Cute game! I like how you applied the theme and all of the wildcards. I also like the art and the music.
It took me a few deaths before I actually felt like I had agency over the ship and understood how to control it reliably. Then I realized that the flames would follow me when I changed direction. I'd try attaching the flames to the world scene (rather than the ship as they appear to be now) so they continue in the same direction, even when the player changes direction.
Nice job with nailing the theme in this submission!