Uncanny X-men 121 splash by John Byrne - 1st Alpha Flight
Artists: John Byrne (Penciller) , Terry Austin (Inker)
55 Comments - 4,846 Views - 26 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionWhen I was growing up in London the comics we had here were primarily UK black and white Marvel comics. I spent a year in Sri Lanka where my mum's kid sister, Aunty Chithi introduced me to the delight of the latest American colour versions, and in particular the Byrne X-men run, which I was completely hooked by. She went out tracking down any issues she could find for me from various book distributors and 2nd hand magazine shops since there were no comic shops. As a result many issues were sporadic and/or out of order.One of the most memorable issues was X-men #120 introducing Alpha Flight, although I would not find out how that 2 part story ended until years later because (as I would eventually discover) issue 121 was not distributed to Sri Lanka. Today my aunt lost her prolonged and painful fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). We knew there was no cure and the fight was distressing for her and her family around her to watch as her body gradually shut down, despite which she never complained. It is a cruel disease and I am grateful that at least her suffering is at end. I remember the fun times we shared including the comics she introduced me to which I enjoy to this day. And I post this page now in memory of her. Godspeed Aunty Chithi. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Tom Coker 
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Hi Joseph, i am sorry to hear about your Auntie. :( Thank you for showing us you X-grail in her memory. I remember back when you were looking for the right one - this one splits the seams! Congrats
Mike W
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
First, my deepest condolences for your loss, Joseph. Your aunt sounds like an amazing human being, and your love for her can be felt in your description. This page obviously has deeper meaning to you than just being a superb example of Byrne & Austin's colossal run on the title. Thank you for sharing the art, but more importantly thank you for sharing your aunt's story. Be strong.
J L
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Joseph--- so sorry to hear about your aunt. This is a wonderful tribute as the art is just awesome. Glad I could help. 😉
Michael Diaz
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Epic page. This is a great argument for Byrne and Austin being one of the greatest art teams ever.
Andy Robbins
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Very sorry to hear that, Joseph. Battles we will all be a part of as the years pass.
Simon M.
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Quite a page, congrats Joseph. Best to you and your family.
Jimmy Cawley
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
The beauty of art is the myriad of emotions it can evoke all at one time with but a simple glance. Enjoy. Its a bittersweet story but that's what makes it all the more powerful.
Migs DC
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Sorry to hear about your aunt. Magnificent page. And that dedication. Wow.
Malvin V
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Great page, I'm glad you have a page to remember your aunt by.
I D
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
Outstanding! Even more so when there is meaning behind the art.
Stephen F
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
A great page to go with the great memories of your Auntie. Thanks for sharing.
Ron S
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing the page and what it means to you.
Aidan (Re-Legion ) Lacy
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
An amazing page to honour a beautiful and brave woman. Great art & Good Memories are a powerful combination.
robert frey
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your aunt. if she liked comics, then she must have been a-ok! :) nice piece of art, too.
Will Gabri-El
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
My condolences on the loss of your aunt but what a wonderful bunch of memories she gave you to have that fueled a passion for art & storytelling...
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 4/7/2017
So sorry to hear of your loss, Joseph. She was clearly an important woman in your life. How lovely to associate some of the reasons why with a piece from the hobby that is so close to your heart.
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
Awesome and historic - do you know who Jim was, sounds like an aspiring artist?
Jeremy Radisich
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
An iconic, historic page--and that it was such emotional meaning for you makes it all the more profound. And that's what great art is about--congrats.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
I am deeply sorry about your loss. You honor her passing (and us by sharing) with a truly splendid and historic piece of art.
Jason Harris
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
As amazing and important as this page is historically, it is and always will be what your aunt brought to your life that will be most significant. She sounds like an amazing person and I hope that looking at this page only shows you the good memories.
Fred Bronaugh
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
Very classic splash page. First reveal of Alpha Flight by Byrne.
Chris C
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
My most sincere condolences on your loss. What a beautiful tribute to her and your deep connection. Having these tangible tokens to hold as permanent reminders of times and relationships and joys of the past are why so many of us collect in the first place.
John Yon
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
A great example from the classic Byrne/Austin/Claremont X-men run...thank you for sharing the art and your wonderful memories of your Aunty...always remember the good times. My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
bob fish
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
One of the most memorable Xmen page by Byrne ! Congrats with my deepest condolences
matthew reed
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
wonderful page. incredible memories. RIP Aunty Chithi.
A B
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 4/8/2017
Amazing one, would love to have a similar one, congratulations!
Will Tervay
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/9/2017
Condolences to you and your family. Howvever, I am stunned that you have this killer Byrne piece. Seems out of place with all of the Sandman and Bolland drek that clutters your gallery. ;) All kidding aside, a great page in a great collection, and thanks for sharing it along with your memories of your aunt. Cheers!
J. Sid
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/9/2017
Very nice tribute. I'm certain her story will pop into my head whenever I flip through that issue.
Imran A
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 4/9/2017
My condolences on your loss. Great splash page and a great addition to the collection
COMIC PARADISE
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/10/2017
Awesome! I think a Canadian like myself should own this😏🍁
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/10/2017
Wow, such a great splash, brings back alotta memories, my best to you and yer family.
P A
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 4/11/2017
I am very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. It's very nice that this special piece can evoke fond memories for you and give you some comfort.
Alberto Giavoni
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/13/2017
Joseph...let me tell you this page is a heart stroke made of paper!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/13/2017
Lovely story and tribute to your Aunt. So glad she was able to introduce you to American comics. As spectacular as this page is on its own merit, it's especially wonderful to have such a special connection to a departed and much beloved family member. I know you will treasure this page and her memory always.
Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/14/2017
My condolences my friend. What an amazing tribute to her memory. This is a fantastic piece.
G. C.
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/20/2017
A piece of comicart history. Thanks for sharing Joseph !! I imagine you'll cherish this page for the rest of your day.
Raymond Bryan
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 5/2/2017
Historic page and memories... Thoughts and prayers!!
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/11/2022
Your aunt sounds like she was an amazing lady. Thanks for sharing this gem.
Such an incredible page!
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 3/29/2022
Historic Alpha Flight roll call page, beautiful Byrne art. Huge congrats!
Raymond Bryan
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 5/29/2022
Congrats on this page!! Brings back some amazing memories!!!!
michael Avila
Member Since 2004
Posted on 5/9/2023
One of the very best pages here on CAF - peak Byrne with both the X-men and the first appearance of Alpha Flight. Just ... WOW!
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