BIG Chief Studios Ltd – the company also behind some smashing Doctor Who and Thunderbirds figures – has announced a licensing deal with Hearst Holdings, King Features Syndicate Division, via Allsorts Licensing, to produce a range of high-end collectables based on the cult classic 1980 movie Flash Gordon.
Based on the King Features comic strip of the same name created by Alex Raymond, notable for its brilliant soundtrack by Queen and a brilliant, over the top appearance by Brian Blessed as the bellicose Prince Vultan, Flash Gordon was directed by Mike Hodges and produced by Dino De Laurentiis.
The film delivered story of space adventure in a memorable, camp style similar to the 1960s TV series Batman, in an attempt to appeal to fans of the original comics and serial films.
The film, which starred Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Topol, Max von Sydow, Timothy Dalton, Brian Blessed and Ornella Muti, has since gained a significant cult following.
Initial product offerings will include highly detailed Sixth Scale Character Replica Figures of the key characters. Fans will be able to pre-order the first two figures, Flash Gordon – Saviour of the Universe and Ming the Merciless – Emperor of Mongo, from May.
The line will be further expanded with figures of fan favourites Prince Vultan and Prince Barin, plus other characters to be announced.
In addition to the replica figures, BIG Chief will also release a range of Character Mini Busts, which will offer striking portraits of key characters and the fantastical environments of Mongo.
BIG Chief managing director Mark Andrews said, “We are thrilled to have agreed rights with King Features for such a beloved cult classic. The adventures of Flash Gordon were the inspiration and template for so many sci-fi TV shows and movies.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside King Features on Flash Gordon in time for its 40th Anniversary in 2020.”
• Check out BIG Chief Studios at www.bigchiefstudios.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “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.
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Fantastic figure sculpts there, especially the costume of Ming. Haven’t seen Flash Gordon the film in ages, would love to see it again.