New Eye Candy

I've added an "art" page at top right, something I've been meaning to do for some time.  I won't dwell on it much here since the content is explained at the top of the page itself.  I should, however, take the opportunity to point out that the saluting Guardian at the bottom of the right section of the page is by Ken Steacy, if the distinctive style wasn't enough of a giveaway.

It has, however, reminded me to make another addition to the blog roll at right with Phil's Alpha Flight Sketches.  Pretty self-explanatory; Phil posts scans and pictures of commissioned sketches that he's acquired of Alpha Flight characters.  The bulk of the art on display on the blog is of Sasquatch, but there are a few Guardian ones as well.  It wouldn't be right to copy them here so I'll link to that page instead.

And while we're talking about graphics and updates, a couple of trading cards have been added at the bottom of the Collectibles page, including the rather awesome Weapon Alpha one (with that Wolverine guy) at right which I just stumbled across today.  What can I tell you, I've never been a trading card guy where comic characters are concerned!  But I'll have to get my hands on that one for certain.

To this point, that page had only displayed busts and action figures and I wanted to add another aspect.  Other types of collectibles and merchandise will be added soon, such as Heroclix piece(s) and mini-mates (even though I personally find them hideous. To each his own.).

"I Strike for Earth!"

Shortly after stating that I would only include "significant" (in my estimation) Guardian involvement on the Appearances page (above right), I'm changing gears a little bit.

I stumbled into Super Mega Monkey's Comics Chronology page recently and was reminded of a couple of cameo appearances by Guardian / Alpha Flight from the early 80's.  They were, looking back, my first exposure to Guardian (Vindicator at the time).

It could be argued that they helped him and the Alpha cement their place in the Marvel Universe. They established that Alpha Flight didn't just happen to be present when the X-Men had business in Canada.

The following actually trigger some fond memories for me.  French is my first language.  I used comics to help me learn the English language.  I did buy some X-Men books at the time, but began to do so only shortly after Alpha Flight had made their debut.

I do recall getting Contest of Champions in 1982, one of the series that SMMCC fits into continuity.  In this 3-part book, all of Earth's heroes, Alpha Flight included, are gathered to basically act as gladiators for the Grandmaster and his mystery opponent.  Sasquatch is actually the most prominent Alpha Flight team member throughout the 3-issue series, but Guardian shows up in a couple of panels (one of which is at right).

Later that same year Guardian (still Vindicator) and Alpha Flight appeared in three Incredible Hulk issues, numbers 277 to 279.

In that story, the U-Foes make a very public attempt to kill the Hulk.  After managing to escape and defeat the U-Foes, the Banner-brained behemoth asks for help from his fellow heroes to petition for a presidential pardon.  And wouldn't you know it, the collection of heroes is attacked by aliens (or they appear to be) right on the White House lawn!  And that collection includes Guardian (although you may need to squint to see him in some panels).

Mac appears in other group shots and in a "diplomatic greeting" in the final issue with Alpha Flight behind him.

A selection of his early appearances is included on this page of the Comics Chronology.  Again for the sake of giving proper credit, the images above are cropped from scans that are displayed on the SMMCC pages.

They are only brief appearances, but potentially of interest to some.  Therefore, they (as well as an even earlier one from Fantastic Four #220) are now included on the Appearances page for the sake of being thorough, but are simply identified as cameos.