Image credit: Mad Cave Studios
Although I haven’t reviewed it yet, I’m really enjoying the Flash Gordon comics currently published by Mad Cave Studios. It’s a modern take on some elements of the classic story, and has an incredibly fast-paced, multi-world feel. It still feels suitably pulpy in tone, but also contemporary in its storytelling and art. It’s a nice retro-futuristic throwback that gets surprisingly complex in its Mirror Universe-style story, and it’s beautifully illustrated.
So I was excited to discover Flash Gordon Quarterly, a spin-off series with many pages and multiple stories in each issue. The lead story in the first issue features Hawkman King Baltan. It’s a dramatic, action-packed adventure in which he learns to properly trust and bond with his son.
Two backup stories take an Elsworlds-esque approach to the Flash Gordon mythology. First imagine Flash and his friends in the Wild West, then bring in a hard-boiled version of Gordon as a PI on an investigation.
The first story, set straight in the current aforementioned continuity, is great and does a great job of highlighting the character of King Vultan, who appears in the main series but doesn’t get much screen time.
The two back-up stories, which are out of continuity, are great, original and fun. Considering they only briefly introduce other worlds, they’re great exercises in world building and explanation, and storytelling. They still feel like complete stories, even if they’re open-ended so you can revisit these interesting twists in Flash Gordon’s adventures.
Production values are excellent across the board. Beautiful artwork, gorgeous coloring, and great writing by everyone involved.
What’s even better is that you don’t need to have read the main Flash Gordon series at all to enjoy what’s here. Even if the only thing you know about Flash Gordon is the 1980 Queen soundtrack movie, you’ll know enough to enjoy these stories.
Of course, just because you don’t need to read Mad Cave’s main Flash Gordon series doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. This is a great comic, so if you liked the Flash Gordon quarterly, wait until you get the main series. You’ll definitely fall in love with it!
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