New York Jets football star "Flash" Gordon and travel journalist Dale Arden find themselves companions in calamity when Dr. Hans Zarkov, a somewhat mad scientist, coerces them into boarding his rocket ship. In a desperate attempt to save Earth from an incoming intergalactic attack, Zarkov aims to confront the malevolent force behind the natural disasters plaguing the planet. The trio is hurled into the far reaches of space and crash-lands on the planet Mongo, ruled by the ruthless Emperor Ming the Merciless. Asia, Earth's destruction amuses Ming, who confesses to orchestrating the turmoil as part of his cruel amusement.

Confronted with the twisted politics and power struggles of Mongo's various kingdoms, the Earthlings are thrust into an arena of conflict and deceit. Amidst intrigue, they find unlikely allies in Prince Barin, ruler of the forest kingdom of Arboria, and Prince Vultan, leader of the Hawkmen. Ming's merciless grip on his subjects and his insatiable appetite for power have sowed discord among the oppressed realms. While Flash's innate heroism inspires rebellion, Ming takes a disturbing interest in Dale, compelling the earthlings to navigate courtly treachery. As the clock ticks on humanity's survival, Flash must forge a resistance against Ming's tyranny and unite the fractured kingdoms of Mongo.