At a time when American comics were becoming more grim and gritty, The Rocketeer was a throwback to the medium’s pulp roots. The series’ retro style inspired a devout following and, in 1991, a cult classic cinematic adaptation. Since then, fans have hoped for a follow-up film. Unfortunately for them, the long-awaited return of The Rocketeer has come in another form.
Created by writer/artist Dave Stevens in 1982, the high-flying hero became a cult figure in the independent comics market of the 1980s. First appearing as a back-up feature in Starslayer, daredevil pilot Cliff Secord went on to headline his own series. The comic was a hit, though Stevens was beset by publication problems and moved the franchise through five different publishers before his death in 2008.
The efforts to produce a sequel to The Rocketeer movie have been equally troubled. The movie had originally been planned as the first in a trilogy. However, it was not as profitable as Walt Disney Pictures had hoped. Two decades later they reconsidered, and began developing a sequel in 2012. A succession of screenwriters, directors, and revamp ideas followed.
The latest effort, The Return of the Rocketeer, would have centered upon a former Tuskegee Airman who took up Cliff Secord’s jetpack. However, the effort stalled after director J.D. Dillard backed out of the project in 2022. Reportedly actor David Oyelowo and his wife Jessica are still producing the picture and he may play the lead role. Despite this, the adventure will continue in The Rocketeer: The Island – a new comic based on an unpublished outline by Dave Stevens.
What do we know about The Rocketeer: The Island?
The Rocketeer: The Island will find Cliff Secord taking on a mission of mercy. Set in 1938, the story finds Cliff taking on a mission to find Amelia Earhart, who disappeared the year before. The quest takes him to the titular island, which is full of mysteries and surprises.
The Rocketeer: The Island will be published by IDW Publishing, who have held the character’s comic book rights since 2008. The script is being adapted from Stevens’ outline by Eisner Award-winning writer John Layman. The artwork will be provided by artist Jacob Edgar and colorist K.J. Díaz.
“Playing in Dave Stevens’ world, a retro-world of charm, humor and rocket-fueled adventure, has been an absolute blast,” noted Layman. “As an artist Stevens was an absolute virtuoso, and I feel like Rocketeer is an all-time classic comic character — he’s always been one of my favorites.” These feelings were echoed by Jacob Edgar, who described The Rocketeer as “an iconic character with a very high bar to try and live up to, artistically.”
The Rocketeer: The Island #1 arrives in comic book stores everywhere on February 25, 2026.
