 Comic book writer / artist Dave Stevens created the Rocketeer in 1982 and immediately viewed the character as an ideal protagonist for a film adaptation . Steve Miner purchased the film rights from Stevens in 1983 , but he strayed too far from the original concept and the rights reverted to Stevens . In 1985 Stevens gave writers Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo a free option on The Rocketeer rights . Stevens liked that " their ideas for The Rocketeer were heartfelt and affectionate tributes to the 1930s serials with all the right dialogue and atmosphere . Most people would approach my characters contemporarily , but Danny and Paul saw them as pre @-@ war mugs . " 
