Review - The Rocketeer: The Island #3
From IDW Publishing
Bigger problems arrive in The Rocketeer: The Island #3 from IDW Publishing.
Betty’s been kidnapped for sacrifice! With his girlfriend and another crew member missing, the Rocketeer must race across the island to find and rescue them. But after running into dinosaurs along the way, he’ll need help to understand just what he’s up against. Fortunately, that help arrives in the most unexpected way. Unfortunately, it may be too late, because…Kong is coming.
The Rocketeer fights his most terrifying enemy yet!
WRITER: John Layman
ARTIST: Jacob Edgar
This was a really packed and entertaining issue, balancing humour, danger and pulpy adventure brilliantly from start to finish. Every member of the cast gets a chance to contribute something memorable, and the pacing keeps everything moving at a strong pace without ever feeling overcrowded. There is a real sense of chaos and excitement running through the story, which fits perfectly with the classic adventure tone that this series has captured so well.
With the girls captured by the island natives and brought before Kong, the stakes immediately feel much higher. Cliff throws himself into the rescue attempt, particularly when Betty is separated from the others, and it leads to some genuinely fun and energetic moments. Watching The Rocketeer attempt to go up against a gigantic gorilla creates exactly the sort of larger-than-life action you want from this story, and the issue does a great job of mixing tension with comedy during those encounters. Cliff’s confidence and determination are constantly being tested, and it makes for some very entertaining sequences.
Even when things don't go according to plan, the story keeps moving forward in interesting ways. There is a feeling that the bigger mystery and danger of the island are finally starting to come into focus, especially once Cliff receives some unexpected assistance. That final stretch really helps build anticipation for what is still lurking on the island, while Betty’s situation with Kong leaves things in a very intriguing place heading into the next issue.
The smaller character moments help elevate the issue even further. The use of Popeye and Tintin alongside Snowy adds extra charm and humour throughout, and those little interactions make the world feel even more alive and playful. Marco’s cowardice also provides some amusing commentary during the chaos, and those touches of humour stop the story from becoming too heavy despite the constant danger.
The artwork is fantastic throughout the entire issue. The jungle environments feel dense, wild and full of life, while the larger panels featuring Kong really help sell his scale and presence. The action scenes are dynamic, easy to follow and packed with energy, and the expressive character work adds a lot to both the comedic and adventurous moments. Altogether, this is a hugely enjoyable issue that delivers exactly the kind of thrilling pulp adventure that makes The Rocketeer such a fun character to follow.
