Rom: Spaceknight #1: Facsimile Edition

by Bill Mantlo

Rom: Spaceknight #1: Facsimile Edition

Illustrated by: Sal Buscema

Cover Art by: Frank Miller

Written by: Bill Mantlo

Release date: September 20, 2023

Marvel Comics

*Minor Spoilers Ahead

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! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting ROM (1979) #1.

Rom: Spaceknight holds a special place in the hearts of many, and the release of the Rom: Spaceknight #1 Facsimile Edition by Marvel Comics is a thrilling tribute to a beloved character’s enduring legacy. Rom, originally based on the Parker Brothers toy from 1979 and now under the ownership of Hasbro, made his Marvel Comics debut in this iconic issue. As a long-time fan of Rom, this facsimile edition is a treasure trove of nostalgia, and it opens a door to the possibility of more Rom adventures in the future.

For those who, like me, still own their original Rom: Spaceknight toy, this comic is a cherished connection to our childhoods. Marvel Comics had the honor of bringing Rom’s story to life, but unfortunately, they lost the rights to the character, leaving fans yearning for reprints and new adventures. The arrival of this facsimile edition is a ray of hope, hinting that more Rom releases may be on the horizon. Rumors of a Rom: Spaceknight Omnibus slated for 2024 and IDW’s short-lived Rom series in 2016 have kept our hopes alive, and this facsimile edition adds to the excitement.

The creative minds behind Rom: Spaceknight are a true dream team. Written by Bill Mantlo, with art by Sal Buscema and a cover by the legendary Frank Miller, the quality of talent invested in Rom’s debut is evident on every page. Their collaboration brought Rom to life in a way that captured the imaginations of fans then and continues to do so now.

The story itself is a captivating introduction to the world of Rom. Rom, a Spaceknight from the planet Galador, made a solemn vow to protect his people from the vile Dire Wraiths, alien invaders who could assume human form. Earth becomes the latest battleground in this ancient cosmic conflict, as the Dire Wraiths insidiously infiltrate human society. Only Rom’s trusty energy analyzer and powerful neutralizer can detect and banish them to Limbo. This landmark first issue sets the stage for Rom’s entry into the Marvel Universe, his fateful encounter with his future ally Brandy Clark, and the beginning of his quest to liberate Earth from the Dire Wraiths’ invisible grasp.

In a world of reboots and reinterpretations, the Rom: Spaceknight #1 Facsimile Edition stands out as a faithful reproduction of a classic Marvel comic. It preserves the original experience, complete with vintage advertisements and editorial content of its era, offering both long-time fans and new readers a chance to relive the cosmic adventures of Rom in their purest form.

Rom: Spaceknight #1 Facsimile Edition is a must-have for Rom enthusiasts, comic collectors, and anyone who appreciates timeless storytelling. It rekindles the magic of a character who has left an indelible mark on Marvel history and reignites hope for more Rom adventures in the future. With its stellar creative team and captivating narrative, this comic is a testament to the enduring power of Rom: Spaceknight.

Rom: Spaceknight #1 Facsimile Edition Facsimile Edition is available on our weekly new comic wall.