HERITAGE HOT SHEET: An original Flash Gordon

An irregular news release about upcoming items in Heritage auctions

WHAT IT IS:

An original Flash Gordon Sunday dated 3-15-36 (with matching Jungle Jim topper) by Alex Raymond from the Rogue River Collection (King Features, 1936).

WHY IT'S COOL:

Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon is considered by most to be the finest Science Fiction-Fantasy comic strip ever done, and many regard the period of 1934-1936 to be the most desirable time period for his originals, because of the large size of the art drawn during those three years. Titled "Three Against Ming," all of the major characters in the Flash Gordon saga appear in this Sunday: Flash, Dale Arden, Dr. Hans Zarkov, and most impressively, their nemesis, the evil Ming the Merciless. The inscrutable, leering portrait of Ming in panel two must number among the finest ever done; his sinister presence is palpable. Dale turns Ming's weapon of choice, the paralyzo-ray, on his own minions. This insidious device was frequently featured in the Flash Gordon movie serial, and is fondly recalled by aficionados. Making this already impressive Sunday even more spectacular is the art for the matching Jungle Jim topper. Jim is being forced into a "shotgun wedding" with the evil Bat-woman, and the line work in her gorgeous portrait on the final panel is breathtaking. The Flash Gordon strip's image area measures 24" x 19", while the Jungle Jim topper measures 24" x 11.5". The art is in Excellent condition. Considering all the remarkable qualities of this example, it must number among the top five known Flash Gordon originals. This is a rare and splendid piece for any enthusiast of American comic strip art.

WHAT IT'S WORTH:

This piece has a pre-auction estimate of $25,000.

WHEN IT'S BEING OFFERED:

Heritage Comics Sale #811, to be held June 11-13, 2004 in Dallas, Texas.

For more information about this or upcoming sales, or to consign items, please visit www.HeritageComics.com.