Book of the Month
What did the
iFanboy
community think?
Pulls
Colorist: Laura Martin
Size: pages
Price: 29.99
I’m late to the game on The Rocketeer twice-over. First, I’m late in experiencing and enjoying The Rocketeer as a comic. Way late. You see, my first exposure to The Rocketeer didn’t come from the comic, rather from the Disney movie in the early 1990s. In fact, despite being an avid comic reader back then, the fact that this was a comic book movie completely eluded me. I didn’t even know the comic existed. As I got older and my comic book knowledge grew, I became aware of the existence of The Rocketeer as an indie comic and its creator Dave Stevens, but never actually read it. The original, first story was printed as back up stories to Mike Grell’s StarSlayer series published by Pacific Comics in 1982 and the second follow up story got the proper complete issue treatment by Comico Comics in 1988 and 1989, but only for two issues, the final 3rd issue was published by Dark Horse Comics in 1995. The Rocketeer is an example of some of the amazing work that was done in the 1980s independent comics scene that now, 20+ years later runs the risk of falling through the cracks. So many great comics were published by independent publishers that may never get the proper reprinting that they deserve. Lucky for us and The Rocketeer, IDW has put together this amazing, updated collection gathering all of The Rocketeer comics in one handy volume.
And that’s where I’m late to the game for the second time. IDW released this collection (as well as a more expensive, deluxe edition) at the end of 2009/beginning of 2010. Everyone was raving about these collections, but it wasn’t until recently that I got the opportunity to pick it up, and give it a proper reading.
I’m so mad at myself right now. First for not chasing down this comic before 2010, and second for not getting this collection the day it came out.
Simply put, every bit of hyperbole you may have heard about The Rocketeer and Dave Stevens is completely and utterly valid and accurate. Reading this comic was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in a while, reminding me what can be done with this outstanding medium of comic books.
The book has a simple premise/set-up: Los Angeles, 1938. Cliff Secord, a down on his luck stunt airplane pilot who can’t make enough money to keep his girl Betty, stumbles upon a top-secret rocket pack, dons a helmet and stumbles into becoming The Rocketeer. Then of course he gets caught up with government agents, Nazi spies and much more than he bargained for.
Dave Stevens was able to, in the span of just a few chapters of story, tap into the imagination of comic fans with simple, key themes like pulp heroes of the 1930s, science fiction (with the jet pack), Nazis (always great villains), romance (or lack of romance), and non-stop excitement and action. It’s no wonder this comic was adapted into a movie; every panel oozes with action and adventure, bringing together all the makings of a great story. Stevens was no slouch when it came to art either, from his sci-fi influenced design of the rocket pack itself, to Betty who was not too subtlety modeled after the great Bettie Page, Stevens created this world of L.A. in the grand, early Hollywood days so accurately, that this story made me want to go watch L.A. Confidential after reading it.
What makes this collection extra special is the care and love that IDW put into the production. The entire comic was re-colored by Laura Martin, a decision/recommendation made my Dave Stevens before he passed away, and the man made the right call. Martin’s colors are able to give an updated and vibrant look to Steven’s art. The art itself is beyond fantastic, balancing great design elements of the 1930s and the type of stories that Stevens was channeling with his own drafting that kept a solid cartooning style just when it needed it. Particularly, I was impressed with Stevens use of layouts and depiction of action within the story. Depicting aerial maneuvers and action is no easy feat in the pages of comic books, but Stevens was able to do it with ease. Additionally, his use of location; Los Angeles in the first story and New York City in the second, was something that added to the atmosphere and feel of the story, transporting you to those cities in those time periods.
The history of the comic book industry is dominated by institutions, creations that have endured decades, but there are also creations that were single moments of brilliance, often too short. The Rocketeer will always be remembered as one of those brilliant moments. The best compliment I can give The Rocketeer is that instantly after finishing the issue, I was immediately depressed that there weren’t more stories to be read with these characters in this world. Luckily, IDW has put together an amazing collection that not only celebrates the work of Dave Stevens, complete with back matter such as covers and additional artwork, for me to marvel over.
Ron Richards
Man, I wish there were more..
ron@ifanboy.com
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This artwork (pencils) is from the early 80’s?? Very impressive. This could have been released last Wednesday and it would have fit right in.
I haven’t seen the movie in quite some time, but remember liking it. I’m going to go add this to my wish list.
Ok, I’m sold.
Nice. I’ve been meaning to get this for a while. I watch the movie every now and then, it holds up well, IMO.
man that looks good, I should pick that up.
It’s so good. Seriously.
One of those that I couldn’t put down…I didn’t want it to end.
OH SNAP!
Great pick Ron. I picked it up myself at the start of January and was blown away. Well worth a look.
Love me some Rocketeer. Need to pick this up
I wasn’t quite sure what I was expecting when I picked this up, but it met, exceeded and trounced the crap out of that expectation.
Plus there’s an introduction my iFanboy video show star Thomas Jane!
Ron, you’re pushing my guilt buttons as this is another one that’s been on my stack for a month or so now, along with Brush With Passion, the book about Stevens which Bendis recommended last year. Must fit more hours into day! It’s interesting that this book, which dates from the arly 80’s, seemed to beat a lot of the love of nostalgic fiction of the last 10-15 years or so. Also, that art is perfect for the time it’s set. Gorgeous.
I’m sold on the name alone. Anything that ends in "-eteer" is sure to deliver.
This is my all time favorite movie. I’m really interested to find out if the comic is better than the movie.
The Rocketeer is one of my favourite characters. I got the deluxe edition when it came out and it’s good to see other people still enjoy these great stories. Dave Stevens’ art is simply amazing
Is there more material? Just wondering because of the "Volume 1"
@UncleBob
No.
I knew, in some sort of tangental fashion, that this collection had been put out. Probably in that "oh, look at that… FLIP" kind of way as you page through Previews each month. I had always wanted to the series because of how much I loved the movie 20 years ago. This moves up to #1 on my to-buy list. Thanks Ron.
This will be purchased soon with last month’s book. I love the movie, and this comic sounds like it’s a lot more of that goodness.
Just threw this in my Amazon order along with Queen and Country Definitive Edition vol 1 and Pluto vol. 1. I wouldn’t have known about any of these books without iFanboy. Thanks guys.
I pre-ordered the deluxe edition never having read the comic, but rather based on nostalgia for my favorite Amiga computer game, Rocket Ranger (which it is now obvious to me was a Rocketeer ripoff, and was also totally awesome, especially in 1989 or 1990). Dave Stevens’ art is as beautiful as everyone says it is, and the production value IDW put into the book was insane. But man, that story. It really didn’t work for me at all. I can absolutely enjoy a mildly hokey homage to the days of simpler storytelling, but this was just too much. Lots of absurd coincidences and extremely shallow characters. Betty’s character in particular was borderline offensive in her vapidity–aside from the fact that she was hot, I could see no reason for Cliff not to completely despise her. For me, the greatness of the art was just not enough to tolerate the simplistic story. But I’m glad that other people are enjoying it, and I think we can all agree that it is a shame that there won’t be any new Dave Stevens artwork for us to drool over.
So how many pages roughly is this? not that it will effect my decision, i will be picking this soon im just curious
My girlfriend got me the deluxe as christmas gift. It was amazing. I only new of the disney movie before hand.
This has been sitting on the shelf of my local bookshop for over a month, I do intend picking it up, just from nostalgia for the great 90s film, if nothing else.
In the meantime, you might find this cool, i found it some time ago, now it’s the wallpaper on my phone:
http://eclecticmicks.blogspot.com/2009/03/rocketeer.html
I just picked this up not a week ago. While I haven’t read it yet, I do like the presentation and the art just looks f’n amazing. Very excited to read it.
It’s not too long at all at 144 pages, but it’s very much a quality over quantity scenario. Don’t worry about the page count and enjoy it.
Above comment @ greendart32 – Sorry for double post!
I love this pick! I can’t wait to pick it up, I have an unreasonable affection for this character though all I have to go on is the movie..
Got it for christmas. Its in my stack somewhere. Guess I’ll have to put it on the "next" list.
Love the movie!
Ron,
I’m just like you, I never realized it was a comic first. The movie ranks up there as one of my all time favorites, and when i saw this book in my local shop a few weeks ago i bought it almost immediately.
Its too bad that this character got "lost in the shuffle". Maybe someone, someday can bring him back.
Another interesting tidbit (i believe i read it in the books intro) was Stevens’ depiction of Bettie Page in this comic was largely responsible for the real life character rising back up into public memory and becoming the modern licensed icon we see all around us today.
and yeah, I also wish there was more rocketeer.
Oh man that movie was my favorite when I was a kid. Definently gonna check this out.
Wow, how did I miss this last week? Oo.
I agree with you Ron, The Rockteer is a great comic, and one of my favorite comics that got made into a movie and done well. It’s still in my top 25 comics of all time. I do have a friend that produces an online comic that is a pastiche of The Rockteer, called Captain Spectre and the Lightning Legion, and I don’t think it’s a ripoff either. He has his own take on his own character and he’s been a long time pulp fan. He hopes to have an actual printed book some day, but at the same time also stays busy creating other characters (and drawing a comic for Moonstone), and holding down a day job. If you care to read his ongoing storyline, check it out here: http://www.captainspectre.com/1_1.html
His art starts out a bit rough, but if you continue into the second and third storylines, you’ll see his art improves by leaps and bounds and the story is a fun read.
I agree totally with mrlogic, it’s amazing art, but the story did nothing for me and the characters were quite 1 dimensional. That said, I’m really sad I missed out on the more deluxe version as the art is incredible! That Deluxe sold out in days and I really wish they would re-print it.
I am totally in agreement with all of you, The Rocketeer is a fantastic story and the artwork is fantastic. Ill definately be getting this hardcover glory. I have a few issues of Rocketeer but the complete stories would be fantastic. This is a great comic for anyone who loves PULP. The movie is great although I am kinda disappointed that Betty was an actress and not BETTY PAGE as she is portrayed in the comics. The movie certainly got cleaned up a lil but thats understandable as it is disney and disney is about family.
But all in all a fantastic buy, definately something every comic fan should own.
If anyone loves the Rocketeer and Pulp they may want to look into the movie serial Commando Cody and Rocketmen from the moon. Two great black and white serials.
Ron`s raving persuaded me to pick this up – and I`m really glad I did. Thanks Ron.