Mad Cave Studios new Flash Gordon comic series by Jeremy Adams and Will Conrad continues the character’s long, but inconsistent publication history with the Escape From Planet Death story arc, throwing the space jockey in the deep end of the space pool from the get go.
We spoke to Adams and Conrad about their approach to Flash Gordon, their first story, and why the character has remained relevant after almost a century in this exclusive interview.
How did both of you become involved in the new Flash Gordon series from Mad Cave Studios?
Jeremy Adams: I was pitching several creator-owned series to Madcave at the time, and Mike Marts mentioned that he had some cool licensed projects they were looking at working on and started rattling off a few. The minute he said Flash Gordon something leapt out inside of me and I said “I’ll do Flash Gordon!” And the rest is history!
Will Conrad: Mike Marts approached me offering some possible projects that he would want me to work on with Mad Cave. Among those, there was Flash Gordon. When he mentioned it to me, I could only hear that Queen soundtrack “FLASH! AAAAAHHHH…” and I knew I wanted to work on the title, especially when they told me Jeremy would be writing it.
What was your initial approach to the first story arc and character, and did it change at all in the finished product?
Adams: I really didn’t want to reboot anything. I wanted to act as if this was a continuation of the old serials. Like we were already neck deep in all things Flash. The only thing that really changed, and this was fairly last minute, was the destruction of Mongo, which really became a happy accident. That set the stage for a much broader and adventurous story.
Conrad: For me, when I read the description of the world and characters, and how they wanted to approach the new designs, I immediately remembered the great Alex Raymond art. I was always a fan. So I tried to bring a bit of the old style inside the new visuals and adaptations for the new and old audience. There were a lot of updates to be done, but I tried to keep some of the old magic, and to be as faithful as I could to the original material.
Flash Gordon is a character with over 90 years of history. How did you navigate the classic elements of the character(s) and bring him into the 21st century for modern readers?
Adams: I just tried to stay true to what has made him stick around for 90 years! A square jawed, competent action hero. Then I looked for gaps. Places that haven’t been explored in his character. A lot revolved around his upbringing and childhood which has been fun to dip back into every once in a while.
Conrad: I tried to work with the new concepts, keeping in mind the old style of the characters. Bringing new and modern elements married to old and vintage details to give something to the old and new fans.
What do you enjoy most about writing/illustrating the series?
Adams: There’s a willingness to just let our imaginations roam. To really dive deep into pulp sci-fi and not be burdened by a HUGE continuity, rather, that we can just keep moving forward, making up new monsters, tech, worlds.
Conrad: The mix of sci-fi and fantasy, classic adventures and super heroes… the romance and action. There is an endless array of visual possibilities, and it makes the title so fun to work with. And, obviously, there’s the always fun and exciting writing of my pal Jeremy. We always talk about the story and he keeps asking me for ideas of things I would like to draw, which is a gift.
When did you both discover the character and do you have a favorite version of him in pop culture?
Adams: Obviously, because of my age, the 80’s movie was the first time I had heard of Flash Gordon. Subsequently, it was Defenders of the Earth cartoon, but also, I love old sci-fi, so diving into the Alex Raymond comic strips was a joy.
Conrad: Here in Brazil, we had some of the old sci-fi shows going on TV. Buck Rogers was one of them, and I loved it. As soon as I started reading more and more comics, I found out about Flash Gordon comics, and as mentioned, became enamored with Alex Raymond’s art. I also remember the 30’s and 80’s movies that had a great impact in my youth.
What can you tell us about the second story arc which is currently underway?
Adams: Flash has escaped Planet Death and now has come face to face with some of the consequences to what he did, destroying the Unraveler. Paired with Ming the Merciless, this unlikely duo is hell bent on returning to Mingo City where Flash hopes to save Dale Arden, and Ming…well, Ming is likely to do something completely unvirtuous.
Conrad: I think that’s more for Jeremy to comment. All I can say is that fans can expect a lot of nice and crazy visuals!
Upcoming projects?
Adams: I’ve signed an exclusive deal with DC comics, where I am writing Green Lantern and Aquaman and co-writing Green Lantern Corp with Morgan Hampton, and yes, a few other surprises coming soon!
Conrad: I have a lot of things coming up. Obviously, more Flash Gordon, but also some new projects I can’t comment on yet and, hopefully, the continuation of my partnership with Jeremy on future adventures.
Flash Gordon Vol. 1: Escape from Planet Death is currently available in finer comic shops and bookstores everywhere.
