- Defenders of the Earth (collected trade paperback)
- Mad Cave Studios
- Written by Dan DiDio
- Illustrated by Jim Calafiore
- Letters by Carlos M. Mangual
- Publication Date: February 26, 2025
- Diamond Code: DEC241672
- Lunar Code: 1224MA449
- Rated: Teen
Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician and Lothar are united again in this reimagining of the classic animated series, Defenders of the Earth. Picking up with characters and storylines from the original series, Flash confronts Ming in final battle, only to find that even greater threats await him and his teammates as they each must confront ghosts of their past to protect their families and future.
“As a fan of the original animated series, I was excited by the opportunity to work on this title. I’m hoping to build on some of the show’s classic elements and move them in new directions while exploring the personalities and lives of the characters that make the series great. One of the best aspects of the series was finding a way to unite the show’s four but disparate, iconic stars following the end of their war with Ming. What I think sets it apart from other books featuring Flash Gordon, Mandrake, The Phantom, and Lothar is the added generational aspect of the story. That’s the fun part of writing Defenders of the Earth. The father/ son relationships of Flash and Rick, Lothar and LJ, father/ daughter with The Phantom and Jenna, and mentor/ protege with Mandrake and Kshir are really the heart of the story. What makes and breaks these families is key to saving the world from a new and more deadly challenge.”
- Writer, Dan DiDidio
“I don’t say I’m so old that I read the original strips back in the day, but every artist knows these classic characters and have been influenced by them and their creators. A lot of great artists have worked on them over the years. The challenge, and the fun, is having my name added to the list.”
- Artist, Jim Calafiore
“Be it comics, radio, TV, or film, King Features Syndicate’s stable of characters has captured the hearts of fans for over 100 years. Mad Cave Studios is honored to add to this legacy by providing a modern interpretation of their 1986 cartoon supergroup, the Defenders of the Earth. Set in a separate continuity from our ongoing Flash Gordon series, Dan and Jim’s take on these four classic heroes (and their wards) is an action-packed character study that sees the Defenders confront ghosts of their past in order to protect both their families and the future. From physical kicks to emotional punches, Dan and Jim have concocted a series perfect for longtime fans and those just now discovering these iconic characters.”
- Editor, Chas! Pangburn
