The Island adventure kicks into high gear in The Rocketeer: The Island #2, as Cliff Secord and company continue their daring mission to find one of aviation’s greatest legends. After the first issue’s wild reveal, I’m still grinning at the sheer audacity of pairing the Rocketeer with Tintin and Popeye the Sailor; definitely not something I had on my 2026 bingo card. Writer John Layman, artist Jacob Edgar, and colorist K.J. Diaz pulled me in with a thrilling opener, and issue #2 keeps that momentum soaring while teasing even bigger surprises ahead. Seriously, brace yourself for that final page.
IDW
Layman continues to build on Dave Stevens’ original vision, capturing the spirit of The Rocketeer while giving the story room to grow. Cliff feels more seasoned here, stepping naturally into a leadership role as the stakes rise. It’s a subtle but effective evolution that fits this larger, more dangerous adventure. At the same time, Layman seeds intriguing threads with the supporting cast; Alexandra Payne stands out as someone worth watching, while Goose raises just enough suspicion to keep you guessing. I do wish Tintin and Popeye had a bit more to do in this chapter, but with the story still unfolding, there’s plenty of runway left.
Visually, Jacob Edgar and K.J. Diaz absolutely nail the tone. There’s a nostalgic, wide-eyed charm to the art that leans into classic adventure storytelling rather than modern superhero bombast. Edgar fills the action sequences with energy, whether it’s chaotic encounters or frantic escapes; the panels feel alive with motion. When things slow down, the character work shines just as brightly, with expressive body language delivering both humor and tension. Diaz’s colors elevate everything, from the vibrant greens of the island to the endless blue skies that practically beg Cliff to take flight. The result feels like a love letter to pulp adventure with a modern polish.
The issue’s tone even flirts with Jurassic Park vibes at times, as the island’s dangers come into sharper focus. It’s a fun shift that adds a layer of unpredictability without losing the Rocketeer’s signature sense of wonder.
IDW
Overall, this is the kind of comic you sink into on a Saturday morning; pure adventure, full of charm, mystery, and escalating stakes. Layman continues to expand Cliff’s world with new dynamics, especially through Alexandra, while still honoring the character’s roots. And that last-page reveal? Let’s say the sky might not be the limit anymore.
The Rocketeer: The Island #2 builds on its high-flying premise, adding a stronger sense of adventure and mystery while blending classic pulp energy with surprising crossover elements. John Layman deepens Cliff Secord’s character while teasing new tensions within the crew, and the art team delivers vibrant, nostalgic visuals that make the island setting pop. With a bold final-page reveal, the series continues to raise the stakes in fun, unexpected ways.
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