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Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon #6
The War of the Cybernauts
THE WAR OF THE CYBERNAUTS is the sixth in the series of fabulous novels inspired by the famous comic strip FLASH GORDON, read daily and Sunday by millions of fans throughout the world. Twelve detection satellites mysteriously vanish while on routine space probes. Dr. Zarkov and Flash Gordon are sent to investigate. They encounter an amazing series of adventures when their space ship crashes on a gypsy planet inhabited by robots and plagued by an endless war. Two beautiful queens cast interested eyes toward Flash's visage. Zarkov's scientific genius saves our heroic pair from certain annihilation.
143 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Alex Raymond
717 books38 followersAlexander Gillespie Raymond was an American comic strip artist, best known for creating the comic Flash Gordon in 1934. The serial hit the silver screen three years later with Buster Crabbe and Jean Rogers as the leading players. Other strips he drew include Secret Agent X-9, Rip Kirby, Jungle Jim, Tim Tyler's Luck, and Tillie the Toiler. Alex Raymond received a Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1949 for his work on Rip Kirby.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, Alex Raymond attended Iona Prep on a scholarship and played on the Gaels' football team. He joined the US Marines Corp in 1944 and served in the Pacific theatre during World War II.
His realistic style and skillful use of "feathering" (a shading technique in which a soft series of parallel lines helps to suggest the contour of an object) has continued to be an inspiration for generations of cartoonists.
Raymond was killed in an automobile accident in Westport, Connecticut while driving with fellow cartoonist Stan Drake, aged 46, and is buried in St. John's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Darien, Connecticut.
During the accident which led to his untimely demise, he was said to have remarked (by the surviving passenger of the accident) on the fact that a pencil on the dashboard seemed to be floating in relation to the plummet of the vehicle.
He was the great-uncle of actors Matt Dillon and Kevin Dillon.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, Alex Raymond attended Iona Prep on a scholarship and played on the Gaels' football team. He joined the US Marines Corp in 1944 and served in the Pacific theatre during World War II.
His realistic style and skillful use of "feathering" (a shading technique in which a soft series of parallel lines helps to suggest the contour of an object) has continued to be an inspiration for generations of cartoonists.
Raymond was killed in an automobile accident in Westport, Connecticut while driving with fellow cartoonist Stan Drake, aged 46, and is buried in St. John's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Darien, Connecticut.
During the accident which led to his untimely demise, he was said to have remarked (by the surviving passenger of the accident) on the fact that a pencil on the dashboard seemed to be floating in relation to the plummet of the vehicle.
He was the great-uncle of actors Matt Dillon and Kevin Dillon.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 22, 2021
This is the last book of the six prose novels that comprised the Avon Flash Gordon series in the 1970s. Based on the iconic characters and situations created by Alex Raymond in the famous comic strip, the first three were written by Ron Goulart (as by Con Stefansson) and the last three by Bruce Cassidy (the fourth as by Stefansson and the final two as Carson Bingham.) This is the weakest of the six, in my opinion, a kind of self-parodying narrative that doesn't have any flavor of the original source material. Flash and Zarkov are sent to investigate the disappearance of some satellites and find themselves in the middle of an endless war when they crash on "a gypsy planet" that happens to be wandering through the Solar System. Huh? Two beautiful queens vie for Flash's attention (Dale is mentioned, but never appears), and Zarkov saves the day. (Kind of; he needs help and the pair have to be rescued.) It's a silly story, and Flash fans would be well advised to skip it unless they're really hard core. There are a few clever and/or amusing bits, but it's probably not worth except to completests.
July 14, 2019
Flash Gordon and Dr. Zarkov are sent by the United States’ Secretary of Space Development to investigate the mysterious disappearance of 12 space probe satellites. Their investigation leads them to discover a rogue “gypsy” planet has entered our solar system and has captured the satellites. Seems there are two factions on that planet that have been waging war using technology and robots (cybernauts) for so long that nobody can remember how the war started. Flash and Zarkov spend time among both factions, just trying to survive and get back home.
This sixth book in the series is the last one to be written by Bruce Cassiday under the pen name Carson Bingham. It reads like a tongue-in-cheek adventure, purposefully campy, but having fun along the way. Curiously, Dale Arden is briefly mentioned but does not make an appearance at all. I’ve encountered this plot before. A world where two factions live only for the purpose of waging war with one another and even when shown what peace can be like, strive to get back to the war they love. This one also was a bit of a let down in the end when not even Dr Zarkov’s genius can save the pair and they have to be rescued by a rocket ship from Earth.
Looking forward to trying the next Flash Gordon series, written by David Hagberg.
This sixth book in the series is the last one to be written by Bruce Cassiday under the pen name Carson Bingham. It reads like a tongue-in-cheek adventure, purposefully campy, but having fun along the way. Curiously, Dale Arden is briefly mentioned but does not make an appearance at all. I’ve encountered this plot before. A world where two factions live only for the purpose of waging war with one another and even when shown what peace can be like, strive to get back to the war they love. This one also was a bit of a let down in the end when not even Dr Zarkov’s genius can save the pair and they have to be rescued by a rocket ship from Earth.
Looking forward to trying the next Flash Gordon series, written by David Hagberg.
July 24, 2022
Não esperemos uma obra de grande profundidade. Isto é ficção pulp pura, criada para satisfazer o entretenimento comercial, e não como obra influente de ficção científica. Faz parte do género, é a vertente simplista, de FC como mera aventura usando a sua iconografia como adereço, que hoje é representada pelo cinema e séries televisivas, mas que outrora alimentava o imaginário dos leitores de revistas de ficção.
Flash e Zarkov são destacados para investigar o desaparecimento de satélites avançados terrestres. Vão deparar-se com um planeta errante, que viaja pelo espaço, um local de tecnologias fabulosas. Por exemplo, três sóis artificiais orbitam o planeta e mantém as condições de vida. Mas o planeta não é um paraíso, antes o oposto. Está continuamente devastado por uma guerra infinda, que opõe as duas sociedades planetárias numa luta sem quartel. Uma guerra devastadora, mas não sangrenta, uma vez que as batalhas são travadas por armas automatizadas e controladas ciberneticamente (o nosso conceito de drone militar tem raízes na FC clássica). Outro pormenor, as sociedades evoluíram para que os homens se tornassem programadores cibernéticos, com alterações fisiológicas cerebrais, mas as mulheres mantiveram a beleza esbelta e tornaram-se as líderes militares. Antes que pensem que isto é uma curiosa reflexão sobre sociedades futuristas, recordem o público alvo destes livros pulp, Flash tinha sempre de se ver a braços com beldades estimulantes do imaginário dos jovens leitores.
O interessante neste livro é não terminar num final feliz. O aventureirismo de Flash e a genialidade de Zarkov combinam-se para procurar uma solução que coloque um fim na absurda guerra civil, combatida há há tanto tempo que ninguém se lembra do que a despoletou. Quase conseguem, mas o ódio entre facções está tão entranhado que a paz fugaz depressa degenera em novo conflito. Só resta aos heróis escaparem-se deste planeta errante, com o mistério resolvido.
Produto típico de ficção científica pulp, sem grande esforço conceptual. Mantém o ritmo frenético de constante suspense requerido deste género literário. Lê-se não como clássico, mas como representativo da evolução do lado pop da ficção científica. Estruturalmente, não é muito diferente das sagas televisivas que hoje empolgam os fãs do lado mais visual do género.
Flash e Zarkov são destacados para investigar o desaparecimento de satélites avançados terrestres. Vão deparar-se com um planeta errante, que viaja pelo espaço, um local de tecnologias fabulosas. Por exemplo, três sóis artificiais orbitam o planeta e mantém as condições de vida. Mas o planeta não é um paraíso, antes o oposto. Está continuamente devastado por uma guerra infinda, que opõe as duas sociedades planetárias numa luta sem quartel. Uma guerra devastadora, mas não sangrenta, uma vez que as batalhas são travadas por armas automatizadas e controladas ciberneticamente (o nosso conceito de drone militar tem raízes na FC clássica). Outro pormenor, as sociedades evoluíram para que os homens se tornassem programadores cibernéticos, com alterações fisiológicas cerebrais, mas as mulheres mantiveram a beleza esbelta e tornaram-se as líderes militares. Antes que pensem que isto é uma curiosa reflexão sobre sociedades futuristas, recordem o público alvo destes livros pulp, Flash tinha sempre de se ver a braços com beldades estimulantes do imaginário dos jovens leitores.
O interessante neste livro é não terminar num final feliz. O aventureirismo de Flash e a genialidade de Zarkov combinam-se para procurar uma solução que coloque um fim na absurda guerra civil, combatida há há tanto tempo que ninguém se lembra do que a despoletou. Quase conseguem, mas o ódio entre facções está tão entranhado que a paz fugaz depressa degenera em novo conflito. Só resta aos heróis escaparem-se deste planeta errante, com o mistério resolvido.
Produto típico de ficção científica pulp, sem grande esforço conceptual. Mantém o ritmo frenético de constante suspense requerido deste género literário. Lê-se não como clássico, mas como representativo da evolução do lado pop da ficção científica. Estruturalmente, não é muito diferente das sagas televisivas que hoje empolgam os fãs do lado mais visual do género.
February 1, 2026
En bok min pappa läste som ung och hittades på vårt landställe i somras och skulle slängas.
Boken var sådär lol men det var intressant ändå att läsa en bok som skrevs bara några år efter att mänskligheten gick på månen för första gången. Det må vara påhittat alltsammans men det finns ändå en viss optimism för vad människan skulle åstadkomma i framtiden.
Det märks att det är en bok med några år på nacken då kvinnor inte ses som människor. På den främmande planeten råder krig där generalerna på båda sidorna är kvinnor. Wow, vilken grej! Tänker man. Men nej. så fort de ser Blixt Gordon blir de totalt förälskade och kysser/blir kyssta av Blixt. Sedan tänker de på hans muskulösa kropp. Ild har en kamera i hans sovrum. Asså va. Båda generalerna saknar personlighet och faller som höstlöv runt Blixt och vill gifta sig med honom och har "planer" för dem... men Dr Zarkov blir dissad eftersom han är smart och inte "snygg". I bokens försvar är männen på planeten inte snygga bara smarta och hårlösa med stora hjärnor och kallas "proggar". Kvinnorna är de som varit krigare under hela deras krigshistoria, så det låter ju lovande. Därför är det extra tråkigt att generalerna saknar personlighet. De gick knappt ens att skilja från varandra. Inte för att de beskrevs som lika utan för att de beskrevs likadant.
Teknologin i boken var dock högst fascinerande! Det är en bok skriven för ungdomar (unga killar) så många ord är avancerade bara för syns skull men som nämnt tidigare fanns det en optimism för vad vi kunde göra med datorer och maskiner och vad de kunde göra för oss
Läst 24/1-1/2 men den får vara i januaris stapel i statistiken
Boken var sådär lol men det var intressant ändå att läsa en bok som skrevs bara några år efter att mänskligheten gick på månen för första gången. Det må vara påhittat alltsammans men det finns ändå en viss optimism för vad människan skulle åstadkomma i framtiden.
Det märks att det är en bok med några år på nacken då kvinnor inte ses som människor. På den främmande planeten råder krig där generalerna på båda sidorna är kvinnor. Wow, vilken grej! Tänker man. Men nej. så fort de ser Blixt Gordon blir de totalt förälskade och kysser/blir kyssta av Blixt. Sedan tänker de på hans muskulösa kropp. Ild har en kamera i hans sovrum. Asså va. Båda generalerna saknar personlighet och faller som höstlöv runt Blixt och vill gifta sig med honom och har "planer" för dem... men Dr Zarkov blir dissad eftersom han är smart och inte "snygg". I bokens försvar är männen på planeten inte snygga bara smarta och hårlösa med stora hjärnor och kallas "proggar". Kvinnorna är de som varit krigare under hela deras krigshistoria, så det låter ju lovande. Därför är det extra tråkigt att generalerna saknar personlighet. De gick knappt ens att skilja från varandra. Inte för att de beskrevs som lika utan för att de beskrevs likadant.
Teknologin i boken var dock högst fascinerande! Det är en bok skriven för ungdomar (unga killar) så många ord är avancerade bara för syns skull men som nämnt tidigare fanns det en optimism för vad vi kunde göra med datorer och maskiner och vad de kunde göra för oss
Läst 24/1-1/2 men den får vara i januaris stapel i statistiken
September 19, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I'm finally going through my physical tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.
I'm only adding one book per series (etc.) and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)
First time read the author's work?: N/A
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I'm finally going through my physical tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.
I'm only adding one book per series (etc.) and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)
First time read the author's work?: N/A
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
March 22, 2026
29 ratings? This 50 y/o novel only has 29 ratings. Not reviews. Ratings. Wow. It--and the five other novels that make up this series--obviously failed to make much of an impression when initially released and very few people seem to have revisited them out of nostalgia. That's a bad sign, but my love for Flash Gordon piqued my curiosity, so here I am.
I have to say (and it's modest praise for sure) that this is the best of the three novels from this series that I've read. The Lion Men of Mongo isn't too bad, but The Plague of Sound is a wet noodle, and an easy pass if for some odd reason you happen to stumble upon this in 2047 and decide you want to read the series.
While far from being a thriller, it does start off at a steady trot that eventually becomes a moderate jog and it never really takes time to catch its breath. It also feels like the most realized and interesting world that I've visited so far (though that is an admittedly low bar).
As I mentioned in my review for The Plague of Sound, formatting this like the old adventure serials, where each chapter ends with Flash and co. in a cliffhanger scenario, would have upped the fun factor a bit, but alas the story just moves from A to B to C etc.
I can't recommend this novel to anyone save for die hard FG fans; if they still exist in 2026.
I have to say (and it's modest praise for sure) that this is the best of the three novels from this series that I've read. The Lion Men of Mongo isn't too bad, but The Plague of Sound is a wet noodle, and an easy pass if for some odd reason you happen to stumble upon this in 2047 and decide you want to read the series.
While far from being a thriller, it does start off at a steady trot that eventually becomes a moderate jog and it never really takes time to catch its breath. It also feels like the most realized and interesting world that I've visited so far (though that is an admittedly low bar).
As I mentioned in my review for The Plague of Sound, formatting this like the old adventure serials, where each chapter ends with Flash and co. in a cliffhanger scenario, would have upped the fun factor a bit, but alas the story just moves from A to B to C etc.
I can't recommend this novel to anyone save for die hard FG fans; if they still exist in 2026.
October 28, 2022
Not my favorite of the Flash Gordon books - the amount of tedious fighting from the Cybernauts was boring to listen to. I think it has more you could flesh out in terms of ethics and consequences for actions, but as a story it was not great.
February 12, 2018
The first couple entries in this series were readable, but THE WAR OF THE CYBERNAUTS feels like self-parody, like watching the 1960's BATMAN TV show starring Adam West.
September 15, 2016
read some time between 5-24-75 & 12-31-75; I have the author as Bingham
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews