The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer is an animated action-adventure series designed for preschoolers that airs on Disney Junior. The series, which first premiered in 2019 and running till 2020, is a reinterpretation of Dave Stevens' classic comic book franchise, bringing the story to a newer, younger audience. The show focuses on Kit Secord, a young girl who takes up the mantle of the legendary superhero, The Rocketeer.

As the story begins, Kit comes across an unexpected surprise on her birthday. She inherits a jet pack and costume that grant her the ability to fly. This touches off a soaring adventure for the young girl. The gear originally belonged to a daring aviator who went by the name "The Rocketeer". With the new discovery, her life takes an unexpected, exciting turn.

Now this seemingly ordinary girl is destined to become the next Rocketeer, a legendary, rocket-propelled superhero who gained popularity during World War II. This plot offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, introducing kids to the concepts of heroism, bravery, and saving the day, just with a touch of retro vintage flair. The episodes not only affirm the potential of females as action heroes but also bring forth attention to family values, friendships, and the value of testing limits and going beyond them.

Kit is a high-spirited, compassionate, and curious seven-year-old with a sense of justice so ingrained, she does not hesitate to step up to challenges of this new role. Yet, she also exemplifies the honesty, kindness, and innocence of kids her age. The creators of the series have also made it a point to portray Kit as a kid who, despite having this astounding ability to fly, also has to grapple with normal, everyday childhood obligations and issues, creating a relatable character for its young audience.

Balancing her everyday life while navigating her new superhero responsibilities forms the crux of the series. As The Rocketeer, Kit is thrust into a world of daring and heroic adventures, embarking on high-flying exploits around her town to safeguard her community and friends. Her adventures are supported by her tech-savvy best friend, Tesh, and her airplane mechanic uncle, Ambrose, who assists her in all her superhero endeavors. Her parents, too, play a significant role throughout the series, fostering a sense of family that's often atypical in superhero shows.

The show also avoids the standard "violent" confrontations that are associated with other superhero cartoons. The Rocketeer's villains provide conflict but it's not handled with unnecessary aggression. Instead, the characters find clever and inventive, non-violent solutions to the problems they face, promoting ingenuity and wit over brute force in problem-solving.

Visually, the show is very appealing. The animation style is smooth, invoking warm, nostalgic feeling with the refined, brightly colored images. The landscapes are beautifully drawn and the characters are detailed in a fun, cartoonish style. The series also showcases a jazzy style reminiscent of 1930's art deco, taking inspiration from the original comic.

Furthermore, the beautifully composed music complements the animation perfectly. The show features an original song in each episode, highlighting moral values, the theme of the episode, or just serving as an enhancer to the scene. It's a lovely addition that adds another dimensional layer to the storytelling.

In conclusion, The Rocketeer is a charming series that blends elements of adventure, fun, family, and learning. It promotes positive messages about girl power, friendship, and bravery. The storyline and the theme are presented in a light, child-friendly manner that matches well with the age group it targets with an undercurrent of excitement and mild suspense that keeps young viewers engaged. The Rocketeer introduces preschoolers to the world of superheroes, instilling in them moral lessons and values while fostering their imagination with high-flying adventures and courageous acts of bravery. On the whole, The Rocketeer is a perfect pick for younger audiences and families to watch together.