Gordon’s ALIVE!

It may have taken almost 30 years before its first official line of action figures were produced, but the Flash Gordon line (courtesy of Bif Bang Pow in three scales, no less) was of such quality that even the most die-hard fans were finally sated.  Indeed, as merchandising for the film upon release had been so incredibly sparse (only the Lone Star cap gun made it to toy shelves) its cult appeal rising over the decades meant a toy line was inevitable.

Although popular with collectors and fans of the movie alike, the BBP range (featuring everything from Bobble-Heads to Notebooks) was not quite the success that the company had hoped for, and despite plans for additions to the line, poor sales lead to its cancellation.

However, even though the itch for a 1/6 line had yet to be scratched, it was still over a decade before UK company Big Chief Studios offered limited edition Sixth Scale figures of The Savior Of The Universe and his greatest nemesis to coincide with the movie’s 40th anniversary.  Once again, a continuation of figures, a range of busts (and even a 1/6 Rocket Cycle) was abandoned due to flagging returns.

So it was out of left field, when, in 2023, US collectables company NECA boldly announced it was working on adding Flash Gordon to its popular Reel Toys line of 7″ authentic fully-articulated action figures.  While pleased that the licence had been revived, fans were left wondering if these new offerings could compete with the Alex Ross designed set from years earlier, and if, this time, the range might expand beyond the main characters…

As of this writing, sadly, it seems that NECA have also drawn the line under the licence with only three figures (and one playset) produced.  More frustrating still is that this particular set may arguably be the best representation of these characters we may see in our lifetime.  It should be noted that, while their accuracy in terms of likeness, costume and accessories are flawless, NECA’s lack of attention to something as basic as proportion is bewildering.  As the figures are not true to scale, when displayed as a group it undermines their impact somewhat all being the same height –

While not a deal-breaker by any means, this oversight was not an issue for the BBP sculpts and, although dated in figure terms, remain superb products for their time.

With multiple portraits by renowned sculptor Trevor Grove and featuring highly-articulated bodies with soft plastic details to faithfully replicate clothing, its clear that NECA have really done their homework and invested care and attention with these figures.  The window-box packaging is also outstanding and really tailored to preserving the item should you wish to keep it in the box and retain the ability to view.

With Wave 1 on the shelves, NECA had one more surprise for the fans who had supported the line to date – a Limited Convention Exclusive depicting one of the fan-favourite scenes with an appropriately deluxe figure.  For a full rundown of the NECA line, go here and hurry back for the below review of the SDCC Exclusive Wood Beast Challenge Deluxe figure…

With such a broad range of playset options inspired by the rich canvas of the film, (the most obvious being the Hawkman Rocket Cycle) it seems bizarre that NECA should settle on such a random object to replicate as a toy.  And while I concede that this is, in all probability, the best scene in the picture, its doubtful any fan was clamouring to add a tree stump to their collection to recreate it.

Had the tantalising art on the box been a true representation – if an exclusive Prince Barin figure was included – all would probably be forgiven but the deception doesn’t end there I’m afraid.  Indeed, the consumer is awarded merely half a vinyl tree stump that has little display value unless placed against something flat.

Despite the inclusion of a splendid variant Flash figure, the new accessories of a sword and whip hardly make up for the three portraits and hands carried over from the Final Battle edition –   And as wonderful as it is to see the Empygeron in all its vile one-eyed, eight legged glory, the fact there is no option to hide the static beastie within the trunk seems redundant.  When unboxing the set it seems obvious the stump needed to be hollow and in two halves, yet for all the promise conveyed by the admittedly wonderful (and excessively large) box, the reality is a pretty big disappointment.

Were NECA to step up and announce Wave 2 – (to include Princess Aura, Dale Arden and General Klytus) I would surely feel much better about this triumph of packaging over content, but as is – this was a sad way to end the line.  That being said, it seems NECA weren’t kidding about this set being limited.  As of now its completely sold out and very infrequently appears on auction sites so if you do have it, maybe its worth holding on to after all…

Though December 5th is universally acknowledged as the debut of The Saviour Of The Universe on the silver screen – its Royal Charity Premiere in the UK would actually take place five days later.

In the attendance of their Royal Highnesses Prince & Princess Michael Of Kent (did this picture not warrant anybody higher up?) its fascinating to think what their reaction may have been to some of the debauchery on show.  Indeed, the various Kingdoms depicted in the movie follow suit with much of the antics recorded throughout history so they must have felt at home.

Of course the British public would have to wait until the following day for general release and again, one would love to go back and relive some of the audience reaction to scenes like the Bore Worms, ‘You Bloody Bastards’ and Dale Arden’s involuntary, ah, response.  It would be easy to dismiss it as being from ‘a different time’, but unlike the Carry On films, for example, which have arguably dated themselves out of pop culture altogether, Flash Gordon, for all its tastelessness, endures.  I remember little from when my dad took me to see it at the Kings 123 in West Bromwich except that it blew my seven-year old mind – even prompting dad to say ‘that was brilliant’ which he seldom did.

The only souvenir of the UK premiere was to be the programme, only handed out to attendees of the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue and then either disregarded or stored for the following decades.  Indeed, I only became aware of its existence on a trip to long-gone London Film Museum where an unattainable copy lay in a glass case.  As a rabid fan, one has been coveted since, but like many Flash collectables, only listed infrequently and for extravagant prices.  Luckily, 44 years later I managed to land one, and presented above are a few scans of the mostly self-congratulatory full-page ads contained within.  They don’t make ’em like this anymore…

This years SDCC is looking to be a huge event for Flash Fans!  The below is taken from Sam J. Jones Facebook page –

“San Diego Comic Con 2024 is going to be unforgettable! This year, I am collaborating with @madcavestudios booth #2806 and @necaofficial booth# 3545. Please check out the next slide to see my schedule for meet and greet! Stop by my own booth# 4023
Check out the special Flash Gordon cover collaboration between: @necaofficial x @madcavestudios x @flashgordoncomics . Don’t miss the limited edition Flash Gordon convention exclusive variants, available at SDCC 2024 by Ian Churchill. Explore the latest toys at NECA’s booth.
Looking forward to having a great time!”