Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #5
Plot & Script by Eric Trautmann
Plot & Art Direction by Alex Ross
Art by Daniel Indro
Colors by Slamet Mujiono
Letters by Slamet Mujiono
Covers by Alex Ross, Paul Renaud & Francesco Francavilla
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: June 13, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #5 is a big-budget action movie contained within a single issue comic book. Honestly, this book is one of THE most action-packed comics out there right now, and if you’re not reading it, you’re really missing out. Another FANTASTIC issue by Eric Trautmann. Now, I know in my reviews that I’ve given almost sole credit for the writing on this book to him, but that’s only because I have no clue as to what degree Alex Ross was involved in the plot. Either way, it totally works and I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

This issue takes place both on Mongo and on Earth, and as I said before, this really reminds me of a big budget sci-fi movie in comic form. You can HEAR the dialogue coming out of the characters’ mouths. You can SEE the action, explosions, and other worldly adventures in your mind. This, is truly a great comic for anyone who wants to escape reality for 15 minutes. Without going into spoilers, there’s some pretty important things that take place in this issue and a moment that we all knew was coming, yet Trautmann still manages to shock us with it when it happens.

If anyone had any doubt that artist Daniel Indro was anything less than amazing, the proof to the argument is in this very issue. The man draws action like I’ve never seen anyone draw it before. SO much going on in each panel and page for that matter. He has truly come to feel comfortable with conveying this world (both of them) to his audience. He renders both Earth AND Mongo perfectly, and there is not one panel in the book that takes you out of those worlds. Sadly, I’m expecting to see him snatched up by another company in the near future because he’s about to cross the line between great and excellent. Be on your toes, Dynamite!

Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist has promised what it’s set out to be – a thrilling, page-turning space opera with panel after panel of thrilling action, intrigue and suspense. This is a book that I would ALMOST read in trade, if not for its solid monthly entertainment value. Plus, it really hearkens back to the comics of the past with its “what will happen next” monthly cliffhangers. VERY. HIGHLY. RECOMMENDED.