Flash Gordon #5 is an issue of the series Flash Gordon (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 1988.
Synopsis for "Meltdown"
Flash Gordon recalled "blowing" the last basketball game of his senior year and thought that if he "blew" escaping Princess Aura's apartment, it would be the last mistake he ever made. They rushed to the restroom and covered themselves in wet towels before they were able to escape. The two made it to the rooftop, spotted Princess Aura's flyer, and when they caught up with her, Flash demanded that Princess Aura allow her father to continue believing that he was dead.
In the Floating City, Vultan was informed that they had to cut their energy severely in order to stay afloat, as Ming removed the scientists he permitted to operate the technology that allows the city to float, as punishment for losing Dale. Vultan decided that he no longer wished to be Ming's puppet and planned to declare war on him. Flash was able to convince Princess Aura to take them to Arboria, although Prince Barin refused to hide them. Then, they were attacked by Hawkmen and captured by their nets. Ming took Zarkov to an execution and revealed that the woman about to be executed "failed to please him" and that he would be executed too if he failed to please him. They were interrupted when Ming was informed of a transmission from Vultan, who threatened to execute Aura, Flash, Barin, and Dale unless his city was given fuel and scientists. Ming vowed to destroy the Floating City.
King Vultan sentenced Flash and Prince Barin to slavery in the atomic mines, while considering turning Dale and Princess Aura into his wives. Flash and Prince Barin agreed to work together to escape the mines. As Dale and Aura were arguing with Vultan's wives, he declared that Dale would be visiting him first that night. They were interrupted by Ming's arrival. Ming confronted Vultan, who was sitting on his throne, and demanded his abdication and the release of the prisoners. Vultan declared that he would take Ming's throne.
Zarkov, who snuck onto Ming's ship, saved Flash and Barin. When Flash and Barin encountered Ming, the emperor ordered both of their deaths and declared the prince a traitor. Zarkov went to the main control room and caused the city to collapse. Ming planned to escape while Flash suggested focusing on Vultan. Flash revealed that Zarkov was controlling the city's rise and descent and demanded the release of Dale and Aura in exchange for saving the city. By late afternoon, the group convinced Vultan to stop using slaves and Zarkov taught his scientists to operate the Floating City on their own and create their own synthetic fuels.
The group feasted with Vultan, who granted all of them, except for Prince Barin, citizenship of the Floating City. Vultan planned to continue fighting Ming, but refused to ally with the Paqua or the Aquatics. Prince Barin also declared his intent to fight Ming when the emperor's warship arrived. King Vultan sent Flash and Dale away on a shuttle that Ming's warship shot down. However, Flash and Dale were able to escape, but after landing, they were stalked by a beast.
Appearing in "Meltdown"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Ming
- Lura
Other Characters:
- Kercian
- Korse
- N.B.A. (Mentioned only)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
See Also