Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives Volume 2

This is the second volume of what will be several reprinting the various Flash Gordon comic book series from different publishers. At the time of this review, there are 3 out, with a fourth on its way, and probably atleast one more.This volume reprints the stories published by King Comics, a very short lives (1966-67) attempt by King Features Syndicate to have their own comic book line. I don't know why it ended, can only assume they had distribution issues. Prior to this, pretty much all their stuff had been published by Western (first with Dell, and later thru their own Gold Key imprint). After this, all their titles went to Charlton (why there instead of back to GK, I have no idea).King Comics run of was Flash Gordon issues 1-11, and backup stories in The Phantom 18-20. The art included work by such veteran artists as Al Williamson, Wallace Wood, Frank Bolle, Gil Kane, Ric Estrada, Reed Crandall, Mac Raboy, as well as two issues reprinting Alex Raymond's 'The Tournament of Mongo'. Just in term of the quality of artwork, this was the high point.As to the stories.As noted, there was a short-lived backup series in the Phantom comics, with art by Wally Wood. This was a separate storyling of Flash against space pirates that sadly wasn't finished.In the main comic, the first issue gave a brief synopis of what had happened in the early comic strip with Flash and friends on Mongo, and had a couple of great stories in the style of those original ones.The second and third issue again had a variety of stories of Flash & company, one of which pitted Flash against Ming.The fourth issue started what would be a long series of adventures in the 'lost continent of Mongo', that would run thru issue 8. Along with these were various other stories of Flash and company.Issues 9 & 10 reprinted Raymond' "Tournament of Mongo" storyline from the classic strip. Am not certain when this originally ran, but know it was earlier in the series.And issue 11 leaves with another 2-part story of Flash and company in an adventure in the lost areas of Mongo.Overall, an great collection, despite a few low points.

I have always liked FLASH GORDON to some degree,but I have never ever really bought any of the comic books or checked out any of the old FLASH GORDON movies.However, I totally remember the cool 1980'S Filmation FLASH GORDON cartoon show. So, while in a local comic book store, I took a chance and picked up this book! After thumbing through the first few pages, I was hooked like a bass trout on a weekend fisherman's angle line! What kidnapped my eyes at "ink-point" was AL of WILLIAMSON'S amazing and spectacular artwork that he did on the FLASH GORDON:GOLD KEY COMICS (that are being reprinted here in this edition)! Man, if I was at charge over at GOLD KEY COMICS back in the day, I would have chained AL WILLIAMSON to his desk and would have never let him leave the building until this comic book series was finally over!I would have doubled or tripled his salary just so's he could finish the run of FLASH GORDON comics for the GOLD KEY publishing label!For me, AL WILLIAMSON, is the definitive FLASH GORDON artist and this book is simply awesome! Any other comic book artist coming after WILLIAMSON'S beautiful work on FLASH GORDON just, sadly, pales in comparison!It's a real crying shame that AL WILLIAMSON didn't draw all of the FLASH GORDON:GOLD KEY COMICS that are shown here in this very sweet collection. However, FLASH GORDON: COMIC BOOK ARCHIVES(VOLUME TWO) is still worth every single solitary penny! You get great adventure, romance, alien worlds, sexy damsels in distress, flying spaceships, and an all-American football hero now turned into an iconic super hero to save mother Earth from the sinister forces of the warlike planet, MONGO!Honestly, though? I only dust about every two months or so but, trust me, this book sits proudly in my collection!..Dust free!Anything less? Why that would be punishable in the radioactive blue ice mines of MING, THE MERCILESS, for 17 years!(Insert an evil alien warlord's world conquering maniacal laugh right here!)......

a very interesting collection of gold key flash gordon comics. Gold Key had poor circulation and used various artists. Al Williamson did the covers on several issues, interiors in 3 comics. Alex Raymond art is featured in 2 comics and Reed Crandall in 2 comics as well. Mac Rayboy in 1 and a few pages of Wally Wood art. Overall, this book is a bargain filled with great art.

I bought it to have those King Comics issues drawn by Al Williamson; they were the start of a lifelong love of Alex Raymond's classic character. I'd forgotten that so few of the issues were actually drawn by Williamson, but it's a nice volume nonetheless.(The title of my review refers only to the comic books. Raymond's Sunday newspaper strips are of course essential.)

It's a beautiful book, it really is. The binding is sewn, nice shiny stock paper, the cover is as it is on Amazon. Reed Crandall, Gil Kane, Wally Wood, Al Williamson, Alex Raymond, Ric Estrada, Mac Raboy and Frank Bolle on the art. Dan Barry does cover #11, I never heard of Frank Bolle before, but he keeps pace with everybody else, he's really good. Reed Crandall is awesome in this book, his monsters and aliens are just something to see, a real eye pleaser. Al Wiliamsom and Wally Wood are always top notch, as is Gil Kane. The book is made up from King Comics 1966 and 1967, a foreword by Batton Lash, no extras, just solid story telling from Archie Goodwin, Bill Pearson, Larry Ivie and Al Williamson. Dark Horse has done a excellent job producing this volume, I'm very happy.

This was surprisingly good! The colors and the art are wonderful. The details of the drawings and the plot are increadible. I would recommend this one to all the scifi, comic, and graphic art fans.

I haven't read it yet but I will soon ! Excited I got it cheap ! Thanks ! ! !

simply put, this is the best comic publication for 2010...the color is outstanding,the art by williamson and crandell and wood is super.....very well done

WHEN READING FLASH GORDON, DAN BARRY WAS THE BEST CARTOONIST IN MANY WAYS , THE OTHER FLASH GORDON STORIES ARE EXTREMELY WEAK, I DON'T MEAN DRAWINGS BUT STORIES ARE VERY WEAK