The Rocketfellers #1 (2nd Print)
Illustrated by: Francis Manapul
Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Image Comics/Ghost Machine
2024
*Spoilers. Lot’s to say..
A new cosmic time-travel adventure from the minds of PETER J. TOMASI (Batman and Robin, Super Sons) and FRANCIS MANAPUL (The Flash, Clear)! In the picture-perfect 25th century, the Rocketfeller family, living a disconnected and emotionally distant existence, discover a terrible secret: in their hands is the fate of humanity. Hunted down, the Rocketfellers enlist in the Time Zone Protection Program and escape to present-day Earth. If they can’t find a way to trust each other in this strange “ancient” world of today, they and our future will perish!
When I finally had a chance to read The Rocketfellers #1, all I had in stock was the 2nd print, and I had no idea how much I’d enjoy this new cosmic time-travel adventure from Peter J. Tomasi and Francis Manapul. Coming from creators known for incredible work on titles like Batman and Robin and The Flash, I expected something good—but this? It’s something special.
The story dives into a “perfect” 25th-century world where the Rocketfeller family is living a picture-perfect but emotionally hollow life. Then, the bombshell drops: they hold humanity’s future in their hands. From that moment, chaos erupts. Hunted and desperate, they flee to present-day Earth and must figure out how to trust each other while navigating what feels to them like an ancient, alien world.
For me, this first issue feels like a mash-up of some of my old-school favorites: Radar Men from the Moon, Silverhawks, Time Cop, and even The Tomorrow People (anyone else catch that on Nickelodeon as a kid?). It’s got that classic sci-fi energy but with a modern, emotional punch.
Let’s talk about the art. Francis Manapul absolutely nails it here. The style is bold and dynamic, and every page pops with life. The pacing of the story matches the visuals—intense, fast-moving, and gripping. The writing, while solid overall, can feel a bit hurried in places. That’s my one nitpick, but honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.
As for the physical quality of this 2nd print? Top-notch. The cover and back feel like thick, matte card stock—plush and premium. Inside, the pages are equally impressive. This is the kind of comic you want to hold onto.
The ending left me hooked, wondering what’s next and how the Rocketfellers ended up in their predicament in the first place. If you’re into sci-fi with rich characters and an intriguing premise, this is worth every penny.
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