The item that stands out most in my memory about the last issue of this comic was that the young woman, who was the new Phantom, kept getting airsick from the space travel/action.  Maybe that’s not the kind of impact a comic wants to make on a reader. This second issue starts off with Dr. Zarkov and Mandrake having an argument about science versus magic.  I kind of remember an argument like that from the Thor movies.  So we are starting off with some unoriginal dialogue meant to build a humorous connection between characters via a friendly debate that will later work out that both sides benefit the opposite character.  That feels a little too familiar.

Next we get a pairing between Flash Gordon and the Phantom (not the nauseous little girl one) that plays off the idea of being stealthy or being flat out offensive power.

Afterwards there are some great action beats with some space battles.  Cap it off with a great two-part twist for an ending, and the comic finally gets some momentum in the story department.

For a team-up book, the chemistry of the team members feels so weak.  In stead of the teamwork motivated action of an Avengers book or the uneasy alliance of a Batman/Superman team up, we have some characters that feel like they are forced to work together with no interest in wanting to be there or not wanting to be there.  Instead, the characters feel indifferent, lukewarm, and bland.

However, the action does have some draw to it.  But the imbalance does cripple the book.

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