THE ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR #1 (IDW PUBLISHING)

It’s April of 1944 and the United States is desperate to find out about a secret Nazi weapon. So, they reach out to Cliff Secord, the Rocketeer! Alongside his girlfriend Betty, they must infiltrate a Nazi movie production and find out what and where this secret weapon is.

The Rocketeer: Infiltrator #1 – Based on a Story Idea By Dave Stevens – Written By Gabriel Hardman – Art By Dean Kotz - Colors By K.J. Díaz - Letters By Shawn Lee - Edited By Nicolas Niño -Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

STORY OVERVIEW:

Somewhere over the North Atlantic in April of 1944 a squadron of fighter planes is taken out by a powerful unknown weapon. Desperate to find out about this new Nazi threat, the United States government enlists Cliff Secord, the Rocketeer, and his girlfriend Betty to infiltrate the Nazi’s. Betty will pose as an actress who is willing to be a traitor to her country to star in a Nazi movie. Cliff will portray her brother and manager to keep an eye on her and keep her safe. She will keep her ears open to find out secrets, while Cliff as the Rocketeer will investigate any leads. As they get closer to answers more will be revealed, including that they are not the only spies on set.

WRITING:

This first issue of The Rocketeer: Infiltrator does a strong job of setting the stage for the larger story while staying true to the adventurous spirit and classic charm of the franchise. Gabriel Hardman understands what makes Cliff Secord and the world of the Rocketeer so appealing: a blend of pulp adventure, old Hollywood glamour, wartime danger, and earnest heroism. The issue never feels like it is simply relying on nostalgia. Instead, Hardman uses the familiar elements of the Rocketeer mythos as a foundation and builds a new spy-driven mission around them. The 1944 setting is handled with care, giving the story a clear sense of place and urgency as the threat of a secret Nazi weapon hangs over every scene.

Hardman also does a great job of balancing exposition with momentum. The story gives readers enough information to understand the mission, the stakes, and the danger facing Cliff and Betty, but it wisely holds back enough mystery to keep the reader invested. Betty’s undercover role adds an extra layer of tension because she is not just a supporting character in the background; she is actively placed in danger and becomes central to the espionage plot. Cliff’s role as both protector and investigator gives the issue a steady sense of suspense, especially as he must navigate the mission without drawing attention to himself. The gradual reveals, the sense that other players may be hiding their true loyalties, and the surprise final-page moment all work together to create a strong hook for the next chapter. Overall, Hardman delivers an engaging opening issue that establishes the conflict, respects the legacy of the Rocketeer, and leaves readers with plenty of reasons to come back for issue two.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue captures the time period beautifully and immediately pulls the reader into the world of 1944. Dean Kotz does a strong job of making the setting feel authentic without allowing the historical details to overwhelm the adventure. The characters’ clothing, hairstyles, vehicles, buildings, and movie-production elements all help establish the wartime era. Kotz’s linework also gives the pages a sense of energy and movement, especially when the Rocketeer is in action. The flying sequences, the shifts between quiet undercover moments and moments of danger, and the way the panels guide the reader through each scene all help create a steady cinematic rhythm.

Kotz also captures the iconic look of the Rocketeer in a way that feels instantly recognizable while still fitting naturally into this particular story. Cliff’s helmet, jacket, and rocket pack all have the classic visual appeal fans expect, and the contrast between his heroic appearance and the shadowy espionage setting makes the issue even more visually interesting. K.J. Díaz’s colors add a great deal to that atmosphere. The use of earth tones, muted lighting, and warm aged hues gives the artwork a vintage feel, almost as if the reader is looking at a lost wartime adventure film. At the same time, the colors still allow key moments of action and suspense to stand out clearly. Together, Kotz and Díaz create artwork that supports both sides of the book: the nostalgic pulp adventure and the tense spy thriller. Their combined work makes the world feel believable, stylish, and exciting, which is exactly what a Rocketeer story needs.

Check Out My Review of THE ROCKETEER: THE ISLAND #4

Final Thoughts:

The Rocketeer: Infiltrator #1 does a great job of adding a new chapter to a classic story and franchise. The writing and artwork make you feel like you are back in the 1940’s. At the same time the story builds a good deal of intrigue that will make you want to read more. You should definitely give this issue a shot and see if this series is for you. Make sure to get down to your Local Comic Shop and grab a copy of this first issue ASAP!

FINAL GRADE: 9/10

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