Issue(s): Alpha Flight #2, Alpha Flight #3 (origin back-ups only)
Cover Date: Sep-Oct 83
Title: "In the beginning..." / "Purpose"
Credits:
John Byrne - Writer
John Byrne - Penciler
John Byrne - Inker

Review/plot:
Most of the early issues of Alpha Flight have back-up stories featuring the origins of Alpha Fight. Issues #2-3 shows James Hudson building a bulky exo-skeleton for Am-Can...

...and then sabotaging it and stealing the cybernetic control helmet when he learns that his boss Mr. Jaxon intends to turn it over to the US Military. Hudson is stalked by Am-Can's secretary, Heather MacDonald, who is maybe half his age, but she's in love with him.

She convinces him to head down to the Prime Minister's office to confess his theft, and the government waves charges in return for getting him to agree to lead a Canadian super-hero team.

Note that the above takes place over a period of three years and then things converge around the same time as Fantastic Four #1.

Quality Rating: B+

Historical Significance Rating: 2 - Guardian's origin and info on Wolverine's early years

Chronological Placement Considerations: This concludes a little after the debut of the Fantastic Four.

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? Y

My Reprint: N/A

On my reading list this is set between FF#1 and 2, I also included the Fantastic Four: First Family mini-series. #1 takes place between the origin of the FF in #1 and the battle with the Mole Man. #2-5 take place between FF#1 and 2.