Wednesday's Finest: 'Rocketeer Adventures’ #1

By Don M. Ventura

Rocketeer Adventures #1

IDW

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One of the things about getting an anthology, especially one that is based on a single character, you sometimes have to put yourself in the mindset that one of the stories might be weak because these types of books tend to be somewhat uneven.

Rocketeer Adventures does not follow suit.

After I continued through this book, the thought that spread to mind was that everyone involved was committed by doing right by the late Dave Stevens’ classic character. Beginning with the stunning cover by Alex Ross, an artist whose work sometimes is a bit stiff for my taste. Not here though. The Rocketeer is dramatically soaring high above the earth and beyond the clouds, his gloved fist firmly pressing the button that ignites his rocket pack. This guy is ready to save the day.

Open the page and Cliff Secord is staring at you, helmet in hand—beautifully illustrated by John Cassaday and colored by Laura Martin (left). The picture is stunning and it sets the tone of this memorable comic book. I have long-awaited Cassaday’s return to interior art after his near singular commitment to cover work. Cassaday also wrote the script for the first story in which Cliff must save girlfriend Betty from the clutches of the Maroni gang. In true serial fashion (from which these stories seem to be inspired), Betty is tied to a soon-to-be ignited rocket.

Once the action begins, the story is sparse with dialogue and Cassaday lays out some gorgeous panels. Specifically one in which the Rocketeer shoots up after Betty to save her from the fleeing rocket (below).

Mike Allred writes and draws the middle story title “Home Again” in which Cliff comes home briefly to tell Betty he loves her and then bid her adieu—he’s off to fight crime in the Big Apple. Each of the artists in the book use their limited storytelling space wisely in Rocketeer Adventures. Allred features two fantastic pages of the Rocketeer soaring across the New York skyline and near the city’s most famous landmarks.

Finally, Kurt Busiek writes a touching story that brings Betty front and center as she eagerly awaits letters from Cliff who is fighting overseas. Busiek’s story, titled “Dear Betty…” is moving and the dialogue is spot-on with its 40’s-centric words and phrases which bring authenticity to the script.

Don’t page through “Dear Betty…” too quickly or you’ll miss everything going on in Michael Kaluta’s beautiful panels. In the opening scene Betty is slumped over the hotel desk, checking for her mail. Most of the sailors in the room have their eyes on her, but it is done so naturally, without it looking cartoonish. Kaluta fills every corner of his pages with story.

In addition to the three stories Mike Mignola draws a fantastic Rocketeer pin-up colored by Dave Stewart. Jim Silke offers up a jaw-dropping Betty pin-up, with the character looking even more like Betty Page than ever.

IDW did not miss a beat when this book was put together. The creators involved are all working at the top of their game and have poured nothing but love for the character into this fine, fine book.

Dave Stevens would be proud.

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