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.