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Before reading this, my familiarity with Flash Gordon was limited to the name only, having never watched the movies or read any previous comics. Jumping directly into issue #6 was an interesting and thrilling experience. Set on a small floating asteroid in the middle of space, this issue reintroduces Flash with android Zarkov and alien Emperor Ming. The plot is a maze of twists and turns, with the three characters engaging in constant manipulation and combat. This fast-paced adventure was a roller-coaster that made me eager to return for more!
Written by Jeremy Adams
Cover Art & Art by Will Conrad & Cliff Richards
Colors by Lee Loughridge
Letters by Taylor Espisito
Edited by Sarah Brunstad & Chas! Pangburn
Published by Mad Cave Studios
***Possible Spoiler Warning***
Plot Summary
The issue opens on an asteroid floating near an isolated planet. Here, Flash, Zarkov, and Ming arrive at Ming’s concealed mountain base. The tension quickly escalates when Ming betrays Flash and Zarkov by sabotaging them. He opens a hatch, sending them tumbling through the floor into the base’s underground tunnels. While Flash and Zarkov search for an escape route, Ming engages in a holographic conversation with an old acquaintance, Wolfgang. Wolfgang reveals that a device known as ‘the unravel’ has devastated the planet Mongo. This prompts Ming to plot the restoration of his empire and set the base to self-destruct.
Meanwhile, Flash and Zarkov navigate the labyrinthine of tunnels. They dodge a series of booby traps, which are a staple of any good underground base in media. The issue continues to build to a suspenseful climax. Readers (and myself) are left wondering: Can Flash and Zarkov escape with their lives before the base explodes? And can they escape before destroying each other?
The Art And Letters
The visuals in ‘Flash Gordon’ #6 are a true feast for the eyes. Artist Will Conrad masterfully captures the vastness and beauty of space through detailed depictions of planets, stars, and asteroids. A varied color palette enhances each scene’s emotional tone.
Greens envelop Ming’s sequences, particularly during his holographic interactions. While grays and purples dominate the backgrounds of Flash and Zarkov, reflecting the uncertainty of their predicament. Action sequences are vividly portrayed with explosive panel work that emphasizes the intensity of the moments.
The artistry peaks towards the issue’s climax! Golden and orange hues poignantly illustrate the catastrophic events unfolding on the asteroid’s surface.
In terms of lettering, Taylor Esposito’s work significantly enriches the reading experience. The decision to use red backgrounds for Flash’s dialogue bubbles is particularly striking.
It offers a visual cue into his mindset and enhances the reader’s connection to the character. As Zarkov’s character evolves, his dialogue bubbles shift to a distinct shade of red, subtly different from Flash’s.
These subtle changes aid in maintaining clarity and continuity in the narrative flow. This clever use of color in the lettering makes the dialogue pop. It also helps distinguish between characters and their changing emotional states throughout the story.
Together, the art and lettering in this issue of ‘Flash Gordon’ work harmoniously to bring the thrilling cosmic adventure to life. Each page is a narrative and visual delight.
MORE FROM MAD CAVE STUDIOS!
The Writing
Jeremy Adams revives the nostalgic essence of 70s or 80s action films in ‘Flash Gordon’ #6. He blends these with fresh dynamics that breathe new life into Flash’s character. The story strikes a comfortable balance between classic action tropes and innovative twists. This approach makes the action sequences and character development both familiar and exciting. The dialogue is straightforward yet effective, revealing the characters’ deep personal and emotional conflicts. It keeps the narrative pace fast and engaging.
Despite utilizing familiar tropes, the execution feels unique, ensuring that the story never feels predictable. This approach allows each scene to transition smoothly to the next, maintaining momentum and building suspense.
Adams portrays Flash as a vulnerable hero, creating a genuine sense of danger for his character. This adds depth to the typical superhero invincibility trope. This suspense, combined with the well-paced narrative, makes the comic a compelling read, leaving readers eager for the next issue. The anticipation built up in this installment has set the stage perfectly for issue #7.
Overall Thoughts
“Flash Gordon” #6 delivers a thrilling ride that cleverly plays with classic character archetypes in a refreshing narrative. The adventure unfolds in a manner reminiscent of “The Goonies,” filled with underground shenanigans beneath the mountain. The villain, while classic, adds a familiar but enjoyable dynamic to the story. The visuals are particularly striking, with scenes set in space showcasing stunning depictions of different planets and asteroids that enrich the cosmic setting.
This issue has deepened my appreciation for Flash Gordon’s appeal, blending nostalgia with vibrant new adventures. The ending leaves me intrigued and eager to see where the next issue will take these characters. Overall, this installment is not just entertaining—it’s a compelling invitation to continue with the series. I’m looking forward to diving into issue #7 and seeing how the story progresses from this exciting foundation!
Overall Grade: 8.5/10
This review was written by Thomas Craig of The Joy Schtick Show, where three friends from Hawaii explore the movies, TV shows, comics, and pop culture bringing us JOY! For more reviews and to catch up on all our episodes, head to linktr.ee/TheJoySchtickShow
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