Why should you care about “Flash Gordon” #1? How about the team-up of Jeff Parker, Evan Shaner, and Jordie Bellaire? Does that do anything for you?
Written by Jeff Parker
Illustrated by Evan Shaner
Colored by Jordie BellaireFlash 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 world-breaking Ming the Merciless and his awful inter-planetary swarms of terror! Can the cocksure Man From Earth funnel his overconfidence into saving worlds, or will the universe fall to Ming? Don’t miss out on THE most exciting ongoing series of 2014 by dream team Jeff Parker (Batman ’66, Aquaman), Evan “Doc” Shaner (Deadpool, Ghostbusters) and Jordie Bellaire (Pretty Deadly, Captain Marvel)!
Let’s be honest, a licensed Flash Gordon comic from Dynamite isn’t the kind of thing that will light a fire under the butts of collective comic fandom (although it definitely looks like Dynamite has upped its game, as of late). However, “Flash Gordon” #1 is proof that the right creative team with the a strong take can make any book a must read.
Parker wastes no time jumping into the action. After a handful of pages dedicated to establishing the three leads, the story jumps ahead one year, where we find our heroes in the midst of a thrilling inter-dimensional chase scene.
Some readers may be a little put off by how little hand holding “Flash Gordon” provides. Characters make reference to several off panel events that may or may not ever get followed up on. The focus is on the “now,” everything thing else is set dressing. It’s an approach that’s not entirely common in modern comic story-telling, which often focuses on minute details told through heavy inner monologue. There’s no omniscient narrator calling the shots here. In fact, there’s nary a caption box in sight!
The team applies the same approach to character development. With just one page each, the team tells you everything you need to know about reporter Dale Arden and scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov. The showboating Gordon gets a whopping three pages of introduction, one of which is a gorgeous splash page emblazoned with the issue’s title; ‘The Man From Earth.’ There are no long winded introductions need, these characters embody classic sci-fi/action/pulp tropes that we can all connect with on some level. By cutting out the set up, the team wisely gets the ball rolling, cramming an impressive amount of action into this fast paced debut.
And what a debut it is! Once we find our heroes on Mongo, under hot pursuit by enemy fighter jets and monstrous beasts, it’s as if the creative team decides to one-up themselves with each new page. Evan Shaner and Jordie Bellaire deliver truly breathtaking alien vistas, as Gordon and the gang bounce between rainbow-bright worm-holes. The brief glimpses of an ice covered world inhabited by giants or a tumultuous planet of ranging seas and Lovecraftian horrors capture the fun and imagination inherent to classic sci-fi adventure.
Bellaire has recently become one of the most widespread names in the comic industry thanks to her prolific, and gorgeous, coloring work. The artist utilizes a bright, diverse palette pops off the page. There’s a smoothness to the coloring that gives Shaner’s pencils a nostalgic tone, feeling like comics of yesteryear. One sequence in particular, where the team comes across an unexpected guest while searching a “tree cave,” feels like a scene straight out of 70’s or 80’s horror comic. The stylized, bright pink lettering expressing the creature’s unsettling approach seals the deal. In fact, the sound effect lettering, a piece of comic booking that is often overlooked, is top notch throughout the issue.
“Flash Gordon” #1 is, admittedly, a little light on actual plot, a consequence of its swashbuckling focus. There’s definitely a story waiting to be told, with several references to events from the one year gap, including an invasion of earth. It seems probable that Parker and team will continue to flesh out this story through flashbacks. However, even with its minimal set up, the team’s bombastic approach and incredibly high production value makes this a book a that nearly anyone can pick up and enjoy, regardless of previous “Flash Gordon” affiliation. It’s crazy to think a “Flash Gordon” comic stands out as one of the best new sci-fi comics of the year, but Parker, Shaner, and Bellaire have made it so.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy. “Flash Gordon” #1 is simply pure, unadulterated fun.
