Following the success of Buck Rogers, William Randolph Hearst’s King Features Syndicate sought a competing science fiction adventure strip; the assignment went to Alex Raymond. Flash Gordon debuted on January 7, 1934, and became one of science fiction’s most enduring icons during a brief but influential run of newspaper strips. Although his early style was simple and cartoonish, Raymond soon began experimenting with panel layouts and developing new ways to portray action, movement, and narrative sequences. His settings featured exotic alien civilizations, interstellar battles, detailed cities and unique characters. Raymond served as president of the National Cartoonist's Society for two years and had his work showcased in books and magazines including a 1940 issue of Life. 

Raymond was killed in a car accident in September, 1956.