Launching a shared superhero universe is a pretty daunting task even for the best creators in comics, but 2013's Kings Watch from Jeff Parker and Marc Laming is hands down one of the best I've ever read. Built around the idea of Ming the Merciless arriving on Earth with an invasion plan that starts by simply turning off global communication --- and returning printed newspapers to the kind of prominence they haven't had since the last century --- the story threw Flash Gordon, the Phantom, and Mandrake the Magician into high adventure and provided the springboard for some great comics.

Now, Parker is returning to Flash Gordon with artist and co-writer Jesse Hamm, colorist Grace Allison, and letterer Simon Bowland, for an all-new five-issue story called "Kings Cross," set to make its debut in November --- and they're bringing Ming the Merciless back with them.

Here's what Dynamite's official press release has to say:

 

Co-writer Jeff Parker says, "It feels great to be adventuring with Flash again! Co-writer/artist Jesse Hamm and I, plus colorist Grace Allison, have got a pretty great story to tell... Mongo On Earth!"

"It's fun to be working with Jeff again, Grace Allison's colors look wonderful, and this tale's a blast to draw - loaded with awful villains, creepy places, and swashbuckling adventure!" says Jesse Hamm, co-writer and artist.

"You know what's cool? Eternally and universally fun characters like Flash Gordon, Mandrake the Magician, and two (count ‘em, two) Phantoms," says Nate Cosby, editor. "What's even cooler than that? Our heroes banding together to save a broken Earth from a terraforming threat. Our heroes aren't just punching villains. They're battling continents. And what's the coolest thing of all? Getting the perfect creative team to tell the story. Co-writer/artist Jesse Hamm is gonna blow your friggin' minds with his ridiculous visuals. Grace Allison's bringing bright bulging hues that'll melt your eye-finders. Simon Bowland's gonna letter the ever-living heck out of the entire affair. And Jeff Parker's back writing Flash Gordon, the goofy grinning gladiator he was born to script. This baby's an bounding bravura barnstormer bereft of boredom and brimming with bounties of ballistic brilliance!"

 

Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon: King's Cross
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Flash Gordon #1 will be solicited in September, slated for release in November.

 

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