X-Men variant by Frank Miller, courtesy of Marvel and Hasbro
The greatest of all Spaceknights returns to Marvel to finally be collected into three omnibus editions! After decades, Marvel and Hasbro Entertainment have brokered a deal to reprint ROM Spaceknight. The title might be familiar from a solid book from IDW a few years ago, but in many ways, they were trying to recreate the magic of Marvel’s run without quite being it. Because what ROM Spaceknight did was weave in and out of the Marvel Universe, leaving a lasting impact that for decades could only be referenced by allusion.
We’re talking a comic book about not a toy line, but a single toy. As an action figure, ROM was impressive but not successful. In the hands of writer Bill Mantlo and artist Sal Buscema, ROM became a precursor to Secret Invasion. His mortal enemies, the Dire Wraiths, had infiltrated Earth years before. Mantlo retconned an old Avengers villain into a Dire Wraith. The comic book lasted years longer than the toy — and among hardcore fans has been spoken of in whispers. As in, “I wish I’d kept my run of that book…”
artwork by Frank Miller, courtesy of Marvel and Hasbro
If you’re not sure you want to take the deep dive of an omnibus, Marvel has helpfully prepared a reprint of the first issue. The first taste isn’t exactly free, more like $3.99, but it should be enough to show you what the fuss is about. From the press release, it’s unclear if Marvel will produce new adventures — though the Spaceknights themselves have appeared since, ROM himself had a happy ending.
Of course, if Marvel and Hasbro are happy with each other again, can Mantlo’s other toy masterpiece be far behind? Dare we dream of Micronauts? (Yes, I know that was originally Mego, but I also know Hasbro snapped up the rights a while back. ROM was originally from Parker Brothers, too.) I shall keep dreaming…
From Marvel:
Marvel Comics is thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with Hasbro, a global leader in play, that will result in brand-new collections and reprints of Rom’s original comic book adventures!
artwork by Sal Buscema, courtesy of Marvel and Hasbro
The popular toy turned comic book superstar headlined his very own solo series throughout the 80s, igniting readers’ imaginations for 75 issues. Set in the main Marvel Comics universe, Rom was a full-fledged Marvel icon who had memorable team-ups with the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and even battled bravely against the likes of Galactus and the Skrulls! These incredible stories by industry legends Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema, along with various Rom guest appearances, will be reprinted for the first time ever in ROM: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS VOLUME 1, on sale January 2024. In addition to this long-awaited collection, fans can pick up a facsimile edition of Rom’s comic book debut, 1979’s ROM #1, this September!
ROM: THE ORIGINAL YEARS OMNIBUS VOLUME 1 will collect ROM (1979) #1-29 and POWER MAN AND IRON FIST (1978) #73. He strikes from outer space…and nothing can stop him! Marvel Comics is proud to present the iconic early adventures of the greatest of Spaceknights — Rom! Centuries ago, Rom pledged his life to protect his planet, Galador, from the evil Dire Wraiths. Now, Rom has tracked these vile creatures across the cosmos to Earth, where they have infiltrated the highest levels of power — including S.H.I.E.L.D. itself! Armed with his energy analyzer, only Rom can see the Wraiths’ true form — and with his neutralizer, he can blast them into Limbo! But what will Earth make of this armored invader? Will Rom’s quest be aided or hindered by encounters with the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Jack of Hearts, Nova, and Power Man and Iron Fist? And when Galactus targets Galador, can Rom and his fellow Spaceknights save their homeworld from destruction?
X-Men variant by Frank Miller, courtesy of Marvel and Hasbro
ROM #1 FACSIMILE EDITION boldly re-presents ROM (1979) #1, one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, in its original form, ads and all! Long ago, Rom offered his life to serve his planet of Galador as a Spaceknight — an armored warrior, sworn to protect his people from the vile alien invaders known as the Dire Wraiths. Now, his solemn vow brings him to Earth — the latest front in an ancient cosmic conflict! The Wraiths can assume human form, and they’ve been worming their way into our society. Only Rom’s trusty energy analyzer can detect them — and with his powerful neutralizer, he can banish them to Limbo! In this landmark first issue, Rom blasts his way into the Marvel Universe, meets his future ally Brandy Clark and begins his quest to free Earth from the Dire Wraiths’ invisible infiltration!
artwork by Frank Miller, courtesy of Marvel and Hasbro
artwork by George Perez, courtesy of his family, Marvel, and Hasbro
Check out the covers now, including the exemplary original ROM #1 cover art by Frank Miller. In addition, view never-before-seen Rom artwork from industry legend George Pérez’s archives. Received from his estate, this piece will serve as a Direct Market Exclusive Variant Cover!
Experience these beloved and rare stories all over again or for the very first time when ROM #1 FACSIMILE EDITION hits stands in September and when ROM: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS arrives next year!
In addition to running Fanboy Planet, Derek has contributed stories to Arcana Comics (The Greatest American Hero) and Monsterverse Comics (Bela Lugosi's Tales from the Grave). He has performed with ComedySportz, City Lights Theater Company and Silicon Valley Shakespeare, though relocated to Hollywood to... work in an office? If you ever played Eric's Ultimate Solitaire on the Macintosh, it was Derek's voice as The Weasel that urged you to play longer. You can buy his book "I Was Flesh Gordon" on the Amazon link at the right. Email him at [email protected].
