FLASH GORDON #8, by Mad Cave Studios on 4/16/25, finds Flash reuniting with Lord Barin and Princess Aura to hatch a scheme to rescue Dale from an arranged marriage, but nothing is as it seems.
Credits:
- Writer: Jeremy Adams
- Artist: Tom Derenick
- Colorist: Lee Loughridge
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Will Conrad, Lee Loughridge (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: April 16, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 30
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of FLASH GORDON #8:
Recap:
When we last left the galaxy’s savior in Flash Gordon #7, Flash was forced to fight to the death as punishment for destroying Mongo and throwing the kingdom into disarray. Vultan was Flash’s judge, and Vultan’s son volunteered to fight Flash to avenge his homeworld. However, Flash wins and forces the prince to yield, earning a private meeting with Vultan in exchange for the prince’s life. During the meeting, Flash learned Dale was made Empress of the kingdoms when she brought the survivors together.
Plot Analysis:
In Flash Gordon #8, the mystery behind Dale Arden’s new role as Empress into focus. We begin with King Vultan taking Flash Gordon to meet Lord Barin and Princess Aura to discuss what’s happened in Flash’s absence. Flash gives his old friends a brief rundown of his adventure. In turn, his friends explain that Dale Arden is betrothed to marry Ming’s son, Prince Aton, to cement her new station as Empress.
Aura believes Aton is as much of a snake as his father, and they should do whatever they can to rescue Dale because her marriage is likely due to brain washing or duress. Lord Barin agrees to accept the wedding invitation with the intention of sneaking Flash into the ceremony as one of Barin’s entourage.
The first part of the plan works. Lord Barin and Princess Aura arrive at the new Mingo City to attend the wedding. As their party is escorted into the capital, Flash, disguised as one of Barin’s servants, slips away. The issue ends with Robo-Zarkov rebooting and calculating a plan to be rescued from deep space and Flash finding who he’s looking for, but it may not be the reunion he expected.
First Impressions:
Light on action, heavy on explanation, and popping with nostalgia, Jeremy Adams brings Flash Gordon one step closer to his greatest love in Flash Gordon #8. Readers with a taste for action may not get their prescribed dose, but this issue has a lot to like.
Artwork and Presentation:
Tom Derenick continues to do a bang-up job stepping in for regular artist Will Conrad. While not exact, Derenick’s style is a close complement to Conrad’s, so you know you’re in for a visual feast. Derenick’s pencils/inks are outstanding. The brief bits of action are well done, and the character designs, especially the introductions of Barin and Aura to the series, are on point.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Since Mad Cave picked up and continued the series, the persistent question that’s lingered in nearly every issue was, “What happened to Dale Arden?” Jeremey Adams solves (most of) the mystery in a way that sets Flash and his reunited friends on a new mission that feels like old times in the best way possible.
The Negatives:
If it wasn’t already clear, the issue is light on action and adventure for the sake of explaining what happened to Dale and setting up what needs to happen next. Flash is much less of a passenger in his own series than he was in Flash Gordon #6, but the issue carries Flash where he needs to go rather than the hero taking the lead.
Final Thoughts:
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FLASH GORDON #8 is a rock-solid issue that explains Dale Arden’s current predicament and sets the stage for Flash to save the day. Jeremy Adam’s script introduces a couple of fan-favorite characters and lays the foundation for a decent adventure, and Tom Derenick’s art is excellent.
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