Flash Gordon Vol. 1: Escape From Planet Death Review

Score

Summary: Flash Gordon Vol. 1: Escape From Planet Death is a must-read for fans of classic adventure comics, science fiction, and anyone looking for a fun, escapist read. It's a vibrant, exciting, and surprisingly nuanced take on a beloved character, and it leaves you eagerly anticipating the next volume.

5

Aliiiive!

Flash Gordon Vol. 1: Escape From Planet Death from Mad Cave Studios blasts onto the scene with a vibrant, retro-futuristic energy that’s both a loving homage to the classic serials and a surprisingly modern take on the iconic space adventurer. This isn’t your grandfather’s Flash Gordon (though he’d probably love it too) and this TPB is the best way to binge the first part of this new instalment of this classic hero by Alex Raymond…

Jeremy Adams (Green Lantern, Flash) who is no stranger to space adventures, injects a healthy dose of wit and genuine character development into the pulp-inspired narrative, making Flash more than just a square-jawed hero. He’s still got the all-American charm, but there’s a vulnerability and a sense of humor that makes him relatable.

The artwork by Will Conrad (Nightwing) is absolutely stunning. Imagine the classic Flash Gordon panels bursting with dynamic action, rendered with a crisp, contemporary style. The alien landscapes are imaginative and bizarre, the costumes are a delightful mix of retro-chic and otherworldly, and the facial expressions perfectly capture the emotional range of the characters. From the menacing alien gleer of Ming the Merciless to the embodiment of the perfect woman herself, the now warrior Dale Arden, every panel is a visual feast. There’s also an element of Star Wars that comes into play which fits the premise of Flash Gordon perfectly.

This volume collects the first four issues (plus some cool cover variants), and it’s a whirlwind adventure from start to finish with a cliffhanger ending. We’re thrown headfirst into the action as Flash leads one more assault on the perilous planet of Mongo as he attempts to overthrow Ming the Merciless that ends in devastating results. With both Flash and Ming now imprisoned on “Planet Death”, they must put their differences aside and work together to escape which creates a fun dynamic between these two sworn enemies.

The story moves at a breakneck pace and while the plot draws inspiration from the original source material, it’s not simply a rehash. Jeremy Adams adds fresh twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing and making this a truly engaging read even for seasoned Flash Gordon fans with a true “what the” cliff-hanger ending for Dale Arden who is now an equal to our hero.

Even Ming, while still the quintessential villain, is given more depth and motivation and we’re also given his origin story that explains a little on what motivates him. Given that, the dynamic between the characters is genuinely compelling and adds a layer of complexity to the story beyond simple good versus evil that poses the question who is the real villain if you must destroy a planet to win? I also love the new take on Zarkon which took me by surprise.

While the story is undeniably action-packed, it’s not all just laser blasts and daring escapes. There are moments of genuine emotion and even some thought-provoking commentary on the repercussions of the victors of war. Given that, it’s clear that the creative team has put a lot of love and care into this project, and it shows.

Final Thoughts?

Flash Gordon Vol. 1: Escape From Planet Death is a must-read for fans of classic adventure comics, science fiction, and anyone looking for a fun, escapist read. It’s a vibrant, exciting, and surprisingly nuanced take on a beloved character, and it leaves you eagerly anticipating the next volume.

Highly recommended!