Essential Reading

It would seem somewhat arrogant to consider myself enough of an authority to determine what is "essential" reading and what is not.  Even if I'd read every single Canadian comic book made, or every publication about them, in some respect it remains a matter of opinion.  But I will try to list what I believe the consensus to be.

Of course I have not read every single comic or related publication.  Hell, there are probably many of which I'm not even aware!

So by no means is this list complete or extensive.  In fact, it's just getting started.  The reason it even exists is because I know that I have the attention span of a five-year old and I'll either forget how I had intended to do it, or forget to do it entirely.

It will not feature any work I have not read no matter how "critically-acclaimed" it may be.  John Bell's books are a good example.  Invaders from the North is probably considered by most to be the definitive resource about the history of Canadian comics.  If it isn't, Bell's other book (Canuck Comics) probably is.  Neither appears here because I haven't read either one (yet).

Let's get the obvious done first.

The Complete Captain Canuck:  It would seem quite improbable that you're here and do NOT know of Captain Canuck already so his inclusion is a procedural no-brainer.  The entire series, which ran from 1975 to 1981, is collected in this volume.  There are a number of other extras thrown in as well.

I previously wrote about it here so I won't dwell on it much further.  Suffice to say that the character has served as an inspiration to many Canadian creators, and for characters, since.  It should be quite easy to find; I picked mine up at a Chapters store.  There are books featuring other versions of the character that are not included in this volume, but at the end of the day, it is the original version which has left a lasting impression.

Next on the "obvious" list, Alpha Flight Classic volumes one and two.



The first collects issues 1-8 of the original series which began in 1983.  Volume two combines issues 9-19 and Uncanny X-Men #109.

This might be hard for someone whose exposure to this team is limited to recent offerings to imagine but for a couple of years, this was among the best books published.  Some of the characters at first glance could be said to fit the mold of the standard super team (a water-breather, speedsters, a strong guy, a flag-bearer) but each came with a distinctive quirk or two to take him or her beyond being the usual analogues.

It all went to hell after creator/writer/artist John Byrne left the book (which, ironically, he has admitted he never really cared much for anyway), and I think most fans would agree that it has seldom (if ever) returned to former glory.  Still, the characters continue to endure, having been involved in several reboot attempts and many guest-appearances.

Speaking of guest appearances, I don't know if a third volume is planned, or whether the Byrne issues that followed could even be considered "classic" and/or "essential".  But if you want a deeper view of the team's history, the X-Men / Alpha Flight team up compilation is what you're looking for. 

It collects Alpha appearances in the X-Men book from prior to the team's own series, as well as two two-issue limited series that came out subsequently.  One of those was a flashback to the team's very early days.

The downside is that it only appears to be available in hardcover at the moment, so it's going to cost.  On the other hand, any chance to acquire art of Guardian punching Wolverine in the face is to be appreciated.

If you are curious about those that came before Captain Canuck and Alpha Flight, an excellent starting point from which to educate yourself about the early days of Canadian comics is The Great Canadian Comic Books by way of Alter Ego Magazine #71.

The original 1971 book would be difficult to locate but Alter Ego reprints its text in its entirety.  It is an extensive, yet relatively brief (about 40 of the magazines 88 pages), overview of the rise and fall of Canadian comics during the war years.  Many characters are featured, separated by style (Detectives, Adventures, Military, even Sports) and reproductions of covers and / or interior art are plentiful.

Wrap the whole package in a Kirby-homage cover by Captain Canuck artist George Freeman and you've got yourself a winner.

More to come.