Earlier this month, Mad Cave Studios released the latest chapter of its ongoing Flash Gordon comics series in the form of its ninth issue. Released in May 14 in comics shops nationwide, this latest entry in the ongoing series proves itself to be mostly successful. That is due in large part to its featured story. The story’s general writing adds to its interest, along with the pacing. The two work in tandem. The books’ art puts the finishing touch to the book. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the presentation. All things considered they make Flash Gordon #9 a welcome new chapter of this ongoing series.
Flash Gordon #9, the latest entry in Mad Cave Studios’ ongoing Flash Gordon comics series, is a positive new entry in the ongoing series. This issue works in part because of its story. The story is in essence a continuation chapter from its predecessors. Not to give away, but in this story – written by Jeremy Adams – readers discover the true identity of the queen who attacks Flash. Not to give away too much for those who have not yet read this issue, but as it turns out, it is not Dale. Dale does turn out to be alright, though. It is when Flash frees Dale from her captivity that Dale reveals how the queen took on her identity and fooled Flash and so many others at first. And of course, Dale gets her revenge on the queen. However, even as Dale is rescued, the danger is not over. Another danger faces Flash and company even as they attempt to leave the palace, setting up the next progression in this current story arc for Issue #10. Again, there is not a whole lot happening this time out. The majority of the story focuses on Dale’s rescue. Even being so limited in material it is still an interesting progression of the series’ bigger current story arc. Adams, who has written the story for each issue of Flash Gordon since its premiere last summer, is to be commended for all of this. Yes, it is the evil twin plot, etc. but it sill proves itself entertaining despite this reality.
Adding to the interest established through the story is the story’s general writing and its pacing. Considering again, that most of this story is just a “filler” that continues the overarching story arc, Adams had to find ways to keep things interesting and he did just that. He does this by giving readers some action in the fight between Flash and Dale’s doppelganger, but at the same time keeping that fight brief. Flash quickly captures the evil empress and jumps out a window into the arms of his friend, Vultan, who then takes them to where the empress is keeping Dale locked up. This keeps things moving solidly in itself. Dale’s flashback as she is released by Flash, and her resultant attack on the empress are both brief in their own right, thus keeping things moving. At the same time, the back story of how the empress was able to impersonate Dale adds to the positive impression of the writing. That is because of how succinctly that recollection is presented. Overall, Adams is to be commended for his work herein. When his work with the general writing is considered alongside the story itself, the whole therein strengthens the foundation for this issue of Flash Gordon all the more.
Putting the final touch to Flash Gordon #9 is its artwork. Presented by artist Tom Derenick, colorist Lee Loughridge, and letterer Taylor Esposito, the overall visual presentation that the team brings to this issue of Flash Gordon gives the book just as much of an aesthetic appeal as appeal through its story and writing. The look of this issue continues to give the book a unique look and in turn identity. Right from the opening page, which finds Flash battling the evil empress, there is something about the rough look, what with the lines, and the almost sepia effect in the coloring that gives it such a great vintage look. This style continues throughout the rest of the book, too. Just from observation, the look that the team brings to this issue conjures thoughts of some of the greater artistic presentations from DC Comics during the early to mid-1990s, especially in its Superman books. When that look and its appeal are considered alongside the book’s story and its writing, the whole makes this issue of Flash Gordon one more welcome addition to this series that builds well on the bigger presentation.
Flash Gordon #9, the latest entry in Mad Cave Studios’ Flash Gordon comics series, is a positive addition to the series as it continues to build to what is sure to be its first major climax. That is proven in part through the story. The story is centrally focused on Flash’s confrontation with the woman he thinks is the love of his life. Yes, it ultimately proves an evil twin plot, but is still engaging and entertaining in its own right. It does well because it builds even more on what had been building for some time in the series’ previous issues while also setting up what is likely to be a big story in the series’ 10th issue. The story’s writing and pacing are entwined, making for even more appeal. That is because in working collectively they make the book all the more accessible and easier to follow. The book’s art rounds out its most important items, presenting a positive visual aesthetic. Each item examined is important in its own way to the whole of the book. All things considered they make Flash Gordon #9 one more positive entry in Mad Cave Studios’ Flash Gordon comics series.
Flash Gordon #9 is available now in comics shops nationwide. More information on this and other titles from Mad Cave Studios is available at:
Website: https://madcavestudios.com
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