Digital Press Kit: Flash Gordon - NEW!

Flash Gordon, an iconic American comic strip created and originally drawn by Alex Raymond, has become a timeless symbol of thrilling space adventures and heroic exploits. Since its debut in 1934, Flash Gordon has captured the imagination of readers worldwide with its dynamic storytelling, captivating artwork, and memorable characters.

The new Flash Gordon series picks up where the original comic strip left off, the overthrow of Ming the Merciless. Returning to Flash Gordon’s basics, Schkade kicks off the series with a story arc that longtime fans will be familiar with while also offering an accessible entry point for readers who are first being introduced to the intergalactic adventures of Flash Gordon. Beginning in the aftermath of Ming the Merciless’s defeat, Schkade reenvisions the tale from that point forward with a more human element and a completely new narrative that explores the world that remains in the wake of this tyrant and how this ultimately sets in motion the rise of a new tyrant, Queen Fria. The world will be populated by both new and familiar characters, while the central theme of fighting against fascism and tyranny remains at the comic’s core.

ABOUT THE CREATOR

Dan Schkade (rhymes with “body”) is a freelance cartoonist from Austin, Texas. His credits include the Eisner and Ringo Award-Nominated Lavender Jack, The Spirit Returns, San Hannibal, and Saint John

MAIN CHARACTERS

FLASH GORDON

What do you get when an ordinary earthling butts heads with the most powerful villain in the universe? Why, Flash Gordon, of course! Flash listens to his gut and is quick on his feet. He’s just an all-around decent guy who just happened to find himself in the middle of the war for the heart and soul of the planet Mongo, and maybe, just maybe, he can help his new friends find a way to bring peace to the galaxy at last.

DALE ARDEN

If Flash is the heart of the story, Dale is the brains. She’s not so sure about being flung into an interplanetary war, but she notices everything and is always planning for every possible contingency. But don’t mistake her tendency to worry for cowardice—Dale is always able to swallow her fears and is possibly the bravest of the bunch.

HANS ZARKOV

Dr. Zarkov is the scientific genius— he built a working rocket in his backyard!—who brought (well, kidnapped) Flash and Dale to Mongo when the Earth was first threatened by Ming the Merciless. He’s rash and impulsive, but is also one of the most brilliant minds of our time, and an indispensable part of their team.

BOK

A former soldier for Ming the Merciless, Bok is won over by Flash’s and Dale’s kindness and concern for all life—even those who are purportedly their enemies. He’s been able to leave his cynicism aside in the hunt for a better future, and he sees the world as a place of possibility, full of curiosity and wonder.