The Rocketfellers #1 Review: The Family of the Future

The Rocketfellers #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi

Artist: Francis Manapul

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: November 20, 2024

Page Count: 40

Format: Single-issue

The Rocketfellers #1 delivers a charming and exciting start to a new sci-fi adventure that's perfect for the whole family. With its retro-futuristic flair and intriguing premise, this comic is another hit for Ghost Machine.

The Rocketfellers #1

Review

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi

Artist: Francis Manapul

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: November 20, 2024

Page Count: 40

Format: Single-issue

The Rocketfellers #1 delivers a charming and exciting start to a new sci-fi adventure that's perfect for the whole family. With its retro-futuristic flair and intriguing premise, this comic is another hit for Ghost Machine.

Rating

9

Good

Geoff Johns' Ghost Machine imprint at Image Comics continues to shake up the creator-owned space with a growing lineup of eclectic and imaginative series. From the sprawling sci-fi epic Rook: Exodus to the eerie thrills of Hyde Street, Ghost Machine has something for every type of comic reader. The latest addition, The Rocketfellers, brings a charming, family-oriented twist to the sci-fi genre, courtesy of Peter J. Tomasi and Francis Manapul. While I wasn’t initially drawn to this title after reading the Ghost Machine #1 primer earlier this year, The Rocketfellers #1 turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Let’s dive into what makes this debut issue such a delight!

Overview

The Rocketfellers are a futuristic family on the run from mysterious hunters. Cornered in a snowy wasteland, they activate a time machine to escape into the present day. Now stranded in our timeline, they must navigate modern life while keeping their identities and advanced technology hidden from those who pursue them.

Image: Image Comics

Review

What immediately struck me about The Rocketfellers was its fun, family-centric approach to a sci-fi story. It reminded me of that feeling from reading a Fantastic Four comic, with how each family member brings unique quirks and personalities to the table. While The Rocketfellers may seem like your run-in-the-mill nuclear family at first, writer Peter J. Tomasi does an excellent job making each of their charms shine through the various adventures and mishaps they go through. From the action-packed opening sequence to the lighthearted family fun, this first issue is packed with all kinds of set pieces that give you a great taste of what this series is all about. 

Speaking of which, I really enjoyed this comic’s twist on the classic fish-out-of-water trope. Seeing a family from the future trying to adapt to life in our present-day opens up a wealth of comedic and dramatic possibilities. But The Rocketfellers goes beyond surface-level culture clash—at its core, this is a story about a family striving to stay united despite the challenges of their circumstances. The emotional depth adds richness to what might otherwise be a straightforward adventure, making the characters feel relatable and authentic.

Image: Image Comics

While the first issue focuses primarily on establishing the family and their relationships, it also plants intriguing seeds for a larger narrative. Who are the hunters chasing the Rocketfellers, and what is their ultimate goal? Why is this family so significant to them? These lingering mysteries simmer in the background, building anticipation for what’s to come. The final page delivers an enticing cliffhanger that promises plenty of twists ahead.

I must also say that Francis Manapul’s artwork is a perfect fit for the series. His vibrant, retro-futuristic aesthetic imbues the comic with a palpable sense of wonder, making the futuristic tech and sleek designs stand out in sharp contrast to the mundane present-day setting. Whether The Rocketfellers are dodging danger or sharing lighter, more personal moments, the art beautifully conveys their chemistry throughout every scene.

A standout moment in the issue shows the family using their advanced technology to have some fun while still avoiding the prying eyes of their neighbors. These scenes highlight the balance of high-concept sci-fi and everyday family dynamics that make The Rocketfellers such an enjoyable series to jump into. Manapul’s dynamic illustrations elevate both the action-packed sequences and the quieter, character-driven scenes, keeping the pace lively throughout.

Of course, this is just the beginning, and there’s plenty of room for the story to grow. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how each family member adapts to their new circumstances and how their relationships evolve given their interesting new living conditions. The potential for character growth is immense, and if handled well, could make for some truly compelling storytelling in future issues.

Image: Image Comics

Final Thoughts

The Rocketfellers #1 is a delightful surprise and a strong addition to the Ghost Machine lineup. It strikes a nice balance between family drama and sci-fi adventure that feels incredibly refreshing to read. With its charming cast of characters, intriguing premise, and gorgeous artwork, this series has the potential to be a standout title for both Ghost Machine and Image Comics. But while it may not be reinventing the wheel with some of its story elements, The Rocketfellers excels in taking familiar tropes and presenting them in very entertaining ways. It's a great comic that even younger readers can easily jump into, making it a true all-ages comic in the best sense of the term.

Whether you’re a fan of Ghost Machine’s other offerings or just looking for an engaging, family-friendly comic, The Rocketfellers is well worth checking out. With so much potential on display in this debut issue, I’m excited to see how this series unfolds in the coming months.

Why You Should Read The Rocketfellers

• It offers a fun, family-friendly sci-fi adventure with broad appeal
• The stunning artwork by Francis Manapul featuring a unique retro-futuristic style
• The fish-out-of-water premise has plenty of potential for both drama and comedy
• The underlying mystery about their missing adds depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward family story