Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #1
Dynamite Comics
Trautmann, Ross, Indro & Mujiono

Dynamite's launch of Flash Gordon provides an easy choice to pick up the first issue by pricing it at a dollar. The full length comic book manages to roll out the latest reboot in a very accessible way by sticking to concepts known to the modern day masses. Basically, the comic sticks to the 1980 film that has a bit of a cult following while switching gears and jamming the story into Nazi Germany of the mid-1930s. It's an okay book that sets up a decent story but leaves some key areas undeveloped making the book flat in some areas. At a dollar you can't go wrong but I'm just not sure the long term appeal with this book. We shall see.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon Invasion Of The Red Sword #6
Ardden Entertainment
Deneen & Garcia

The conclusion to the Red Sword arc leaves off exactly where you might expect it to knowing that the next Flash Gordon story is entitled, "The Vengeance of Ming." The fun of the issue is getting there and this issue doesn't disappoint. This arc has had a couple of themes running throughout the six issue arc that continue in the finale. This issue provides the same high level of character work, complex plot and outstanding artwork that has been the norm throughout this series. The cliffhanger ensures that I will be waiting fairly impatiently for the next arc set to begin in early 2012.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword #5
Ardden Entertainment
Deneen, Garcia & Haus

Flash Gordon's latest arc, Invasion of the Red Sword, steams towards its conclusion with another action-packed, no-holds-barred dramatic read. As the arc has been building multiple plot threads all along this issue begins to shape out the alliances that will probably stand for the remainder of this series and into the next one. Deneen is taking care to hide the main prize (Ming's whereabouts) these last few issues to set up the next arc, but Ming's hand is still felt throughout the issue. As a companion to the deep plot, Deneen is also building up his supporting character base while the usual suspects, Flash and company, continue to carry bulk of the story through. You simply won't find a more exciting and comprehensive book out there.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword #4
Ardden Entertainment
Deneen & Garcia

The latest issue of Flash Gordon's Invasion of the Red Sword storyline introduces a ton of new characters, mixes in a whole of action and continues to build a plot that just grows arms and legs all over the place. This issue is another great example of what a fun comic book can and should strive to be. The plot has enough teeth so that you are left thinking about possible directions, but the comic book is action-packed to keep you visually entertained. You can't beat a mix like that and you shouldn't be missing out on this series.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon Invasion of the Red Sword #3
Ardden Entertainment
Deneen & Garcia

Flash Gordon returns with an action-packed and thrilling issue for the middle part of the "Invasion of the Red Sword" arc. I won't beat around the bush: this book is amazing. The arc is heating up on multiple fronts and continues to be one of the most entertaining reads out there for any genre. At this point I have no idea how Deneen is going to wrap this arc up but I'm on board regardless.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword #2
Ardden Comics
Deneen, Garcia & Haus

The second issue of the second Flash Gordon storyline brings back the second most familiar character (okay, so that's debatable) in the form of the believed-to-be-dead, Ming. However, Ming isn't back to fight, but he's all too happy to hold some people hostage in order to force others to do his bidding. Deneen lathers this issue with multiple subplots sending this story into a ton of different directions. By slowing the pace down and spreading the characters out he's borrowing a page out of Grant Morrison's book by keeping the reader guessing about character's motives while dropping some clues, but at the same time he's throwing in a bit of Paul Levitz with the subplot count. All of this adds up to an intriguing issue that moves this series into a much broader scope. With the recap page giving you everything you need to know there isn't any reason not to pick this issue up.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon Invasion Of The Red Sword #1
Ardden Entertainment
Deneen & Garcia

Flash Gordon returns with the second arc from Ardden penned by the same writer (Deneen) as the first but with a new artist (Garcia replacing Green). The opening issue offers a bit of a change of pace from the first arc in the first few pages but delivers a lot of action and opens up a bunch of subplots by the issue's end. As with the previous arc, this issue also dips into the rich history of the character very well and manages to have a strong hold on the character's voices. There is a lot to like in here and the best part is you don't need to know the character or have read the first arc to jump right into this issue. This should not be missed.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Flash Gordon #6
Ardden Entertainment
Deneen & Green

The first arc ends with a huge bang as Flash Gordon and company take the fight directly to Ming. You might think this comic is just one massive battle but it actually isn't. Instead the drama plays out centered on the main cast of characters while the major war goes on around them. The comic is very good because it doesn't rely too heavily on Flash. The supporting cast has been built up enough over the previous issues that they can (and do) carry much of the issue. Add in a terrific cliffhanger and you have a great comic book.

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