It’s that wonderful time of year when we get a brand-new, timeless, adrenaline-pumping adventure starring the Rocketeer. Part of what makes Cliff Secord such a dashing hero is that he’s always chasing the impossible, and The Rocketeer: The Island #1 wastes no time sending him on a quest worthy of legend. This time, the call to adventure comes with history attached, as Cliff is recruited for a search-and-rescue mission that may finally uncover the fate of Amelia Earhart. Check out this awesome trailer for the miniseries.
Set in 1938, the story finds Cliff hesitant to take on the mission until he learns the expedition leads to the same mysterious island where Betty once disappeared with the scummy photographer Marco. Suddenly, the job isn’t just about history; it’s personal. Writer John Layman, working from a never-published outline by Dave Stevens, crafts a story that feels unmistakably Rocketeer: romantic, thrilling, and fueled by classic pulp adventure. The hook alone is irresistible, but the execution is what truly shines.
What surprised me most about this opening issue is just how big it lets the imagination run. Cliff’s mission quickly expands beyond a simple rescue, introducing unexpected guest characters that honestly blew my mind. These aren’t crossovers I ever expected to see, yet they fit so naturally into the story that they feel like they’ve always belonged. IDW has been on a roll with imaginative team-ups – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles immediately comes to mind – and this series continues that trend by embracing the sheer joy of comic-book possibility.
Credit: IDW
Layman does an excellent job establishing a voice for Cliff that feels authentic to past Rocketeer stories while still welcoming new readers. The world-building is especially strong here, as Layman creates a believable history between Cliff and Amelia Earhart that deepens the emotional stakes of the mission. Add in the looming threat of a G-man presence, and the issue balances wonder and suspense beautifully. Familiar faces help ground the story, while new characters expand Cliff’s world in exciting ways.
Artist Jacob Edgar and colorist K.J. Díaz make for a perfect one-two punch, bringing this era and adventure vividly to life. Edgar’s art strikes a wonderful balance between period authenticity and classic comic-book dynamism, with expressive faces and kinetic action throughout. The Rocketeer in flight looks absolutely phenomenal, so much so that one splash feels destined to become a poster or statue. Díaz’s colors enhance the warmth and danger of the island setting, while the guest characters are reimagined with confidence and flair.
The Rocketeer: The Island #1 is a reminder of why this character endures: adventure, romance, history, and heart, all wrapped in a jetpack. It’s bold, imaginative, and unapologetically fun. Don’t sleep on this one – make sure to place your order with your local comic shop, because Cliff Secord’s latest adventure takes off on February 25, 2026. It’s one worth chasing into the clouds.
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