Flash and Buck: where science fiction comic-books began (retrospective).

Fans of comic books from the 1930s and beyond will no doubt recall the legendary figures of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Several science fiction books and movies have been influenced by these two heroes’ brave explorations of space and other planets. But why are they still relevant now, and what effect did they have on culture?

Let’s start with Buck Rogers, who made his debut in American newspapers on January 7, 1929. Buck, a character created by Philip Francis Nowlan, was a 20th-century man who, after being stranded in a cave, awoke in the 25th-century 500 years later. With the help of his friends and allies, Buck quickly found himself battling bad powers and exploring new planets.

A huge success right away, Buck Rogers inspired a tonne of media adaptations, from radio programmes to TV series. However, Flash Gordon, who made his debut on January 7, 1934 in a comic strip written and illustrated by Alex Raymond, was arguably his most well-known rival. Flash was a football player who found himself journeying to the planet Mongo, ruled by the terrible Emperor Ming the Merciless, with his girlfriend Dale Arden and a bright scientist by the name of Dr. Hans Zarkov.

Like Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon gained popularity very quickly and was the subject of numerous imitations and adaptations. His comic strip was published in newspapers all over the world as a serial, and he soon made appearances in radio programmes, motion pictures, and television series. With his daring escapades and fearless personality, he was the ideal space age hero.

But why were Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers so well-liked? They had fantastical settings and characters, which contributed to their appeal. Both heroes ventured to unusual and exotic lands where they battled terrible tyrants and came across fascinating creatures. Readers of all ages enjoyed their action-packed, love-filled, and humorous tales.

But, the way they influenced popular culture may be their biggest contribution. The concepts of space travel and the potential for life on other worlds were popularised by Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. They fostered awe and excitement for the cosmos and served as an inspiration for countless more science fiction books and films.

So keep Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon in mind the next time you read a science fiction book or see a space movie. These two characters inspired us even now and contributed to the development of an imaginative and exciting universe.