138. X-Men/ Alpha Flight vol 1 #1 and 2 ... Marvel ...

Alpha Flight, that Canadian super team, somehow seemed to be popping up as guest stars in the X-books and at the height of their popularity, they even had a team up limited series with the mutants. This is their first limited series together and in this reviewer's opinion, the best

If you are a follower of Marvel mags in the 80s, you may recall in one of their bullpen bulletins where then editor of the X-books even came out with a cute-sy write up on how to read the mutant books for the summer owing to the crossovers and some relating to the past i.e. retcon

But even if you do not know the history, this 2 issue series is enjoyable. First, check out the artwork. What you see here is what you get inside. Clean lines, enough backgrounds that does not overpower the foreground

During this juncture of the mutants history, Cyclops is still married to Madelyn Pryor as Jean Grey is still dead. Anyway on one of their flights (both Cyclops and Madelyn are pilots) they encountered some trouble. Naturally the X-Men being linked to Cyclops via Prof X were jolted by Cyclops' psychic distress cry and came to investigate

At the same time, craziness happening in the north means Alpha Flight has been summoned to drop by and find out what's going on ... and what's going on is a magical fountain that suddenly appeared and everyone touched by it is able to achieve their full potential ... this includes powers and curing illnesses ...

To their surprise, it came from Loki and he gave them his word that he would do them no harm with that fountain or the world because it is not forced upon them and they are the one who welcomed its touch

So what happens next? Many doubt Loki and his true intentions. So they try to investigate what is really going on while others ... see this as a blessing that can be used for the greater good ... example: Puck is no longer a dwarf and the sickness within is healed ... Madelyn is now blessed with the healing gift of the fountain's fire itself ... and many others

However, at the core of it all is one thing ... what is the price, not on the outside world but on each individual that the fire fountain robbed even as it blesses? It takes some of the team some time to realize ... and when they do ... well the cover to issue 2 says it all

Ratings: 8/10