The Rocketfellers #4 – The Future is Getting Closer

A family hiding in time via the Time Zone Protection Program. The Rocketfellers are from the 25th century hiding in our present. While they’re just trying to raise their kids, be kind to the neighbors, and navigate all the other insanity of a “normal” life, their past (or future) is slowly catching up.

Creative Team

Story & Words: Peter J. Tomasi;

Story & Art: Francis Manapul;

Colorist: John Kalisz, Ian Herring & Francis Manapul;

Letterer: Rob Leigh;

Cover A: Francis Manapul;

Cover B: Brad Walker & Brad Anderson;

Cover C: Todd Nauck;

Designer: Steve Blackwell;

Editor: Brian Cunningham.

Check out a review for another current Ghost Machine comic: Hornsby & Halo.

The Story for Issue 4

So far this run has focused primarily on the family dynamic. Struggling to balance kids, holidays, 21st century traditions, the ever growing eye in the basement, and more. However, issue 4 really opened up a lot. While we still focused on the Rocketfellers themselves in the past and present (or future and past), so much more is starting to happen. A boat of hacker investigators, 19th century Native Americans, Grandpa enjoying the ladies of 2025, and what I can only assume is a nod to Bart Simpson. Which is also another hilarious example of how raising kids truly transcends time. This issue then leaves us trying to connect dots as the overall mystery gets bigger and closer.

The Art

Just like the previous issues, the art is absolutely beautiful! We kick right off with an amazing countdown and a gorgeous shot of the future. A shot that isn’t only gorgeous, but it also shows how much Roland and Rachel have always done for their family. You see it in their surroundings, and in their expressions. My personal favorite scene, however, was a FASSSH of time traveling into the 1800s.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Issue 4 of The Rocketfellers was the perfect combination of family, mystery, and action. We still got a lot of focus on the family themselves adjusting to living out of their time, while also struggling with the typical issues a family deals with. Meanwhile, the overall story moved forward a ton. While, it felt like we were all over the place (geographically and chronologically), the story still moved incredibly smooth. I was sucked in from the first to the last page.

I’m not an astronaut, nor am I from the 25th century, or hiding in the Time Zone Protection Program. However, I am a mom, and I can’t get over how incredibly relatable I continue to find Rachel. This is truly what makes this comic so amazing. These characters are all so relatable and human, yet there’s a huge story still going on outside of them raising a family, and maintaining a healthy marriage. Eye balls, and time traveling mysteries don’t negate the fact that marriages still need an occasional date night.

For more from Lauren, check out Hops GEEK News.

Have you checked out any comics from the world of Ghost Machine? Let us know in the comments!