Flash Gordon was created as a syndicated newspaper strip in 1934 and ran for almost 60 years, until 2003. The character and the strip were created by Alex Raymond for King Features, but a number of different artists and writers worked on it over the years. In addition to the newspaper strip, Flash Gordon has also headlined comics published by Gold Key, Dell, Marvel, DC, Ardden, and most recently, Dynamite (see “Dynamite Announces New ‘Flash Gordon’ Comic”). Dark Horse has published several volumes of reprints of the comic books. The character even showed up in an Archie comic in 2020 (see “Flash Gordon Quarterbacks the Riverdale Gang to Save the Earth”).
In addition to comics, Flash Gordon has appeared in radio and television shows, a 1980 movie that got a new run in 2020 (see “‘Flash Gordon’ Rereleased into Theaters”), and numerous games and other media. Another sign of continued interest: The art for Raymond’s first newspaper comic was sold at auction for almost half a million dollars in 2020 (see “‘Flash Gordon’ Strip Art Gavels at $480,000”).
"From the incredible art of Alex Raymond to the adventures of the Defenders of the Earth, and on to the cult classic Sam Jones-led film, Flash Gordon is an integral part of both the history of comics and the actual DNA of storytelling,” said Mad Cave SVP Mark Irwin in a statement accompanying the announcement.
“As one of the first action heroes Flash Gordon has always been powerhouse in the comics universe,” added King Features’ Licensing Director, Christina Nix Lynch. “This program will bring a long-awaited, regular stream of new and legacy content to generations of readers.”
