The Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror #1
Written by Roger Langridge
Art by J Bone
Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Tom B. Long
Edited by Scott Dunbier
The Rocketeer created by Dave Stevens
Covers by Walter Simonson & Jordie Bellaire, Roger Langridge & J Bone, and James White
IDW Publishing
Release Date: February 27, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

The Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror #1 is just about as close to a perfect comic book as you can get. Whether you’re a fan of this character or not, you WILL enjoy this great first issue and look forward to the rest of this miniseries.

First off, it’s nice to have a Rocketeer series that is NOT an anthology. Sure, those were GREAT, but it’s nice to dive into a deeper, flushed-out story, and believe me, there is PLENTY of story in this first issue. Writer Roger Langridge takes us back into the world of Los Angeles in the late 1930s, a simpler time if you will, but one that is NOT boring. In fact, there’s more going on 75 years ago than I bet there is in most people’s lives right now. Cliff has to deal with a couple of mad scientists, some gangsters, and of course, his very adventurous girlfriend, Betty. From first page to last, this book is pure fun and excitement!

J Bone’s art style REALLY fits this book, and in my opinion, the world of The Rocketeer in general. He gives the book a great, fun, kinetic feel to it, one that really draws you in and gets you lost in the world of yesteryear. His characters are exactly what I think of when I think of The Rocketeer and his world. It’s a quite different style from the late Rocketeer creator Dave Stevens, but it brings these characters into another dimension, one that they fit in seamlessly.

Yup, hands down, you’re gonna want to buy this comic! There’s really no reason to even think about NOT buying it. Great writing, great art, great book overall. Highest possible recommendation.