Writer: Judd Winick Artists: Jim Calafiore (p), Mark McKenna (I)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Plot: As the Exiles arrive on a new alternate Earth, we see they've shown up in the wilds of northern Canada, but when they look to the Tallus for an explanation for why they been brought here, the device is strangely silent. However, they soon get a very big clue of what their role is going to be, as the engine of destruction better known as the Hulk slams down in their midst. What follows is a one-sided battle, as the Exiles discover they out of their league against the Hulk, and they are lucky enough to still be alive, when the Hulk grows bored of this fight & jumps off. The Exiles then hook up with Alpha Flight, the local super-team, as they too are hot on the heels of the Hulk, who has been rampaging across Canada for the better part of six months. It is here that the Tallus begins to offer up information, and the Exiles discover that they are going to have to keep this version of Alpha Flight from being slaughtered in the approaching conflict with the Hulk.
Comments: Well, given this book's format I can see a pattern being established already, as I think it's safe to say most of the stories will be two/three issues in length, and the first chapter of all these stories will lay out the groundwork for each new world the Exiles find themselves on. With this said, while this issue is a the setup issue, which I can already see won't be as exciting as the following issues where the action is played out, I will confess that I found this current issue to be far more interesting that the previous two arcs. Mainly it's due to the simple fact that Judd Winick is expanding into the Marvel Universe, and his first foray has brought in not only the Hulk who almost always makes for an exciting threat, but also he's included Alpha Flight, who I'll cover more in the next section of my review. The setup this issue offers up is exciting enough that I'm eagerly awaiting the big climax, and I guess this is all one can ask from these opening issues.
Being a Canadian comic fan, I'm probably one of the select few that was actually quite happy to see Alpha Flight show up in this issue. On the other hand, being a fan of this group, does leave this issue a bit wanting in my eyes, as the only member of Alpha Flight who real interacts with the Exiles is Wolverine, and this isn't quite the same. Oh, we have a short scene with Heather Hudson, and we learn that Shaman has retired, but to an Alpha Flight fan like myself there's not really much to sink one's teeth into. Oh I did note that all my favorites like Puck, Snowbird & Box were on hand, but I'm hoping that next issue will offer us a bit more Alpha Flight that the simple background dressing role that they served in this issue. In any event, it was interesting to see Wolverine cast in the role that James MacDonald Hudson played in the regular Marvel Universe, and since Heather does carry his last name, a question about James' absence is raised.
Jim Calafiore is a talented artist who I'm happy to see finding steady work as a back-up artist for Mike Marts corner of the Marvel Universe. In fact, while I'd be glad to see him become the regular artist for most any title on the stands, having him fill-in on this book, "Black Panther" & "Deadpool" when those book's respective creative teams need a break, is more than an ideal setup in my book. Jim Calafiore's work is nicely suited for this title, as he has a detailed style that is able to capture the little trivial details that long time fans like myself like to uncover in the backgrounds, with this issue's shot of the assembled Alpha Flight team being a particular treat. The art also is able to deliver the visual comedy quite well, as Morph's opening reaction to the Hulk's arrival is hysterical, as is the sequence where Thunderbird goes toe to toe with the Hulk & discovers that he's a little out of his depth.
Final Word: An issue that does make an attempt to break itself away from the X-Universe, as having the Hulk as the primary threat, and adding Alpha Flight to the mix are both good moves, at least in my eyes. However, even though he has the freedom to pick & choose from the entirety of the Marvel Universe, Judd Winick still ensures he has one safety net in the form of Wolverine. This issue is primarily a setup issue, that lays out the world the Exiles have been placed upon, and introduces the various players they will interact with. While I personally could've done without the inclusion of Wolverine, I will concede this issue does have me eager for next month's encounter, and the last page has itself an interesting twist.
