshear bail out to attack the invading army. As the heavy hitters do their thing, Judd directs civilians into a metro station to get them safely out of the way. He regroups with Sasquatch, Northstar and Guardian to prepare for the next wave of ships when the invaders are met with the timely arrival of (wait for it) the Avengers.

Notes of Interest:

1) Judd’s piloting skills appear again.

2) He makes a passing reference to both Salvador Dali and the running of the bulls.

WTF? Moment: Where the heck was he last issue? There’s no mention of him in Alpha Flight #97, and no mention here of where he’s been. Maybe he was checking his old haunts in Toronto. If he were, wouldn't he have reacted to the giant explosion and reported to Alpha HQ? If he were hanging out at headquarters, wouldn't he have been prepared to go much sooner? My guess is that Heather told him to "stand by", thinking he’s really not really equipped for alien invasions. While this is true, his experience with war (Spain circa 1937) sure would come in handy, wouldn't it?