The next chapter in the saga of The Rocketeer has arrived, and it lives up to the quality of its predecessors. One of the most beloved independent comics of the 1980s, The Rocketeer has thrilled generations of fans. Created by Dave Stevens, The Rocketeer has rightfully become a legend in the annals of comic book history.
The Rocketeer first appeared as a back-up feature in 1982's Starslayer #2.
Stevens modeled his high-flying hero after the characters of Saturday morning adventure serials of the 1940s and 1950s, such as Commando Cody, which gives The Rocketeer a serious “throwback” vibe. The book was the story of Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who finds a jetpack, giving him the ability to fly. Initially set shortly before the United States entered the Second World War, Cliff and his allies regularly fought saboteurs and other criminals. Readers could not get enough of Cliff’s adventures, and he even made the leap to live-action in an eponymous 1991 film that was a hit with critics and audiences.
The rights to produce Rocketeer comics have switched hands numerous times over the years. Starting at Pacific Comics, The Rocketeer zipped from publisher to publisher before landing at IDW in 2008. Unfortunately, creator Dave Stevens passed away around the same time, but his estate licensed the character to the publisher, who continue to produce new material based on the venerable character. ScreenRant was provided with a review copy of IDW’s latest Rocketeer offering, and can confidently say it keeps with the legacy Dave Stevens established over 40 years ago.
The Rocketeer Still Flies High in Infiltrator.
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator #1 is written and drawn by John Layman, working from a story by Dave Stevens. Set in 1944, at the peak of the Second World War, it appears that Betty, the glamorous movie star girlfriend of the Rocketeer, has defected to the Axis Powers. She has agreed to star in a movie currently filming in Europe, much to the chagrin of the rest of the world.
However, Betty and Cliff are true patriots, and it is all a ruse. Allied intelligence has learned the Nazis are building a super weapon of some kind, and have sent the Rocketeer in to investigate. Sure enough, he soon discovers the Nazis are indeed constructing something horrible in the Alps. Just as the chips seem down for the Rocketeer, a mysterious new ally appears, one that may pose a threat to Cliff and Betty’s domestic life.
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator Honors Dave Stevens' Legacy on Every Page
Writer/artist John Layman Nails Everything That Makes the Rocketeer Great
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator’s first issue gets the story off to a rip-roaring start. Writer/artist John Layman, best known for his work on titles such as Chew, honors Dave Steven’s creation throughout the book. Stevens infused The Rocketeer with nostalgia for a bygone era, and Infiltrator keeps this tradition alive. The Saturday morning Republic serials Stevens was paying tribute to featured larger than life heroes going after diabolical villains. The Rocketeer: Infiltrator proudly carries Dave Stevens’ legacy into the 21st century.
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator proudly carries Dave Stevens’ legacy into the 21st century.
At the same time, The Rocketeer: Infiltrator moves the story forward, and keeps it from stagnating. Layman sets the action deep into the heart of World War II. While the tides were turning in favor of the Allies, victory was still not guaranteed. The Rocketeer is using his gear to help the war effort, but he is inexperienced. To help Cliff and Betty in their mission, Layman introduces a new character to The Rocketeer mythos that will greatly shake up the dynamic between the two lovers.
Infiltrator’s first issue sets up some intriguing mysteries to play out over the next few issues. The Axis forces are building a weapon of some kind, but the issue leaves it vague. Whatever the Nazis are creating spells certain doom for the Allies and the Rocketeer. Furthermore, Cliff and Betty’s reputations have taken severe damage, and how they can ever repair them will be central to the book as well. Finally, just who is Cliff and Betty’s suave new handler?
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator Lives Up to the Hype
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator #1 is a wonderful, “back to basics” read that honors Dave Stevens’ most endearing creation. Rising from an indie sensation, The Rocketeer today is an institution. It has survived changing publishers and the passing of its creator. The Rocketeer’s live action film is a cult favorite, 35 years after its release. Dave Stevens created something magical with The Rocketeer, and now IDW and John Layman are creating a hype-worthy continuation with Infiltrator.
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator #1 is on sale July 8 from IDW Publishing!
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