Rocket Girl #5 Review

"ONLY THE GOOD…”
The hard-hitting conclusion to the first story arc! Teen time-cop DaYoung Johansson uncovers a thing or two about both New York Cities, the connection between past and future, and the secrets that people don’t even know they keep. Growing up is hard to do—and sometimes it proves to be impossible.

One of the best looking books in all of comics, Rocket Girl #5, is out and it's as stunning as usual but also the conclusion to its first arc by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder. Reeder is one of my favorite artists and Montclare has given her a lot to work with before they embark on a summer hiatus.

The impressive first arc comes to a close with many questions remaining to keep readers occupied until it returns in September. Quintum Mechanics continues to manipulate the world they helped create but with DaYoung affecting its creation while in the past things are beginning to take some ominous overtones. What exactly does that hold for our young teen cop from the future? Not sure especially since she's decided to hang up her jet pack and badge and hang out in 1986.

If there is one knock on the series it's been the fuzzy motivations for everyone involved especially DaYoung's rage against the 2013 machine of Quintum. Sure the corporation is corrupt and omnipresent in the future, even manipulating the police force she works for, but what exactly the connection with the Q-Engine and their ascension to power will change with what she's done isn't very clear and are the consequences worth the trouble?

Five issues in there is still plenty of time to flesh out the conspiracy theories but there's no doubt the series has been extremely entertaining. Especially, while in New York City during 1986 is a blast to relive and Montclare's attention to detail and staging of action is a joy to behold. He and Reeder present some of the most exciting panels in comics. Her use of colors, motion and sequences create a kinetic energy that serves the jet pack-wearing DaYoung very well. Even in the slower moments where the characters have to express emotion; melancholy, shock, fear, anger, Reeder knocks it out of the park with the skill of a veteran. She creates some frame-worthy panels on expressions alone. 

Overall, Rocket Girl is an excellent series, fun, enjoyable, and brilliantly illustrated. Whatever its shortcomings they are surmountable because the foundation is solid and engaging with tons of potential for more world building and intrigue. Montclare has more tricks up his sleeve and with Reeder the series has one of the best artists in the business. 

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If you've been waiting to get the trade of Rocket Girl your wait is almost over. Volume 1 arrives on July 9, 2014.