Flash Gordon #1
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Flash Gordon #1

Writer: Jeff Parker Artist: Evan Shaner Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Release Date: April 9, 2014 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 27 User Reviews: 4
7.6Critic Rating
8.2User Rating

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 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)!

  • 10
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Apr 23, 2014

    Action and adventure are alive and well in this superb outing from an Earth man on Mongo. Highest possible recommendation. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Bin - Herv St-Louis May 17, 2014

    I have a concern about this series. The ideas are fresh and could cement a solid reboot for Flash Gordon. But will Dynamite lose interest with Flash Gordon in a few years or will it try to sustain a new classic version of the character? Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    IGN - Benjamin Bailey Apr 10, 2014

    If you are starting a list of best comics of 2014, make sure you leave room for Flash Gordon #1. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Shadowhawk's Shade - Abhinav Jain Apr 11, 2014

    Honestly, this issue exceeded my expectations in all respects and I can't wait to read the sequel issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Harrison Rawdin Apr 8, 2014

    Flash Gordon #1 is an outstanding beginning to a monthly series that needs to be on your pull-list. Whether you followed Kings Watch or not there'a lot to love in this specific adventure as it comes highly recommended. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Aaron Duran Apr 11, 2014

    Flash Gordon #1 is clearly one of the comics you give to someone that thinks the time of grand heroics is over. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - kanchilr1 Apr 11, 2014

    Flash Gordon #1 from Dynamite is good comics plain and simple. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Matt Little Apr 11, 2014

    I expected this to be a run-of-the-mill review and instead I was completely blown away by the execution and swagger of this debut issue. Nate Cosby is credited as packaging this project for Dynamite and I'll say it -- the guy has a nice package. This is a home run as a first issue, and if the rest of the story is as good as this, you will not want to sleep on "Flash Gordon." I know I won't be. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Therapy - Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell Apr 9, 2014

    Flash Gordon #1 is just a flat-out great comic. Parker, Shaner, and Bellaire hit the ground running and offer up a great taste of what's in store from here on out. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Zach Wilkerson Apr 11, 2014

    “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. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Dec 14, 2014

    I wasn't sure what to expect going into this since I haven't looked at Flash Gordon material in an age because it was so often done so poorly. But Jeff Parker captures the exploration thrill seeking sense of Flash really well here while balancing it with how Dale and Zarkov of as counterbalances with their own agends. It also really works well because Evan Shaner brings a great sense to the story here with his designs, creating some great looking worlds that really make you want to revisit more and explore, but also in capturing the defining characteristics of the main characters but also giving them his own dash of style and modernity. I keep seeing some graet shades of John Byrne's style in the designs here and that makes it even more appealing. Depending on how this work goes, it could very well be the right template for bringing the character into the 21st century in the best way while still adhering to what makes it so iconic for longtime fans. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Apr 9, 2014

    Flash Gordon is here once again and the adventures are just beginning. With Jeff Parker at the helm, we get a great sense of who the characters are with a nice mix of the classic feel combined with a modern take. Your socks will probably get knocked off when you see Evan Shaners art and Jordie Bellaires colors. Its a safe assumption that a Flash Gordon story written by Parker will be fascinating but the art and color will make sure youre glued to the book. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson Apr 8, 2014

    For a character that has never really been on my radar before, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this first issue, and Im definitely going to be hopping on for the ride as the series moves forwards. And while some of the storyline elements may not have had a chance to establish themselves quite yet, theres definitely enough fun, excitement and humour in this book to win anyone over. Well worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Justin Partridge, III Apr 8, 2014

    Flash Gordon is a character that many people know, but not many seem to really get. All too often he is associated with the famous cinematic turkey that carries his name and rarely do fans go beyond that. Flash Gordon #1 strips all of that away. Gone are the campy elements and scenery chewing and in its place is a compelling and vibrant sci-fi adventure. This isn't the Flash of the 1980's. This is the Flash Gordon that Alex Raymond presented us in the 1930s, just with a sheen and momentum that only modern comics could deliver. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Booked - Aaron Clutter Apr 11, 2014

    All in all, a really great homage to the classic story. The art and writing are really fun and the story flows very smoothly. I would recommend this for adventure and sci-fi fans and as a great way to be introduced to Flash Gordon. Definitely pick this up from Dynamite Entertainment and then come back next month for the further adventures of Flash Gordon. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Spectrum - Bob Bretall Apr 24, 2014

    Another Dynamite series added to my pull list! You should check this series out if you've loved Flash Gordon in the past or even if you have never read a story with the character before. If you like Sci-Fi action/adventure I don't think this will disappoint. I'm looking forward to #2 and that makes this a completely successful #1 issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Lan Pitts Apr 9, 2014

    With this being Shaner's first ongoing on his resume, I wish he was going to be on the book for the long haul but is currently scheduled for just the first four issues. Jeff Parker has a knack for bringing along some great underutilized talent to his books and everything seems pretty much in sync here for the most part. Where the book lacks is sort of where it acts as a crash course and gives the reader a lot of familiar faces to fans of Flash, but audiences who aren't as familiar might find themselves a tad confused with all the relationships within. Parker does throw some weight behind Dale Arden's character, as well as Flash's, but everybody else seems sort of left behind. It's nit-picky, but it holds it back from being perfection. Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Apr 15, 2014

    Overall, this debut is decent. It didn't quite blow me away, but as an opening scene before the movie credits, it gives us some fun and excitement. For new readers, I can't imagine they'll be hooked, but for those who are fans of classic Flash Gordon tales, it looks like Parker is more than up for the challenge to give us a new spin on an old classic. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Rhymes With Geek - Dante Buccieri Apr 8, 2014

    VerdictFlash Gordon #1 is exactly what you expect from a Flash Gordon comic book: it's a lot of action, not a whole lot of plot, but it's fun to read. If you like Flash Gordon, you'll love this. If you don't have a particular fondness for the franchise, then it'll be an entertaining action comic. It's the equivalent of a popcorn action movie. You'll know exactly what it is when you go in to the theater, and you shouldn't expect anything more than that when you pick up Flash Gordon #1. It's entertaining from both a plot and a team dynamic perspective. I don't doubt that anyone grabbing this will enjoy it. Whether you'll enjoy it enough to justify the $3.99 is entirely up to you. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Project-Nerd - Shawn Vogt Jan 28, 2015

    Here are my final thoughts on the release. Both the story and the art are presented in a professional manner, and there are more elements contained in the release to like than there are to dislike. For new readers, the series may be a bit hard to connect with, as the events are a direct reaction to Dynamite's earlier miniseries, King's Watch. Despite being labeled as a first issue, the series continues an ongoing storyline that started in the earlier miniseries, and may confuse anyone who hasn't been actively following previous events in the Dynamite universe. While new readers may need time to catch up, established fans of the Dynamite's version of Flash will find much to love in this new miniseries. All in all, a good start to a new comic book ‘event'. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Joey Caswell Apr 8, 2014

    While the overall story of this first installment left something to be desired, it cant be argued that it was a thrilling ride. This book has all the makings of a great pulp sci-fi series, particularly regarding the artwork. A lot of the dialogue really fits this dynamic as well. The frantic opening was quite a jolt, but it looks like the story has settled down on firm ground for a bit. Well have to wait until next month to see how this plays out! Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Word Of The Nerd - William Mercado Apr 10, 2014

    I'm not a huge fan of the character to begin with, but I do know of him and what I know is that Flash sounds like a bad-ass any-guy superhero. In space. With laser guns and sh*t. I mean this franchise is gold! Someone just needs the talent to know how to mine it correctly. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    CHUD - D.S. Randlett Apr 12, 2014

    So, in some pretty significant ways, these books probably aren't worth your time, but strong artists make them worth a look. Use caution. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Comics Bulletin - Chris Wunderlich Apr 9, 2014

    We're given a high octane sci-fi spaceship chase through different dimensional portals. Sure, we route for Flash and the gang, but we hardly know them. The beautiful thing about Magnus was the set-up. Everything after that first issue will hold weight because of that first issue. Here, it seems Parker wanted to forego the first issue entirely and dive right into the adventure. I'm guessing we'll get more "One Year Ago" scenes next issue, which may read great in trade, but right now there's little to pull me back next month. Read Full Review

  • 4.5
    Front Towards Gamer - Lido Apr 8, 2014

    Everything about Flash Gordon speaks of a comic made due to contract not because the creators had an idea they were really into and really wanted to share. It's all just so uninspired and basic, the few scant interesting ideas at the opening quickly giving way to the generic center like a light sprinkling of interesting and creative leaves over the tiger pit of mediocrity and clich, made all the worse by the clear talent of the people working on the comic. Not recommended. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Apr 12, 2014

    Flash Gordon is the kind of series that should be equal parts strong characters, science fiction and plenty of action. This opening issue dabbles in all of those areas but they aren't strong enough to lure me in for a second issue. If you are fan of Parker but haven't gotten into Flash Gordon before then this series might be something to check out. I'm not sure the long time Flash Gordon fan is going to find what they are looking for in here though. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Comic Bastards - Erik McAlister Apr 9, 2014

    I hope that everyone reading this review gives this book a chance regardless of how much I didn't like it. I would love to hear some feedback. Get in touch with me on Twitter. Tell me why I was wrong and you're right. Or just tell me how much you agree with me. Whatever. I love a good discussion based on comic book quality. Read Full Review

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