It took a while, but Skybound Entertainment’s Energon Universe finally pulled in ROM. Bleeding Cool broke the news yesterday, and Skybound confirmed today. Here’s the trick, though. Co-created by Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici, this “blind bag” issue ships with M.A.S.K. #1–and if you buy THAT book, you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting ROM.
That means there’s a 100% chance of getting M.A.S.K. #1, at least. If you’re into that kind of thing. That franchise means nothing to me, but as noted elsewhere on this site, I loved the Marvel Comics version of ROM. This isn’t me insulting the Energon Universe–they’re just a collection of franchises that didn’t hook me because (say it with me) I’m Old Man Fanboy™.
Accepting that Hasbro has complete control of ROM, which was originally a toy from Parker Brothers, the Energon Universe is a good place to land. Kirkman and De Felici did good work launching it with Void Rivals; whether or not they continue on ROM remains to be seen. But so many comics pros love the Marvel series and want their crack at redefining the mythology, it makes sense Kirkman wants to put his stamp on it.
Somebody, please, tell me why I should love M.A.S.K. I don’t think I’ve ever caught an episode of the show, and didn’t have the toys. But I’ll still buy one blind bag today for that 1 in 3 chance.
