Rom #27
Published and © by Marvel and Rom © Parker Brothers, February 1982
Title: “Turnabout Is Fair Play!”
Synopsis: To spare Galador, Rom offers up the Dark Nebula – but does even Galactus have the stomach for Wraithworld?
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Penciler: Sal Buscema
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Review: After settling into a solid-but-unspectacular groove, Bill Mantlo surprises with this strong Galactus story. Questions of morality are central here. Is it OK for the heroic Rom to bargain for the safety of his homeworld with that of the Wraith’s, even given the latter’s consummate evil? And is Galactus beholden to concepts like honor and evil, or is he a force of nature beyond them? It is the second question that Mantlo plays with to great effect; readers are treated to scenes in which the devourer of worlds displays God-like detachment and others with emotions that betray his mortal origins.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: Bill Mantlo writes an emotionally complex Galactus.
Not-so-cool factor: Pretty sure genocide is never cool, Rom.
Notable: Also contains single-page house ads announcing Micronauts and Ka-Zar the Savage’s move to the direct market.
Character quotable: “I am Galactus, a morality unto myself! Seeking to shackle me to standards of honor – is like trying to yoke dreams to reason!” – Galactus,
Editor’s note: This review was written May 28, 2028.
