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Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword TP
Find out what happened before the events of Ardden Entertainment''s newest Flash Gordon mini-series, The Vengeance of Ming! The corrupt forces of Earth invade Mongo, with its mysterious leader, The General, on the hunt for Flash Gordon and his friends. Meanwhile, Flash, Dale Arden, and Dr. Zarkov find themselves battling to save Mongo once again, teaming with their allies from The Mercy Wars, including Ming the Merciless!
132 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 24, 2026
If *The Mercy Wars* was a love letter to the grand adventure of classic Flash Gordon, then *Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword* is a triumphant celebration of the rich mythology that Alex Raymond built during the later years of the original strip.
Brendan Deneen and Eduardo Garcia deliver a story that feels both respectful of the source material and eager to expand it in new directions. One of the greatest pleasures of this volume is seeing so many elements from Raymond's second great Mongo saga brought back into the spotlight. Queen Azura, the Fire Men, the giants, the drakes, and the vast underground realms of Mongo all return, creating the sense of a living, expansive world that stretches far beyond the familiar territories usually associated with Flash Gordon.
The plot itself is engaging from the outset. Following the events of *The Mercy Wars*, the balance of power is shattered when the corrupt forces of Earth launch an invasion of Mongo. The mysterious General provides a compelling threat, but what truly elevates the story is the uneasy alliance between Flash Gordon and Ming the Merciless. Their reluctant cooperation captures one of the enduring strengths of the Flash Gordon mythos: the idea that survival sometimes demands alliances between sworn enemies.
The introduction of the legendary "Object of Power" is another welcome addition. Rather than feeling like a mere plot device, it adds a sense of mystery and wonder that fits perfectly within Mongo's larger-than-life atmosphere. It also helps drive the story beyond simple warfare, giving the narrative a mythical quality that recalls the best pulp adventures.
Eduardo Garcia's artwork deserves special praise. The action is dynamic, the exotic landscapes are beautifully realized, and the sheer variety of cultures and creatures that inhabit Mongo is brought vividly to life. The book embraces the sense of spectacle that has always been central to Flash Gordon while maintaining a modern visual energy.
What impressed me most is how comfortably this story sits alongside the classic material. It doesn't simply recycle familiar characters and settings for nostalgia's sake; it uses them to tell a genuinely exciting adventure that feels authentically Flash Gordon. Longtime fans will appreciate the deep cuts and references, while newer readers will find an accessible, fast-paced science-fantasy epic filled with intrigue, heroism, and imagination.
A highly enjoyable continuation of the modern Flash Gordon revival and a rewarding read for anyone who loves the boundless wonder of Mongo.
Brendan Deneen and Eduardo Garcia deliver a story that feels both respectful of the source material and eager to expand it in new directions. One of the greatest pleasures of this volume is seeing so many elements from Raymond's second great Mongo saga brought back into the spotlight. Queen Azura, the Fire Men, the giants, the drakes, and the vast underground realms of Mongo all return, creating the sense of a living, expansive world that stretches far beyond the familiar territories usually associated with Flash Gordon.
The plot itself is engaging from the outset. Following the events of *The Mercy Wars*, the balance of power is shattered when the corrupt forces of Earth launch an invasion of Mongo. The mysterious General provides a compelling threat, but what truly elevates the story is the uneasy alliance between Flash Gordon and Ming the Merciless. Their reluctant cooperation captures one of the enduring strengths of the Flash Gordon mythos: the idea that survival sometimes demands alliances between sworn enemies.
The introduction of the legendary "Object of Power" is another welcome addition. Rather than feeling like a mere plot device, it adds a sense of mystery and wonder that fits perfectly within Mongo's larger-than-life atmosphere. It also helps drive the story beyond simple warfare, giving the narrative a mythical quality that recalls the best pulp adventures.
Eduardo Garcia's artwork deserves special praise. The action is dynamic, the exotic landscapes are beautifully realized, and the sheer variety of cultures and creatures that inhabit Mongo is brought vividly to life. The book embraces the sense of spectacle that has always been central to Flash Gordon while maintaining a modern visual energy.
What impressed me most is how comfortably this story sits alongside the classic material. It doesn't simply recycle familiar characters and settings for nostalgia's sake; it uses them to tell a genuinely exciting adventure that feels authentically Flash Gordon. Longtime fans will appreciate the deep cuts and references, while newer readers will find an accessible, fast-paced science-fantasy epic filled with intrigue, heroism, and imagination.
A highly enjoyable continuation of the modern Flash Gordon revival and a rewarding read for anyone who loves the boundless wonder of Mongo.
May 23, 2012
All the wit and pleasure from the first book were sucked out and dried up in this book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews