'ROM: Spaceknight' Appreciation Thread

[so-tite]

It may have been popular back then, but currently, this is a very underated book. It's still one of Marvel's and Mantlo's best and there's still a lot of untapped potential with this character. There's still a lot of things that can be done with both him and the Dire Wraiths. Rom was an amazing character and it'd be nice to see him return. He had some great interactions with the rest of the Marvel universe and characters. Rom would especially be great as one of the headliners in Marvel's current revival of cosmic stories and would be a great addition to Marvel's current cosmic line.

Rom was an instrumental part of some of Marvel's history. I found something that puts it best.

Odinson's hails one of the greatest heroes of all time

Greetings from the Odinson,

Yes, it’s that time of year again. It’s time for my 4th annual shout-out to a sorely underused character with all the potential to be a great comic. Once a year I try to talk up one of my all time favorite heroes from the past in hopes that Marvel will dust him off and bring him back to the fold. I am, of course, speaking of Rom the Spaceknight, whose series ran 75 issues and 4 annuals from 1979-1987. Rom was a very important character to the early eighties Marvel Universe. For example, in Rom #32 Rogue (still with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants) attempts to absorb Rom’s abilities. Rom’s innate nobility awakens her own goodness, thus helping her on her path to seek out the X-Men (as seen in Uncanny X-Men #171). The rest is history. Also, Richard Rider’s story did not actually end with the cancellation of his own series (Nova). It concluded in Fantastic Four (1961-1996 1st Series) #208 and Rom #24. After Rom helps Nova defend Xandar from a Skrull invasion (devious little alien villains who made a big noise in the Secret Invasion storyline), Richard Rider decides to give up his powers and return to Earth. This is the bridge between Nova (1976-1979 1st Series) #25 and New Warriors (1990-1996 1st Series) #1, where Nova made his triumphant return.

Rom (1979-1986) #1-75 and Rom Annual (1982-1985) #1-4 depict an epic tale of love, loss, redemption, and, of course, scary alien monsters. Deep in space two centuries ago a decisive battle between the forces of good and evil was fought. The brave Spaceknights of Galador defeated the evil sorcery and super-science of the Dire Wraiths, and scattered them to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. Now, in present day their eternal struggle has spilled over to Earth. Rom, greatest of the Spaceknights, has landed in a small West Virginia town. Frightened by the arrival of a seven-foot alien, the people of Clairton have called in the National Guard. Rom is then forced to defend himself against those he has come to save.

Now that’s the kind of set-up that sets the stage for a truly classic story.

Rom is a powerful force for good with the heart of hero that resides in the nigh indestructible shell of a cyborg. Marvel keeps teasing us with cameos by the Spaceknights in the space epics Annihilation and Annihilation: Conquest, but where is Rom? Rom has stood toe-to-toe with the likes of Jack of Hearts (Rom #12), Terrax the Tamer (Rom #26), Gladiator (Rom Annual #4) and has survived encounters with the mighty Hulk (Incredible Hulk #296) and Galactus the Devourer of Worlds (Rom #27). He is definitely a force to be reckoned with. I know Rom received a satisfying and well earned ending, but with all these cosmic events that keep creeping into the Marvel U surely the Greatest Spaceknight can be enticed to come out of retirement to instill justice in a chaotic universe.

Rom’s original series features superb writing by Bill Mantlo and some of the best artwork from Sal Buscema’s illustrious career, plus some great covers by Mike Zeck, Frank Miller, and pencils by the legendary Steve Ditko. I can’t recommend this comic enough. If you love Sci-Fi stories, passion, bravery, cool guest appearances, and, of course, scary alien creatures, then Rom is for you.

At the very least this guy has earned the right to get either the Essential or Marvel Masterworks treatment.

Marvel, hear my plea. Bring Rom back!

This is Odinson bidding thee farewell

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache...t-heroes-of-all-time&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Note: The design taken from Rom's Neutralizer was also responsible for Storm losing her powers.

Here's a general summary of the series and a description of why it was so good (tons of spoilers here):

http://www.comics101.com/comics101//?mode=project&action=view&project=Comics 101&chapter=83
http://www.comics101.com/comics101//?mode=project&action=view&project=Comics 101&chapter=84
http://www.comics101.com/comics101//?mode=project&action=view&project=Comics 101&chapter=85

This was a great comic. IMO, this is one of the best series Marvel has ever put out and was one of the best things to come out of the 'House of Ideas' in the late 70's and 80's. There were a lot of dark elements in this and the Dire Wraiths were VERY f***ed up and rank among the top of the list as some of Marvel's best villains.

http://siskoid.blogspot.com/2008/10/spaceknight-saturdays-rom-herald-of.html
http://fortressofortitude.wordpress.com/2007/02/09/theyre-not-called-friendly-wraiths/

Basically... Dire Wraiths > Skrulls

This whole series displayed Bill Mantlo as his best. There was recently a tribute and fundraiser done for him BTW:

http://planetcomicbookradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=121
http://www.floatingworldcomics.com/main/spacenight-a-tribute-to-bill-mantlo-dec-6th/
http://www.floatingworldcomics.com/main/spacenite-auctions-a-fundraiser-for-bill-mantlo/
http://comicbooks.about.com/od/conventionsandevents/a/billmantlo.htm
http://comicbooks.about.com/od/conventionsandevents/ig/Bill-Mantlo-Tribute-Gallery/

As everyone knows, Hasbro currently owns the trademark to Rom's name and design:

http://lkseitz.blogspot.com/2008/11/on-november-6-2008-hasbro-began-process.html

This whole rights issue has also been a detriment to other Marvel stories and characters. Rom had a number of appearances in other series and due to that, collections of those stories have had to skip issues, some of which include stories vital to those characters or plots. Same goes for other characters and parts of stories running through ROM issues. A number of stories can't be collected because they cross over with Rom's series. Hopefully, Marvel can somehow work something out and get the rights/license back, especially seeing as how a lot of Marvel creators, including Bendis, have stated they want to get their hands on the character. For example:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20697
http://www.fanoff.com/shows/altereg...ll&id=1207102484&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&

It'd be cool to see a ROM series written by DnA and it could even include elements of the War of Kings/Annihilation and current Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy stories. They could sort of make it Marvel's version of Green Lantern with Rom and the rest of the Spaceknights. Besides, Secret Invasion might have been better if Dire Wraiths had been the antagonists instead of Skrulls. Not to mention, Marvel already owns ROM's supporting cast and villains, as well as the majority of his backstory. Without these things, the character would basically be useless. Further, as we've seen in the past, more Spaceknight stories won't really be all that successful without Rom. Plus, Marvel already has a working relationship with Hasbro.

Marvel could also release trades of the original series or an ESSENTIAL Rom/Omnibus collection. Marvel found a way to do the same with their Godzilla and Conan stories. Most of the proceeds could go towards Mantlo's well-being.

I think this could turn out be very good business for Marvel. Compared to a lot of Marvel's other titles, Rom sold HUGE back in the day, even outselling Hulk, Captain America, G.I. Joe, Iron Man and nearly every DC title in some instances.

http://lkseitz.blogspot.com/2008/12/rom-sales-april-1984.html
http://www.progressiveruin.com/2007_11_11_archive.html#6589677390239409752

Are there any other Rom fans here?

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

Are there any other Rom fans here?

oh hell yeah!!
Rom was awesome. he had that whole Silver surfer/ Norrin Radd quality to him that i love .giving up his humanity for the sake of his world. Falling in love with brandy and not being able to physical interact with her. he was awesome. i also loved when they introduced the other Spaceknights like Hammerhand ,Firefall and Starshine(which brandy eventually took up to be with him).about 5 years ago maybe. they came out with amini series called "Spaceknights" which followed his and brandy's sons. with Tristan taking up Rom's neutralizer at the end. It was okay, but nothing beat the original. it sucks that Marvel cant get the rights or cut some deal with Hasbro.I would totally love to see a new ongoing series. ROM ROCKS!

 

[THANOSRULES]

I loved Rom , and it would be great to see him again.

I don't see it happening though, not under Joe Q's time and let's be real..if ROM were to come out , at best it would be another 25-30K seller with dwindling sales.

I don't see marvel paying out the bucks to get the liscence for it when they can just use the space knights and create somebody new.

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

at best it would be another 25-30K seller with dwindling sales.

you're totally probably right, but personally i would take a Rom series over that bull*&^%$#* "keep buying this book to find out who it is" RED HULK book any day of the week

 

[so-tite]

I loved Rom , and it would be great to see him again.

I don't see it happening though, not under Joe Q's time and let's be real..if ROM were to come out , at best it would be another 25-30K seller with dwindling sales.

Like I mentioned earlier...

I think this could turn out be very good business for Marvel. Compared to a lot of Marvel's other titles, Rom sold HUGE back in the day, even outselling Hulk, Captain America, G.I. Joe, Iron Man and nearly every DC title in some instances.

http://lkseitz.blogspot.com/2008/12/rom-sales-april-1984.html
http://www.progressiveruin.com/2007_11_11_archive.html#6589677390239409752

With the right creative team, what's stopping him from doing the same now? Think about it... if the rights had never lapsed, Rom would have been one of Marvel's most popular characters right now... almost Wolverine-level.

I don't see marvel paying out the bucks to get the liscence for it when they can just use the space knights and create somebody new.

Spaceknights stories without Rom wouldn't be all that successful (see: 'Spaceknights' mini from a few years back). Plus, this could allow Marvel to release trades of the original stories. Also, there's still the problem of Marvel being unable to re-release other stories due to the Rom appearances in them.

 

[iloveclones]

Rom would be a great fit for the revitalization of Marvel's cosmic world.

Has JQ ever commented at a con or interview whether they've ever proposed anything to Hasbro?

 

[Vartha]

I loved Rom, too bad the toy tie-in is gone.
The whole idea of a race other than the Korbinites gentically enchancing thier people was a cool idea in my book.
As mentioned tho the Spacekinght idea did poorly, tho Maybe an appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy could be worked out.
I just don't see a stand aloan series, but an added group to a book I can see.

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

Rom would be a great fit for the revitalization of Marvel's cosmic world.

i totally agree with that with Dc having a multitude of Corps now and interplanetary police forces. Marvel should do the same with Rom and his Spaceknights. you could have all that cosmic invasion stuff with the sh'air and the kree getting mixed up with Galador. one of the main reason i use to be more into cosmic types was because of Rom and the guardians of the galaxy.that sure as hell could work.

 

[Doc Destruction]

*sniff*

I own every issue. 4 copies of number 1.

I used to buy them at my local 7-11 and get a slurpee. Sigh...thanks for some childhood memories.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I loved Rom, too bad the toy tie-in is gone.
The whole idea of a race other than the Korbinites gentically enchancing thier people was a cool idea in my book.
As mentioned tho the Spacekinght idea did poorly, tho Maybe an appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy could be worked out.
I just don't see a stand aloan series, but an added group to a book I can see.

The Spaceknights appeared at the beginning of Annihilation: Conquest, but that's about it. I'd like to see more of them, even if ROM can't appear. They're a cool concept.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Yeah, I loved Rom back in the 80's, too. I have his complete series, and every appearance he made in all the other comics, too. It was one of three comics that I had a Marvel subscription to when I was a boy. (The other two were Star Wars and Micronauts.) It's too bad Marvel let all three of those get away from them.

 

[Phaedrus45]

BTW, Marvel did release a very bad miniseries, called Spaceknights, in 2000. Here is a quick write-up a fan did on a Rom website:

"Spaceknights was a five issue limited series released in 2000. It was set on Galador, approximately 20 years after the end of the Rom series. (How 20 years passed on Galador, but not back on Earth was not addressed.) Rom was not the star of the book, but did appear briefly. The true stars are a brand new, yet vaguely familiar, generation of Spaceknights.
Chris Batista was the one who proposed the series. Inker Chip Wallace and colorist Thomas Chu were his personal choices for those duties, although Wallace was unable to finish it. Starlin was brought in strictly has a hired gun. His involvement is best described with this quote from an interview with Universo HQ:

"I thought [Rom] was a pretty dumb character back in the seventies. I just took on the job of scripting the series so that I could pay for some parts for my boat."​

Frankly, it shows. And I say this as a fan of much of Starlin's other work. Batista attempted to have Starlin's errors corrected, but not all the corrections made it through, which made some things even more confusing. Despite Marvel's repeated efforts to hype the series, it did not sell well. The first issue recieved just over 21,000 orders. By the last issue, orders were less than 14,000, making it Marvel's lowest seller that month (except for X-Men Universe, which was not aimed at the direct sales market.)"

 

[Brainiac 8]

ROM was really awesome.

Marvel needs to bring him back.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

BTW, Marvel did release a very bad miniseries, called Spaceknights, in 2000. Here is a quick write-up a fan did on a Rom website:

"Spaceknights was a five issue limited series released in 2000. It was set on Galador, approximately 20 years after the end of the Rom series. (How 20 years passed on Galador, but not back on Earth was not addressed.) Rom was not the star of the book, but did appear briefly. The true stars are a brand new, yet vaguely familiar, generation of Spaceknights.
Chris Batista was the one who proposed the series. Inker Chip Wallace and colorist Thomas Chu were his personal choices for those duties, although Wallace was unable to finish it. Starlin was brought in strictly has a hired gun. His involvement is best described with this quote from an interview with Universo HQ:

"I thought [Rom] was a pretty dumb character back in the seventies. I just took on the job of scripting the series so that I could pay for some parts for my boat."​

Frankly, it shows. And I say this as a fan of much of Starlin's other work. Batista attempted to have Starlin's errors corrected, but not all the corrections made it through, which made some things even more confusing. Despite Marvel's repeated efforts to hype the series, it did not sell well. The first issue recieved just over 21,000 orders. By the last issue, orders were less than 14,000, making it Marvel's lowest seller that month (except for X-Men Universe, which was not aimed at the direct sales market.)"

I wonder what DnA think of the Spaceknights. Like I said, ROM's off the table but the Spaceknights were a cool concept. Maybe they can get another mini-series when the next cosmic event rolls around. If Darkhawk can get one, anyone can.

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

(The other two were Star Wars and Micronauts.) them.

oh hell yeah Micronauts was the *&^%$#@ too!!!! talk about down memory lane.

you guys got me beat i had 2 copies of issue#1( i still got em the cover is barley hanging on on 1) and i think i got all till issue 40 something before i went into the military and couldnt get em. 7-11 was my friend too Doctor D.

back went you had those comic stands that squeak when you spun them . Damn! you guys are making me have to dig thru some more of my books for that stuff. my fav spaceknight was "Scanner". I love that he was like the recon/ stealth dude of the bunch. ha dude said he did it to get parts for his boat! that's live!

 

[Brainiac 8]

The spaceknights were part of both Annihilations. They were shown briefly being led by Blastaar during the first war, and they were controlled by the Phalanx during Conquest.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Yeah, but those are really tiny cameos. I want to see an actual mini-series about them.

 

[iloveclones]

*sniff*

I own every issue. 4 copies of number 1.

I used to buy them at my local 7-11 and get a slurpee. Sigh...thanks for some childhood memories.

I started buying X-Men because of a Spider-Man appearance, and I started buying Rom because of an X-Men appearance. Marvel used to be so good at getting me to pick up other titles. (Yes, I am the reason that Wolverine appears in every single title.)

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

(Yes, I am the reason that Wolverine appears in every single title.)

oh so you are the cause of all of that huh!!

Rom was the reason i liked Rogue. She made that 1stappearance in Avengers but i was like Meh!! so what! but when she showed up in Rom i was like"cool." even that she was an old lady back then( haha Marvel never explained how she tuned into a young chippee from an old lady) Hahaha

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Rogue was an old lady at first?

 

[Themanofbat]

I started buying Rom regularly around issue #30, and bought it till the end...

The Dire Wraith war was some of Marvel's best at that time...

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I wish we could see the Dire Wraiths again. They were cool villains.

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

Rogue was an old lady at first?

yeah when she was 1st introduced she was a late 30 something adult lady with a wolverine type "doo". i guess she got to be so popular they made her younger but they never explained how. i wrote into marvel to get a no- prize for that, but they never wrote me back. HAHAHA

 

[so-tite]

The Spaceknights appeared at the beginning of Annihilation: Conquest, but that's about it. I'd like to see more of them, even if ROM can't appear. They're a cool concept.

Like I said, I'm not sure how successful, a Spaceknights book without Rom (i.e. that Spaceknights mini) would be. Hopefully, Marvel could work something out with Hasbro. It would be in Hasbro's best interests as well, since they can't even use the character without the Marvel-owned elements and characteristics.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

It sounds like that Spaceknights mini failed more because it was a terrible comic by a writer who didn't give a s*** about it than because of some inherent weakness in the Spaceknights concept. I don't really have any attachment to ROM, but the Spaceknights still sound interesting to me, and I know I can't be alone in that.