THE ROCKETEER: THE ISLAND #3 (IDW PUBLISHING) (Copy)

The conclusion to this fun and unexpected crossover event is here. Can the Rocketeer save Betty from Kong? Will Amelia Earhart leave Skull Island and triumphantly return to the States? These questions and more are answered in this fun finale to this miniseries.

The Rocketeer: The Island #4 – Based on a Story Idea By Dave Stevens – Written & Letters By John Layman - Art By Jacob Edgar - Colors By K.J. Díaz - Edited By Nicolas Niño -Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Cliff and Amelia have evaded King Bloodscale by heading behind the waterfall where Amelia has made a little home for herself. She then tells Cliff about how she ended up on Skull Island. Cliff ponders how he is going to save Betty from Kong, but Amelia lets him know that if she’s with Kong, she is safe. Speaking of Betty & Kong, we get to see how they are bonding and how Kong has been taking care of her. However, while Kong is out Betty draws the attention of Bloodscale by accident. Will Kong & Cliff be able to save Betty from Bloodscale, or is she doomed to become dino food? Either way the stage is set for an epic final battle on Skull Island.

WRITING:

The finale of The Rocketeer: The Island miniseries follows the same fun, adventurous spirit that has carried the rest of the series, but it also feels like the issue where everything gets to fully pay off. John Layman does a strong job bringing the many moving pieces of this crossover together without making the conclusion feel rushed or overcrowded. Cliff, Betty, Amelia Earhart, Kong, Popeye, and the dangers of Skull Island all have a part to play, and Layman makes sure each element contributes to the final stretch of the story in a meaningful way. Rather than leaving threads hanging or relying on vague hints for the future, he gives the reader a clear and satisfying ending that answers the major questions the series has been building toward.

The biggest highlight of the issue is the final confrontation between Bloodscale and Kong, which gives the finale the big, pulpy monster-fight energy it needs. The battle feels worthy of the title of King of Skull Island, but Layman keeps it from becoming only a creature-feature showdown by weaving the human characters into the action in entertaining ways. The Rocketeer’s presence adds momentum and danger from above, Amelia’s involvement gives her arc a satisfying sense of closure, and Popeye’s inclusion brings a playful team-up quality that fits the crossover’s larger-than-life personality. That mix of spectacle, humor, and heart is what makes the finale work so well. Layman understands that this story should be exciting and dramatic, but also light on its feet, and he balances those tones nicely.

What also stands out is how emotionally satisfying the ending is. The issue provides resolution for Amelia Earhart, brings Cliff and Betty’s relationship back to a warm and charming place, and closes the Skull Island conflict in a way that feels triumphant rather than overly complicated. There is something refreshing about a finale that knows exactly what kind of story it is telling and delivers on those promises. Layman does not overextend the premise or try to make the ending darker than it needs to be. Instead, he embraces the joy of the adventure, gives the characters their moments, and lands the ending with confidence. It is a fun, clean, and rewarding conclusion that makes the entire miniseries feel worthwhile.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this finale, much like the rest of the series, successfully blends the charm of classic adventure comics with a clean, modern sense of polish. Jacob Edgar does an excellent job bringing Skull Island to life as a setting that feels dangerous, unpredictable, and full of personality. The island never comes across as just a generic jungle backdrop. Instead, it feels like a living environment filled with towering cliffs, thick vegetation, hidden threats, and massive creatures that could emerge at any moment. That sense of atmosphere helps sell the danger of the story while still keeping the visual tone bright and adventurous enough to fit the world of The Rocketeer.

Edgar’s work especially shines during the final battle, where the confrontation between Bloodscale and Kong gets the scale and energy it deserves. The action is big and chaotic in the right ways, but it remains easy to follow from panel to panel. Kong feels massive and powerful, Bloodscale looks like a terrifying threat, and the Rocketeer’s movement through the sky adds a great sense of speed and momentum to the sequence. What makes the action work so well is that Edgar does not lose sight of the characters within the spectacle. The expressions, body language, and staging help communicate fear, determination, humor, and excitement, giving the battle more personality than a simple monster fight.

The period details also come through nicely, giving the issue the pulpy adventure flavor that makes this crossover feel so enjoyable. The designs, settings, and character acting all capture that old-school serial energy without making the book feel dated. K.J. Díaz adds even more life to the pages with a bright and inviting color palette that makes the island, the creatures, and the action sequences pop. The colors give the jungle warmth and depth, make the monsters feel larger than life, and help the Rocketeer stand out whenever he enters the action. Díaz’s work gives the issue a vibrant, cinematic quality while still preserving the vintage-inspired comic-book spirit. Together, Edgar and Díaz deliver artwork that not only supports the story but elevates the finale, making it feel grand, energetic, charming, and memorable.

Check Out My Review of THE ROCKETEER: THE ISLAND #3

Final Thoughts:

The Rocketeer: The Island #4 really sticks the landing on this fun and entertaining finale. The crowning of a new King of Skull Island, the fate of Amelia Earhart, and the love rekindled between Cliff & Betty are all answered in this final issue. The fact that we get a clear and concise ending is truly special in this age of keeping things vague and uncertain. The Rocketeer: The Island has been an entertaining series throughout with a finale that pays off for those of us who have been following the series as it went along. If you haven’t been reading this one, make sure to keep your eyes out for when the FOC to order the Trade hits so you won’t miss an opportunity to read this fun crossover story.

FINAL GRADE: 9.3/10

Let me know your thoughts on The Rocketeer: The Island #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!