Another fun Rocketeer tale written by Stephen Mooney with Staz Johnson on the art. I really like the continuing story and the character development we’ve been getting across these last few volumes. Here’s hoping we get another entry soon.

Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

I appreciate NetGalley and IDW Publishing giving me access to this eARC. My review is based solely on my own thoughts and feelings.

My initial confusion with this story stemmed from realizing it's part of a larger series, a detail I unfortunately overlooked.

While the writing itself was competent, the historical accuracy regarding the 1938 setting was slightly lacking. For instance, the inclusion of a CIA agent, given the agency's 1947 establishment.

The artwork, however, was a highlight. The detailed illustrations and classic comic style significantly enhanced the reading experience.

The plot-heavy nature of the narrative made it difficult to connect with the characters, particularly Cliff. His wit was overshadowed by his egotism and lack of empathy. His dismissive attitude towards both the historical atrocities mentioned in the newspaper, ie "Violence against Jews in Germany and Austria", and the injured prisoner felt particularly insensitive. The story also relied heavily on predictable superhero tropes, which made it somewhat uninteresting at times.

Readers who want action combined with a 1930s New York transplant to California backdrop, along with humor and a light romance, will find this appealing.

The Rocketeer continues his adventure in this action-packed, Nazi-punching issue. I really enjoyed the artwork and the story. I wish it had been longer but alas, comics must be short by nature. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the Rocketeer series or superhero comics in general. It's a fun, lighthearted, and exciting adventure!

A story set during WW2 about a superhero who helps save those who are danger around him.

I liked that the comics were reminiscent of the earlier comics for superhero’s and stuck to that feeling of WW2. However, I can’t help like I missed something. I think it needs to be kept in mind while reading that it is a collection of the comics into one novel and therefore skips around story to story and doesn’t have very smooth transitions. No overall plot, but rather a hero saving comic.

I am a comic book reader, but this is my first time reading The Rocketeer comic. My lack of knowledge regarding The Rocketeer's mythos did not hinder my read. The comic book editors, writer, and colorists make a great team. Staz Johnson and Marco Lesko's artwork is impressive, and Stephen Mooney maintains a 1930s American rhetoric regarding Germany, SS soldiers, and Nazi soldiers, for example, "There's gonna be hell to pay once our boys [American soldiers] catch up with those monsters [Nazi soldiers]." I appreciate that Mooney creates a narrative that is accessible for new readers as well as returning readers. Mooney clearly denotes the main characters: Cliff (Rocketeer), his girl Betty, and their friend Peevy. The supporting characters include Debbie Seville, who is a friend, a fellow pilot, and and a government operative, and her mother Rose Seville. The story can be summarized: Betty has landed a movie gig in San Francisco. She invites Cliff and Peevy to accompany her and watch her on set. The three travel to San Francisco and stay with Debbie and Rose. The narrative tension remains true to the superhero genre. Cliff promises his girl that he will remain present with her and not take on his secret identity as The Rocketeer, but, like any comic, trouble abounds. The government and the general populace need The Rocketeer. Cliff must choose between keeping his promise or saving innocents and capturing villainous Nazis. If you don't want spoilers, stop reading here.

Spoiler Alert:
I appreciate that Mooney depicts females fighting. Betty holds her own against a female SS soldier. Debbie fights Nazis and prisoners who have broken free. I appreciate the depiction of strong females. I thought about the WASPs who flew during WWII and Rosie the Riveter who symbolized females working during wartime. Another story line that I enjoyed was the budding romance between Peevy and Rose. There needs to be more inclusion of older adult romances in comics and, in general, popular culture, Peevy and Rose's interactions made me smile. I also smiled each time that Betty told Cliff to go and save people. Betty did not place a guilt trip on Cliff; she insisted that he go and fulfill his Rocketeer duties.

Thank you to #StephenMooney, #StazJohnson, #IDWPublishing, and #NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A classic series now in book format.

This four-part series, written by Stephen Mooney and drawn by Staz Johnson finds Cliff, Betty and Peevy in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge has just opened and Betty has a part in a new film. But no sooner have they arrived, than they are knee-deep in one adventure after another, with Cliff donning the suit, much to Betty's annoyance.

This series has it all - Nazi in submarines, black-ops baddies, Alcatraz, not to mention poor Cliff constantly called to stop a runaway train or save a little girl and her father from certain death. Mooney's writing is still top-notch, and Staz Johnson was simply born to draw Rocketeer. It doesn't get much better than this. This collection also includes some fantastic artwork and sketches.

Definitely one for fans and collectors.