Rom #8
Published and © by Marvel and Rom © Parker Brothers, July 1980
Title: “Deathwing!”
Synopsis: With his Earth alliances fraying and his neutralizer in Wraith hands, Rom must face a dreaded deathwing!
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Sal Buscema
Review: Early on, Rom proves stronger when focusing on the series’ sci-fi trappings: the exploration of Dire-Wraith culture, the reaction of humans to discovering an alien threat, glimpses of Rom’s Galadorian backstory, etc. There’s little new to these concepts – issues like this one have a real ’50s-sci-fi-B-movie feel – but it certainly beats some of the series’ odder departures (see reviews of Rom #5 and #7). Things may change as Rom gets more established in the Marvel U, but, for now, it’s the moody, conspiratorial sci-fi tone that makes this series rich with potential.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: And you thought last issue’s Michael Golden cover was pretty?
Not-so-cool factor: Not so sold on the Serpentyne character. He looks like a generic action figure from the era.
Notable: This issue includes “Sunday Punch!,” a one-page ad for Hostess fruit pies ad featuring art by George Pérez.
Character quotable: “Your fellow humans will have many questions … and I doubt that they will believe any answers that come from a ‘murdering alien.’ ” – Rom, spaceknight, learning the subtle, human art of the guilt trip
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on Feb. 15, 2023.
