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 Puck, I have heard tell,that if all the men in the world where to detach their danglies from the never regions and place them on their heads, then every one would be the same height, .......howcum you can't pole vault?
Colin, I have also heard tell that if you eat the crust o' your bread, it'll make your hair grow curly. Never worked for me, eh? So I wouldn't put pay to anything you hear being told. As for my not being able to pole-vault, you haven't seen me in action yet. And with Alpha Flight being a code-approved book, you never will. 'Nuff said? 

 Hello Puckster¡¡
I just wanted to let you know how refreshing it is to see you in action once more, I know you have a great deal of respect for both Guardian and Vindicator's leading abilities, but you should consider tutoring young new alpha candidates in aresurrected Beta program, composed of the likes of Withfire, Talisman, Purple Girl (where are they anyway?) and the new kid that´s been hanging around the Department lately. Just think about it O.K.?, By the way, next time a mission brings you over to Mexico give me a call, we'll have a few beers (mexican brand, no molsons here¡), If Walter wants to tag along though, I will not pick up his tab... Bye¡ 
Sorry I've taken so long to reply, eh, Luis, but if you've been reading my book, you'll know that I've been away in the Microverse, and then having to deal with the cataclysmic events of #12. As for the Betans... lord knows where they are. I wouldn't mind seeing some o' them again, but I must confess that that Witchfire gave me the creeps and crawlies. Anyway, I've been training the new kid Flex. He's a good boy, not a lot of self-confidence (but who's be with a brother like Radius?) but he's coming on well. Thanks for the invite over to share a couple o' beers, Luis. I'll see what I can do, eh. Maybe soon. 

 Did Segal ever show Puck with Molson Canadian? My friend suspects it's more likely that Puck would drink Molson Export, a blue-collar ale that better fits his personality. Actually he thinks Puck wouldn't drink Molson's at all. The consensus among my friends is that Molson's and Labatt's (our two biggest breweries) are crap. They all seem to prefer microbreweries, etc. 
Hey, 'sfar as I'm concerned, beer is beer. Nectar of the gods, eh? Yeah, I have a preference for Molson's: Canadian and Export. I'm a blue-collar boy at heart. And it's not the beer that's the thing, it's the friends you drink with that's important. 

 Hello Puck¡¡¡:
For years I have been a great admirer of your heroic deeds, your leader qualities and selfless attitude, not to mention your sense of humor, so you can imagine how extremely pleased I am to learn that I can now write directly to you and expect a reply, I have no real questions to ask since I'm an avid fan of yours and as such, quite familiar with your history, in short (no pun intended) I just wanted to say HI¡¡, next time your mission assignments take you (and your fellow alphans)to Mexico, let me know, we'll go for a beer (no molsons here, you'll have to settle for a mexican brand eh?). 
Hiya Luis. Thanks for writing. It's great to know that I have my fans in Mexico, eh? Don't think that Dept. H is gonna be assigning any of us Alphas that far down south (our incursion into US territory recently was bad enough) but if I'm down there, I'll be sure to drop in. Keep the beer cold, eh. I like it that way. 

 Puck, I've been reading into some of the first issues of the second volume and have realized that you really have the hots for Heather. Are you planing on taking your relationship to the next level if things don't work out between her and Mac? Or are you just afraid that she would not take you seriously due to your stature?
You gotta be careful when you're 'reading into' those issues, eh?. Sometimes, you find things that aren't really there in the first place. But, yes, Heather's a person who'll always be close to my heart. It may not be too much of an exaggeration to say that I love her dearly. At present, though, I (and she) seem more comfortable with each other as friends and I don't want to push our relationship in a direction that might ruin it. If it should take a more intimate direction in the future, I won't be too averse to it, eh? 

 Puck, What was the first comic you ever appeared in?
Well, Greg, I first showed my handsome face in Alpha Flight #1 Volume 1. The first readers got to see me (aside from the cover where I was spearheadin' Alpha's charge through the ranks of Marveldom's heroes) was when I was workin' at Corky's Tavern. Some roughs were roughin' up Mary, the bar maid, and I showed 'em not to mess with my friends, eh. Since then, my handsome mug's been appearing everywhere in the Marvel Universe. 

 I would like to know if Puck has starred in any miniseries or has appeared in any other comics besides AF. I never read AF 130 so did he die then, ps who else died in AF 130?  
Nah, I didn't buy it in #130. Puck's a lot tougher than he looks, eh? No one died in #130, well, except for the Master (or so we thought, but last I heard, he's back in Heroes for Hire). In fact, many of your old favourites are back in the new Alpha Flight comic (plus some new recruits like Radius, Flex and Mumur). As to other comics or mini-series that I might've starred in: off the top of my head, I'd list Domino #1 (where I drop in for a couple o' pages to catch up with my old sparring partner, the eponymous Domino) and also in a few issues of Logan's own mag. My most recent jaunt into other titles was in Maverick #3.   

 Puck why did you choose the codename puck  
That's a story and a half, eh? Two reasons: first, I'm a huge fan of the Bard (that's ol' William Shakespeare to you) and I thought I'd call myself after the maverick and mischievous sprite in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Secondly, and this is the 'official' reason, any fan of hockey will know that the puck is the strongest, fastest and toughest thing in the arena. So, it's a more than suitable name for this strong, fast and tough member of Alpha Flight, eh. The moniker now fits closer than a glove now that I've been augmented by the Master.   

 Dear Puck:   
Were you born a dwarf? If so, was one of your parents a dwarf as well? At what age did you realize you were a dwarf? How did your parents react to your dwarfism? Have you ever met with other dwarfs or know of any other dwarf super-heroes? I would love to have an autographed poster of you if it is available. I have shared my collection, specifically your debut comic with young people because you present yourself as a strong, powerful, beautiful and caring dwarf superhero. So often dwarfs are depicted in story including comics as scary goblins, freaks and/or strange beings. I look forward to hearing from you. Dwarf Power!   
Another dwarf, Ric   
Thanks for writing, Ric. First, I want to state out right that I'm proud I'm a dwarf, eh? But according to some folks, I've not always been a dwarf. I've even heard a story out there that I was this six-footer who was shrunk into dwarf size when a demon was trapped in my body. Go figure. You're right, though, in saying that dwarfs are often depicted as freaks or weirdos. But I'm proof against that, eh? Strange, though, that I'm about the only dwarf who's donned a pair of form-fitting duds and gone out fighting crime and protectin' province and planet. Heh.   

 Dear Puck:  
I read the facts after I emailed you. It answered some of my questions. You were made a dwarf. I am a dwarf (Not achondroplast) and I'm a bit dissapointed with this fact. I mean how could one become an achondroplast dwarf? Will you please explain this? Of the many different types of dwarf condtions (over 200 I believe), why were you made an achondroplastic dwarf? Also, I do not think a small average size person like Bos Hoskins or Danny DeVito could play your part in a film. For one, they are not dwarfs! They don't even look like dwarfs! They are just small average size men. I believe they are almost five feet tall. You are three feet six inches in height. You are three inches shorter than me. You have several of the physical characteristics of an achondroplast dwarf. If Puck is trully an achondroplast dwarf then an achondroplast dwarf should play the part. I still would love an autographed photo of you. If this is possible I will email you my address. Thanks.   
Respectfully yours, Ric   
Well, Ric, as I said before, that version of my history is only just that -- a version. I'm going to have to remain tight-lipped about my past: Department H policies and all that, eh? What I have is achondroplasty. For those of you out there not in the know, achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant condition. 85 per cent of cases being due to new mutation; in other words, most children with achondropplasia are born to average-size parents. It's also Achondroplasia can also be inherited by a parent. Persons with achondroplasia are "disproportionately" short, particularly the upper arms and thighs. Something occurs in the growth plates in the long bones of the legs and arms.  
I'm with you in thinking that neither Bob Hoskins of Danny DeVito could play me in an Alpha Flight film. Why go to Hollywood when the real thing is here in the flesh (so to speak, eh?) in Ontario. About the autographed photo, I'll see what I can do. I don't know if the folks here at H are into things like that. What do you think, readers? Want an autographed photo of the ol' Puck? Why not write in and I'll see what I can do.  
Thanks for writing, Ric. It's good to know that having my page up here is generating some intelligent discussion. Take care.   

Note: Alright, readers, for all those oof you who have been  clamouring for an autographed picture of the old Judd, I've managed to get H to release one for publication on the World Wide Web. Just click here and have a look at this handsome devil. 

 Say, Puck, what's the deal with you and Sasquatch? I've been checking up on your early adventures, and I can't figure out weather you're friends or enemies...  
Well, Elmo, Walt and I didn't exactly hit it off at the start. For one thing, he called me 'short, bald and nasty'. Them's fightin' words, as far as I'm concerned, eh? We brawled quite a bit in the early days of Alpha Flight (when I joined up), but since then we've been good friends, eh? Which is why it tears me up that he's the way he is now -- can't talk, can't understand a word I say, a veritable animal!   

 What is Puck's connection with Domino and how long have they known each other?  
I've known Dom for quite a while, eh? We go way back when. I used to be a bit of a tearaway in my younger days (hard to believe, eh?) and Dom was my drinking buddy. We got to quite a bit of mischief in the past. What did we do? I'll leave that to your imagination, eh?   

 Dear Puck:  
Hi! I think that you are great!!! How did you learn to develop inner strength, Puck?  
Inner strength is something that grows with experience, eh. And if you've lived as long as I have, then you've got a whole heap of experience under your belt. Plus I've trained under a number of notable teachers and yogic masters: that helps too.   

 Mr. Judd,   
0. who is your best friend in the marvel universe?  
1. Who is your best friend on Alpha Flight?  
2. Who was your first love interest?  
3. Who is your love interest now?  
4. What do you think about Onslaught?  
5. What do you think about him being Professor X?  
6. What do you think about the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Captain America returning from the dead?  
7. What's your favorite animal?  
8. Would you ever join the X-men?  
9. What do you think about Proffesor X being arrested?  
10. What do you think about Joseph, a.k.a Magneto?  
11. What's your favorite food to eat, and your favorite drink to drink for breakfast?  

Whoah! That's a lot of questions. Let's see....  
0. Hey, a garrulous man like me has many, many friends in the Marvel Universe.  
1. No question about it: Heather McNeil Hudson.  
2. That'd be telling, eh? It was a long time ago. Almost another lifetime ago. 'Nuff said?  
3. Ahem... that question is getting a touch personal, eh? Let's just say that I'm impressed with Dr. Myra Haddock (of Prometheus Division). She's smart, she's beautiful and, best of all, she looks like a woman who can handle the likes of me. Still, I'll always hold a flame for Heather.  
4. Onslaught was evil incarnate. That's all I have to say about Onslaught.  
5. Thing is: he wasn't. The Professor and Onslaught are separate entities, as far as I'm concerned. No way a man so noble could be associated with so evil a creature.  
6. The world will always have a need for heroes, Josh. And what better heroes than those who started it all in the first place?  
7. I like all animals.  
8. My loyalties lie with Alpha, eh. But if the X-Men ever need me, I'll be there. It'll be good to see Logan again. It's been some time.  
9. My sympathies lie with Xavier and the X-Men. We're always gonna be hated by a world we've sworn to protect. Heck, even the Canadian government was misled (by the Master) to pass a Superhuman Registration Act.  
10. Don't know the man well enough to pass judgment on him.  
11. My favourite drink? Molson's. Oh, you mean for breakfast? Whatever is available at the H cantina. As for food, I'm always partial to Canadian bacon.   

 Hey Judd! Just wanted to let'cha know that yer of my all-time favorite heroes, and a role-model for Canadians everywhere to boot. Coupla things: I think your new look is great, even though lots of people don't seem to care for it. The uniform isn't all that bad, and it shows of your lumberjack arms. The lone moustache also makes you look more respectable, and less like a Dudley Do-right villain. So don't let anyone criticize your decisions, K?  
I happen to like my new uniform. It kinda grows on me, eh? As for the new look: I thought it was time for something different after Alpha folded in 1994. Since then, I've become comfortable without the goatee, but who knows what might happen in the future, eh? About my 'lumberjack arms' -- I've been known to swing an axe or two in my younger days.   

 Hi, there. I'm a comics fan. But more importantly, I'm a fan of the mythological Puck. I'm putting together a site dedicated to him (the last page should be up tomorrow). I thought you might like to stop by. And if it's okay, I'll add you to my list of Puck links.  
It's a great site, Allen. For those of you out there, you can find it at Pook's Hill -- http://geocities.datacellar.net/Athens/Acropolis/4198/. The mythological Puck (aka Robin Goodfellow) has always intrigued me as a character. You could almost say that I named myself after him (oh, and after the hockey puck too).   

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THIS GUY RUNNING AROUND CALLING HIMSELF "MAC HUDSON"?   
Well, he seems a touch too arrogant for his own good. Of course, who am I to talk, eh? Still, I'll admit, it still irks me a little bit--blindly following the combat orders of a kid young enough to be my GREAT-grandson with no practical experience . . . .   

ALSO, WHAT HAS HEATHER SAID ABOUT HIM, AND WHAT DO YOU SENSE FROM HER THAT SHE MIGHT NOT BE TELLING YOU?   
Heather hasn't said much at all about him to me. As a friend, though, I hope if she feels the need to confide in somebody, she'll come to me. As for the rest of your question, ever hear the expression, 'a gentleman never tells?'   

I MEAN, I WOULD LOVE FOR HIM TO BE THE GENUINE ARTICLE, BUT, I'VE HAD A HARD TIME BUYING INTO THE FACT THAT HE SURVIVED THAT INITIAL EXPLOSION IN THE GUARDIAN ARMOR.   
True. I've had enough direct experience with death and sub-death and almost-death and parallel worlds and time travel and every other weird thing under the sun, though, that I'm almost willing to accept it without a second thought. Almost.   

ALSO, TO CHANGE TOPICS, WHAT ARE ALPHA FLIGHT'S THOUGHTS ON OPERATION: ZERO TOLERANCE?   
Rule #1 in my book: never get involved in American politics. But in a practical sense, there's nothing I personally can do about it. At least, until the buggers cross the Canadian border. I can't speak for the rest of the team, but I think that OZT boils down to a hyper-paranoid schoolyard bully. And I learned a long time ago that there's only one way to deal with bullies.   

HAS DEPARTMENT H HAD ANY CONTACT WITH THE MYSTERIOUS BASTION (whom i am convinced is mastermold)?   
As far as my information goes, the original Master Mold computer was destroyed quite some time back by its creator, Bolivar Trask. But--that being neither here nor there--I get the feeling that if H _did_ have any dealings with that American nutball, they wouldn't tell me, eh?   

JUST THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE A SUGGESTION AS FAR AS DISCOVERING WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE BIG GUY. ASK HIM ABOUT A RUN-IN HE HAD WITH A CERTAIN MERC WITH A MOUTH. I SEEM TO RECALL IT INVOLVING AN AWFUL LOT OF RADIATION(i believe he said it was enough to contaminate the entire northern hemisphere). JUST A THOUGHT.   
Thanks for the tip, Justin, but I've already contacted Deadpool. Ol' Wade and I go way back, but unfortunately that avenue doesn't look like it'll be panning out. Still, a wise man keeps all doors open, eh?   

SO, ANYWAY, HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEW TEAM RATES AGAINST THE ORIGINAL TEAM(that is after they had the good sense to add you to the roster)?   
I'm tempted to do like the great furry oaf and say that I can't compare the two. But--well, that wouldn't be me, eh? I'd have to say that the original team (plus the lovely Marrina and the none-too-humble me) was best all around. By and large, we were experienced, strong, and smart. Plus, we had the advantage of being free agents. This new group is far too controlled by H and its hierarchy. And we've got too many raw rookies for my taste. Not to say there's anything wrong with Arlette, Jared, Adrian, or even the 'new and improved' Mac Hudson. But rookies will be rookies, as I always say . . . . and knowing most rookies, that usually means trouble.   

I've got two questions actually: First off, what's with the new look? I'm referring to your recent appearances, sans beard...I think you look better with it.   
Well, thank you. Glad you're not referring to that damn silly costume H picked out for me. I've been trying to figure out why I'm wearing half a hood on my shiny little head--anyway, about the beard: for a very long time now, it's been a very ingrained habit of mine to make absolutely certain I 'blend in,' so as to call as little attention as possible to myself. I'd already trimmed my ol' beard down to a gotee a bit back (right before taking a jaunt down to Brazil to help out my old buddy Domino) and so losing the fuzz on my chin wasn't so hard. As I said, force of habit--but I will miss it.   

Secondly, how do you get along without having superpowers (or, at least minor powers compared to others)?   
One deals with things like that one step (or side-step, or somersault, or well-placed kick) at a time. All my life, I've had to compensate for being the size I am. And when you grow up in a rough and tumble place like Saskatoon was back when I was a kid, you learn to be quick on your feet.   

Does it bother you that Jean-Paul is constantly making fun of your history? Y'know the whole "Yet another of Puck's old friends." thing?   
Well, my attitude on the subject's pretty much to let it pass. The kid doesn't know much about my past--it's really none of his business, eh?--and he can think what he likes. I don't mind the jokes, as I love a good joke myself, and I don't know much about his past, so that makes us even.   

Since it's the 90s have you thought of trimming your beard down into a goatee?   
I've had this same "look" since about 1916, when I first started shaving. Why mess with perfection, eh?   

Would you ever consider taking up a leadership role with AF?   
Wouldn't dream of it. I've been a solo operater nearly all of my career; and loners like me can play with the team, but we can't be the captain, eh? I've always preferred to stay in the backround and dispense advice if nessesary. Besides, I was the team's leader for all of four or five hours about three years ago. I turned the job over to Colin because I don't like to play at being the "serious leader-man."   

What was with that big P on your original outfit?   
I had to have some kind of calling-card, didn't I? Actually, the outfit (costume, really) was a bit of a symbol. In a way, giving up my former style (nondescript black jackets and trousers and the like) was and replacing it with the jumpsuit and that garish orange"P" was my way of announcing that I wasn't the same old Judd any more, eh?   

What's it like to be so freakin' low to the ground?   
I really can't compare it to anything. It can be downright annoying when certain furry scientists who shall remain nameless park their useless carcasses in front of me when I'm trying to go about my business.   

Hey Puck,  
Whats with this crush on Heather? Get over it, SHE'S MARRIED. Yeah, so what if hes 19.   
First of all, who taught you to write? No punctuation. I guess the Canadian school system isn't what it was when I was young. Secondly, my personal feelings are none of your business. Given that, perhaps you might spend a moment or two looking up the concept of "unrequited love." A person could, so this theory goes, care about someone for years, perhaps even a lifetime, and never act on their feelings.   

Hey You! Get away from my Heather !! You're no man for her. She needs me! You can't provide the things i can ! Besides that shorty, I HATE your new costume !! Go buy your clothes somewhere else! Remember Heather is mine!! 'nuff said!   
Who are you? Look, I've always said that Heather "belonged"--as much as anyone can, eh?--to Mac Hudson, her husband. I've never tried to say otherwise. As for my costume, I really don't care what you think, eh? I've worn two different ones in two years. Personally, I liked my old red-and-white one better, but then how would it look if Mrs. Judd's littlest boy was the only one there in the old uniform? Somebody has to set the example, eh? At any rate, as regarding "Staying away from 'your' Heather," I think I'll quote a little maxim I learned to live by quite some time ago--"Mind your own business, eh?"   

Puck,  
With all the different agencies and governments you've worked with over the years, what is it about the Canadian government (and Department H) that holds your loyalty so strongly?   
Well, I am a Canadian by birth. I grew up in Canada, and began my career in her service. I make a distinction, you see, between Canada and the Canadian government. Governments change, but the land is still the same. After all, when I was born, Canada was English soil. Now, she's a land all her own, eh? As to Department H, I don't feel any particular duty to it. My personal service to the Department of National Defense ended many years ago. My loyalty is and has been to the individuals who I've had the honor and privilege to serve with, eh? And I have a feeling, what with "H"'s new policies and procedures, that it will stay that way.   

 What's your favorite type of literature?   
Well, from your little handle I can tell you appreciate one of my favorite authors -- Shakespeare. But I also enjoy Leacock's poetry, Conan Doyle's detective stories, and of course there's Hemingway. I particularly like his short story, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place." I helped him spell-check that one. (Rotten speller, Hemingway.) As you can tell from my answers here, my favorite type of literature is poetry and short fiction.   

 Say, Mr. Judd--would you care to hold forth on some of the individuals you consider it such an "honor and privilege" to have served with?   

Well, I've worked with scads and scads of people over my career, so I think I'll spread this out a bit:   

SASQUATCH: The great orange lug has fleas! He's obnoxious, annoying, loyal to a fault, and he's like a brother to me. A half-crazy depraved brother kept locked in a basement, eh? In all seriousness, he's the man I'd want watching my back in a tight place--though if he were to find that out I'd never be able to show my face in Toronto again.   

SHAMAN: I don't know why Michael never took a greater leadership role with the Flight. He had all the qualities a leader needs, and he's a good friend besides.   

MADISON JEFFIERIES: I honestly never cared for Mr. Jefferies. I don't know why, but he and I never seemed to hit it off, eh?   

NORTHSTAR: He's a good kid, but he has a long way to go and a lot to learn about being a hero. Take it from somebody who's been there: A hot head and a hard heart'll hurt you a lot more than it helps . . . .   

AURORA: Best left alone under all circumstances.   

TALISMAN: The kid should write her Uncle Judd more! I taught her everything she knows about hand-to-hand combat; she was a great student. But I haven't seen her in a cat's age. Maybe I'll run into her 'round Department H.   

LOGAN: He's gone through some hard times lately; I miss the guy I used to argue literature with, eh? But he always has come through when I needed a hand. And we Alphans tend to stick together.   

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: A fine fellow, and the best writer I ever read. He had the best understanding of war: its horror, and the emptiness veterans feel. On the other hand, he couldn't spell worth spit--and all those cats nearly drove me nuts, eh?   

Puck, aside from Snowbird, did you ever meet any of the members of First Flight, like Saint Elmo, or Groundhog, or Stitch?   

Well, I never had the honor of meeting Saint Elmo. Too bad, really; he seems like a fellow I could've had a good time with, eh? As for the others, I met Smart Alec when he and I were teammates in Gamma Flight. And Langkowski and I ran into Groundhog and Stitch a little bit back, while we were on our little "vacation" from all things Alpha. Not the time to spin that yarn now, but I may nag Falstaff into writing it down for me. And, yes, I did meet Birdie back when Department H was just getting Alpha off the ground. I was just a Beta trainee, but . . . well, let's just say I was impressed, eh? Sorry my time with her was so short, and even sorrier that I didn't get the chance to work with the rest of that crew. "Far too many brave men shall I lose before the day is done," George Washington said. Smart guy, for an American, eh?   

How would you act out a fight between you and a group of Sentinels, to save....let's say your old pal, Wolverine?   

More often than not, Logan can take care of himself. He trusts me to let him do what he does best, at which, as he's so very fond of reminding me (and reminding me, and reminding me) he's the very bet there is. But if it came down to the last, and it meant Logan's life . . . . suffice it to say that I don't have many friends, and when it comes to those treasured few, there's not a thing in the world I would not do to help them.