Maybe Flash has been reading a Black Stallion book, too.
Flash Gordon #2
FINAL ISSUE
Marvel (July, 1995)
“Danger In Volcana” and Showdown In Syk” WRITER: Mark Schultz ARTIST: Al Williamson COLORIST: Tom Roberts LETTERER: John Workman EDITOR: Tom Daning
Flash is taken prisoner by the Fire People, who also caught Zarkov and Dale while searching for Flash. They get away, after learning they’re building weapons of war. While hiding, Flash focuses on the hat Tralgor gave him and remembers that as a kid his dad actually worked with Zarkov to build a spaceship, but Ming sent Azura to stop them. The method he used to force her hand is the same as it is now, by turning her people into clay men. Flash send the others to warn Barin so they can send an armada to destroy the Fire People’s weapon factory while he confronts Ming at Azura’s palace. With the clay men helping, Flash routs Ming’s forces and Azura forces Ming to reveal how to cure her people before the Merciless one’s escape. With everything settled, the Olympic Games can finally begin.
What they got right: In addition to last issue’s successes, there’s a good reason for why Flash didn’t remember this encounter or Zarkov (Azura using her magic) and why Zarkov didn’t remember Flash (injured when Azura attacked the building, aided by a growing mania about a mysterious enemy coming to attack Earth). Flash also saved Tralgor that time, allowing him to have the cap and make this connection.
What they got wrong: Not that the connection needed making. Not having read enough of the original comics I don’t know if they ever explained how Zarkov knew about Mongo, even as conjecture. However, retconning Flash and Zarkov knowing each other previous or an earlier appearance on Earth by Azura isn’t something needed.
Recommendation: Anyone writing or drawing a Flash Gordon should pay closer attention to the comic strips and this book. I’m not saying the other comic adaptations are bad, but THIS actually felt like I was reading Flash Gordon.
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