The team was originally merely a part of the backstory of the X-Men's Wolverine but, in 1983, Marvel launched an eponymous series featuring the group, which continued until 1994, lasting 130 issues as well as annuals and miniseries.

[2] Byrne left, trading titles with then-Incredible Hulk scribe Bill Mantlo, who stepped in to become the series's longest-running writer.

"[3][4][5] As the first major, openly gay character created by Marvel Comics, Northstar generated significant publicity in the mainstream press[6] and Alpha Flight #106 sold out in a week, despite the fact that the series was not a very popular title.

The series was written by Steven Seagle, then known mainly for his work for DC Comics' Vertigo line, with art mostly by Scott Clark and Duncan Rouleau.

One issue, #13, featured guest art by Ashley Wood in an unusually conventional style for him, but still very distinctive for a Marvel superhero comic.

[11] In June 2019, Marvel Comics announced that Alpha Flight would return in a one-shot titled Alpha Flight: True North featuring the original lineup (with the exception of Aurora) and written by Canadian writers Jim Zub, Jed MacKay and Ed Brisson to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the company.

[12] In August 2023, the team returned in a five-issue limited series written by Ed Brisson and drawn by Scott Godlewski, as part of the "Fall of X" relaunch.