Flash Gordon #2
Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Evan Shaner
Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Simon Bowland
Packaged & Edits by Nate Cosby
Covers by Marc Laming, Roberto Castro, and Ken Haeser
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: May 21, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

Flash Gordon #2 finds Flash, Dale, and Zarkoff really out of their element, and that’s saying something considering that they’re on a whole different planet in a whole different galaxy!!!

This is a very big turning point for me. This is the issue that writer Jeff Parker turns the corner and gets his own “books.” He’s such a great author that now he’s among the select few writers for me who, when referring to a comic book, I would call it a “Jeff Parker book.” The story here is great. Imagine a fish out of water story in a fish out of water series!!! Now THAT’S talent!

Flash and the gang try to trick the people of Arboria into thinking that they’re explorers sent from Ming, and that they’re there to inspect the work and systems of the Arboian people, all the while trying to figure out a way to get the energy for their ship that they need to get home. Some BIG, BIG things go down, and we’re left with a cliffhanger ending that will really take you by surprise. The thing I love about this series is that it’s NOT too much too soon, and that’s important here. In the past, Flash has been fighting Ming by the end of the first issue. Here, the two haven’t even come face to face yet. AND, you’re not going to get bored waiting for that to happen. Lots of action, lots of suspense, and some great, witty dialogue and situations.

Evan Shaner works his usual magic with the art this issue. And I’m be really neglectful if I didn’t mention that Jordie Bellaire‘s coloring of this issue is SUPERB! It really brings out the greatness in the art. Shaner does a fantastic job making everything look just strange enough to be believable without going over the top. And his facial expressions are really great in this issue, too. He’s just an overall fantastic artist, bottom line.

Another great issue! So far this creative team is 2 for 2, with no signs of slowing down. Make sure Flash Gordon #2 is either on your pull list or that you’re in the comic store on Wednesday to grab it. Once the secret of how great this book is gets out, everyone’s gonna be clamoring for it.