Today’s Comic> Rocketeer Adventures #1

"Darn, I left the cookies in the oven!"

Rocketeer Adventures #1

IDW Publishing (May 2011)

An anthology series based on the late Dave Stevens’ most popular character, the comic features 3 tales of the high-flying hero, which we’ll review separately.

The first story is simply titled “The Rocketeer”. John Cassaday takes story and art duties with Laura Martin on colors. Betty is strapped to a missile the bad guys have stolen and Cliff has a rather unique way of rescuing her. It’s a fun enough story.

“Home Again” is written, drawn, and lettered by Mike Allred with Laura Allred on colors. It’s a different art style than the other stories and it kind of stands out. Not bad, but not quite what I’m used to with this title. The story also feels unfinished, like there’s more to it that we’re not given. Either there are other chapters coming, or it’s a “lost” scene from another story. Either way I didn’t enjoy it because it feels incomplete.

“Dear Betty” is my favorite of the tales, which shouldn’t be surprising with Kurt Busiek on writing duties. Michael Kaluta takes art duties with Dave Stewart again on colors and Kaluta does draw a good Betty, even if the art in the first story is my favorite of the group. While acting in a play, Betty is receiving letters from Cliff about his adventures in the war (what’s been declassified, of course) while one of her co-stars keeps trying to get into her pants. It’s a great story that gives us an idea how the “women at home” coped with their loved ones fighting overseas…if that soldier had a rocket engine on his back.

Overall this was a great comic and I very much recommend it. Stevens should be proud to see the love his creation is received by other creators. I hope that stays true through the remaining issues of this mini-series.

Up Next: Best Scene of the Week in the Weekly Wrap-Up on Sunday