Dynamite proudly announces that writer Jeff Parker
(Batman '66) will continue the science fiction thrills of a science fiction
legend in Flash Gordon #1, a new ongoing series illustrated by Evan
"Doc" Shaner (Deadpool) and featuring the colors of Jordie Bellaire
(Pretty Deadly). Slated to debut in
April 2014, Flash Gordon marks the 80th anniversary of the fictional icon,
follows Parker's critically acclaimed Kings Watch miniseries, and includes
beloved cast members Dale Arden, Dr. Hans Zarkov, and the infamous Ming the
Merciless.
"Dynamite and editor Nate Cosby have put together
the dream team for Flash Gordon, and I'm the lucky writer who gets to work with
them," says Jeff Parker.
"We're bringing Flash back for a new audience. It's over-the-planet high action and
adventure where Flash's spirit and optimism are as powerful as anything the
forces of Ming the Merciless can dish out.
We also have some of my favorite artists contributing covers - make no
mistake, this book is going to absolutely kill!"
The new Flash Gordon series places the ultimate sci-fi
hero on the bizarre planet Mongo, where his thirst for thrills and danger makes
him the perfect weapon against world-breaking Ming the Merciless and his awful
inter-planetary swarms of terror. Can
the cocksure Man From Earth funnel his overconfidence into saving worlds, or
will the universe fall to Ming?
Dynamite has assembled a team of three highly respected
creators for the new Flash Gordon series, individuals whose recent comics work
has made their names instantly recognizable to fans. Writer Jeff Parker's recent successes at DC
Comics - including Aquaman and the retro-chic Batman '66, follow his many years
as a contributor to Marvel titles including Agents of Atlas, X-Men: First
Class, and Hulk. Evan "Doc"
Shaner will bring his kinetic visual style seen in Deadpool and Ghostbusters to
the Flash Gordon project, just as Jordie Bellaire will bring the coloring flair
she's known for on such titles as Pretty Deadly, Captain Marvel, and The
Rocketeer.
Flash Gordon #1 will feature a wide selection of cover
variants, presented by some of comics' most talented artists: Gabriel Hardman, Jonathan Case, Declan
Shalvey, and Marc Laming. Stephen Mooney
provides a special 80th Anniversary Cover, illustrated to capture an aesthetic
of the bygone golden era, while Ken Haeser provides a cute Subscription-Only
Variant Cover of "Li'l Flash", intended as a reward for dedicated
fans who preorder with their local comic shop retailers. A Blank Authentix Cover will be created for
the first issue, featuring blank white space on the cover perfect for convention
artist commissions or the creative whims of the do-it-yourself fan.
Comic shop retailers are invited to create store-specific
cover editions, as well:
Dynamite has designed a "Death to Ming"
propaganda-style cover as a Retailer Exclusive Variant Cover, available for
retailers to order through Diamond Comics (Item Code FEB141156). Numerous retailers can share the "Death
to Ming" artwork, but have personalized store names built into the front
cover design.
Dynamite also welcomes the opportunity to develop unique
Retailer Exclusive Variant Covers featuring artwork not available anywhere
else. Stores may contact Marketing
Manager Keith Davidsen (keith.davidsen@dynamite.com, 856-312-1040 x114) for
more information.
Flash Gordon #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic
Distributors' February Previews catalog, the premiere source of merchandise for
the comic book specialty market, and slated for release on April 9, 2014. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies
of Flash Gordon #1 with their local comic book retailers. Flash Gordon will also be available for
individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology,
iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.