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Review: Rocketeer/The Spirit: Pulp Friction! #1

By | July 25th, 2013
Posted in Reviews | 3 Comments

In the midst of blockbuster summer event comics, featuring the biggest characters in comics duking it out for the fate of the universe, IDW and DC Comics quietly deliver what could be the year’s best crossover.

Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Paul Smith

The Spirit, created by Will Eisner, and The Rocketeer, created by Dave Stevens, are two of the most beloved characters in the history of comics. Now, these two great pulp-inspired heroes meet for the very first time! A Central City Councilman disappears and is found dead in Los Angeles. Commissioner Dolan, along with Denny Colt (AKA The Spirit) and his daughter Ellen in tow, treks out to the City of Angels to investigate. Meanwhile, Cliff Secord (The Rocketeer) consoles his sweetheart Betty… who is traumatized after accidentally discovering the politicians body!

Mark Waid, a writer who has been cranking out groundbreaking stories for two decades, manages to not only remain relevant in the increasingly fickle mainstream comic industry. In his second foray into the Rocketeer’s world (the first being the “Cargo of Doom” miniseries, which was well received by Muliversity) applies that same relevancy to yet another beloved, yet underused, hero.

Grounded in the early 40’s, “Rocketeer/Spirit” is a pulp mash-up dream come true. Centered on the mysterious murder of a benevolent politician, events transpire to bring the titular heroes together. As the noir-ish Spirit is deposited in the glamorous and action packed Hollywood of the Rocketeer, the two worlds blend together brilliantly. The issue builds to a fantastic action climax, in which, like all first hero meetings, the Spirit and Rocketeer scuffle over mistaken motives (hence the book’s subtitle). Though familiar, Waid’s story isn’t diminished by clichèd tropes, thanks to fantastic dialogue and characterization.

True to Golden Age roots, Waid writes these characters with an exaggerated air, from the beautiful and dramatic Betty, to the aloof and noble Spirit. Each character bears a distinct voice, making it very easy for unfamiliar readers to jump on board with veteran pulp fans. The real fun is seeing the various supporting casts interact, leading to some fantastic moments, such as the “reunion” of Peevy and Dolan, or the humorous “love square” between our heroes and their respective ladies. Under Waid’s pen, it’s as if these characters were always meant to be together.

As well as Waid writes these characters, it’s Paul Smith’s art that truly sells this mash up of properties. Smith, who has previously drawn the Spirit in the early 2000s DC incarnation, packs in an incredible amount of detail, while still retaining the pulp serial style from which these characters stem. Each character is distinctly rendered with a life and personality of their own. Smith’s panel layouts are as fun to take in as his pencils, utilizing circular and overlapping panels to great effect.

Equally commendable is colorist Jordie Bellaire. Bellaire’s name seems to be popping up on more and more covers every month, but her work never fails to impress. From the dreary, snow-covered Central City, to the sun-soaked west coast, Bellaire brings each scene to gorgeous life. Without exageration, this winning artistic combo is one of the best on the stands.

Devoid of the usual overbloated spectacle and hyperbole of comic book crossovers, “Pulp Friction” is good, classic fun, with a level of production value that puts the Big Two to shame. Moreso, Without bounds of continuity or years of backstory, this series is accessible to all. With a high caliber creative team, masterful presentation, a dream-come-true concept, and an engaging plot to back it all up, it has all the makings of 2013’s big sleeper hit.

Final Verdict: 9.1 – Buy


Zach Wilkerson

Zach Wilkerson, part of the DC3 trinity, still writes about comics sometimes. He would probably rather be reading manga or thinking about Kingdom Hearts. For more on those things, follow him on Twitter @TheWilkofZ

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