This week sees the release of Flash Gordon – New Worlds to Conquer #0 from American publisher Mad Cave Studios in Local Comic Shops, ahead of new adventures for the space hero next month, brought to you by 2000AD writer Dan Abnett and veteran artist Manuel Garcia.
Flash Gordon has always been a maverick, on the football field and in the stars. But when he’s offered a job training the next generation of explorers, he’ll end up fighting for top gun! A “quick trip” around Neptune’s moons with Flash’s cadets turns into a deadly alien hunt – and one of the new recruits thinks they can save the day without the dusty instructor.
Introducing a new supporting cast – enemies and allies alike – and setting the stage for a swashbuckling new story, Flash Gordon #0 is a can’t-miss!
The series kicks into full gear next month with the release of Flash Gordon – New Worlds to Conquer – Issue 16, also available through Comic Shops on 6th May. This issue finds Flash Gordon grounded… With Mongo now an impossible distance away, and Earth’s governments reacting to the potential dangers of alien worlds, space travel is now reserved for the experts… and a former football player-turned-sword-wielding rabble rouser isn’t making the cut.
But when a huge object – a meteor? a planet? – appears on a collision path with Earth, Flash will leave the ”experts” in the dust. With a bootleg spaceship courtesy of Doctor Zarkov and fiery backup in the form of Dale Arden, Flash blasts off on an intercept course. But the Earth Rocketry Administration isn’t far behind–and astronaut Dane “Ditch” Albright is not about to let Flash Gordon steal his spotlight. A rivalry for the ages, a new alien world, and threats deadlier than ever–adventure awaits for fans new and old!
But the fun doesn’t stop there for Flash Gordon fans, because this summer, the 1980 Flash Gordon film adaptation returns in a new collection from Mad Cave Studios, bringing the rare comic book version back into print.
Mad Cave Studios, in partnership with King Features, recently announced the upcoming release of its Flash Gordon Movie (Graphic Novel Retelling) collection, the three-part adaptation originally released alongside the film. If you’re buying it through your Local Comic Shop, you need to place an order by 25th May
First released in 1980 on the heels of the now classic film directed by Mike Hodges, with an unforgettable soundtrack from Queen, the comic was written by Bruce Eliot Jones, a veteran writer and screenwriter whose career spans comics, novels, and illustration. His comic credits include the Twisted Tales and Alien Worlds series, and The Incredible Hulk for Marvel. His novel work includes the horror thriller The Deadenders and Dire House.
The comic was illustrated by Al Williamson (EC’s Weird Science), the celebrated artist whose award-winning run on Flash Gordon defined adventure comics in the mid-1960s.
Al Williamson (21st March 1931 – 12th June 2010) was a legendary comics artist. Born in New York City, over a career that lasted more than 50 years, he worked for nearly every major comics publisher, specialising in adventure, Western, and science fiction stories. He is best known for his beloved work on Flash Gordon, Secret Agent Corrigan, and Star Wars, including the 1980s comics adaptation of The Return of the Jedi. His many awards include the Inkwell Awards’ Sinnott Hall of Fame and the Eisner Awards’ Hall of Fame. Although he died in 2010, his style influenced countless artists and his legacy lives on through his popular works.
If you want an insight into his contribution to the Flash Gordon mythos, track down a copy of Al Williamson’s Flash Gordon: A Lifelong Vision of the Heroic, published by Flesk in 2009. It’s a fantastic collection of Williamson’s major works featuring the heroic character Flash Gordon, including his contributions to the King Comics strip, the 1980 adaptation of the motion picture, and the 1994 Marvel Comic miniseries. Much of it presents content shot from original artwork
Mad Cave’s new edition of the Flash Gordon Movie comic captures the cinematic scope and masterful line work that shaped science fiction storytelling for generations. Featuring colours by Rich Veitch (Swamp Thing), the collection restores a moment where blockbuster spectacle met classic comics craftsmanship.
Editor, Sarah Brunstad, reflected on the significance of the collection: “This book is such a lovely artifact! Al Williamson drew Flash like no other, and it’s a thrill to see his and Bruce Jones’ take on the iconic film. I’m proud to introduce fresh eyes to another Flash Gordon classic.”
Relive the thrill of the beloved film and revel in the extraordinary art of a comics master and long-time contributor to the Flash Gordon strip. Surely a must-have for fans, collectors of classic adventure comics, and readers discovering Flash Gordon for the first time, capturing the operatic sci-fi energy and fearless heroism that cemented its legacy.
• Flash Gordon Movie (Graphic Novel Retelling) is available in paperback (ISBN: 9781545826997 | $17.99) and goes on sale 16th June 2026, with Final Orders to Local Comic Shops due 25th May 2026. The book is now available for preorder from your favourite bookshop, comic shop, or from Mad Cave directly | 88 Pages | Teen+ | AmazonUK Affiliate Link
Head downthetubes for…
Mad Cave Studios – Flash Gordon Collections
• Mad Cave Studio: Official Site – Flash Gordon
• Flash Gordon Vol. 1: Escape from Planet Death! (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Flash Gordon returns in all new adventures in this action packed series from Jeremy Adams (Green Lantern, The Flash) and Will Conrad (Nightwing, King Conan Chronicles)!
Flash awakes on a secret prison planet somewhere in the galaxy. Upon learning that Dale Arden is the subject of an assassination plot, he’s forced to break out and make his way across the galaxy to save her. Along the way, he encounters old friends, new threats, and a greater mystery surrounding WHO is pulling the strings of this universe.
• Flash Gordon Vol. 2: Killer of Worlds (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Having escaped Planet Death, Flash Gordon and his band of misfits hijack a ship to make the long journey back to the world once known as Mongo. They must leap from planet to planet, refueling, resupplying, and, of course, getting into a heap of trouble. New friends and old enemies collide as Flash re-discovers the galaxy he once protected…
• Flash Gordon Vol. 3: Savior of the Universe (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Ming the Merciless is back on the throne of the shattered empire. Now Flash, Dale Arden, Princess Aura, and other allies are wanted everywhere. But there’s one man in particular who will stop at nothing to find Flash Gordon… And it’s Flash Gordon himself. A Flash from another universe, driven purely by vengeance for the death of his own Dale! A despot whose iron grip would rival only that of his dead wife’s! With Ming the Merciless at his side, this world – and the life of the real Flash Gordon – is surely doomed…
• Flash Gordon (1995) (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
In 1995, writer Mark Schultz and artist Al Williamson paired up for a two-part Flash Gordon tale. Celebrated for its gorgeous detail and classically epic story, now the legendary specials are now being collected on their own for the very first time! A beautifully designed collector’s item with a new introduction.
• Flash Gordon Quarterly Collection Volume 1 (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Vultan, Prince Barin, and Thunn each share the spotlight in separate full-length one-shot tales that further explore their roles in Mad Cave Studio’s ongoing Flash Gordon series. Additionally, this first collection includes six ‘Flash Fiction’ short stories – wholly original takes on classic Flash Gordon characters in new genres and settings. From westerns to horror to crime and more, there’s a Flash for everyone!
• Flash Gordon Quarterly Collection Volume 2 (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
Superstar creators blast off to explore Flash Gordon’s legacy! The star-studded anthology series continues with brand-new stories from new and established creators! Frank Tieri and Michael Sta Maria bring back the classics with a lost tale of Flash and the ‘Attack of the Shark Men’!
Mad Cave Studios 2019 Talent Search winner David Hazan (Nottingham) pairs with legacy artist Manuel Garcia for a moving – and exhilarating – exploration of Hans Zarkov’s Jewish heritage. Plus, Marc Andreyko and Igor Lima continue their Lovecraftian horror version of Flash Gordon – no longer a spacefaring hero, but the son of a writer who predicted the world’s doom – in their feature story finale to ‘The Madness of M’nnnngh’!
This and other ‘Flash Fiction’ stories – wholly original takes on classic Flash Gordon characters in new genres and settings – await you. There’s a Flash for everyone!
• Flash Gordon: The Official Story of the Film by John Walsh (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
In 1980, the film Flash Gordon was released, becoming an instant cult favourite. One of the most quotable and beloved sci-fi films ever, it is legendary for its unique look, tone and iconic soundtrack.
Featuring brand new interviews with cast and creative, including stars Sam Jones and Brian Blessed and director Mike Hodges, this book features never-been-seen-before concept artwork and behind-the-scenes photography.
John Walsh is an award winning filmmaker with a focus on social justice. His work ranges from television series to feature films. He is a double BAFTA and double Grierson Awards nominee for his groundbreaking work. His 1989 documentary on Ray Harryhausen, Movement Into Life, is held in the Ray and Diana Foundation’s archive. John also produced HD audio and film commentary recordings with Ray in his final years and wrote Harrryhausen: The Lost Movies, also published by Titan Books.
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comic Previews, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Film, Other Worlds, US Comics
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