Though intended by Byrne to be gay from the beginning, Northstar's homosexuality was only hinted at during Byrne's tenure on the book. In 1985, after issue No.*28 of Alpha Flight, Byrne swapped books with Bill Mantlo, writer of The Incredible Hulk. According to Byrne, he discussed his ideas with editor-in-chief Jim Shooter ahead of time, but once Byrne was on the book, Shooter objected to them.
Jim Shooter
Byrne