| The Rocketeer | |
|---|---|
&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:The_Rocketeer_(Cliff_Secord).png) Character art of The Rocketeer, art by Dave Stevens | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Pacific Comics (1982–1983) Eclipse Comics (1984) Comico (1988–1989) Dark Horse Comics (1995) IDW Publishing (2009–present) |
| First appearance | Starslayer #2 (April 1982) |
| Created by | Dave Stevens |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Cliff Secord |
| Species | Human |
| Abilities | Above-average hand to hand combatant Excellent athlete Highly skilled pilot and marksman Flight via jetpack |
The Rocketeer is a comic book superhero, created by writer/artist Dave Stevens. The character first appeared in 1982 and is an homage to the Saturday matinee serial heroes from the 1930s through the 1950s.
The Rocketeer's secret identity is Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a mysterious jetpack that allows him to fly. His adventures are set in pre-World War II America, and Stevens gave them a retro, nostalgic feel. Analogues of pinup diva Bettie Page and fictional pulp characters appear prominently in the series. The character first appeared in publications from Pacific Comics, and would be printed by several other independent companies until 1995. Stevens' meticulous drawing style, perfectionism and careful research gave the various Rocketeer adventures a notoriously slow publishing schedule.[1][2][3] Following Stevens' death in 2008, his estate licensed the Rocketeer to IDW Publishing, who have since produced numerous titles starring the character.
The character was adapted into the 1991 Walt Disney Pictures film The Rocketeer by director Joe Johnston.
- ^ MacDonald, Heidi (July 15, 1988). "The Rocketeer Adventure Magazine". Amazing Heroes. No. 145/Preview Special 7. Fantagraphics Books.
- ^ The Comics Reporter
- ^ Gustines, George Gene (30 March 2008). "Dave Stevens, 52, Artist Who Created the Rocketeer, Dies". The New York Times.