Everybody loves a hero who can fly. But throw that same hero into a world of espionage, secrets, exploding warplanes, Nazi terror, and high-stakes deception? Now we’re cooking with rocket fuel.
Landing in comic shops on July 8, THE ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR! is ready to blast fans straight into a thrilling new chapter of high-flying pulp action from acclaimed creators Gabriel Hardman (Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia) and Dean Kotz (The Savage Sword of Conan). Set during the brutal chaos of World War II, this latest adventure sends Cliff Secord, the legendary Rocketeer himself, into one of the most dangerous missions of his career.
This time, Allied aircraft are mysteriously exploding in midair, whispers of a terrifying Nazi superweapon are spreading fast, and the only way to get close to the truth is to go deep undercover. Cliff won’t be charging in headfirst with helmet blazing alone either. Betty Page joins the mission, using her acting career as the perfect cover in a dangerous game of secrets, seduction, and survival.
This is the kind of setup that feels tailor-made for Rocketeer fans: classic pulp energy, wartime tension, stylish danger, and enough intrigue to keep readers locked in from takeoff to final page. It’s got spy thriller heat, old-school adventure swagger, and the kind of cinematic tension that makes this series feel like a blockbuster trapped inside a comic book.
“I’m thrilled to have this chance to contribute to the legacy of Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer,” commented Hardman. “I was first exposed to both the character and Stevens’ almost impossibly lush artwork when I picked up THE ROCKETEER ADVENTURE MAGAZINE from Comico at a comic shop as a teenager. It played directly into my love of pulpy storytelling of the 1930s and 1940s so having the chance to tell a tale in that world feels like a perfect fit for me. We’re adding a dose of wartime espionage into the mix as Cliff and Betty bring their unique skills to a mission to uncover a Nazi superweapon while using Betty’s acting career as a cover. Though they may lack experience in the spy game, they’ll have help from a dashing MI6 agent who unluckily for Cliff takes an amorous interest in Betty. I couldn’t be more excited about collaborating with artist Dean Kotz on this series. I’ve admired his work for years and this project is both a perfect fit for his style and an ideal story for us to collaborate.”
That right there is the juice. You’ve got Rocketeer pulled out of his comfort zone, Betty doing far more than just standing on the sidelines, and an MI6 wildcard stirring up tension in the middle of a global war. That’s not just superhero action — that’s premium pulp drama with some serious style.
And visually? This one sounds like it’s going to absolutely cook.
“I’m so stoked to be working with Gabriel on THE ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR!,” added Kotz. “Gabriel is a master of pulp storytelling, and he’s cooked up an awesome spy thriller premise with so many fun things to draw. When Cliff’s not wearing his rocket zipping around WWII bombers and fighter planes, we get to see him out of his element in the shadowy world of international espionage. Meanwhile, Betty’s undercover on a glamorous movie set being romanced by a secret agent. This book hits all the perfect pulp notes.”
That’s the magic of The Rocketeer when it’s done right. It’s not just about the rocket pack. It’s about charm, danger, romance, speed, mystery, and that gorgeous throwback pulp flavor that still feels electric when the right creative team gets their hands on it. THE ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR! sounds like it understands the assignment completely.
And if that wasn’t enough, this isn’t happening in a vacuum. IDW Publishing is making sure Rocketeer fans are eating well right now. The franchise is already flying high with THE ROCKETEER: THE ISLAND, whose debut issue is on sale now and has already been getting plenty of love. That means fans are getting not one, but multiple opportunities to dive back into the world of Dave Stevens’ legendary creation.
Editor Nicolas Niño made it clear that Rocketeer fans are in for a special year.
“It’s a great year for The Rocketeer! THE ISLAND saw him travel to a fantastical island in search of Amelia Earhart, based on a story by Rocketeer creator Dave Stevens. It infused everything about the character that fans fell in love with, while opening the door for a new generation,” stated Editor Nicolas Niño. “With INFILTRATOR!, Gabriel Hardman and Dean Kotz are telling a story that indulges the type of Rocketeer story a lot of readers love: one where he’s out of his element. For a guy with a highly-combustible rocket strapped to his back, going incognito is a nightmare we’ll love to pick up and read.”
And honestly? That’s the hook right there.
A guy known for blasting through the sky with a rocket on his back having to stay low, stay quiet, and survive undercover in enemy territory? That’s the kind of twist that instantly makes this story feel fresh while still staying true to everything fans love about the character.
THE ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR! looks like it’s bringing together everything that makes this franchise sing: danger, glamor, pulp chaos, wartime thrills, and a hero who may be built for speed but now has to navigate a mission where one wrong move could blow everything sky-high.
If you’re a longtime Rocketeer fan, this feels like must-read material. And if you’ve never stepped into Cliff Secord’s world before, this may be one of the slickest entry points yet.
The Rocketeer is going undercover. The skies are deadly. The enemy is hiding in plain sight. And July 8 can’t get here fast enough.
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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