[Ultra Seven]

Ah! Another Alpha Flight fan. I argue regularly (in good fun of course) with the owner of my LCS about how much Byrne’s Alpha Flight rules.

You make a really interesting point about how the X-Men felt like part of the zeitgeist of their era… although not something I noticed consciously, I think that definitely contributed to my enjoyment of them. Along with Spidey, it made them feel more real, more relatable. I could put on an album that I loved while I was reading and say “yeah, the X-Men would like David Byrne.” Which is, I think, what all Marvel’s best heroes are: real people that feel totally alive. Part of my earlier joke about Stevie Hunter comes from my love of secondary/ non-powered characters, because the focus on them is what, to me, really elevates a great run of comics. Thanks for drawing such eloquent attention to that, it’ll give me a new perspective to consider when rereading.

I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Claremont, Star Lord … such a great guy. So gracious and pleasant.

Totally get your point about reading the roots, Kain! Personally, I find the X-Men’s roots disappointing when compared to something like Spider-Man, whose silver age title hit the ground positively running (or swinging, as it were).

… anyhow, enough pensive soliloquies. I’m starting to feel like I’m *in* a Claremont comic!

Edit: gah, my other Pulse order has been stuck in Georgia for a week and I’m getting antsy.