I consider Charles Middleton's Ming as iconic as Lugosi's Dracula or Karloff's Frankenstein Monster. I can't think of classic horror/fantasy without including Ming! It would have been interesting to see Lugosi take on the role, of course--he was brilliant as the maniacal Roxor in the 1933 Chandu film, and that character had some shadings that would have been impressive to see in Lugosi's take on Ming. But, frankly, I just can't imagine ANYONE, even beloved Bela, on the Dragon Throne but Charles Middleton.

All that to one side, I remember the 3rd Flash serial as being overall a rather lacklustre production, compared with the glory of the first 2 shows, and #3 is the one I've put off revisiting as an adult. I didn't care for the military styled uniform Ming was given to wear in #3, and it all seemed like a let down after the insidious glory of Ming's "Satanic" persona in Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars.

Perhaps I will take time out to view these stories again and revise my opinion. I would be very happy if that proved to be the case. The highlights Pa Stark mentions certainly give me a yen to see it all again!

And thanks to Elizabeth for the beautiful story.

H.