Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #1
Dynamite Comics
Trautmann, Ross, Indro & Mujiono
Dynamite's launch of Flash Gordon provides an easy choice to pick up the first issue by pricing it at a dollar. The full length comic book manages to roll out the latest reboot in a very accessible way by sticking to concepts known to the modern day masses. Basically, the comic sticks to the 1980 film that has a bit of a cult following while switching gears and jamming the story into Nazi Germany of the mid-1930s. It's an okay book that sets up a decent story but leaves some key areas undeveloped making the book flat in some areas. At a dollar you can't go wrong but I'm just not sure the long term appeal with this book. We shall see.
Everyone knows the story: Flash Gordon is sucked into a gateway that leads him to a planet called Mongo where he fights the evil ruler, Ming. This book introduces Flash and his companion, Dale, and his capture, Hans Zarkov, the scientist behind the ship that takes the trio to Mongo. The book also introduces Ming. The introductions work well but do not establish some key elements to the relationships, both short and long term.
Flash Gordon is barely in the book and is a shadow of almost any incarnation of the character I have ever seen. He's more whiner than tough guy and nothing about this introduction establishes any sort of unique voice. He went to Yale but doesn't appear all that bright. Even the setup isn't particularly mapped out. We don't really know if Dale and Flash know each other or how they came about in the same area of Germany, much less the same plane. They don't even appear to not know why the other is in Germany. It's sort of the kind of story that you jump into in the middle of with unanswered questions lingering in the background.
Ming is introduced in a glorious and grandiose way. However, I couldn't help but find him to be a lot like Cobra Commander from the GI Joe cartoon. He's in charge but it sort of boggles the mind that he could be in charge. It's not that Ming is stupid or incompetent but he doesn't come across as ruthless or special in this issue. He seems to be bored and secluded.
The artwork covers a wide range of incredibly detailed to almost blurry. The Ming introduction is so detailed that it almost is blinding. The coloring provides bright colors and even brighter reflections off the art which some might find busy but I kind of liked it for a futuristic look. Flash Gordon and his few scenes do not fit my vision of the character. The details do not project strength or charisma which I feel are essential for the character. He looks like just another blond American in war torn Europe during the time of the second World War.
Dynamite has a tendency to tell very slow stories. This appears to be of a similar style as Flash and company don't officially land on Mongo in this issue. I'm willing to give the second issue a try, mostly on the strength of the final page's twist. For a dollar you should give this book a shot because you might enjoy this take on the Flash Gordon story. I found the book to be a fairly average comic, though.
2.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
