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joebuuz's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
geekwayne's review against another edition
3.0
'Flash Gordon Omnibus, Vol. 1' by Jeff Parker updates the pulp hero in a better way than the graphic novel 'Kingswatch' did for me last year. That graphic novel ties into this one, but this is a starring 8-issue Flash Gordon series.
Flash, Dale Arden, and Dr. Zarkov have helped save Earth from Ming the Merciless and now they are on the run. Dale has the crystal that Ming wants to reopen the portal and complete his conquest of Earth. Flash and crew find themselves in some strange territory in the worlds around them. They meet winged people and tree-dwelling people. They discover the origins of the fearsome Beastmen and Flash finds himself in an arena fighting some of them. Flash throws himself into any situation with an infectious gusto. Zarkov and Dale are left behind to shake their heads as he improvises, but Zarkov does have things to contribute to the story. Dale felt a littl shortchanged this time around.
My review copy was about two thirds of the complete volume, but I think it was enough of a flavor for me. I didn't mind this reboot this time around, maybe because Flash was not on Earth but in the environs of the planet Mongo. He's a likeable enough hero and doesn't feel dated. In the pages I got Dale seems superfluous, but maybe there is more for her to do later. All in all, a pretty good space romp with much to remind readers of the original serials and the cheesy 1980 film.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Flash, Dale Arden, and Dr. Zarkov have helped save Earth from Ming the Merciless and now they are on the run. Dale has the crystal that Ming wants to reopen the portal and complete his conquest of Earth. Flash and crew find themselves in some strange territory in the worlds around them. They meet winged people and tree-dwelling people. They discover the origins of the fearsome Beastmen and Flash finds himself in an arena fighting some of them. Flash throws himself into any situation with an infectious gusto. Zarkov and Dale are left behind to shake their heads as he improvises, but Zarkov does have things to contribute to the story. Dale felt a littl shortchanged this time around.
My review copy was about two thirds of the complete volume, but I think it was enough of a flavor for me. I didn't mind this reboot this time around, maybe because Flash was not on Earth but in the environs of the planet Mongo. He's a likeable enough hero and doesn't feel dated. In the pages I got Dale seems superfluous, but maybe there is more for her to do later. All in all, a pretty good space romp with much to remind readers of the original serials and the cheesy 1980 film.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
albertico66's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing artwork by Evan Shaner showcases the fun, action-packed story by Jeff Parker.
iffer's review against another edition
2.0
NetGalley copy
This is pretty old-school, and, although that might be someone else's cup of tea, it wasn't mine. Although I'm usually up for a campy sci-fi adventure comic, I just didn't find this collection exciting, was waiting for it to be over, and am not motivated to read more, even though it ends in a cliffhanger. It didn't help that the characters were totally cut from cardboard and the world-building wasn't novel (although some people probably enjoy that the worlds and aliens encountered are throwbacks to the 1930s).
This is pretty old-school, and, although that might be someone else's cup of tea, it wasn't mine. Although I'm usually up for a campy sci-fi adventure comic, I just didn't find this collection exciting, was waiting for it to be over, and am not motivated to read more, even though it ends in a cliffhanger. It didn't help that the characters were totally cut from cardboard and the world-building wasn't novel (although some people probably enjoy that the worlds and aliens encountered are throwbacks to the 1930s).
philipf's review against another edition
4.0
Rollicking fun adventure, and a great updating of the Flash Gordon characters and setting. I had a blast reading this.
konna's review against another edition
4.0
Read full review at: http://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.gr/2015/05/arc-review-flash-gordon-omnibus.html
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
When I was younger, I watched Flash Gordon. It was probably one of the first sci-fi movies I've ever watched. Later, I found out that it was a comic, but I never got to read it. So, when I found this Omnibus, I thought that the time has come to finally read the story of Flash Gordon.
The story of the comic is rather ordinary. Earth is threatened by the Mongori. Flash, Dale and Dr. Zarkov, who have what Ming wants, run through some portals, closing the one that leads to Earth, to different planets in order to save the planet. But they find all the other planets enslaved by the tyrant Ming the Merciless, who has cut off all of their technology and takes advantage of them. Flash, who cannot stand all of this, tries to help them, while Dr. Zarkov tries to find a way for them to return to Earth. I would say that this story is rather old-school, but it works nicely. The comic is fast-paced and it's pumped with action. It's what you would expect when you pick up an edition like this one!
Flash Gordon doesn't have a superpower. He is spontaneous and most of the times he acts without really thinking beforehand. But he is athletic, an excellent pilot and an equally excellent fighter. With his passionate views he can inspire the enslaved races to try to revolt against Ming. Dale Arden is the most rational one out of the three companions. She always tries to hold Flash back, before he puts them to danger. She is also more diplomatic, which helps them survive numerous times. Dr. Zarkov is the genius. He is the scientist that always finds the solution or has a card in his sleeve, which helps them survive.
The illustration and the general visual design is rather old-fashioned as well. But since it's the original comic book series, this is to be expected. I would actually be disappointed if it looked any different. The action scenes are vey well illustrated and all the different planets feel unique. I found the design of Skyworld really impressive.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
When I was younger, I watched Flash Gordon. It was probably one of the first sci-fi movies I've ever watched. Later, I found out that it was a comic, but I never got to read it. So, when I found this Omnibus, I thought that the time has come to finally read the story of Flash Gordon.
The story of the comic is rather ordinary. Earth is threatened by the Mongori. Flash, Dale and Dr. Zarkov, who have what Ming wants, run through some portals, closing the one that leads to Earth, to different planets in order to save the planet. But they find all the other planets enslaved by the tyrant Ming the Merciless, who has cut off all of their technology and takes advantage of them. Flash, who cannot stand all of this, tries to help them, while Dr. Zarkov tries to find a way for them to return to Earth. I would say that this story is rather old-school, but it works nicely. The comic is fast-paced and it's pumped with action. It's what you would expect when you pick up an edition like this one!
Flash Gordon doesn't have a superpower. He is spontaneous and most of the times he acts without really thinking beforehand. But he is athletic, an excellent pilot and an equally excellent fighter. With his passionate views he can inspire the enslaved races to try to revolt against Ming. Dale Arden is the most rational one out of the three companions. She always tries to hold Flash back, before he puts them to danger. She is also more diplomatic, which helps them survive numerous times. Dr. Zarkov is the genius. He is the scientist that always finds the solution or has a card in his sleeve, which helps them survive.
The illustration and the general visual design is rather old-fashioned as well. But since it's the original comic book series, this is to be expected. I would actually be disappointed if it looked any different. The action scenes are vey well illustrated and all the different planets feel unique. I found the design of Skyworld really impressive.
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