Alex Raymond

1935 Full Page Flash Gordon

It is generally accepted that the pinnacle of artistic expression in the narrative medium was achieved in the 30’s. The precursors to the high, illustrative quality of today’s features in books. None are considered greater than Hal Foster and Alex Raymond who stand at the pinnacle when it comes to dynamic anatomy and striking figures. 

Raymond’s apex was achieved from 1935-1939. In particular, when he depicted Flash Gordon, perfecting his dry brush technique. While all the originals from 1935-36 are large and masterful there was a brief window, when at the request of his syndicate, the format was changed from two horizontal features per Sunday page to a single page format. The change in format coincided with Raymond’s most famous or infamous, story arc. Flash is captured by the enchanting Witch-Queen and his memory erased with a nefarious drug. In his nebulous state he is placed in a position where he has to do his master’s bidding, while his true love Dale, scantily clad, must serve her captors. Invariably, this leads to bareback punishment by the electric whip. This is known as the whipping sequence and it occurs over two sequential full page Sundays.

We are proud to offer the first of these two famous examples dated 5-26-1935. Stunningly reproduced in numerous compilations none better than Russ Cochran’s King Portfolio #1 in 1976.