Reviews: Flash Gordon #2 & Flash Gordon Quarterly #1
From Mad Cave Studios
Two Flash Gordon comics are out this week, with the second issue of the Flash Gordon series and the debut issue of Flash Gordon Quarterly, which includes some short stories. They are out now from Mad Cave Studios.
Flash Gordon #2
Flash Gordon is trapped on Planet Death-a place known for fighting, fear, and eventual demise. He needs to get off-planet to save Dale from assassination, but a gauntlet of guards, creatures, and old acquaintances stands in his way.
The exhilarating second issue of the hit ongoing series!
(W) Jeremy Adams
(A) Will Conrad
(C) Lee Loughridge
(L) Taylor Esposito
Continuing on the escape for Flash and his new companion, we get a relevant flashback from Flash’s youth. It raises some interesting points and also adds to the main part of the story as Flash uses what he learned when he was younger to aid their escape.
That is only half the story, though, as Flash finds himself in an exciting position as the return of his old foe causes more problems. The return of Ming is well done, and it puts Ming in a position different from what he is used to. There is still a degree of power there, but he is reliant on others - both above him and below him - to keep that position of power. Of course, he wants more, and his plan is plain to see (even to Flash), and it will be interesting to see how Flash will get around or past this problem in the future.
I enjoyed the artwork here. The combination of the cramped, underground spaces in the first half contrasts nicely with the more expansive open spaces in the second half. There is a lot to be said about the variety in the artwork, from different alien species, angles, and weapons in use. There are some fantastic facial expressions, too!
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Flash Gordon Quarterly #1
An all-new Quarterly special featuring a multiverse of stories!"The Fall of King Vultan" expands upon Mad Cave Studios' Flash Gordon ongoing series with a father-and-son tale that brings deadly mercenaries to Sky City-it's fight or flight in more ways than one!This issue also features two "Flash Fiction" stories--wholly original takes on the classic character and his companions in new genres and settings. "The Battle of Little Mingo" is a western tale trading stardust for tumbleweeds. Meanwhile, crime runs amuck in"Flash Detective Services!"
(W) Dennis Culver, Louis Southard, Jordan Thomas
(A) Pasquale Qualano, Nuno Plati, Russell Olson
(CA) Filya Bratukhin (CB)Stefano Simone
First, artist Russel Mark Olson had some words on his story in this anthology.
We start with a story about King Vultan and his son, Talon1. This was an entertaining and action-packed read, with excellent artwork showing both aerial and ground-based action well. I enjoyed the dynamic between Vultan and his son; it adds some world-building to the stories around here.
In the Battle Of Little Mingo, we get Sheriff Flash in a throwdown with some outlaws. It’s an entertaining read with nice nods to the known characters and action we usually get. I love the washed-out sci-fi artwork here and it has some classic feeling scenes.
Finally, in Flash Detective Services, we get another genre featuring some classic characters in a new way. I enjoyed reading the noir stylings in this story and found it quite gripping for such a short story. The artwork is classic and combines investigative aspects with some good action. I enjoyed the hints of a larger story here, too, and I wonder if it will be revisited at a later point.
For more, also check out Jordan Thomas:
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Or Vultan the 2nd!
I gotta get in on Flash Gordon again