Flash Gordon is a science fiction character created in 1934 by writer Alex Raymond. He is a heroic space adventurer who battles the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless to save Earth from destruction. The original story was serialized in comic strips and later adapted into various media, including films and television series. The character gained popularity through a 1980 film, which featured a memorable soundtrack by the band Queen. Flash Gordon has since become a cultural icon, representing the classic hero archetype in the genre of space opera and inspiring numerous adaptations and parodies.