FLASH GORDON #7, by Mad Cave Studios on 3/12/25, finds Flash fighting for his life in trial-by-combat when he’s captured by Vultan’s Hawkmen.
Credits:
- Writer: Jeremy Adams
- Artist: Tom Derenick
- Colorist: Lee Loughridge
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Will Conrad (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: March 12, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of FLASH GORDON #7:
Recap:
When we last left the universe’s savior in Flash Gordon #6, Flash’s uneasy alliance with Ming came to a crashing halt when they stopped at one of Ming’s secret supply caches to gear up. Of course, Ming used the opportunity to trick Flash into a trap. The issue ended with the supply depot exploding, Ming getting away, and Flash floating alone in space when a winged duo arrived.
Plot Analysis:
In Flash Gordon #7, the mystery of Dale’s fate unfurls. The issue furthers Flash’s adventures on two fronts.
First, Flash is brought before King Vultan, who must abide by the outcry of his people to punish Flash for the destruction of Mongo, which sent their people into space. Prince Talon demands trial by combat to make Flash pay for his traitorous crimes. Flash agrees to the fight, but Talon finds he’s no match for Flash’s fighting skills. Instead of killing Talon, Flash agrees to let him live in exchange for a private meeting with Vultan.
In private, Vultan shares a drink with Flash and laments that the Unraveler killed so many people, but there must be consequences for the collateral damage caused by Flash’s plan to save the Earth. Flash explains he needs a ship to find Dale, but Vultan explains that she isn’t missing. In the wake of Mongo’s destruction, Dale thought Flash had died. In her grief, she found a way to keep the survivors together and form a new kingdom. In their gratitude, the people named Dale as the new leader.
In the past, Flash was visited by a college recruiter who offered the teenager a full-ride scholarship to Yale if he agreed to play on the football team. Flash’s father was immediately against the offer because he wanted his son to use his brains instead of his brawn. However, Flash’s father learned that part of being a parent is letting a child choose his own path.
The issue ends with a proper goodbye, news of a marriage, and a fate worse than Ming’s.
First Impressions:
In general, Flash Gordon #7 is a pretty solid transition issue that explains the weird mystery regarding Dale and sets the stage for what comes next. Jeremy Adams’s script moves the players in place for what appears to be an unavoidable clash with Ming. Plus, the homage to the 1980 film in the combat scene is a nice touch.
Artwork and Presentation:
Tom Derenick steps in for Will Conrad as a guest artist for the arc, and his style, eye for detail, and figure work are, likewise, pretty solid. Derenick delivers a passably comparable style to Conrad’s, and the one fight scene is executed well. That said, Derenick loses some detail in the wider shots, so the art quality of this issue takes a small step back.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Flash Gordon #7 takes one of the best scenes of the 1980 film, twists it to incorporate it into the current series, and dispels one of the bigger mysteries introduced in issue #1. To be fair, this issue is more exposition than action, but the readers receive information in a manner that fits the context of the scenes.
The Negatives:
The confusing crux of the series relies on everyone thinking that Flash is responsible for the destruction of Mongo and that he should be treated as a traitor for it. Given his circles of friends and allies Flash cultivated over the years, the sudden heel turn doesn’t sit right, which suggests the truth of the Unraveler isn’t what everyone thinks it is or Adams isn’t giving the inciting incident enough attention.
In fairness, it may be that Flash did cause the full destruction of Mongo, taking many lives in the process. If so, a flashback to that pivotal moment would help to bring some clarity to the situation.
Final Thoughts:
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FLASH GORDON #7 introduces King Vultan and the Hawkmen to the mix, but Flash’s welcome is not as warm as he’d hoped. Jeremy Adams’s script builds on Flash’s history and pays homage to a pivotal scene from the 1980 film for a satisfying transition issue, and guest artist Tom Derenick delivers a great set of visuals to match Will Conrad’s style.
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