Defenders of the Earth

Threats are looming for a team of iconic superheroes in this series-starting graphic novel, which reimagines a 1986 animated TV series.

Several years ago, the Defenders of the Earth won the war against planet Mongo, defeating its ruler Ming the Merciless. Since that time, Flash Gordon has kept busy overseeing the Defenders Organization in a towering high-rise. He apparently no longer has time for his son or any of his teammates, including Lothar, Mandrake the Magician, and the Phantom. Meanwhile, it hasn’t been easy for these men to trust Kro-Tan, Ming’s son, even if his powerful Barin Atomicshelped to rebuild war-ravaged Earth in record time. Because the world doesn’t seem to need them anymore, the Defenders make other plans: Lothar, a former chieftain, heads home to Africa, where the Seven Nations are “coming apart,” and Mandrake eyes a return to performing onstage. However, there’s word that the ferocious Singh Brotherhood has been scared into hiding by a more formidable menace. This first issue of writer DiDio’s series ably gets things started: Readers get a taste of the explosive war, as well as witness a shocking death before the gradual introduction of a vibrant cast of classic comic-book characters in the present day. As in the cartoon, at least some of the Defenders have children; there’s Flash’s son, Rick, who’s pals with L.J., Lothar’s son. The story, in addition to setting up a potential supervillain, aptly establishes character relationships to explore in future issues, including Rick’s resentment of his negligent father and the Phantom’s barely masked contempt for Kro-Tan. Calafiore’s artwork truly brings the panels to life; the action scenes are short but exhilarating and the facial expressions—most notably, the Phantom’s perpetual scowl—aptly establish character.

A colorful and engrossing tale that will draw readers in and leave them wanting more.