Defenders of the Earth (2024) Vol. 1

by Dan DiDio, Jim Calafiore (Artist), Juancho Velez (Colorist)

Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician and Lothar are united again in this reimagining of the classic animated series, Defenders of the Earth. Picking up with characters and storylines from the original series, Flash confronts Ming in final battle, only to find that even greater threats await him and his teammates as they each must confront ghosts of their past to protect their families and future.

Collects issues 1-4 of the hit new series!

Genres: Comics

120 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I anticipated strong emotional reactions. Instead, I was faced with indifference." -- Mandrake the Magician, inadvertently providing one reader's opinion on this volume

In theory, this sounds like a 'sure thing' - reunite those 1930's-era heroes from the King Features Syndicate funny pages, and a much later animated series during the mid-1980's - with Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, and Lothar teaming up for yet another go-around as the Defenders of the Earth. Plus, based on the recent rollicking Flash Gordon, Vol. 1: Escape From Planet Death!, it would seem doubly assured that publisher Mad Cave Studios would once again get it all right. Right?! Wrong - this was a mostly lackluster or mediocre volume featuring a moping Phantom, a preoccupied Flash Gordon, and a barely-present Lothar, with only the kindly Mandrake making a good impression throughout the narrative. Even worse, the teenage son of Flash - who is given fairly ample page time here - was insufferable and immediately set my teeth on edge. Really, next time just leave the damn kids at home and let our title characters work together as a team to save the world.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars, call it what you will bias or nostalgia pushed the rating up for me. Defenders of the Earth was my favourite cartoon from the time the first episode was shown on UK TV. What I really like about this book is not just that the old defenders are here but they have moved on as well.

Ming the Mercyless has fallen the Earth is saved. Now it's time to rebuild with the help of an unexpected ally. However, what has become of the Defenders? Some have gone back to duty others have secrets and some just seem to want to have fun. Also what roles have the young Defenders now found themselves in five years after the war?

A very good setup for the new series. The artwork is good and so is the story. The book left me hungry for more. Sure there is a nostalgia component but I really did enjoy the book and now that the setup is done bring on more action.

[Ronald Esporlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is enjoyable and fun with a lot of action.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not good at all but then again Dan DiDio is not a good writer. I do hate to see Jim Calafiore's art wasted on this. I'm been a fan of his since his Valiant days in the 90s.