The Rocketeer Will Return Sooner Than Fans Think, But With A Twist

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Published Mar 18, 2026, 4:44 PM EDT

Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Her work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where she covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.

The Rocketeer is returning sooner than expected, but with a twist.

IDW Publishing shared an exciting announcement that The Rocketeer would once again soar across the pages of comic books. "Everyone’s favorite Flying Man is going undercover. Soaring into comic shops on July 8 is 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," the press release excitedly confirms.

What's Been Said About The Rocketeer: Infiltrator! So Far?

“I’m thrilled to have this chance to contribute to the legacy of Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer,” Hardman said when speaking about the upcoming comic as a whole. “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."

He added, "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.”

Kotz noted his own excitement about boarding the creative team behind The Rocketeer's next comic book outing. “I'm so stoked to be working with Gabriel on THE ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR!. Gabriel is a master of pulp storytelling, and he's cooked up an awesome spy thriller premise with so many fun things to draw. When Cliff's not wearing his rocket, zipping around WWII bombers and fighter planes, we get to see him out of his element in the shadowy world of international espionage. Meanwhile, Betty's undercover on a glamorous movie set, being romanced by a secret agent. This book hits all the perfect pulp notes.”

The Rocketeer: Infiltrator! arrives in comic shops on July 8.