Rocketeer & Spirit: Pulp Friction #2
Finally the second installment of wonderfully camp join-up of the Rocketeer and Spirit in Pulp Friction has graced us with almost as much energy and laughs as its first issue.
Writer: Mark Waid | Artists: Loston Wallace, Bob Wiacek, & Hi Fi Designs
Cover: Paul Smith & Jordie Bellaire | Publisher: IDW
It’s been a few months since we were first introduced the Spirit entering himself into the Rocketeer’s life and while the story itself is still wonderful, the long wait causes a small disconnect from the story and it takes a little longer than it normally would to get back into the rhythm of the charming storytelling that follows every Rocketeer arc. There’s also a change in artist which isn’t earth-shattering but adds to the feeling of disconnect from the get go as well. These are all minute problems and after a couple of pages, it’s a fun ride all the way through. Unfortunately it’s what keeps this issue from being as solid as previous Rocketeer issues.
The joke of Betty falling for the Spirit was entertaining at the end of the first issue but it goes just a touch too long in it’s continuation into the second issue bordering on almost creepy when Commissioner Dolan starts to join in on the appreciation of Betty’s feminine good looks. What it does do is hold the tensions between Cliff and the Spirit taut enough that while they’re able to work together, they’re not working together cohesively and that turns into something entertaining for the reader. Once again as Cliff takes the Spirit into the skies it’s wonderful to see someone who’s as coolheaded as the Spirit normally is, to actually lose his cool, and the Rocketeer who has a smaller temper on ground being the one at ease in the air. Together they pull off some impressive maneuvers in an attempt to thwart some guys causing problems and they come off as pretty successful in their attempts. Despite the Spirits testiness over their actions, it’s hard to miss his smug smile of satisfaction. It’s hard not to be won over by Cliff Secord, and even the Spirit gets it, even if he won’t admit it. It looks like Ellen’s falling for his sweet boyish charms as well, which is adorable to say the least. The amount of blushing that happens in this issue is adorable and warms everyone’s heart.
All of the Rocketeer is charming and a lot of that comes into the era and genre of the story itself, the way the characters talk, which Waid captures near perfectly and of course a lot of it comes through in the art as well. Cliff looks a little different off in some panels but the Spirit, Betty and Ellen look perfectly apt to the story. The biggest difference in the art I think is having Hi Fi Designs on the colouring instead of Bellaire. It’s not bad, in fact, it’s actually quite good, but Bellaire has a style that’s completely suited for the genre and stylizing of the series. It’s bold and vibrant and her gradients are perfect. Hi Fi is certainly vibrant and I love some of their colour choices but it doesn’t have the same life as Bellaire’s work unfortunately.
Fans of the Rocketeer will still enjoy the issue, as some of the excitement quiets down between the months it’s not easy to get back into the swing of things, but by then end it’s like no time has passed at all and readers are once again pulled in by all the charm and class of all the characters.
Writer: Mark Waid | Artists: Loston Wallace, Bob Wiacek, & Hi Fi Designs
Cover: Paul Smith & Jordie Bellaire | Publisher: IDW
It’s been a few months since we were first introduced the Spirit entering himself into the Rocketeer’s life and while the story itself is still wonderful, the long wait causes a small disconnect from the story and it takes a little longer than it normally would to get back into the rhythm of the charming storytelling that follows every Rocketeer arc. There’s also a change in artist which isn’t earth-shattering but adds to the feeling of disconnect from the get go as well. These are all minute problems and after a couple of pages, it’s a fun ride all the way through. Unfortunately it’s what keeps this issue from being as solid as previous Rocketeer issues.
The joke of Betty falling for the Spirit was entertaining at the end of the first issue but it goes just a touch too long in it’s continuation into the second issue bordering on almost creepy when Commissioner Dolan starts to join in on the appreciation of Betty’s feminine good looks. What it does do is hold the tensions between Cliff and the Spirit taut enough that while they’re able to work together, they’re not working together cohesively and that turns into something entertaining for the reader. Once again as Cliff takes the Spirit into the skies it’s wonderful to see someone who’s as coolheaded as the Spirit normally is, to actually lose his cool, and the Rocketeer who has a smaller temper on ground being the one at ease in the air. Together they pull off some impressive maneuvers in an attempt to thwart some guys causing problems and they come off as pretty successful in their attempts. Despite the Spirits testiness over their actions, it’s hard to miss his smug smile of satisfaction. It’s hard not to be won over by Cliff Secord, and even the Spirit gets it, even if he won’t admit it. It looks like Ellen’s falling for his sweet boyish charms as well, which is adorable to say the least. The amount of blushing that happens in this issue is adorable and warms everyone’s heart.
All of the Rocketeer is charming and a lot of that comes into the era and genre of the story itself, the way the characters talk, which Waid captures near perfectly and of course a lot of it comes through in the art as well. Cliff looks a little different off in some panels but the Spirit, Betty and Ellen look perfectly apt to the story. The biggest difference in the art I think is having Hi Fi Designs on the colouring instead of Bellaire. It’s not bad, in fact, it’s actually quite good, but Bellaire has a style that’s completely suited for the genre and stylizing of the series. It’s bold and vibrant and her gradients are perfect. Hi Fi is certainly vibrant and I love some of their colour choices but it doesn’t have the same life as Bellaire’s work unfortunately.
Fans of the Rocketeer will still enjoy the issue, as some of the excitement quiets down between the months it’s not easy to get back into the swing of things, but by then end it’s like no time has passed at all and readers are once again pulled in by all the charm and class of all the characters.
A Look Inside
