Trevor Hogg reviews the series where chaos ensues when two classic crime fighters from different coasts cross paths in The Rocketeer and The Spirit: Pulp Friction #1…
From the grim and gritty streets of Central City where The Spirit navigates through the urban underbelly of corruption to the sunny skies of Los Angeles where The Rocketeer soars above the Hollywood elite, these two classic characters will become enthralled in murder, mayhem, and all manner of danger—and with a healthy dose of signature humour tossed in for good measure.
A Central City debate is taking place where an alderman is opposing the privatizing of the television airwaves; he storms out in protest only to be found a day later three thousand miles way on the California coast by Betty who is doing a fashion shoot with a female friend. The discovery becomes a national news item which captures the attention of Commissioner Dolan and The Spirit who inadvertently fly to the Hollywood state when Ellen, the daughter of Dolan, walks in on the conversation.
Betty has sequestered herself in a bedroom not willing to talk to anyone. Cliff Secord is frustrated by the antics of his girlfriend and seeks to unravel the murder mystery with the assistance of Peevy. Complicating matters is the arrival of the three strangers at the private airport who are seeking out the distraught model and actress which results in a high flying fight between The Rocketeer and The Spirit. With the misunderstanding resolved a new complication arises when Betty finally opens the door and is smitten by the masked man from Central City.
Humour is prevalent in the storyline where IDW Publishing and DC Comics join forces to team the signature characters by Dave Stevens and Will Eisner together. A great line occurs when The Spirit steps out onto the airport runway after the long flight and declares, “I haven’t been this stiff since they buried me!” Not only is writer Mark Waid having some fun but artist Paul Smith is obviously having a blast illustrating the high flying fist fight sequence between the Rocketeer and Spirit. If the included variant covers are any indication plenty of mayhem is in store as the two protagonists not only have to navigate murderous corporate interests but also wayward love interests.
Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada.
Originally published July 23, 2013. Updated April 14, 2018.
