I have been getting into Mad Cave Studios lately and especially enjoyed their L.A. Strong anthology and Dick Tracy series. However, they have another licensed character that newer fans might not be familiar with, and that’s Flash Gordon.
Flash Gordon, the iconic science fiction adventurer introduced by Alex Raymond in 1934, made his debut in a groundbreaking comic strip. Nearly a century later, artist Dan Schkade revived the legacy in 2023 with a fresh daily strip that’s been lauded for its stylish fusion of vintage appeal and contemporary sensibilities. But, outside of the comic strip, Gordon hasn’t been on fans’ radar for a long time.
However, that isn’t stopping Mad Cave, because they are all-in with Flash Gordon. Several Gordon titles are currently available, and he’s also part of the Defenders of the Earth. They are also quite good at offering comics for all types of fans.
Since last summer, an ongoing Flash Gordon series has been released, reimagining the legendary hero for a new generation. The series is written by Jeremy Adams, with art by Will Conrad. Stranded on a covert prison planet in the far reaches of the galaxy, Flash awakens to a harrowing revelation: Dale Arden is marked for assassination. Driven by urgency, he stages a daring escape and sets off on an interstellar odyssey to rescue her. Along the way, he reunites with familiar allies, clashes with formidable new enemies, and unravels a deeper conspiracy that hints at a hidden mastermind orchestrating chaos across the cosmos. This gripping saga blends high-octane space action, intergalactic suspense, and a bold reimagining of beloved classic heroes.
Then there is the Flash Gordon Quarterly, a unique anthology comic series that expands the Flash Gordon universe with self-contained tales and short-form storytelling. Running in parallel with the core series, it takes a bolder, more multiversal route, offering fans a space for fresh interpretations and creative experimentation. Thanks to its anthology format, the series embraces a wide range of tones and genres, often shifting not just between issues but within a single installment.
Mad Cave’s Defenders of the Earth reimagines the iconic 1980s animated series with a fresh, hard-edged twist—uniting legendary King Features heroes like Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, and Lothar in a contemporary, darker comic universe. The story opens with a shocking turn: Flash Gordon emerges from the battlefield, clutching the severed head of Ming the Merciless, and proclaims victory. But the calm that follows is fleeting. As Earth begins to heal, the once-unified Defenders splinter, grappling with inner turmoil and looming dangers. Drawn into the complexities of political power, Flash becomes increasingly isolated from his former comrades, paving the way for mounting tensions and deeper personal reckonings.
For those who like a more classic Flash Gordon, Mad Cave has you covered with the Flash Gordon: Classic Collection. Every volume collects the classic Sunday strips created by Alex Raymond and Don Moore, meticulously restored and showcased in vivid full color. These editions follow Flash’s earliest escapades alongside Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov as they explore the strange world of Mongo—battling otherworldly beasts, navigating exotic terrains, and confronting the menacing Ming the Merciless. With three volumes now available, you can access the strips from 1934 to 1944.
It’s fantastic to see a comic company not only taking a chance with something like Flash Gordon, but also creating a comic that’s different for fans who are tired of run-of-the-mill comic books. And, if you’re interested in sampling the series, Flash Gordon is available on Global Comix.
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