Sci Fi History: Flash Gordon (1934)

The first Flash Gordon comic debuted in 1934. Inspired by Buck Rogers, the story recounts a polo player and their battles with Ming the Merciless from the planet Mongo. Eventually, Flash and his compatriots defeat Ming and establish a peaceful Mongo. The series featured faster than light space travel and adventures across many star systems. The comic led to serials and films, most notably starring Buster Crabbe. In 1980, Hollywood produced a major film version that critics panned, but had a good soundtrack. There has also been a television series, cartoons, comics, novels, radio serials, and a Sci-Fi channel live action series in 2007.

Sci Fi History: Buck Rogers (1928)

Buck Rogers was created in 1928. He was originally a World War I vet. In 1978, he worked for NASA.

Anthony Rogers was trapped in a mine cave-in. The gas froze Rogers for 500 years and he awoke in 2419. Buck saves Wilma Deering from a gang and is welcomed into her clan. Deering’s gang enlists Rogers’ help, and World War I combat experience, to battle the evil Hans who conquered America.

The story proved popular leading to sequels, novels, comic strips, radio shows, movies, and two television series. There was even a Daffy Duck version of Buck Rogers. A 2010 web series was produced and there is talk of another film.