Outstanding art overcomes weak scripts in this sci-fi classic, which started in 1934 as a rival to the extremely popular Buck Rogers. The story begins as three Earthlings—muscular Flash, beautiful Dale and brilliant Dr. Zarkov—are dropped on the alien planet Mongo, ruled by Emperor Ming the Merciless. Much swashbuckling hugger-mugger ensues, as Flash, Dale and Zarkov bounce from one realm to another, from one crisis to the next. Uncredited writer Don Moore relies on melodramatic conventions to keep things moving: handsome but humorless Flash is irresistible to any alien queen he meets; Ming is a standard, creepy Yellow Peril villain; Dale alternates between simpering and pouting. Nevertheless, Raymond's wonderful brushed ink illustrations bring the characters to life. His work recalls the tradition of magazine illustrators such as Joseph Clement Coll and J. Allen St. John, and is superbly composed and executed. The notion of Flash wrestling with a monstrous "constrictosaurus" while chained to the wall of a dungeon is a cliché, but Reynolds's rendering makes the silly beast appear menacing. His Dale is more attractive than irritating. Even Ming looks wily enough to be convincingly dangerous. The terrific art makes ignoring the slapdash writing worthwhile.
The work of Alex Raymond has inspired thousands of cartoonists since the 1930's. As often as we read that, you never know exactly why until you read ‘Flash Gordon, Volume 1'. From the first strip where we find Dale Arden (college student), and Flash Gordon (polo player) captured by Dr Zarkhov and exiled to space, the action never stops. Like the serials that inspired it, Flash Gordon fights his way into and out of trouble on Mongo, but never without Dale far from his thoughts.
The composition, narrative flow, artwork, and coloring of the first 2 years of Gordon is/was masterful. As I read each Sunday, my admiration for his work grew. As I read each Sunday strip, I could feel myself wanting to pick up a pencil, and try to draw like Raymond. That must have been how many of the golden age artists felt.
But the real surprise for me was the December 2, 1934. Why? All I can say is airbrush....You’ll have to read the book to find out. Flash Gordon blasts his way into your collection this Fall. Are you ready?
Rating: three and a half stars
