Beginning the complete library of the greatest science fiction hero of all time.
Volume One will spotlight the work of Alex Raymond, legendary for some of the finest storytelling of the 20th century. Raymond illustrated the Sunday strips until 1944; with his clear and much-imitated style forming the original aesthetic of the most popular and easily recognised science fiction hero for decades to come.
Introducing Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, Dr. Hans Zarkov, and Ming the Merciless, this volume will catapult readers to the deadly planet Mongo.
These are the strips that influenced George Lucas to create Star Wars, and which illustrator Al Williamson said were "the reason I became an artist."
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A wonderful new way to experience Alex Raymond’s creation, and does grand justice to the artistic brilliance of the strip. It’s a must-have for fans, and a must-see for those who’ve never had the pleasure of reading the original series before." – Forbes.com
‘this is wonderful escapism, packed to the rafters with action, last minute escapes and lurid kinkiness.’ – SFX
'This is an absolute “must have” for anyone who considers themselves a comics aficionado or armchair science fiction historian.' – B&N Book Blog
"Titan Books gives this collection the star treatment it deserves, faithfully reproducing the original strips on a high-quality stock of gently off-white paper that avoids the too-bright reproduction of other collections. If you don't have the time to read all 200+ pages of this "coffee-table" book in one sitting, merely dig in at any point and be wowed by Raymond's phantasmal world called Mongo." – MTV
'Recaptured in the glorious, four-color tones that evoke the sense of old newsprint, Titan has managed to retain the look and feel of what it must have been like to read the series as it unfolded from week to week, where Raymond managed to cram non-stop action and adventure into a single page of panels and stlll get a reader to return each week. This lovingly-presented volume should appeal to both new readers and those who might have even read it when it first came out 75 years ago.' – Fanboy Comics
'if the first volume is any indication, this series will be prized by longtime fans of Golden Age comics and new admirers alike.' – Playback STL
"As far as presentation goes, this is one huge and good looking book. Much like Titan’s other library editions to have come out and impress fans over the years." – Comic Attack
‘this is wonderful escapism, packed to the rafters with action, last minute escapes and lurid kinkiness.’ – SFX
'This is an absolute “must have” for anyone who considers themselves a comics aficionado or armchair science fiction historian.' – B&N Book Blog
"Titan Books gives this collection the star treatment it deserves, faithfully reproducing the original strips on a high-quality stock of gently off-white paper that avoids the too-bright reproduction of other collections. If you don't have the time to read all 200+ pages of this "coffee-table" book in one sitting, merely dig in at any point and be wowed by Raymond's phantasmal world called Mongo." – MTV
'Recaptured in the glorious, four-color tones that evoke the sense of old newsprint, Titan has managed to retain the look and feel of what it must have been like to read the series as it unfolded from week to week, where Raymond managed to cram non-stop action and adventure into a single page of panels and stlll get a reader to return each week. This lovingly-presented volume should appeal to both new readers and those who might have even read it when it first came out 75 years ago.' – Fanboy Comics
'if the first volume is any indication, this series will be prized by longtime fans of Golden Age comics and new admirers alike.' – Playback STL
"As far as presentation goes, this is one huge and good looking book. Much like Titan’s other library editions to have come out and impress fans over the years." – Comic Attack
About the Author
Alex Raymond is one of the most famous artists in the history of comic strips. He created Flash Gordon, Secret Agent X-9, Rip Kirby, and Jungle Jim. George Lucas has indicated that Flash Gordon was the inspiration for the Star Wars movies, and Raymond's work has inspired decades of writers, artist, and filmmakers.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Robert Blume
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
My copy just arrived today...and I would echo the remarks of a previous reviewer. The reproduction is very uneven in this first volume. Maybe this is a reflection of the available source material. Whatever the reason, I am left a bit disappointed. Looking on the bright side, the second half of the book is a definite improvement...and hopefully this carries through to future Titan volumes. I'll buy at least one more to find out.
This is, I think, is the fourth time (at least) that Raymond's FG series has been done in book form including Nostalgia, Checker, Titan and IDW. As a Raymond buff, I shelled out for all of them. None (at least so far) reaches the consistent image quality of Fantagraphic's current Prince Valiant series. But IDW probably is the closest, in my opinion. I liked their excellent Terry and the Pirates series from a few years ago and was willing to spend a little extra for their larger format Flash books. IDW has two volumes out so far and I think it's the best Flash for your money to date.
This is, I think, is the fourth time (at least) that Raymond's FG series has been done in book form including Nostalgia, Checker, Titan and IDW. As a Raymond buff, I shelled out for all of them. None (at least so far) reaches the consistent image quality of Fantagraphic's current Prince Valiant series. But IDW probably is the closest, in my opinion. I liked their excellent Terry and the Pirates series from a few years ago and was willing to spend a little extra for their larger format Flash books. IDW has two volumes out so far and I think it's the best Flash for your money to date.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Kenneth Sall
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I truly enjoy the pre-WWII Alex Raymond Flash Gordon. The new Titan Books edition finally arrived a full 13 months since my pre-order -- but it was well worth the wait. "On the Planet Mongo" is 205 pages including 10 pages of informative background material by Alex Ross and Doug Murray. Volume 1 of the four announced comprises 9 story arcs from 1/7/1934 to 4/18/1937. Raymond's artwork is marvelous -- tight lines, sweeping curves, fabulous alien landscapes, and bizarre creatures and humanoids. Pacing is effectively controlled by a variable number of panels per page and different panel layouts (especially by the end of his first year). Unlike modern comic books, Raymond's Sunday strips feature heroes and heroines that are anatomically correct and yet beautiful.
I've compared this first Titan Books edition to the Checker Books versions, 7 volumes of which were published from 2004-2006 (and still available on Amazon, such as Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon, Vol. 1). The Titan version has more subdued coloring, probably closer to the original Sunday newsprint. By comparison, the Checker version has more vibrant coloring that jumps out at you a bit more. The Checker Books are less than 90 pages of artwork each. Titan volume 1 is about 25 pages longer than Checker vol. 1 and 2 combined. Overall I prefer the Titan edition both in terms of the more accurate restoration and the page count, as well as for the introductory material. Still, the Checker Books versions are worth considering; the price per page is roughly the same.
I'm also a fan of the Mac Raboy version of Flash Gordon, still available on Amazon as over-sized black and white paperbacks (e.g., Mac Raboy's Flash Gordon, vol. 1). I own several of the recent Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives volumes; they do not compare to either the Raymond or Raboy renderings, although many of the painted covers are quite attractive. For example, see Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives Volume 1.
One problem with the new Titan edition -- despite careful handling, a few of the flecks of gold have already fallen off the gold and red logo. Not a big problem but annoying.
I've compared this first Titan Books edition to the Checker Books versions, 7 volumes of which were published from 2004-2006 (and still available on Amazon, such as Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon, Vol. 1). The Titan version has more subdued coloring, probably closer to the original Sunday newsprint. By comparison, the Checker version has more vibrant coloring that jumps out at you a bit more. The Checker Books are less than 90 pages of artwork each. Titan volume 1 is about 25 pages longer than Checker vol. 1 and 2 combined. Overall I prefer the Titan edition both in terms of the more accurate restoration and the page count, as well as for the introductory material. Still, the Checker Books versions are worth considering; the price per page is roughly the same.
I'm also a fan of the Mac Raboy version of Flash Gordon, still available on Amazon as over-sized black and white paperbacks (e.g., Mac Raboy's Flash Gordon, vol. 1). I own several of the recent Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives volumes; they do not compare to either the Raymond or Raboy renderings, although many of the painted covers are quite attractive. For example, see Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives Volume 1.
One problem with the new Titan edition -- despite careful handling, a few of the flecks of gold have already fallen off the gold and red logo. Not a big problem but annoying.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Like many others, I was looking forward to finally receiving this first of four volumes. When it arrived, I was shocked there was so little packing to prevent shifting and nothing wrapping the book itself to prevent scuffing, therefor it isn't too surprising myself and others have marred covers (though Titan could share some of the blame, too). I requested an exchange and Amazon's stellar service had a replacement within a week, but sadly, it was the same story so I returned it and hope these issues are resolved in the future.
As for the book itself, I had had such high expectations, growing up reading and rereading the older Nostalgia Flash Gordon books as well as Prince Valiant. When Fantagraphics released the latest Prince Valiant volumes, I was ecstatic! Even with everything being colored (I still like the B/W line drawings) it was crisp and visually stunning. I hadn't purchased any Titan printings before but believed the advance reviews. Allow me to help future buyers avoid disappointment. The Titan Flash Gordon volume(s) are worth it if you have nothing else and want to see the strips for the sake of seeing them. Be advised, though, that the coloring makes everything look muddy. I checked Fantagraphics' Prince Valiant for comparision and there is none. There the coloring is more of an accent and the blacks remain sharp and distinct. Here, some pages of Titan's Flash Gordon almost looked to have been double struck! Now perhaps the source material was degraded but there's no excuse to forsake the black. Add onto that the shoddy appearance of the cover and I'm left feeling letdown.
I wanted to buy all the volumes not only for myself but future generations but now I will wait to see if Titan can improve what they have or allow some other publisher the opportunity to do it right.
As for the book itself, I had had such high expectations, growing up reading and rereading the older Nostalgia Flash Gordon books as well as Prince Valiant. When Fantagraphics released the latest Prince Valiant volumes, I was ecstatic! Even with everything being colored (I still like the B/W line drawings) it was crisp and visually stunning. I hadn't purchased any Titan printings before but believed the advance reviews. Allow me to help future buyers avoid disappointment. The Titan Flash Gordon volume(s) are worth it if you have nothing else and want to see the strips for the sake of seeing them. Be advised, though, that the coloring makes everything look muddy. I checked Fantagraphics' Prince Valiant for comparision and there is none. There the coloring is more of an accent and the blacks remain sharp and distinct. Here, some pages of Titan's Flash Gordon almost looked to have been double struck! Now perhaps the source material was degraded but there's no excuse to forsake the black. Add onto that the shoddy appearance of the cover and I'm left feeling letdown.
I wanted to buy all the volumes not only for myself but future generations but now I will wait to see if Titan can improve what they have or allow some other publisher the opportunity to do it right.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
King Features Answer to Buck Rogers
Flash Gordon was not the inspiration of an artist who pitched his creation to a newspaper publisher. Read more
Published 26 days ago by E. David Swan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flash Gordon my hero
I always enjoyed Flash Gordon comics especially the ones illustrated by Alex Raymond. Such artistry! Read more
Published 29 days ago by Chiara Padgett
4.0 out of 5 stars
An improvement but still iffy
I own a number of Flash Gordon pages. While the reproduction is generally good, colors are still off in many place. The earliest pages still look muddy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Murray Bishoff
5.0 out of 5 stars
REVIEW: FLASH GORDON VOL.1 - ON THE PLANET MONGO
As much as anyone who loves superhero comics, which have been pretty much the norm for more than 70 years, we must give credit to what came before, the science-fiction and pulp... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Andres Avila
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nice, but relatively small
Nice volume, but too small for the original material. Text is so small, and not black enough, you need perfect vision and perfect light to read it without a headache.
Published 5 months ago by Leandro G. F. DUTRA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
Simply Beautiful.
Love the Artwork and the stories are fantastic. Hard to believe these strips were written so long ago.
Love the Artwork and the stories are fantastic. Hard to believe these strips were written so long ago.
Published 5 months ago by Kenneth Guajardo
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEST Flash Gordon reprint EVER, bar none
Unlike other readers and reviewers here on Amazon and some other places around the web, I LOVE the scanning, the printing quality and the paper stock on this first Titan collection... Read more
Published 6 months ago by jmm
2.0 out of 5 stars
Much ado about nothing?
I totally agree with former customers' reviews and I'm writing just a few lines to express my disappointment and to witness that we could have a better book in our hands now. Read more
Published 7 months ago by JustMe
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for Alex Raymond fans.
I'll start by saying the cover is nicely designed but apparently prone to easy wear. Out of the box my cover had numerous metalic ink flecks that had rubbed away. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Matthew D Mullin
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Flash Gordon Book for any Fan or Collector
"Upon receiving this beauty in the mail, I was awestruck at how the cover illustration and title lettering really jumped out at me. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Thoco77
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