The Hero Returns, Sort Of — Reviewing ‘The Rocketeer: In The Den Of Thieves’ #1

Finally, the Rocketeer has come back – literally and figuratively.

After the previous miniseries deprived readers of seeing much of the titular character, this new run starts off with a dynamic sequence from artist David Messina in which the hero takes off in full-page glory.

There’s just one problem. He immediately crashes. Turns out, it’s not the Rocketeer but rather a Nazi wannabe with a faulty thruster. The real protagonist is in Hollywood with his girlfriend. His rocket has been damaged, and it seems questionable whether he’ll return to the skies anytime soon. That leaves alter ego Cliff Secord questioning what he’s doing. It also leaves readers wondering when they going to see the flying man again.

Fortunately, Messina’s artwork provides more than enough eye candy for readers. His illustrations of old Hollywood – including Cliff’s bombshell girlfriend Betty Paige – the menacing German Flying Squad and some airplane’s aerial exploits help to drive this premiere issue. He does a great job of capturing the 1930s aesthetic, though giving the bad guys the same helmet as the hero is an odd choice. Messina also provides the colors, and does a nice job with shadows throughout the story.

Stephen Mooney’s storyline is a familiar one – the hero questioning his value to the world. How, and how long, it takes Cliff to recover from this tailspin will ultimately decide whether this series is worth readers’ time and attention.

If recent history has taught the creative team anything, it’s that the story needs more Rocketeer. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to feature less of Cliff and his existential angst. But like any superhero movie, we’re here to see the good guy fight the villain. More of that, please.

The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves #1 is available for purchase today at your local shop.