Anyone noticing a recurring theme in this pulpy graphic novel gift guide of this publisher’s works isn’t wrong. We love our golden age heroes! Without them, we wouldn’t have many of the blockbuster films and pop-culture icons we adore today. Their fingerprints are everywhere, and the fact that classic tropes still thrive on the big screen says a lot about their staying power. And who knows—maybe these stories will inspire a new generation of readers too.
Here’s a look at the best of the best, including some recent releases:
Defenders of the Earth
Originally an animated television series from 1986, this property endures because of its powerhouse team-up of heroes past and present—Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, and Mandrake’s assistant Lothar—facing off against Ming the Merciless in the far-off future of 2015. Although that was a decade ago in our reality, the series stands the test of time. The complete series home video release is still in print (Amazon link).
Reading this work is a guilty pleasure, and while some knowledge of the series is helpful, the way this collection recaps events is quite decent. Not only has Mad Cave republished the original run of comic books, they also have an ongoing series. The result is a delightful blend of retro charm and modern sensibility. Coming soon is Dark Destiny, which continues the adventures!
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