Rocketeer: Cargo Of Doom #2 Review

Continuing the new Rocketeer adventure, Rocketeer: Cargo Of Doom #2 creates the usual amount of action and drama, including an insight into what the ‘cargo of doom’ actually is.

First, the official description from IDW:

The 30th anniversary of the Rocketeer continues! Cliff finds himself the target of a scheme to “liberate” the jetpack from him as a pair villains plot to stop him from interfering with their nefarious plans. Meanwhile, Cliff’s secret identity, rather precarious at the best of times, is discovered by someone outside of his immediate circle.

As with the last issue, this issue has an art style and feel that does its best to evoke the older Rocketeer titles. Its not needed, I would still personally love to see a fresh style and direction on the character, but it gives the title plenty of charm.

As for the plot itself, Cargo of Doom #2 delivers a mixed success. The introduction of Sally is a prime example of this. Shes likeable enough, but the relationship between her and Cliff (the Rocketeer) is confusing at times. In the previous issue, Cliff appeared as a concerned parent or guardian. In this issue, she spends most of her time doting on him. The premise in the first issue was that she was young and simply had a crush.

The problem with this side arc is Betty’s reactions. Everything seems to annoy her. A little girl has a crush on her boyfriend and she seems constantly furious. After 30 years of Rocketeer, surely these two would of calmed down somewhat in their relationship.

As for the rest of the title, its certainly interesting. None the least because it unveils the ‘cargo of doom’ itself. The idea isn’t original, but the title does make heavy reference to the original inspiration, so it can be forgiven. However, the final moments of Cargo Of Doom #4 may split fans in two. Some may like the idea, whereas others may find it silly and preposterous.

As for me, I’m willing to give the idea a go so far. Its silly and outright bizarre, but if you embrace it fully it also quite cool. Depending on how they treat this in the next issues, it might be able to save itself.