X-Men/Alpha Flight #2

Released in 1985 as the second installment of a two-part limited series, this comic was crafted to bridge the narrative gap between Marvel's premier mutant team and Canada's government-sanctioned superhero squad. The crossover sought to capitalize on the soaring popularity of both Chris Claremont's X-Men and John Byrne's Alpha Flight, providing a formal conclusion to a story involving the Norse trickster god Loki and the mysterious Gift of the Gods.

The issue was written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Paul Smith, a fan-favorite artist known for his clean, expressive style during the mid-eighties X-Men run. Smith’s character work was highly regarded for grounding the fantastical elements of the plot in human emotion, helping the crossover feel like a cohesive, high-stakes chapter in mutant history rather than a disparate promotional stunt. It remains a notable piece for its role in expanding the cosmic scope of the X-Men’s early lore.