Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writers: Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, Roger Langridge, Paul Tobin, Nate Cosby, Ben McCool, Brian Clevinger and Jeff Parker
Artists: Richard Case, Ryan Cody, Felipe Cunha, Lee Ferguson, Tadd Galusha, Scott Godlewski, Sandy Jarrell, Ivan Rodriguez, Ron Salas, Brent Schoonover and Jeremy Treece
Cover: Darwyn Cooke
Pages: 496
Release Date: 18 May 2016
Price: $49.99
At first glance of The King Collection, I thought that this would simply be a repacking of classic King Features comics starring some of their most classic heroes and characters. The cover shows Flash Gordon, Mandrake, The Phantom, Jungle Jim and Prince Valiant. However, this is not the case.
Some of you might remember a little cartoon in the 1980s by Stan Lee called Defenders of the Earth, which featured Flash, Mandrake, Lothar and the Phantom battling Ming on planet Earth in the future. Dynamite did their own take on that a few years back called King’s Watch, which featured Flash, Mandrake and The Phantom. The King Collection is a follow up to that story within the Dynamite universe. The comic was also part of King Feature’s 100th-anniversary celebrations.
The King Collection collects all 4 issue Flash Gordon, Mandrake, Jungle Jim and Prince Valiant mini series. Each of which all tie into each other.
FLASH GORDON is a timeless classic, a yarn spun out of the style of Star Wars and the recent Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Not only is our classic space hero caught up in a daring space heist, with Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov at his side, but the entire galaxy is in turmoil. Many races are revolting against Ming, some are still loyal, but there’s still infighting between them. Can even Flash navigate his way through treachery and alliances to unite everyone under a single banner against Ming? Written by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, Art by Lee Ferguson.
MANDRAKE THE MAGICIAN is up next. Many people might remember him from his many comic and radio adventures. Mandrake, who is a real magician, but has a stage persona of an illusionist and hypnotist, must contend with the deadly Cobra, who intends to collect a series of ancient artefacts that will release a demon and doom the world forever. Not only must Mandrake battle the Cobra, but he must also deal with real demons and witch doctors. Mandrake, written by Roger Langridge and penned by Jeremy Treece
THE PHANTOM is a much different yarn this time round. Now we have our first feature length book featuring Lothar, who has adopted the mantle of The Phantom after the death of the real Phantom. Many people might recognise Lothar as the faithful servant and close friend of Mandrake the Magician. Lothar must deal with the Bandar natives, the pirates and find the true heir to the mantle. Written by Brian Clevinger and art by Brent Schoonover.
JUNGLE JIM is again, very different to his original incarnation. Originally created in the 1930s by Alex Raymond to cash in on the Tarzan and other jungle heroes craze, we see our new Jungle Jim on the planet Arboria, who is hard drinking and seemingly has powers that allow him to control the forests around him. All those years in solitude on Arboria seem to have driven him mad too, but he’s convinced by the Kings to join in the fight against Ming. Written by Paul Tobin, Art by Sandy Jarrell
PRINCE VALIANT is one the final strip here. Some of you might remember the cartoon series that aired in the 1990s. Yep, this is that same hero. Prince Valiant is one of those comics that has been a mainstay for King Features and now, here he is in the comic world. Rather than being the valiant heroic knight that he was in the original strips, here, he’s more of an outcast. He takes on any adventure with boundless energy and thirst for life. Aside from being set in Arthurian England, where he battles other knights and evil wizards, Mandrake plucks him from the time stream to do battle against Ming The Merciless, joining the other heroes. Written by Nate Crosby and art by Ron Salas.
This is a huge comic series and definitely one worth investing in if you’re a fan of pulp action heroes and major crossover events. There is definitely something here for everyone, from space heroes in the style of Guardians of the Galaxy, to jungle heroes, to mysticism and finally, swords and sorcery. Sure, this isn’t exactly mainstream heroes like Spider-Man and Batman, these are niche heroes and characters, but presented in a way to make them accessible to all readers, regardless of whether or not they have had any prior experience with them.
Keep an eye out for The King Collection. It is much more than you think it is.
Reviewer: Aaron Wood
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker