Comic’s favourite Flying Man is going undercover in summer 2026 when IDW Publishing debuts The Rocketeer: Infiltrator! from acclaimed creators Gabriel Hardman (Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia) and Dean Kotz (The Savage Sword of Conan). During the height of World War II, Allied planes mysteriously explode midair and rumors spread of a Nazi superweapon. Cliff Secord, aka The Rocketeer, and actress Betty Paige will go undercover in an exciting espionage tale that will leave fans of Dave Stevens’ beloved franchise captivated.
“I’m thrilled to have this chance to contribute to the legacy of Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer,” commented Hardman. “I was first exposed to both the character and Stevens’ almost impossibly lush artwork when I picked up THE ROCKETEER ADVENTURE MAGAZINE from Comico at a comic shop as a teenager. It played directly into my love of pulpy storytelling of the 1930s and 1940s so having the chance to tell a tale in that world feels like a perfect fit for me. We’re adding a dose of wartime espionage into the mix as Cliff and Betty bring their unique skills to a mission to uncover a Nazi superweapon while using Betty’s acting career as a cover. Though they may lack experience in the spy game, they’ll have help from a dashing MI6 agent who unluckily for Cliff takes an amorous interest in Betty. I couldn’t be more excited about collaborating with artist Dean Kotz on this series. I’ve admired his work for years and this project is both a perfect fit for his style and an ideal story for us to collaborate.”
The fan-favourite franchise continues to reach new heights at IDW Publishing with the new series The Rocketeer: The Island (debut issue on sale now) receiving rave reviews as well. “It’s a great year for The Rocketeer! The Island saw him travel to a fantastical island in search of Amelia Earhart, based on a story by Rocketeer creator Dave Stevens. It infused everything about the character that fans fell in love with, while opening the door for a new generation,” stated Editor Nicolas Niño. “With Infiltrator!, Gabriel Hardman and Dean Kotz are telling a story that indulges the type of Rocketeer story a lot of readers love: one where he’s out of his element. For a guy with a highly-combustible rocket strapped to his back, going incognito is a nightmare we’ll love to pick up and read.”
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator! #1 arrives in comic book stores on July 8, 2026.
