Flash Gordon first appeared as a comic strip in 1934 which then progressed into films, several television series and even radio. The early films featured Buster Crabbe as Flash Gordon which were made and released between 1936 and 1940. A further film made in 1980 gained cult status and featured Sam J Jones as Flash Gordon and Brian Blessed as the Hawkman character 'Prince Vultan'. The film is also remembered for the musical score both composed and performed by the cult pop group Queen.