THE ROCKETFELLERS #1, by Image Comics on 11/20/24, introduces readers to the world’s time-traveling refugee family when the Rocketfellers escape the future to protect the future.
Credits:
- Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
- Artist: Francis Manapul
- Colorist: Francis Manapul
- Letterer: Rob Leigh
- Cover Artist: Francis Manapul (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: November 20, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 44
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THE ROCKETFELLERS #1:
First Impressions:
Rocketfellers #1 is the best debut title from Ghost Machine since the imprint began publishing comics. Full stop. Do not pass Go. Why? Writer Peter J. Tomasi does everything right. You get a clear point of view, a goal, stakes, emotional beats, and action. Wrap the whole shebang up in Francis Manupal’s sumptuous art, and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
Plot Analysis:
The Rocketfellers #1 begins with the titular family flying over a snowy wilderness in the 25th Century. The family patriarch, Roland, eases the mind of his family by telling them they’re leaving for a brief vacation, so packing belongings isn’t necessary. It isn’t long before the family realizes “vacation” isn’t the right word when their airship is shot out of the sky by a missile.
Peter J. Tomasi begins the issue with a thrilling action sequence that leads to so much more. We learn every member of the family, including the grandparents, has a first name that starts with the letter ‘R’ for a bit of whimsy, but their plight turns deadly serious.
The family exits their ship and runs in the direction of what Roland calls a pod. They soon see their attacker, named Codex, is chasing them on a hoverbike and is close to catching up. The family almost makes it to the tree line when Grandma Rose realizes the lake ice beneath their feet is cracking as a result of the crash. In a heroic act, Rose tosses her locket to Grandpa and leaps at Codex as soon as the attacker is in range, sending Grandma, the villain, and the hoverbike through the ice.
Tomasi successfully gives the family motivation and an emotional beat that hits like a hammer when Grandma sacrifices herself to save her family. Codex survives, but the villain’s actions will draw the readers’ hate even more when you find out what happens to Grandma.
Despite Grandma Rose’s sacrifice, Codex emerges from the ice and gives chase on foot. The family makes it to the pod while still reeling from the loss of a loved one, and just in the nick of time, the pod teleports the whole family away… to arrive in 2024.
The issue concludes with a Thanksgiving barbecue, an ill-advised science experiment by Richie, and a close eye on the object everyone is fussing over.
Overall, The Rocketfellers #1 is the most thrilling and engaging debut of any Ghost Machine title to date. You get everything you could want in a sci-fi action adventure comic – fully realized characters, a strong premise, energetic action and pacing, and a curiosity-inducing ending.
Artwork and Presentation:
We’ve been a fan of Francis Manapul’s work since his days on DC’s The Flash, but this is, by far, Manapul’s best work. The attention to detail is amazing, Manapul’s futuristic designs capture the imagination, and the action is cinematic. Again, Ghost Machine continues to show (rather than tell) a priority for top-tier art, and this title is no exception.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
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THE ROCKETFELLERS #1 is the strongest debut series from Ghost Machine to date, with a time-traveling family on the run from nefarious forces. Peter J. Tomasi’s script gives you the full range of action, emotion, and energy to make every moment memorable, and Francis Manupal’s art is the best it’s ever been.
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