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Flash Gordon is imprisoned on Planet Death after the events of Flash Gordon #0 in which he stopped Ming from destroying Earth. Trapped, depressed, and unsure if anyone he knows or loves is alive, Flash gives up hope. Once a new prisoner arrives and Flash learns that Dale Arden lives, it’s no holds barred action as he tries to escape!
- Written by Jeremy Adams
- Art by Will Conrad
- Colors by Lee Loughridge
- Letters by Taylor Esposito
- Published by Mad Cave Studios
Flash Gordon, Down but Not Out!
Flash Gordon laid out on a table in shackles. His hair and beard long and unkept. His uniform ripped and in shambles. He has all but given up hope. The last thing he did was destroy Mongo, possibly killing everyone he cares about. Now he just lets the synthesoids feed him intravenously until his body gives out.
All of that changes when a new prisoner is brought in, screaming and pleading for freedom. In his pleas for mercy, the name Dale Arden rings out and Flash’s senses are awakened. After a few questions, Flash realizes that Dale is still alive and set to marry the dangerous Prince Aton.
Flash Gordon immediately enacts a plan to escape, with the help of the doctor and save Dale. It won’t be easy though. Flash will put himself in peril and fight off the guards as well as the prison defenses, all while protecting the doctor with the information he needs!
Mad Cave Studios Revives Dick Tracy!
Where is this Flash Gordon Going?
This issue was a great kick off to this Flash Gordon series. Flash is down at out, giving up on everything, and with just a hint of hope, he’s back to busting heads and pulling off some crazy stunts. Even if you hadn’t read the Free Comic Book Day issue #0, you still get an idea of what’s going on and what’s at stake. That’s all thanks to a quick flashback and some excellent story telling from Jeremy Adams.
One of my favorite moments in this book was after Flash escapes his shackles and destroys the Synthesoid, he cuts his hair and cleanly with a crude blade, his fellow prisoner recognizes him. I thought that was a nice fun touch because he still looked very much like Flash Gordon with a beard and a torn shirt before. It gave me a great belly chuckle.
The Art of Action in Flash Gordon
The action picks up from here as two guards bust in and Flash has to fight them off while protecting the doctor. The art was really dynamic and Flash looked great throughout. Huge kudos to Will Conrad for giving Flash a great look, BEFORE and AFTER his hair cut. All of it makes this new series feels so gritty and grounded with a real action movie vibe to the whole thing.
The colors is this issue are rich and deep. I always notice that Loughridge has a knack for proper lighting in his work. The way he works always makes you feel like your in the scene and that’s a huge help with immersion.
Everything Point to 8.5/10
Overall a great way to start a new Flash Gordon story. Motivations are clear for Flash and his abilities are put on full display. It looks like this one is going to be action packed and a roller coaster of fun. Flash Gordon hasn’t looked this good a long time!
