Flash Gordon #1

Jeff Parker - Writer

Evan Shaner - Penciller

Jordie Bellaire - Colorist

Simon Bowland - Letterer

Gabriel Hardman - Cover

Flash Gordon #1 by Jeff Parker is that sort of comic that readers only get once in a while. The tale is brimming with confidence, that shows it knows exactly what it wants to be. The comic utilizes each and every scene to it’s fullest extent, clearly telling a thrilling story filled with a huge amount possibility. Each lead in this issue is given at least one great scene illustrate the potential for fun that each character could deliver. This comic kicks the 80th anniversary of the hero off in a way that should appeal to some newer fans of the series, As I personally had no previous exposure to the hero until checking out this issue from before. The best part about this issue, is how the art and writing contributes to a really cinematic feel in the title. The opening splash shows Flash in the middle of an insane activity, which is preceded by a flash of the cast member on a scene in a different part of the world. Many superhero tales usually just try to make an interesting credits page on move from there. Flash Gordon #1 uses non-linear narrative techniques, comedy that leaps off the page, and globe hopping moments to really solidify the fact that this an important comic book that readers should check out.

I wouldn’t be surprised if economy was Jeff Parker’s middle name, as the scribe definitely kicks the #1 off with a story that is brimming with possibility. He crafts an interesting beginning to a tale, then jumps way off into the future. Instead of disorienting the reader, the strange approach to the story teases at hints and pieces of continuity that the reader has to untangle themselves. Instead of laying something out all in clear view, readers have to figure out why this book is great. This also means that the audience check this series out needs to really pay attention, which the artist definitely helps with as seen below. This comic really gives me the implication that Parker knows exactly what he is doing. It is also refreshing to see someone really trust their artist to make an incredible story. This is a rare case of a series jumping right out of the gate knowing exactly what it wants to be, and achieving the greatest success.

Shaner’s Flash is a man of action, impossibly ready to spring into action at any given moment. His woman are wonderfully beautiful, without falling to the easy prey of cheesecake, and his men are full of wide open enthusiasm necessary for a book like this to truly captivate the reader from opening to close. The alien planets are just grounded enough in design, so that the audience remains interested, and the small glimpses of the alien race towards the conclusion is visually enthralling. Everything is drawn with as much confidence as Parker’s incredible script. The creative process between artist and writer seems as if the had been discussing the feel and tone of this book months in advance. This is the stuff that good comics are made of. Given Shaner’s track record nobody should be surprised that his pencils are just gorgeous.