The Rocketeer, the high-flying alter ego of pilot Cliff Secord, has returned in a new adventure that feels both like a warm hug for long-time fans and a fresh jumping-off point for newcomers. Written by John Layman with art by Jacob Edgar, The Rocketeer: The Island #1 takes a story idea from legendary creator Dave Stevens and expands it into a sprawling mystery that bridges the gap between historical tragedy and pulp heroics.
Visual Storytelling and Atmosphere
The first thing that hits you about this issue is the aesthetic. Jacob Edgar’s art doesn’t just mimic Dave Stevens; it honors the “World of Tomorrow” energy while adding a slightly more expressive, modern clarity. The character designs are a highlight, particularly the “Easter egg” inclusions of classic comic archetypes. Seeing figures that clearly evoke Popeye (as Captain Segar) and Tintin (as Justin Martin) makes the world feel like a living, breathing history of the funny papers.
The colors by K.J. Diaz are equally vital. The palette shifts beautifully from the warm, nostalgic golds of a 1933 county fair to the moody, bruised purples and blues of a South Pacific storm. It’s a visual journey that tells you exactly how to feel before you even read a word of dialogue.
Espionage, Heartbreak, and the Cirrus Project
The story starts with a 1933 prologue that establishes a meeting between a young Cliff Secord and his idol, Amelia Earhart. I appreciated that this wasn’t just fan service, as it gave Cliff a personal stake in her eventual 1938 disappearance. When a mysterious government handler reveals that Earhart might have been a political prisoner of the Japanese, the mission becomes more than a job: it’s a rescue.
Layman also manages to weave in some crucial lore regarding the Cirrus Project. We finally get a direct look at the government’s perspective on the rocket pack: it was a prototype deemed too dangerous for the public, which they now use as leverage to force Cliff into service. It’s a nice layer of tension to the heroics, as Cliff is essentially a government asset working to keep his freedom.
Character Dynamics: Betty, Marco, and the Crew
While the mystery is the engine, the characters are the heart. The will-they-won’t-they drama between Cliff and Betty is as sharp as ever. Seeing Betty doted on by the wealthy Marco Sinclair (or “Marcovitch,” as Cliff bitterly calls him) provides the perfect emotional counterpoint to the high-stakes espionage. It keeps Cliff human, I mean, he’s a hero who can fly across oceans, but he still gets jealous when his ex gets a back rub on a sun deck.
The introduction of Professor Alexandra Payne adds a new intellectual weight to the crew. Her rescue by The Rocketeer during a violent Day 16 storm is the issue’s action peak, showcasing Cliff’s selflessness even when he’s supposed to be lying low.
Verdict: Pulp Enthusiasts Rejoice
The Rocketeer: The Island #1 succeeds because it understands that the character works best when he is caught between his own small-scale problems and world-altering events. As the comic ends, and you see Cliff fly toward the horizon to see the impossible, you find yourself fully invested in the journey of what comes next.
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‘The Rocketeer: The Island’ #1 New Horizon for Cliff Secord
The Rocketeer: The Island #1 succeeds because it understands that the character works best when he is caught between his own small-scale problems and world-altering events. As the comic ends, and you see Cliff fly toward the horizon to see the impossible, you find yourself fully invested in the journey of what comes next.
