Flash Gordon (1980) and the Comics

https://www.batman-online.com/forum/index.php?topic=2210.0

The 1980 Flash Gordon movie is one of those polarising films that people either love or hate. It followed hot on the heels of Richard Donner's Superman (1978) as one of the first big budget comic book movies of the post-Star Wars era. It flopped in the US, but was a hit in the UK; perhaps because British audiences were more receptive the film's ironic sense of humor than their American cousins. Whatever the reason, the film is loathed and lauded with passion across the internet. But the critical consensus nowadays is general favorable: the film has an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was nominated for 3 Baftas and 3 Saturns, and is the favorite movie of acclaimed comic book writer/artist Alex Ross. Over the years Ross has produced several pieces of art relating to the film, one of which was used for the 'Savior of the Universe' DVD release.

The film is faithfully adapted from the original comic series by Flash Gordon creator Alex Raymond, which first appeared in print back in 1934. The screenplay for the film was penned by Lorenzo Semple Jr., better known to Batman fans as the writer of the 1966 Batman movie and numerous episodes of the Adam West TV show. Semple brought a similar camp tone to the project as he had with his earlier comic book movie. But like the 1966 Batman film, the 1980 Flash Gordon movie is a lot more accurate to the comics than many give it credit for. So without further ado, let's jump in and see just how faithful it really is.