FEATURE REVIEW: (KING) FLASH GORDON #1

(KING) FLASH GORDON

#1

Publisher: King/Dynamite
Writers: Ben Acker and Ben Blacker
Illustrated by: Lee Ferguson

Flash Gordon has a near 100 year history, dating back to his comic strip roots. For me Alex Raymond’s vision is still the best.

This new series from King/Dynamite is separate from the regular Flash Gordon series from Dynamite. This one is designed to tie into the other King Series Dynamite is publishing (Jungle Jim, Mandrake, The Phantom and Prince Valiant).

Unfortunately, over the course of time, different versions and takes on Flash and crew have evolved, just as they do with other characters.

While there is nothing ultimately bad with this title, I do not like this take on Flash. This version of Flash reminds me too much of the cocky teenage version in a Flash Gordon animated series some year ago. He is overly cocky, egotistical and has no idea what he is doing.

Zarkoff, is eerily similar to Flash in personality, in fact he seem like an older version of our hero, rather than a distinct character.

Dale seems like an afterthought in this story.

In this first issue, Flash and crew take refuge on a moon that houses a resistance against Ming, only to accidently discover a traitor.

The story and writing is okay, if you can get past the characterization – which at times is painful.

Lee Ferguson’s art is the best part of this book.

In fact my favorite part of this first issue is Page 1, Panel 1, we see a dejected Ming, and his clothes don’t seem to fit him right. It is like they are just hanging there, like the ill-fitting costumes from the old film serial. Love It.

FINAL THOUGHT: For Die Hard fans and Flash Gordon collectors like me, this will be added to the collection, if nothing more than to keep it complete. For others, they may enjoy the adventure and more modern cocky characterization.

RATING: 5

NOTE: As this is a Mini, and does tie into the other King titles, I will cover future issues of Flash Gordon and the other King titles.