 Debuting on January 7 , 1934 , Raymond 's first Flash strip introduced the " world @-@ famous polo player " , improbably roped into a space adventure alongside love @-@ interest Dale Arden and scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov . Transported by rocket to the planet Mongo , " which was about to collide with Earth " , the trio " immediately became embroiled in the affairs of Mongo 's inhabitants — particularly those of its insidious warlord , Ming " , who would become Flash Gordon 's nemesis throughout the franchise 's many incarnations . 
