Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives Volume 4

This is the fourth volume of what will be several reprinting the various Flash Gordon comic book series from different publishers. At the time of this review, there is one more volume planned (Whitman Comics run), but its not clear if we will get more (like the later mini-series by DC Comics or the 2-issue series by Marvel with art by Al Williamson).This volume reprints the stories published by Western Publications comic book imprint, Gold Key Comics. These were issues #19-27, in the late 80s after almost 8 years since Charlton had done the series. I suspect the then upcoming Flash Gordon movie lead to them doing this new comic book series (included in the next volume)Most of the stories had artwork by Carlos Garzon, who was an assistant of Al Williamson. So most of the issues have a sort-of Al Williamson look. The artwork is kind of sparse, many times lacking backgrounds. No idea if this was done by Garzon, or under orders of Western. The artwork is not as 'tight' as I would expect.Overall, the writing is typical of the time. The basic premise of the series is that Flash and associates are returning to Mongo after about 3-5 years away. They had left Mongo under the rule of Prince Barin, with Ming exiled. But due to inter-kingdom issues, Ming has returned to power, with Barin and family fleeing. So for several stories, Flash & co. fight against Ming while visiting several unknown lands, before reuniting with Barin and Aura. We met their now older son, I think early teens, (in the comic strip done by Alex Raymond, he was just a baby. I do not recall if he was shown older in the strip). This lasted for one issue, but the rest of the stories again has Flash and friends traveling to other lands by themselves.The next volume reprints the comics by Western Publications done under their "Whitman Comics" line. A note on this. The forward makes it seem like Gold Key and Whitman were separate groups within Western. Not so. The change was just in trade dress. Some of the same creators were involved. So look forward to this next volume, as it will include a 3-issue adaptation of the Flash Gordon movie.

This book is simply nostolgia in a compact package. If you remember the character fondly from any medium here he is in vivid color; if you liked him your whole life or just want to see how a less used character was handled in his hey day- pick this up.

WONDERFUL. VERY NICE AND CLEAN. WAITING FOR NEXT ONE. THIS IS JUST WHAT I EXPECTED IT WOULD BE. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.

..:).

This 'Flash Gordon' Archive Volume Four does the near impossible. I can read comics from another era that would cost hundreds of dollars if I were to purchase the original copies. Such a deal!

WHEN READING FLASH GORDON, DAN BARRY WAS THE BEST CARTOONIST IN MANY WAYS , THE OTHER FLASH GORDON STORIES ARE EXTREMELY WEAK, I DON'T MEAN DRAWINGS BUT STORIES ARE VERY WEAK