Book: Flash Gordon Omnibus volume #1 (issues #1-8,
Flash Gordon 2014 Holiday Special and
Flash Gordon 2014 Annual) by various writers and artists
(
This is a Partial Advance Review Copy featuring the first six issues instead of the complete book)
Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review
Publication: Available now
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Description:
Flash Gordon never fit in on Earth. But on the bizarre planet Mongo, Flash's thirst for thrills and daring danger makes him the perfect weapon against the iron-fisted tyrant Ming the Merciless and his awful inter-planetary swarms of terror! Can the cocksure Man From Earth funnel his overconfidence into saving whole worlds? Will his less-rambunctious allies, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov, force a lasting peace with such savage races as the Beast-Men of Arboria and Hawkmen of Sky City? Or will the universe fall to MingThe full-throttle, complete
Flash Gordon saga is collected here, featuring epic space action from the wildly talented creative team of Jeff Parker (
Batman '66,
Aquaman) and Evan Shaner (
Adventures of Superman). This out-of-sight Omnibus edition also includes bonus stories from faraway Mongo, as well as a comprehensive cover gallery!
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Flash Gordon is such an idiot, well not really, he is smart but it's the fact that he's an adventure seeking adrenaline junky who has never met a sport or activity he didn't like that can sometimes get him (and others) into trouble. Sometimes he just doesn't think things through before he acts yet you can't help but love him.
In this first volume (which takes place after
Kings Watch) Flash, along with reporter Dale Arden and scientist Dr. Zarkov are in the Z-Plane trying to escape from Emperor Ming of Mongo's troops when they take refuge on the planet Arboria. As they were flying over the planet they realized it's mostly filled with huge trees that are even taller than the tallest sky scraper. Running low on fuel Flash landed but they were now stuck there unless they can find some kind of fuel.
While exploring the trees they were nearly attacked by an enormous worm and before they could become that bug's meal they were saved by Prince Barin and some of the royal guards. And just before Flash could tip off Barin (since Arboria is a colony of Mongo), Dale comes up with quick lie that they were Ming's Royal Historians. She was hoping saying that would not only keep them alive but also give them a chance to find another fuel source.
However, the trio found out so much more including that many of the people of Arboria were being turned into monsters for Ming to use as his mind controlled warriors. Flash not liking that at all tried to stop the machine but that also caused Ming to find out that they were on Arboria. He ordered for Flash to be tossed into the Imperator Bout which is similar to the gladiatorial fights.
Flash's actions from earlier found him getting some help including from Prince Barin who had been wanting to free his planet from the Emperor. As the trio helped the Prince free his imprisoned people and destroy the arena and factory they made a daring escape.
Yet that wasn't the end of the trio's adventure, they were soon on their way to another planet to avoid Ming's troops. This time they met winged people and sirens. As the sirens carried off Flash and Dr. Zarkov, Dale was left stranded on a floating island when unlikely help showed up, two winged guards. They were not really there to help, they only wanted to retrieve something the trio had took from Ming but she used that opportunity as a plan to rescue Flash and Dr. Zarkov.
Since this is a partial copy it ends on a cliffhanger of the trio falling to their doom. Will they be saved or is it the end for them?
I absolutely love this Flash Gordon, he's a total nut but he's always trying to help others. I also think Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov are pretty amazing too and even when they get dragged into Flash's problems they can get themselves out of it.
Prior to reading
Kings Watch, I've never read any Flash Gordon comics but I have to say that I am quickly becoming a fan.
