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I can't remember whether I ever definitely bought a ROM comic or not. I have a feeling I may've bought either the last issue or an Annual, but I couldn't swear to it. If I did, I'll still have it, so maybe I'll find it tucked away in a cupboard one day. I also have an inkling that I may've read some of his adventures reprinted in b&w in a Marvel UK mag, but can't recall which one.
One thing I do know is that I never bought the first issue, but now, thanks to Marvel's superb series of Facsimile Editions, I own it now as it popped through my letterbox this morning (Friday). Haven't read it yet, may not do so for a while, but good to have in my collection nonetheless. (And it's got the 'Continued After Next Page' lines before the ads.)
So why not run around to your local comicbook store and obtain a copy for yourself? You'll only regret it if you don't.
9 comments:
I bought numerous issues of ROM but I got #1 via a swap (I knew several other kids who read Marvel comics so we did a lot of swapping).
I often gave comics away back then, CJ, but I was never into swapping. I preferred my comics to be in pristine condition, bought brand-new off the shelves or spinner-racks.
There’s an awesome advert for the toy https://youtu.be/Lf5tbogiKUc?si=2tP5PHpnA0J8a9iw
ROM was one of the better comic books of its era. Toy tie-ins were often suspect and I often let them sit on the stands (never got into G.I.Joe all that much) but ROM was quality right from the beginning. Bill Mantlo never got enough credit for his writing at the time and what happened to him was tragic. ROM was his arguably his masterpiece.
Kid - Black & white ROMs were in 'Forces in Combat', then briefly 'Future Tense'. Later, my brother acquired a full set (almost) of U.S. ROM comics. From an adult perspective, the title worked because ROM was incredibly flexible, as a concept. He was an armoured hero, like Iron Man, etc. ROM was shunned by humanity (c.f. Silver Surfer, X-Men, Hulk, etc). He was also an alien - inviting 'Space Opera' themes. ROM being separated from his neutralizer (c.f. Thor being separated from his hammer). ROMs energy analyzer could "scan" superhero opponents (providing interesting info for the reader), like Daredevil, with his radar sense. Beneath his armour, ROM resembled Conan, for some reason. On top of all that, Marvel could - and did - engineer run ins between ROM & almost every other superhero. There was no limit to what you could do with the character. Bill Mantlo & Sal made a good fist of ROM.
Phillip
I'll take a look, PS, though I think I remember the ad at the time. I'll know when I see it again.
******
If I've got a bit of spare dosh, RJ, I may buy a collected edition (if there is one) one of these days and see what I missed.
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Ah, that's right, P, I remember now. I've got the first few issues of each title. I don't recall knowing that he wore armour - I thought he was a robot of some kind.
I might pick this up for Sal Biscema's art, thanks for letting us know Kid. I ignored this comic at the time as I have never been a fan of most toy\film tie in strips (Alien being an exception) but I picked up a few issues for 20p each at a car boot sale a few years ago and they were ok nice art and a decent read with some great covers. I think Rom comics were being published by other companies up until (at least) 5 years ago, but I don't think the Marvel books have been collected.
Kid - ROM's armour wasn't armour he could take off, however - it was grafted onto human (or, rather, Galadorian) flesh. This was part of ROM's tragedy - saving his planet (Galador) from the Dire Wraiths, by becoming a Space Knight, meant he couldn't pursue a relationship, either with his girl on Galador - or Brandy Clark (were she single!) on Earth. The Space Knight Firefall's armour was removed, but with - I think - eventually fatal consequences for its occupant - and for the criminal who adopted the armour, who gained eventual redemption by helping ROM.
Phillip
I haven't read it yet, McS, but a quick browse-through seems to suggest it'll be an enjoyable read when I do get around to it. Obviously, Marvel must've reacquired permission to use the character again, hence the facsimile, so it probably won't be long 'til a collected edition is available (if it isn't already).
******
That makes him sound even more like the Silver Surfer, P, but that's no bad thing in my view. Thanks for the further info.
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