Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #55

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the fifty-fifth issue of Marvel's monthly ROM: Spaceknight title. The Butch Guice drawn cover shows ROM and Starshine facing dark red attackers, as it's indicated that there's an enemy within. The story was indeed titled "The Enemy Within!" The issue had a cover date of June 1984.

The tale begins as panicked patients flee Mercy Hospital, where the Spaceknights have just arrived. ROM, Starshine, and several SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law Enforcement Division) enter the facility to find several hideous monsters attacking other patients. Doubt surfaced as to whether the monsters were alien or human in origin. ROM's energy analyzer confirmed that the strange beings were derived from man.

A battle ensued. While the Galadorian and SHIELD agents sought to preserve human life if at all possible, Starshine had no such qualms. Her savagery disturbed ROM, who once admired Brandy Clark because of her humanity and appreciation for all living things. He feared that she had lost those compassionate qualities forever. 

Starshine soon suggested that the hospital be burned down to prevent the wraith infection from spreading. ROM was taken aback by this, knowing that there were probably still people inside and that no one knew if this plague could be cured. One person stepped in and said that he knew of a sure fire cure. That individual was Rick Jones, who was holding his dead doctor in his arms. He pleaded for the Spaceknights to kill him, thinking that he was a carrier of the disease. 

ROM asked Jones just what had transpired. Jones explained that he was in his hospital room, about to receive a blood transfusion, when the orderly accidentally pricked himself with the transfusion. The young man suddenly started to convulse and writhe in pain before a strange creature emerged from him. The monster lashed out swiftly at the doctor, just before Jones brought the body of his acoustic guitar on the abomination's head. The Spaceknights listened grimly to Rick's story, which confirmed part of what the Galadorian had suspected. ROM used his energy analyzer to ascertain that wraith sorcery had been mixed with the blood from the hospital's blood bank. He then postulated that every person in the hospital who had received a blood transfusion the previous night was now a wraith-infused monster.

Starshine and ROM briefly explained what Dire Wraiths are to Rick Jones before moving on to encounter more wraith-spawned creatures. The Spaceknights quickly defeated the monsters, before Jones directed them toward the blood bank. Starshine, as usual of late, opted to destroy the wraith creations while ROM chose to neutralize them to the limbo dimension. The battle was soon over, but not without inflicting casualties just like at many other places during the wraith war on Earth. Jones asked if everything was okay, but event as ROM explained that the alien menace was quickly spreading elsewhere, he knew that his question would not have a positive answer. 

I noticed Bill Sienkiewicz's distinctive artwork in a few panels of ROM's battle with a two-headed monstrosity, even though he wasn't credited on the first page. I assumed that he must have filled in a bit for Sal Buscema, who would not pencil the next issue. In fact, "our pal" Sal wouldn't be with the book for much longer. It was still an interesting turn of events that continued to move the storyline forward.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the fifty-sixth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight. In that issue, the wraith invasion spreads into Canada. ROM and Starshine will continue to defend the planet, this time with assistance from a few members of another well-known mutant team. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #54

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the fifty-fourth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight title. The cover indicates that wraiths are on a blood trail. Even the traditional ROM image in the top left corner is a blood-red color. The story was named "The Blood-Trail!" The issue had a cover date of May 1984.

The tale begins in a sewer underneath the city streets of Atlanta, Georgia. ROM and Starshine are following a SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law Enforcement Division) ESPer (Extra Sensory Perception) agent who was pursuing the psychic activity of Dire Wraiths. Sure enough, the Spaceknights and SHIELD members soon encountered a cadre of wraiths who were busy tormenting several screaming humans. 

At first, the female wraiths thought that it was the silver Spaceknight who initially discovered them. They soon learned that the human ESPer was responsible for that and let loose a mental barrage that assaulted the young agent. The man collapsed face forward into the murky sewer waters just before the battle began. ROM, Starshine, and the SHIELD soldiers fought back against the Dire Wraiths. Humanity won that day, and the mystery of people disappearing in Atlanta was solved. However, the conflict wasn't without cost. Several of the wraith test subjects perished, and the ESPer agent's comatose state proved their vulnerability to wraith psycho-sorcery. 

Starshine expressed her bloodthirsty intent before ROM reminded his love that they needed to find their enemies before they could be defeated. One soldier noticed that all the blood had been drained from the wraiths' victims. He wondered aloud what the aliens wanted with human blood. 

Meanwhile, at Mercy Hospital, a new patient calmly strode through the front doors. He made his way to the front desk before his appointment with Doctor Garrison. The young man's name was Rick Jones. Yes, this was the same Rick Jones who had once been a partner of the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and the late Captain Marvel. Jones struck out on his own after helping Banner regain control of the Hulk, and recently fell ill. He scheduled the appointment in an attempt to find out just what was wrong with him. The doctor arranged a private room for Jones to stay in while tests were being run. 

Back at the SHIELD Helicarrier, Director Nick Fury was in the ESP room when ROM and Starshine arrived. Thus far, the ESP agents were the only ones who had been able to knew where the wraiths could be found. One man expressed his concern for their survival rate, before Starshine declared that they were engaged in a war, and that soldiers were expendable. ROM was surprised by this perspective, noting that he still planned to reclaim his humanity one day and hoped that Brandy would join him in that effort. Starshine replied by saying that he spoke to Brandy Clark, the person she once was, and that the person he once knew died when the wraiths murdered her family members and friends (in the landmark fiftieth issue). Starshine went on to say that her reason to live now was to see the extermination of the wraith race. 

Fury interrupted the Spaceknights' conversation by stating that his ESPer agent, who had joined them in their mission in Atlanta, had his brain fried from the inside. He thought that ROM's energy analyzer could detect wraiths wherever they hid. ROM clarified that he and Starshine could only detect general wraith activity and that it was only the ESP agents who could precisely pinpoint where wraiths were lurking. Fury acknowledged that, adding that it has also cost his people their lives, a cost that he wasn't willing to make consistently. 

Another solution presented itself as a stranger entered the doorway behind the trio. That person was none other than Doctor Strange, sorcerer supreme. Strange offered to lend his magic to the ESP agents' abilities. Fury agreed, and the agents were soon bombarded with powerful magic that enhanced their abilities to detect Dire Wraiths on Earth. Strange then left as quickly as he had appeared. The ESP agents stood up from their seats. One of them felt the powerful horror of wraith sorcery that was emanating from Mercy Hospital. 

At the hospital, Jones was sitting up in bed, strumming his guitar and trying to take his mind off of his troubles. As he did so, we can see menacing black shapes and puffs of pink smoke infiltrating the hospital. The invaders made their way to the hospital's blood bank and soon entered. Once inside, the wraiths were able to cast sinister spells on the blood supply, dooming those in need of that vital resource. 

In Jones' room, the doctor asked her patient if he had been exposed to gamma rays recently. Indeed, Rick had (in issue #269 of the Hulk's monthly color comic). Doctor Garrison explained that although the gamma radiation had been purged from his system, it had done considerable damage. She announced that the heroic sidekick was dying from a rare, irreversible, and incurable form of cancer. Rick was reminded of Mar-Vell's death from that same disease. He asked the doctor how much time he had left. She wasn't sure exactly, but advised blood transfusions, not knowing that the hospital's blood supply was already tainted by wraith sorcery. Neither of them knew that Starshine and ROM were already on their way to that hospital to confront the cause of the blood contamination.

Rick Jones has been a part of the Marvel Universe since Incredible Hulk #1. He's been superpowered and depowered at various times over the years, and has shown up in many different titles since his initial introduction. He would play an important role in this title for most of its remaining run, and he's a character that I've always liked. It was also good to see Doctor Strange's first appearance in this comic since issue #41. This was the first indication that the wraiths planned to take over the Earth on a more microscopic scale, a trend that we'd also see in future issues.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the fifty-fifth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight series.In that issue, we'll find out just what the Dire Wraiths had in store for the blood that they contaminated with their foul sorcery. We'll also see Rick's first interactions with the Spaceknights. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #53

Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the fifty-third issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight. The cover shows the titular character in agony, as a pair of large eyes watches him. A sense of paranoia is suggested. The story was named "Paranoia Strikes Deep!" The issue had a cover date of April 1984.

On the first page, we get an eagle-eye view of "Dum Dum" Dugan, Colonel Nick Fury of SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law Enforcement Division), and an unnamed technician. The trio is staring at strange birds that appeared on an intruder detection screen inside the SHIELD Helicarrier. The odd animals were actually Dire Wraiths in disguise. Wraiths and their hellhound counterparts soon infiltrated the vehicle and attacked the SHIELD soldiers within. Fury was surprised by the attack that happened before they even had time to sound alarms, but soon joined the fray. 

By now, SHIELD was aware of Project Wraithwatch, but this was the first time that most of their agents had observed Dire Wraiths in person. The conflict continued, as wraith Deathwings continued to drop more wraiths onto the helicarrier. Fury eventually brought their flying base into the upper atmosphere, where the aliens were soon exterminated by the extreme cold of outer space. The helicarrier wasn't designed for space travel, and soon plummeted planetward. The friction heat of reentry into our atmosphere killed off the remaining wraiths on the helicarrier, and the brave men and women of SHIELD had gained a temporary victory.

Later on, Fury stands beside ROM and Starshine as they inform the President of the United States (who looks suspiciously familiar to the Gipper) and his trusted Cabinet members about the wraith threat. Starshine informed the government officials about the ongoing war with the alien menace. The President opted to call in more officials before taking action. 

Disappointed by the president's lack of urgency, Fury and the Spaceknights moved on to the Project Wraithwatch base. On a nearby monitor, more devastation from wraith attacks could be observed. ROM and Starshine warned that the wraiths wanted to take over the planet. Starshine went on to say that the nations of Earth must unite to defeat this common enemy, and accused anyone who would not agree to that of aiding and abetting their foes. A hasty conversation followed, and ROM used his energy analyzer to confirm that all of the men in the room were indeed human. Fury asked if more energy analyzers could be made. ROM explained that only he and one other (the Torpedo) had been given the ability to detect dire wraiths. When Nick asked what happened to that other person, the silver Spaceknight explained that his friend had passed away (during the wraith attack on Clairton in issue #50). 

Fury then turned a large viewscreen on, just as the U.S. President was about to speak in front of an assemblage of national leaders from around the globe. The president explained the severity of the wraith threat, and the aliens' abilities to assume other identities. He announced that his country and many others had agreed to join forces to defend their lands from the Dire Wraiths. The Spaceknights were pleased to hear this. The president continued by saying that super-powered beings from different countries could be counted on to defend their lands. He ended his speech by declaring Earth's war with wraithkind and acknowledged the assistance of ROM, greatest of the Spaceknights. As the people around him started clapping for the Galadorian, Nick Fury stood by and said that now the talking was over, the fighting would begin.

Although Sal Buscema was the primary penciler for this title up to this point, you can easily determine that several panels were crafted by Moon Knight and New Mutants artist Bill Sienkiewicz, who had also drawn a few covers of this magazine by then. His artwork is distinctive, and definitely draws your attention in this issue. There wasn't much action, but the purpose was really to announce the wraith threat and unite the world against the common foes. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the fifty-fourth issue of Marvel's monthly Spaceknight series. In that issue, we'll learn more of the Dire Wraiths' plans to conquer our planet. There will also be an appearance by a character who's been in the Marvel Universe for decades. Until then, have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #52

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the fifty-second issue of Marvel's monthly ROM: Spaceknight title. The cover illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz shows a soldier in the trenches as the silver Spaceknight looks on. The story was titled "Total War!" The issue had a cover date of March 1984. 

The action begins in a cave where several female wraiths huddle together, discussing their despised enemy, ROM. His renewed commitment to eliminating his mortal enemies changed the wraith plans to use the conquest of Earth as a piece of their ultimate plan to invade Galador. Wraiths would now have to fight for their very existence on our world, which is something they vowed to do, even if it meant annihilating all life on the planet in the process.

Meanwhile, ROM and Starshine were busy assessing the damage wrought by wraiths on another city on the East Coast of the United States. Several army soldiers flanked behind them, with everyone in awe over the destruction that left the town almost unrecognizable. The silver Spaceknight remarked about the swiftness of the wraith attack just before he and Brandy located a family trapped underneath part of a brick wall. The Spaceknights saved the humans. Afterward, Brandy asked ROM if wraiths left many dead and injured on other planets. ROM grimly replied in the affirmative. 

They were soon summoned by General Locklin, who awaited them in a nearby tent. The general admitted that he initially dismissed the claims that Dire Wraiths had invaded Earth until he saw their devastation firsthand. He realized that his country was at war with an alien menace, something that probably wouldn't happen until more people were killed and more areas were devastated by the Dire Wraith invasion, like what happened to ROM's world before its people fought back and forced their enemies into hiding in other regions of the galaxy. 

Locklin remarked how the wraiths had established a stronghold on his world. He reiterated that he didn't mean to imply that Galador resumed its peace by making Earth miserable in return. ROM reminded him that no world could ever truly be at rest until the wraith menace was ended, once and for all. He recommended that the citizens be informed and armed as needed. In the days that followed, word spread about the wraith threat. Weapons were issued, and the call went out for brave volunteers willing to join the defense. 

Project Wraithwatch was soon underway. In its headquarters, Locklin gave Starshine and ROM a tour of the facility. The silver Spaceknight then used his energy analyzer to showcase pockets of wraith activity on a nearby globe. Starshine noticed that some of them were right where they stood. The wraiths who were present quickly shed their human disguises and struck at their enemies. Locklin was grabbed by a wraith until it was banished to limbo by ROM's neutralizer. The general then fired his service revolver at another wraith and led his troops to attack the remaining wraiths in the building. 

During the melee, the Galadorian was stunned by Brandy's brutality, as she forced her lighteye rays through a wraith's skull. He doubted that the two of them could enjoy the end of the wraith war together. The Spaceknights sped off into another chamber to combat more wraiths and won the short-lived battle. Afterward, the dead and the wounded were carted off. Locklin was amazed by a foe who could assume their shape and infiltrate their army. ROM stressed the importance of defeating the wraiths, a mission that the general was more than willing to pursue. 

This was the first time in this monthly title that Earth's military forces joined the fight on a large scale. It would also set up future issues' storylines as word continued to spread about the enemy aliens. I was a bit surprised at first by Starshine's savagery, but then I realized how she still probably had some pent-up anger after seeing her loved ones destroyed during the decimation of her hometown. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the fifty-third issue of Marvel's monthly ROM title. In that issue, we'll see the wraith threat extend across America. ROM and Starshine will also invite more government involvement, including a well-known character who's been around for decades. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #51

 Hi everyone, 

Today I'll be writing about the fifty-first issue of Marvel's monthly ROM: Spaceknight comic book. The cover shows Starshine apparently on a rampage. The tale was titled "Gloves Off!" The issue had a cover date of February 1984.

The story began with Starshine flying toward the drawbridge in her hometown of Clairton, West Virginia. When she reached her destination of the bridge control tower, she ordered the operator to keep the bridge raised. The scared human obeyed, and Starshine's light eyes fused the controls to ensure that the bridge stayed in that position. She then flew toward the crowd assembled on one side of the bridge. Starshine's light eyes revealed that several female wraiths were included in the gathering. She accused the aliens of being guilty of crimes against humanity and meted out a death sentence with her light rays. The wraiths sizzled and burned before expiring in front of frightened humans who ran for their lives.

ROM arrived in time to bring a frightened young boy to his mother. He was ashamed of his love's harsh methods, even though she probably learned them from him. The Galadorian reminded her that they were sworn to protect her fellow humans, and not terrorize them. Brandy suggested that they know terror, thinking that it might wake them up to the atrocities that wraiths committed against those she loved dearly. She then flew off in anguish. ROM followed her to a nearby hillside. Brandy expressed her grief over the recent losses of those people and directed her toward the town, where last rites for those lost in the wraith war were about to be given.

A funeral procession soon began, as several townspeople marched coffins toward the cemetery. A reporter from out of town asked one of the pallbearers what the ceremony was supposed to symbolize. The man just said that it's merely how they honor the dead. The newsman went on to give his live report in a town that had been decimated, with many people going missing. The man he had just interviewed said that if the reporter wanted answers, he should follow them to the town cemetery.

When they arrived, the people found ROM and Starshine waiting for them. The newsman didn't understand, but the man he'd interviewed told him to listen to the Spaceknights. ROM began with his homeworld of Galador, which Starshine portrayed, forming an image of the planet from thin air. The Galadorian described how peaceful his world was until the Dire Wraiths arrived. He went on to say how their Prime Director recognized the threat and asked citizens to stand up to it. ROM was the first to volunteer, and he and several other brave men and women were grafted into cyborg suits of armor, becoming Spaceknights. They valiantly led the charge against wraith armadas. ROM described their victory in the first battle, but the war had just begun. 

Knowing that the wraiths could assume any form they wished and would undoubtedly attempt to rule other planets, the Director asked his warriors to continue the fight, even though it meant delaying their return to humanity. ROM and his colleagues stayed loyal, even as some lost loved ones, like ROM's beloved Ray-Na. ROM's quest led him to Earth. His arrival interrupted the wraith plans to take over this planet. 

Brandy went on to say that Dire Wraiths had infiltrated the town. ROM helped to eliminate the threat, but only temporarily. They soon sought their vengeance, and it came at a heavy cost. She lost her fiancé, parents, and others dear to her in the recent conflict. Many in Clairton died when wraiths took their very souls and life essences. She went on to describe how she was the first person to witness ROM after his arrival on Earth. She was naturally scared but began to understand him and his cause. She also learned early on about the consequences that the wraith war would take. 

Clark explained that the original Starshine perished defending our planet and that she decided to be like ROM if she wanted to be with the Galadorian. Starshine's spirit had already passed her light essence on to her, and the assistance of a male wraith witch named Doctor Dredd helped her to integrate her body into the Starshine suit of armor. She helped ROM face multiple menaces, just before they returned home and found an even greater threat waiting for them there. Only the interference of the wraith brethren, the Skrulls, allowed ROM and Starshine to escape from their wraith prison, but it was unfortunately not in time to save the city. She then asked those in attendance if they would believe their tale.

ROM admitted that he originally tried to fight the wraiths in secret, but that was unsuccessful. He lamented the loss of far too many innocent lives and swore to slay his mortal foes instead of banishing them from that day forward. He asked those assembled to join their cause, not knowing that wraiths were secretly watching him. They vowed to either take over Earth or make things so that the planet could no longer support life of any kind. 

This issue was a nice send-off to Clairton, a fictional town which, as far as I know, has not been featured in another Marvel Comic since. It was also a good jumping on point for new readers. After the devastating events of the previous comic, it was good to see ROM and Starshine unbroken, having found renewed spirit and courage enough to tell the world about their fight that, up until then, had been unknown to most of the world. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the fifty-second issue of Marvel's monthly ROM title. In that issue, we'll learn more about the Dire Wraiths' plans. We'll also see how their invasion has been taken seriously and spread to other corners of the country. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #50

 Hi everyone,

Today, I'll be writing about the fiftieth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight comic. The cover features Skrulls battling female Dire Wraiths, as an apparently holographic ROM looks on in the background. The story was titled "The Extraterrestrials!" The issue had a cover date of January 1984.

The tale began with a large circular-shaped spacecraft landing on Earth. Several inhabitants of the vessels stepped out to examine their surroundings. A few minutes after their arrival, a pair of cars arrived to investigate. A flashlight beam reveals the aliens to be Skrulls (who have been around since the second issue of the Fantastic Four). One of the Skrulls uses an analyzer ray to determine that the beings in front of them are humans. Somewhat disappointed by the discovery, the aliens raise their guns. Fearing an attack, the men attempt to flee, just before they are blasted with rays that make them forget what they have just seen. Convinced that the humans pose no threat to them, the Skrulls continue calibrating their instruments toward their true quarry. 

In the skies above Clairton, West Virginia, the superhero known as the Torpedo is in a jovial mood. Brock Jones has decided that his hero days are over. With ROM and Starshine back in town, he sees no need to resume his hero career. He declares that today is the day that the Torpedo dies.

Jones lands in the front yard of the home belonging to Brandy Clark's parents. Her father greets him, stating that his arrival was expected. He explains that his friends are waiting inside. Puzzled, Jones follows Mr. Clark into the living room. There, he finds several friends milling around. One of them informs Jones that Dire Wraiths have returned to the town. Jones finds that claim hard to believe, reminding them that his visor would inform him if that were true. Others in the room pose the question that wraiths might have used their sorcery to twist his perception so that wraiths would seem human even when viewed through his visor. Jones supposed that was possible, and soon learned that it was the reality, as the beings in front of him revealed their alien nature. Brock's rocket punch felled two wraiths, but another wraith behind him used its forked tongue to dig deep into the human's mind and absorb his essence. It turns out that he was correct: the Torpedo did indeed die on that day. 

Meanwhile, inside their other-dimensional prison, it was Starshine's turn to despair. She was finally starting to realize that her family and other loved ones were dead, killed by the Dire Wraiths. ROM sympathized with his love, but his reverie was cut short by wraith shadow shapes. He struck two, and four soon stood in front of him. Black tendrils began to ensnare him, and the Galadorian called out to Starshine for assistance.

By then, the Skrull soldiers had reached Clairton. Some of them reached the Jones home. They were greeted by Lorraine and Brock. One of the disguised Skrulls' devices revealed that Jones was their enemy. Lorraine was stunned by the energy blasts emitted from her husband's hands. She ran to save her children just as Skrull blasters shot Brock, who was then revealed to be a female wraith before dying. The Skrulls fired again to cleanse the domicile. Lorraine ran for safety with her children, as the Skrulls marched on. 

Even though things looked grim for ROM, he continued to call out to Brandy for help. She acknowledged that the Brandy Clark ROM knew was now dead. She then transformed her armor using Galador's living light and dispatched the enemies who had trapped the silver Spaceknight. She then transported them back to her hometown, where a crisis was well underway. 

The Spaceknights came across firefighters who were fervently working to put out multiple blazes. Lorraine Jones found them and informed the pair that her husband was dead, and that another alien race had visited them. Starshine flew ahead of ROM to confirm the fact that Brock had passed on. They then went off to learn more about the other alien race.

Skrulls had now arrived at the Jones household. Before they could reach the front door, ROM and Starshine landed in front of them. ROM's energy analyzer determined that the intruders were Skrulls (a race that ROM had encountered on the planet Xandar). As he was talking with them, a trio of humans opened the door. One Skrull then declared the humans to be intruders, and the Skrulls were attacked by eldritch bolts from them. Skrull pistols fired back, and the Spaceknights were caught in the middle of the battle. 

ROM understood that this was the cause of the emergency in Clairton and used his analyzer once more, this time to ascertain that the humans were indeed Dire Wraiths. Starshine's light eyes struck at the wraiths, destroying them instantly. She even fired at ROM for daring to interfere in her vengeance. The Galadorian tried to calm his love, as his neutralizer sang its customary song of banishment to limbo. Undaunted, Starshine aimed her light eye rays at the house, setting it ablaze. 

Afterward, ROM spoke with the Skrull leader, who went on to explain their history on Earth. He admitted that the wraiths were a deviant type of Skrull, one that leaned more toward sorcery than science. Skrulls felt threatened as wraiths continued to populate, and had planned to eliminate them until they found their dark nebula to inhabit. They thought the wraith threat was over, until wraiths started to infiltrate the Skrulls' home planet. ROM realized that they shared the same goal: the extermination of the wraith race. The Skrull leader wished the Spaceknights good luck with that quest before they left Earth. 

Once the Skrulls were gone, several citizens wondered what to do next. ROM advised them to bury their dead, rebuild their homes, and prepare for the coming battles. He knew that at least they still had their humanity, something that he feared Brandy had lost. 

This was one of the darkest chapters in the title's history. It was released about the same time that writer Bill Mantlo was also writing about the Hulk's descent from intelligence to savagery and eventual displacement to another dimension by his former Defenders teammate Doctor Strange, after being influenced by Strange's nemesis, Nightmare. It was the second-to-last time that the city of Clairton and its residents were featured in this comic. It would have been nice to see Doc Stennis, Mack Kilburn, but it's presumed that they and other minor characters either perished or stayed behind after the conflict. It was a sad ending for Brandy's former fiancé, Steve Jackson, and Brock Jones as the Torpedo (although a female Torpedo would surface in the pages of the New Warriors several years later). The writing was on the wall when Brandy became a Spaceknight, and Clairton was featured less and less. Although it was a tragic ending, at least it was an ending that tied up what happened to several supporting characters, unlike many other comic mags, which seemed to forget them after a hero or villain moved away from their locale. 

If you're a ROM comic book collector, this is a must-have issue. It's a major plot point. There are a few fun pin-up pages after the story, as well as a satirical strip on the last page by Bob Harras and Terry Austin for Assistant Editors' Month. One of the drawings on that page replaced the typical ROM portrait in the front cover box in the top left-hand corner. 

Just because the wraith war in Clairton is over, it doesn't mean that the wraith threat on Earth is over. Next time, I'll write about the fifty-first issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight title. The casualties of this issue's battle will be honored, and ROM will recap the ongoing struggle with his mortal enemies. Starshine also finds renewed energy, and wraiths continue their plans for domination of our world. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #49

 Hi everyone,

Today, I'll be writing about the forty-ninth issue of Marvel's monthly ROM: Spaceknight series. The cover shows the silver Spaceknight and his love, Starshine (aka Brandy Clark), fighting an unknown evil. It appears the Spaceknights are trapped. The story was titled "Massacre!" The issue had a cover date of December 1983. 

The tale begins with an army of female Dire Wraiths descending upon ROM's adopted home of Clairton, West Virginia. A dog is alerted to their arrival. A wraith spell eliminates the canine, but not before its owner hears its cry for help and ventures outside of her home to investigate. The elderly woman is attacked by a wraith, who swiftly assumes the woman's identity. At the next house, the witch wraiths find themselves welcomed by Mary Lou (who was one of the female wraiths' first victims back in issue #47) into her home, where her unsuspecting parents sat in the living room, watching TV on their couch. They were also attacked in the same grisly manner.

Many longtime readers may have been wondering by now what happened to Brandy's fiancé, Steve Jackson. We now see Steve at his auto shop in town, talking to his buddy Johnny about his date with Mary Lou. Like Mary Lou, Johnny was also one of the female wraiths' first victims (also in issue #47), and revealed his true identity to Jackson. A half dozen more wraiths took Johnny's side. Steve was no stranger to Dire Wraiths and attacked the one that had been Johnny with a screwdriver. However, he soon found himself outnumbered.

Later that evening, Steve rang the doorbell of the home belonging to Brandy's parents. They were relieved to see him and had wondered how he had been doing since Brandy left (and was merged with the Starshine Spaceknight armor). Steve seemed to be remarkably calm until a pair of wraiths attacked the couple. Afterward, Steve hoped that the Spaceknights would return home, as he and his companions would be waiting for them. 

On the outskirts of town, Brandy was overjoyed to finally be home. ROM longed for his own home back on the planet of Galador. Starshine was determined to try to encourage and cheer her love up, even as he seemed to despair about the coldness of their being encased in cyborg armor, and his doubt that they could ever live a peaceful life together. He stayed by her side and vowed to continue the fight against the wraiths as she teleported them to the high school football field, where their friend Brock Jones (aka the superhero known as the Torpedo) was leading a practice. Brock welcomed his friends home and assured them that he had kept Clairton safe in their absence. He then donned his Torpedo suit and flew off with them toward Brandy's parents' home. As they departed, several of Brock's players stood there watching the trio, including a few who might not have been human. 

Brandy was very happy to see her parents and Steve. ROM offered to use his energy analyzer to learn if wraiths were present, but the Torpedo reassured him that the analyzer ability that the silver Spaceknight had gifted him would have informed him of that already. The Galadorian stood in the yard, alone with his thoughts, as Brandy followed her mother up to her old room. She told her mother about the exploits she and ROM had been on, as we see a translucent wraith reflection in the mirror behind Brandy. 

Starshine rejoined ROM in the backyard and convinced him that all was good. They entered the house together, where they found a circle of family and friends awaiting them. Starshine showed off by playing with particles of living light. As they danced off her hands and she illuminated the room, dark shadows of dire wraiths appeared on the walls. Before they could react, ROM and Starshine were encased in an other-dimensional trap. Starshine was stunned by what she had just seen, and her love had to persuade her to rise to her feet, as menacing eyes filled the area, surrounding them. The female wraiths looked on with glee, thinking that their mortal enemy had finally met his match. Meanwhile, the alien ship that we saw in the last issue in Earth's atmosphere touched down. A pair of familiar-looking aliens exited and looked onward toward the site of their prey. 

While it was good to see some of the familiar supporting characters from Clairton for the first time in several issues, I figured that they wouldn't be around forever, especially after Brandy became a Spaceknight. I'm happy that writer Bill Mantlo had plans to wrap up this plotline, although in a way that wouldn't exactly please all longtime readers of this comic book. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the landmark fiftieth issue of ROM: Spaceknight. In that double-sized tome, we'll learn the final fate of Clairton, West Virginia. We'll also find out what happened to Starshine and ROM, and who the new aliens in this story were after. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #48

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the forty-eighth issue of Marvel's ongoing ROM: Spaceknight series. The cover blurb announced "ROM To Fight No More," as the titular character walked off into the distance, with his neutralizer at his feet as Dire Wraiths surrounding seem to revel in their foe's surrender. The story was called "Renuciation! Or What Happens When A Spaceknight Has Had Enough!" The issue had a cover date of November 1983.

The tale begins at the United Nations building in New York. Unbeknownst to the human guards, the facility is about to be the site for an extraterrestrial conference between male and female Dire Wraiths. Male wraiths arrive with a Watchwraith, and robed female wraiths make their own entrance with hellhounds by their sides. Wraith siblings greet one another, knowing that both wraith science and magic are preventing the Earthlings from knowing they are even there. 

The wraith witch blames her wraith brother for their being on this planet. She recounts the time 200 years ago on their home planet, Wraithworld. Their leader noted that the female wraiths weaved their spells, but never left their world, while the scientist wraiths had created vessels capable of space travel to allow them to pursue the conquest of the Golden Galaxy. The witches explained that they remained close to home to draw on the powers of their own black sun to supplement their abilities. Male wraiths complained that their sisters had limited them and thus prevented them from taking over other planets. 

A decision was then reached by their leader. Although it had more in common with the witches, it opted to support the male wraiths' plans to invade the galaxy. The wraith witches came to rue that choice, lamenting their brothers' failures in battle with the Spaceknights and attempts to rule Earth. The females cast off their robes and then attacked their male siblings. Hellhounds and deathwings proved to be no match for the science-based wraiths and their weapons and inventions. The females then declared themselves to be the victors, and now that their brethren had been disposed of, that they would no longer use science. From then on, wraith sorcery would reign supreme.

Meanwhile, Starshine had finally caught up with ROM, although he was still less than willing to listen to what his love had to say. The Galadorian was still lost in his own thoughts until Brandy teleported right in front of him. She pleaded with ROM to talk to her and asked what was wrong. The silver Spaceknight replied that everything was wrong. He noted that he, who cherished humanity more than anything, had become inhuman to save humanity, and that the woman whom he loved for her humanity gave that humanity up to be more like him. Brandy replied that she became like ROM so that she could be with him, and professed her love for him once more. 

ROM decided to show Brandy what she'd lost by becoming a Spaceknight. He took her hand as they flew down toward the ground near San Francisco. They flew past children playing, elderly gentlemen playing chess, and a young couple holding hands. ROM asked his love to hear the sounds below them, and asked Brandy if she missed being a part of that. She admitted that she did, but that she loved ROM more.

There were no supervillains in this issue, but it was an important story for character development. We got to see the female wraiths rise to superiority among their kind. We also got to learn more about ROM and Brandy as individuals. Writer Bill Mantlo finally got to show us a few details about the characters that would play bigger roles in upcoming issues. The wraith war has definitely started to take its toll on ROM, while Brandy seemed to be a bit renewed and invigorated to defend the planet of her birth. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, we'll see ROM's adopted hometown of Clairton, West Virginia once more. ROM and Starshine will stand beside each other, and confront the wraith threat. We'll also see a bit more of the aliens who entered the planet's atmosphere earlier this issue. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

The silver Spaceknight recoiled in agony over that remark. He explained that she only recently became a Spaceknight and couldn't yet personally know the long-term effects of being encased in cyborg armor. The Galadorian felt that his mere existence was ongoing torture, and that looking at Starshine only seemed to prolong the anguish. He fled, and Brandy followed, not knowing that Earth radar had picked up their flight.

When they were in space, ROM reminisced about how peaceful his homeworld had once been. He now wondered if the fight to save his planet was worth the effort. Brandy agreed that fighting can take its toll, and asked what ROM would have had her do. He replied by saying they could leave her fellow Earthlings to take on the wraith battle on the planet down below, and that they could find another world to settle on and become human once more.

Starshine was stunned to hear those words. She couldn't believe that he would abandon his 200-year quest to save Earth from the Dire Wraith invasion so quickly. Brandy explained that it was ROM who taught her what sacrifice and courage truly meant. She went on to ask him how long they would be safe before the Wraiths invaded that world. Starshine opted to defend her home and teleported down toward the surface. ROM flew after her, having learned her location by using his energy analyzer. Moments later, a large spaceship entered the atmosphere. Longtime Marvelites will recognize the shadowy figures traveling in that vessel. One being announced that their target was Earth and ordered shuttle craft to descend to the planet. 

Back in San Francisco, a young woman fled for her safety from aspiring muggers. The girl screamed before tripping and falling, and just when things seemed hopeless, a bright light filled the night air. That light emanated from Starshine, who stood in front of the woman. Her light eye rays illuminated the would-be attackers, who fired their pistols at her, only to have the bullets bounce off the golden Spaceknight armor. Brandy then used her light eye rays once more, this time to melt the pistols into warm pools of molten metal.

Starshine shook off the men's rush toward her. Several of them fell right in front of ROM's feet. He was about to use his energy analyzer to determine if the attackers were human or wraith when the young woman cried aloud, thinking that the weapon was some kind of alien death ray. She begged the Galadorian not to use it on the men who had just tried to attack her. ROM was surprised that the woman would have mercy on them, knowing their savage capabilities. 

Brandy replied that she never thought that people could be anything but human, and reminded him that there were other races with evil potential. She added that she accepts her homeworld with all of its faults, and would gladly defend it, noting that it wasn't a perfect world like Galador. ROM admitted that his own world had its weaknesses like any other planet. He lashed out, realizing that the picture of perfectness that he had been sold was a lie. Brandy tried to console him by saying that no planet is perfect and that every world wants peace. She added that there are no perfect planets anywhere, just imperfect worlds inhabited by imperfect people. She then asked ROM if he would join her in her quest to protect her fellow humans and their right to exist. ROM agreed, and the pair teleported away from sight. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight Annual #2

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about Marvel Comics' second ROM: Spaceknight Annual. The cover was typical for the company's annuals in 1983, featuring a black background and a title headline positioned directly above the character portrait, which was once again drawn by Bill Sienkiewicz. The story was titled "To Save a Spaceknight!"

The tale began on a Dire Wraith Drakillar spaceship. where a wraith leader ordered warp witches to draw more power from their spells to enable their fleet to evade their mortal enemies, the Galadorian Spaceknights. A subordinate warned of the witches' decimating ranks and that they dare not push themselves much more than they already were. 

Wraiths were afraid that their fleet would be lost. One of them in the lead ship detected the presence of a pursuer. That entity was revealed by wraith magic to be ROM, the greatest of the Spaceknights. The Dire Wraiths leapt to their defenses, but the silver Spaceknight was already on the attack, causing drakillars to explode and sending several of his foes to limbo with his neutralizer. Several wraiths conjured up deathwings, but not even those horrible creatures were able to subdue ROM for very long. The wraith ships started to flee, thinking that their enemy could be defeated by their fellow beings on Wraithworld. 

One of the witches set up a link with their planet, and learned that their fellow wraiths were preparing for the Galadorian's arrival. One of the drakillars descended towards its surface, allowing ROM to follow it. The neutralizer's ray sang once more and caused the wraith ship to crash into their fortress. Wraiths on the ground prepared both physical and magical assaults on the silver Spaceknight. 

As ROM neared the wraith fortress, a trio of wraith witches began preparing in earnest. They started work on a spell that would make their opponent fight a never-ending battle, an enchantment that would make him think that he was constantly under attack by wraiths, even after hostilities had actually ceased. It was an impressive spell that was the focus of this issue's plotline. 

Back on Galador, the planet's Prime Director called up several Spaceknights to his chamber. Their mission would be to find and save ROM, who had led them to win their initial battles defending their world. Tarm the Seeker, Raak the Breaker, Plor the Pulsar, Unam the Unseen, Vola...Trapper and Skera the Scanner made up the Spaceknight Squadron, who set off in search of their comrade. The group soon came across remnants of wrecked wraith ships, close to their foes' black sun. Scanner picked up the trail, and Seeker led his friends to Wraithworld.

Seeker rushed into the planet's atmosphere despite Tracker's warning of an impending trap. The brazen Spaceknight flew headlong into corrosive chemical clouds but was freed by Pulsar. Raak then led the team toward their objective. Once they reached the surface, more threats arose. The squad was besieged by rocks that rose from the ground toward them, swarms of insects, wolf-looking animals who leapt to attack, strange birds who mounted an aerial assault, and even what looked like Earth quicksand. 

Raak broke free from the stones underneath him, while Pulsar's blasts kept the dogs at bay. Unam turned invisible to slip free from the insects, as Pulsar fired again to save Trapper. Vola's net saved Unam from another insect attack. Vola also used her nets to free Seeker from the birds, and he then dove into the quagmire to free Scanner. As they flew to safety, we learned that those two particular Spaceknights were brother and sister. 

Scanner used her senses to point her fellow Spaceknights in the right direction, and they moved onward toward the wraith tower. Elemental beings made of rock, fire, and water soon formed a defensive wall in front of the Galadorians. Raak and Pulsar teamed up to defeat the stone elemental. Raak's microwave rays started the water elemental boiling. Vola's net ensnared the fire elemental, and she used another net to trap the water elemental. She then pulled the nets toward one another, resulting in the beings' destruction.

After the battle was over, the Spaceknight Squadron made their way inside the wraith building. Before long, they heard the familiar cry of ROM's neutralizer. They found their friend firing at nonexistent enemies. ROM was still entranced and now thought that the new arrivals were Dire Wraiths. Seeker assaulted his fellow Spaceknight, while Trapper was able to see what ROM saw, and recoiled in horror. Raak also fired at the first of the Spaceknights, who still didn't believe their claims that he was one of their own.

It was then time for Unam the Unseen to stand in front of ROM and break the spell. After a few moments, ROM extended his hand to Unam to thank him for his bravery. Later, ROM rallied his fellow Spaceknights, acknowledging that the wraiths had fled their home planet, but were still a menace to other worlds. It was a danger that they must pledge to defeat, as it was their duty to carry on the conflict and fulfill their purpose as Spaceknights. 

I did enjoy seeing new Spaceknights and getting to learn more about their individual abilities in this tale of Galador's past. They would go on to have other adventures with ROM in later issues of the monthly comic. However, I would have liked to have also seen other Spaceknight supporting characters like Hammerhand, Javelin, and Rainbow, who last appeared after Galactus had moved their planet from its original place in the galaxy. This was a still solid story, and Buscema's artwork only continues to improve over time. We also found out that the new strange-looking wraiths are witches with magic powers and are the females of the wraith species.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-eighth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight. In that issue, we'll see ROM and Starshine address his despair and doubt about continuing the mission. We'll also see a standoff between the male, science-based wraiths and their female, magic-based wraith counterparts. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #47

 Hi everyone,

Today, I'll be writing about the forty-seventh issue of the first ROM: Spaceknight monthly comic. The cover, drawn by Bill Sienkiewicz, shows a new creature. While we don't know just what it is yet, it's hinted that it may have something to do with Dire Wraiths. The story was titled "One Man's Toys...Are Another Man's Terror!" The issue had a cover date of October 1983.

On the first page, we see a pink version of the same type of entity from the cover. We learn that it's not an adult and that it is hunting. If this strange being is successful, it may enter adulthood. The alien is busy observing its prey, which happens to be a pair of humans. 

The humans in question are a young man and woman standing by a car that the man is hunched under the hood of to find the reason why it stopped working. The woman presumes that the car's breakdown was an excuse for her date to spend time with her, and makes it clear that she didn't want to go out with him in the first place. Her attention is diverted by the smell and then the presence of the alien, who approaches her before the male can look up from his work. Its barbed tongue causes the young woman to shriek in terror, finally gaining Johnny's attention.

Johnny looks up in horror and advises Mary Lou to run. Before he can do anything more, the man is grabbed with one hand before the alien's tongue pierces his forehead. Johnny screams in pain, and his body begins to fail before Mary Lou's eyes. The alien then removes its tongue from the dessicated human and begins to take his form and voice. Mary Lou tries to flee, but is quickly caught by another similar alien, one who does the same to her as her now deceased date. 

Meanwhile, ROM and Starshine are flying together hand in hand, after having experienced another adventure, this time in Russia (in the last two issues). Although the pair are very much in love with each other, the Galadorian states that their love is unnatural, mainly because they are both encased in cyborg Spaceknight armor. They cannot love one another as normal humans would. ROM states his fear that he can no longer become human again, just as they fly over a rather unusual-looking island (one that longtime Marvelites might recognize). 

As Starshine (Brandy Clark) pursues her love, neither of them is aware that they are being watched. We see a white gloved hand adjust a dial on a telescope before we get a closer look at him. We find out that it's a white fleshed being wearing a sorcerer's outfit, and talking to his master, whose skeleton occupies a throne behind him. Master of Kung Fu readers will identify these beings as the robot Brynocki and his long-dead mentor Mordillo. Brynocki has plans for these intruders and quickly changes into a military outfit before taking action.

Starshine continues to fly after ROM, hoping that he will eventually listen to reason. They glide over a clearing just before a flying machine piloted by Brynocki (with Mordillo riding shotgun) approaches them from behind. Starshine's warning of impending danger shakes the silver Spaceknight from his resolute mood, as a trio of artificial insects open fire on him and Brandy. The first salvo strikes ROM, and he crashes to the ground below. Starshine mounts a defensive attack and makes short work of the machines. Brynocki and Mordillo don parachutes after their craft is destroyed and escape safely. 

ROM revives right before a quartet of armed toy soldiers fire at him. He realizes that these artificial beings pose no real threat, and they're swiftly defeated. Not far from him, Brynocki keeps his master safe and changes outfits as he makes his way back to their headquarters. An artificial Humpty Dumpty falls toward Starshine, only to have her be saved by ROM. The Spaceknights realize the insanity of the attacks and finally see their attacker in person. Brynocki dispatches another armed robot, which ROM defeats with ease. 

Brynocki then dons a frontier outfit and shoots at the silver Spaceknight with his musket. ROM evades the shots and finds Brynocki in another disguise, this one being that of a blond curly-haired girl. The Galadorian continues pursuing the robot (who changes costumes throughout the chase) further into the castle, until Brynocki admits that he attacked the Spaceknights because he thought they were trespassers, just like Shang-Chi and his companions. Having met Shang and his friends, ROM knew that Brynocki's statements were not true. He then flew away, with Starshine soaring after him. After they left, Brynocki ran off to find Mordillo, and we see one of the skeleton's hands floating atop a nearby body of water. 

Master of Kung Fu writer Doug Moench created Brynocki to be a comic foil to Shang-Chi and the rest of his book's supporting characters from time to time, and it was good to see him being used in another comic after that title was cancelled. This was also a major shift for Dire Wraiths. Up until this issue, they were only portrayed as the same type of pasty white creatures that my brother and I used to make out of Play-Doh when we were younger. They appeared to have more menacing abilities and would prove to be much more dangerous in upcoming issues.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about Marvel's second ROM Annual. That issue will take place in the past, as our hero continues to battle the wraith threat. We'll also see more Spaceknights for the first-but definitely not the last-time. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #46

Hi everyone,

Today, I'll be writing about the forty-sixth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight title. The cover shows the titular character ensnared in a mass of tentacles of varying sizes and colors. The story was called "Bestiary!" The issue had a cover date of September 1983. 

The action began on Russian soil as wraith hellhounds attacked ROM, Starshine, and their new allies, the Soviet Super Soldiers. Although their coloring was lighter than in previous appearances in this comic, the hellhounds were no less formidable. The Galadorian was used to their attacks by now, and his neutralizer swiftly sang its song of banishment. Starshine's lighteye rays disintegrated the wraiths, leaving their Earthly hound counterparts behind. 

Ursus Major took on a pack of hellhounds that were part of a dog sled team led by what appeared to be a human being. His sheer savagery left his teammates in awe, as did the revelation that their leader was a Dire Wraith who turned into ash after being defeated by their comrade. Afterward, the hero quintet resumed the battle. They fought their way toward the building in the vicinity. They eventually came across more wraiths disguised as humans, as revealed by ROM's energy analyzer. He quickly replaced the analyzer with his neutralizer and sent them to limbo, signifying the end of the conflict. 

While ROM and his companions regrouped, Ursus Major explained how he had been injured (as shown last issue). He had followed the Gremlin into the compound. He crept inside carefully and was stunned by what he saw. Before him was a large pit in the ground. Men were forced to work around it by aliens who he now knew were Dire Wraiths. Before he could discover what was in the pit, Ursus was attacked by wraith hellhounds. He held them at bay and allowed the Gremlin to continue on, knowing that he was not the enemy in this situation.

The heroes made their way to the installation, only to find the humans that Ursus had just talked about were lying dead in front of the pit. They were then attacked by a wraith ray from above. As ROM and his companions worked to find a way out of the force field they had just been entrapped in, Vanguard noticed movement coming from the hole in the earth. Elephants, rhinos and other long-dead animals arose from the opening and moved to attack the Spaceknights and Soviet superheroes. 

During the conflict, several animals began collapsing, as their advanced ages finally caught up with them. The securasphere eventually dissipated, after the Gremlin deactivated the wraith device. More wraiths attacked, but were soon sent to limbo by ROM's neutralizer. After the battle was over, the Soviet heroes decided to keep the building as their base. Vanguard, Darkstar and Ursus Major asked the Gremlin to join them in their cause. He agreed, and was glad to finally have a place where he felt accepted. They bid ROM and Starshine farewell, as they moved on to meet the growing wraith threat elsewhere on Earth.

I felt that this was a satisfying conclusion for this two-part story. I liked the fact that the Gremlin, a former enemy of the Hulk, becamse a hero and the former outcast found people who accepted him for who he was. It also showed Brandy becoming more accustomed to her Spaceknight abilities.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-seventh issue of Marvel's monthly ROM title. In that issue, we'll see a significant change in the Dire Wraith species. ROM and Starshine will also encounter another established Marvel character that you might remember from another one of their since-cancelled books. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #45

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the forty-fifth issue of Marvel Comics' ROM: Spaceknight title. The Akin/Garvey cover depicts our hero in a literal bear hug by Major Ursus as his fellow Soviet Super Soldiers, Vanguard and Darkstar, look to attack. The tale was titled "Cry, The Mother Country!" The issue had a cover date of August 1983. 

The story started on a somber note as ROM held his lifeless clone in his arms, as he, Starshine, and the Gremlin stood over an open grave, in preparation for giving it a proper burial. As the Galadorian laid the clone to rest, he thought about the first time part of his humanity was lost, when the portion that was stolen by the rogue Spaceknight Terminator perished in battle with Galactus over their homeworld. The thought of losing part of his humanity once more drove ROM slightly mad, as he lashed out on the nearby ground with a burst from his neutralizer. The madness swiftly passed, and the silver Spaceknight was once more remorseful.

ROM and Starshine embraced for the first time since Clark was merged with her Spaceknight armor. They were finally able to profess their love for one another in person, an emotion whose strength and intensity impressed the Gremlin, since he was unaccustomed to such devoted affection. ROM then promised his love that he would find a way for both of them to regain their humanity once the accursed wraith war was finally over. 

Since the Gremlin knew little about the Dire Wraiths' invasion of Earth, ROM explained how they first arrived from their own dark nebula to attack his planet of Galador some 200 years ago. He went on to say that the wraiths continued to infect other worlds, including this one. The Gremlin thought about what he'd just heard and realized that some of the things he'd experienced lately began to make sense. 

The Russian acknowledged that his people had always been a suspicious lot. Their paranoia made them fearful of their own citizens at times. Gremlin observed how self-destructive that type of behavior was and how it had rid his country of some of its most brilliant people. He was usually left alone, since the government was more afraid of him than any outside threat, at least, until recently. The Gremlin became aware of spies who were monitoring his every move. He eventually discovered the spies and learned something so horrifying that he fled for his life since he was not willing to accept the changes he had witnessed in his comrades at the time. After hearing ROM's tale, the Gremlin now knew that the changes were because Dire Wraiths had infested his government. The Galadorian explained that the purpose of that was to destabilize his government. 

Meanwhile, inside one of the Russian government buildings in Moscow, one of those government agents was in the middle of a discussion with more Russian agents: the Soviet Super Soldiers known as Major Ursus, Vanguard, and Darkstar. The trio of Russian heroes were open to hearing what he had to say, but cautious before agreeing to anything (after their previous mission when they encountered the Hulk in issues 258 and 259 of ol' Jade Jaws' comic). Darkstar reminded her comrade, Vanguard, that they had pledged to serve the motherland, and the military agent (who we later learned was a Dire Wraith in disguise) convinced the heroes that the threat was an enemy of the state who was using the Dead Zone as a base. 

Vanguard argued that they had vowed never again to assist the Soviet government, and recounted how they were used to help them, much like their father (which they learned during their encounter with the Incredible Hulk, the Red Guardian, and the man known as the Presence, who was revealed to be Darkstar and Vanguard's father). Ursus Major went on to say how their mentor, Professor Phobos, turned the trio against the state. It was Darkstar's concern for the Russian people that convinced her partners to join her to find this so-called enemy. 

Several miles away, ROM, Starshine, and the Gremlin were transported right outside a building that the Russian had thought was a wraith base. He didn't know why it was constructed, but the silver Spaceknight intended to find out. He fired his neutralizer, just as the Soviet Super Soldiers were materializing in front of them. Vanguard's hammer and sickle deflected the blast back at its originator. 

While recovering from the neutralizer blast, ROM told Brandy that she could use her lighteyes in much the same way as his energy analyzer. She flew to meet the Russians and found herself locked in battle with Darkstar. Meanwhile, the Galadorian had just recovered when he was caught in a bear hug from Ursus Major. ROM finally managed to evade his grasp when he was struck from behind by Vanguard. While everyone else fought, the Gremlin slowly made his way toward the buildings. 

During the struggle, Starshine learned that Darkstar was two beings in one. Darkstar called out to Vanguard for assistance. He hurled his hammer at the golden Spaceknight, who soon fell to the snow below. Stunned by this, ROM retaliated by firing his neutralizer at her male opponent. Darkstar begged ROM not to slay her brother. Instead, the Galadorian used his energy analyzer to learn that their foes were mutants, not too dissimilar from the X-Men and Brotherhood of Evil Mutants whom he had encountered earlier. 

Darkstar asked about their companion, the Gremlin, referring to him as a traitor. ROM denied that accusation and pointed to the buildings that were not constructed by human hands. He stated that wraiths had constructed them, which was confirmed by Ursus Major, who returned to the fold, bearing injuries before returning to his human form. He stated that horrible things were residing in the complex, some of which swiftly came into view. 

I always enjoyed seeing the Soviet Super Soldiers. I read their earlier tale in the Incredible Hulk and knew that Darkstar had been part of the superhero team the Champions before that title's demise. I also liked the return of the Gremlin. This was an enjoyable issue, and it was good to see Brandy learning more about her newfound Spaceknight abilities.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-sixth issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight series. In that issue, the battle with wraiths continues on Russian soil. We'll also find out what happened to the Gremlin and what the wraiths' plans were for the Soviet Union. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #44

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the forty-fourth issue of Marvel Comics' ROM: Spaceknight. On the cover, we see the silver Spacenight locked in combat with a green-garbed human known as the Devastator. The story was called "It Takes Two to Tango!" The issue had a cover date of July 1983. 

The tale began with Starshine (aka Brandy Clark) holding the body of her love ROM just outside of Quasimodo's cave as a cadre of Russian soldiers looked on. A series of flashback panels explains how Clark came to occupy Starshine's Spaceknight armor, her battle with Quasimodo (who had removed ROM from his own armor), and ROM's confrontation with Doctor Dredd, the late wraith witch who was able to merge Clark with Starshine's armor in exchange for her vow to rob ROM of his life essence. They led up to the present moment, where Clark thought that she had lost the man that she fought so desperately to love as he was.

Starshine soon realized that they were not alone. Clark turned and focused her lighteye beams on the Russian soldiers, melting the guns in their hands before they could even fire them. She knew from their uniforms that they were now in Russia and transported ROM inside Quasimodo's cave. There she stood in front of his silver cyborg armor, as his human body lay next to it. ROM explained that his cloned body was dying rapidly, and pointed to the stasis cube that held his remaining humanity. Starshine feared all was lost, until a voice from behind them doubted that sentiment. Clark turned to see the Gremlin behind her. The small man said that he could restore her lover if she accepted his assistance. 

Several beings flew from Moscow to the site where the Russian soldiers had come across ROM and Starshine. They identified themselves as Devastator and his Soviet Super Troopers. They were quickly debriefed and took off to find the individuals who had destroyed the soldiers' weapons. 

Meanwhile, the Gremlin worked on restoring ROM's humanity to his Spaceknight armor. As he worked, he explained to the heroes why he became an enemy of the state and talked about his encounters with the Hulk. After his last battle with the jade giant, his headquarters were destroyed, and Soviet military leaders believed that the Gremlin was dead. However, he was indeed very much alive and was shocked to learn that his father (the Gargoyle) died saving Bruce Banner, the American scientist who had cured him (way back in Incredible Hulk #1), which was contrary to what the Gremlin had believed. Feeling betrayed, the boy genius fled to his current location. He then told Starshine that he would cure ROM if she agreed to participate in his vengeance against the Soviet state. 

No sooner had those words been uttered than the Devastator and his troops soared into the cave and began their attack. The Gremlin asked Starshine to protect them while he continued his work. Brandy's attacks were effective, but she was outnumbered. Just as she squared off against Devastator, ROM was reunited with his cyborg armor. He rose from the table and noticed that both he and the cloned body next to him existed simultaneously. After that brief recognition, ROM flew to confront the Gremlin's enemies and soon found the Super Troopers to pose little threat to him. 

Starshine stayed behind, wondering how two ROMs could exist. The Gremlin explained that the human version lying in front of them was a clone created by Quasimodo, who had kept the original preserved in a stasis cube, waiting to be regenerated. Meanwhile, ROM found himself face-to-face with the Devastator. The human's power gauntlets were quickly destroyed, along with the orbiting satellite that powered them. Afterward, the Galadorian remarked that he'd made his opponent just a man, and that he envied him. ROM returned to his companions, just to see his clone die in their arms. Part of his humanity expired for the second time.

The Cold War between the United States and the former Soviet Union was a regular source of influence for many works of fiction in the Eighties, and this comic was no exception. There would continue to be more of that theme in upcoming issues. It was nice to see the Gremlin and the Devastator for the first time since their Herb Trimpe-drawn appearances in the Incredible Hulk comic. In the last issue, ROM wondered if he would ever meet the Hulk in person, something that would happen, but only in issue #296 of the Hulk's mag. If you're wondering what happened to Steve Jackson, the Torpedo and other residents of Clairton, West Virginia, you'll see them sooner rather than later in upcoming issues, leading up to the anniversary issue #50. 

This was another good issue. I felt that the story was fast-paced and focused on ROM, Starshine, and the Gremlin. It was interesting how the former Hulk enemy befriended the Spaceknights and would eventually become a hero for the motherland that had previously shunned him. Akin and Garvey's covers continued to get better, including the one for this issue. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-fifth issue of Marvel's ROM comic. In that issue, we'll find out the final fate of ROM's clone. ROM and Starshine will also encounter other Soviet superbeings, and of course, there will be a few Dire Wraiths thrown into the mix for good measure. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #43

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the forty-third issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight. On the cover, we see the familiar Spaceknight armor lying empty on the ground, as a man is transposed above it, declaring that he is finally ROM: Spaceman. The story was aptly named "Rom--Spaceman." The issue had a cover date of June 1983. 

On the first page, we see ROM rejoicing after regaining his humanity in an apparent paradise in Russia. He reaches down to smell flowers, stops to marvel at birds, and sees his reflection in the water below him. He also sees what he believes to be a reflection of Brandy Clark, the human that he's loved since he first landed on Earth. 

ROM decides to take a swim and emerges from the water feeling refreshed and invigorated. Unknown to our hero, he is being observed by Quasimodo, the being who granted his request to become human (in the last issue), and several Dire Wraiths. Quasimodo pointed to the remainder of ROM's humanity held in a stasis cube behind him. His alien companions demanded that their hated enemy suffer, and Quasimodo vowed to make that happen, but he would not have his allies around to witness it. 

The wraiths were puzzled by this remark, until Quasimodo noted that it would they would likely deem him to be too dangerous one day, and try to remove him from the armor. He then summoned ROM's neutralizer from subspace and sent his companions to limbo. While Quasimodo gloated about his imperviousness to harm, two figures began to materialize behind him. 

As ROM continued to walk, he thought about his plan to profess his love to Brandy, until he realized that his friend Steve Jackson also loved her. He also thought about the wraith war, which was far from over. He vowed to let other heroes take on that responsibility. ROM continued to marvel at the beauty of his surroundings until he noticed his new friends, whose bodies seemed to be decomposing in front of his very eyes. He ran to them, wondering what had happened. One man explained that Quasimodo lied, and that he could not prevent them from dying, but instead merely delayed their demises temporarily.

ROM ran from them in terror. He couldn't believe that what had happened to them would happen to him. However, when he looked into the water once more, he saw that his body was already beginning to erode. The Galadorian curled into a ball, unaware that Quasimodo was looking on and laughing at him in his Spaceknight armor. Quasimodo soon learned that he was not alone, as Doctor Dredd and Starshine announced their presence. Starshine obeyed Dredd's commands and immediately attacked the silver Spaceknight. Quasimodo heard Dredd say that he had merged Clark into the Starshine armor, and knew that he was not her intended target, and that the wraiths who could have explained the situation were in limbo after he banished them there.

Quasimodo used ROM's neutralizer to attack his foe, but was again weakened by Starshine's light eyes energy blasts. He fled the chamber and soared out of the cave, right past ROM. Seeing this, the Galadorian wondered if his remaining humanity was still intact. Starshine and Dredd ran past him, unaware that he was the one they were really after. ROM didn't need his armor to know that Dredd was a wraith, and lunged at him. Dredd realized that his opponent was the real ROM.

Meanwhile, Starshine pursued Quasimodo and continued to follow her orders to strip the silver Spaceknight of his life essence. She essentially did just that, as Quasimodo chose not to face further punishment and fled the suit of armor, which collapsed to the ground afterward. Seeing what she had accomplished, Clark was overwrought with grief. She returned to Dredd, only to find him locked in combat with what appeared to be a decomposing human. ROM defeated the wraith witch, who turned to dust as he passed away. The Galadorian then reached out to his beloved, who realized who he really was and rushed to his failing body. 

This was another interesting issue. A classic tale of how good things often come with strings attached, or other similar kinds of consequences. It was good to see Quasimodo again in this two-party story and I think that Mantlo wrapped up both storylines nicely. This issue was also promoted in the Bullpen Bulletins column, and it was well worth reading just to see how ROM reacted to his second chance at becoming human.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-fourth issue of Marvel's monthly ROM: Spaceknight title. In that issue, we'll find out what happened to ROM and Starshine. We'll also see appearances by a few characters that previously appeared in issues of the Incredible Hulk. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #42

 Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the forty-second issue of Marvel Comics's ROM: Spaceknight. The Joe Jusko cover shows the silver Spaceknight on a table, as a beam of wispy green energy emanates from a protruding ray above him. The tale was titled "Lead Me Not Into Temptation!" The issue had a cover date of May 1983. 

The story began back in the issue where ROM and Doctor Strange battled their respective opponents in the previous issue. Those conflicts were over, and the Galadorian wondered what his mortal enemies, the Dire Wraiths, would do next. ROM explained to the sorcerer why he arrived on Earth and talked about the superheroes that he met along the way. Strange asked to see proof of the wraith infestation, and the silver Spaceknight used his energy analyzer to display pockets of wraith activity around the planet. 

ROM pointed to one such activity cluster, which happened to be in the Soviet Union. Strange transported the Spaceknight there, while he returned to his sanctum sanctorum. Strange realized the wraith threat, but realized that he could be more effective in combating the menace in his own way. 

In Russia, the Galadorian is astounded by the horrible state of his surroundings. The area looks like it had been hit by a bomb blast. ROM's energy analyzer didn't detect any traces of Dire Wraiths, but he continued on in pursuit of them. As he did so, the silver Spaceknight was unaware that he was being watched on a monitor in an undisclosed area by someone as yet unknown to the readers.

Before long, ROM made his way out of the devastated plains and into what appeared to be a paradise on Earth. Vegetation was lush and green, and he noticed several healthy, hale humans rejoicing together. One of the women spotted the armored alien, and the group quickly welcomed and accepted him into their fold. ROM asked who they were to sing so sweetly. The reply was that they were the dead.

Meanwhile, in Clairton, West Virginia, the downcrest Torpedo sat on a sidewalk, as Steve Jackson tried to console him. The hero was unable to save the town from Starshine's attack or prevent her and Doctor Dredd from escaping. Brandy Clark's father came running up to the pair, asking what had happened. Steve and the Torpedo (aka Brock Jones) explained everything to him, including Brandy's plan to slay her fellow Spaceknight.

Back in Russia, ROM's universal translator confirmed what he was hearing. The Spaceknight was still incredulous about what he had heard. One of the humans explained that several bombs had once decimated the region. Those in the blast radius were segregated, in fear that they might contaminate others. They drifted back to their homes until a voice from a nearby cave called out to them, saying that they would be granted new life...and so they were. 

Intrigued by this, the silver Spaceknight learned where the cave was and set off to find the voice while entertaining the possibility of perhaps becoming human once more. He bravely ventured into the cave, and eventually found the source of that voice, coming from a viewing screen. That screen beheld the face of Quasimodo, the artificial being who had helped the people ROM had just met. Quasimodo's intentions appeared to be good, and he was confident that he could help the Galadorian regain his humanity.

ROM didn't question Quasimodo's motives and gladly agreed to give up his Spaceknight armor in exchange for his humanity. The process began minutes later. ROM lay on a table, while his cyborg armor was examined. The Galadorian was overjoyed at the thought of being human and being able to finally embrace Brandy Clark in his arms. What he didn't know was that Quasimodo had been working with the Dire Wraiths and planned to place himself in the silver armor.

While ROM slept, the procedure continued. Cells were extracted, and a new body was forged. Before long, ROM awoke and found himself looking at his own flesh, instead of the cold cybernetic suit. He gleefully left the chamber, profusely thanking Quasimodo, who was now in his Spaceknight armor. As he watched from the same monitor with a cadre of wraiths by his side, Quasimodo said that the worst would still be yet to come for the former Spaceknight. 

Series writer Bill Mantlo talks about the loss of half of ROM's humanity regularly in the comic, ever since Terminator, who stole that portion, died attacking Galactus. It was interesting to see ROM become human once more, but of course, Quasimodo's warning on the last page didn't bode well for the hero of this magazine. Quasimodo is one of those rarely used Marvel villains that you don't see very often, but usually enjoy those appearances anyway. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-third issue of Marvel's monthly ROM: Spaceknight series. In that issue, we'll find out what ROM does with his newfound humanity. It's also a major turning point in Brandy Clark's career as the Spaceknight Starshine. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Review: ROM: Spaceknight #41

Hi everyone,

Today I'll be writing about the forty-first issue of the first ROM: Spaceknight ongoing comic book series. The cover featured the titular character next to Doctor Strange, with the three-faced head of the entity known as the Living Tribunal in the background. The story was called "The Dweller On The Threshold!" The issue had a cover date of April 1983.

The tale began with a single panel, well drawn by Sal Buscema, depicting the exterior of Doctor Stephen Strange's home in Greenwich Village in New York. On the second page, we see nine different sections of the home's interior. Readers are gradually led upstairs and through a semi-opened door into Strange's sanctum sanctorum. Here, the Sorcerer Supreme is levitating slightly above the floor, as he meditates and spells are formed. Stephen uses the Eye of Agomotto and focuses it on the orb standing in front of him to peer into the dark dimension that ROM was drawn into (at the end of the last issue). 

Strange learns how the two beings locked in combat in that dimension came to be there. He is stunned to learn of the Dire Wraith presence on Earth, as he was previously unaware of their invasion. The good doctor is content that the children were saved, but decides not to remain neutral in the conflict. Strange soon transports himself into that same dimension and sees the Galadorian still locked in combat with the imposing alien. He observes that ROM's neutralizer has no effect on his opponent.

Before Doctor Strange can intervene, a voice from behind him warns him not to cast his spell. He turns toward the source of that voice, to find the Living Tribunal towering over him. Strange recounts his previous encounters with the Tribunal in his mind before speaking. The Living Tribunal reminded the sorcerer of his previous oath to keep the balance between good magic and evil magic, and announced that Strange had failed that promise, because his very existence kept black magic on the decline. Strange did not deny that fact, and countered the Tribunal's words by adding that he strives to protect innocent beings, and that doing so may unwillingly disrupt that balance. 

Strange was not about to let the evil alien gain favor over ROM, if he could do something about it. The Tribunal deemed the sorcerer guilty, and pitted him against the In-Betweener. Strange was about to enter a battle he did not want to fight in the first place. 

Even though he was quite a distance away, ROM heard part of Strange's conversation. He realized that there was more at stake than just wraith evil here. The balance between order and chaos stood in the balance. The Galadorian was not about to give up, though, even though he knew his neutralizer's rays had little effect on his opponent, and the dweller came closer to Earth with each passing moment. 

The silver Spaceknight was soon touched by the Tribunal's power, as the entity reached out across the dimension. ROM felt himself being distorted, until he returned to the doorway. This time, instead of a menacing creature, he found a brown-haired male adorned in a white cloak, who talked to him calmly about his ability to grant the Galadorian's wish to become human once more.

Back in Clairton, West Virginia, the formerly peaceful small town was suddenly under attack. This time, it was from the power of the new Starshine, aka Brandy Clark, who was inhabiting the cyborg Spaceknight armor and obeying the commands of Doctor Dredd, a male wraith witch who merged the human with the suit of armor. Brandy's fiancé, Steve Jackson, and his friend, the superhero known as the Torpedo, were stunned by the betrayal. Jackson was especially hurt by the recent turn of events, knowing how much in love they once were. The Torpedo flew to meet Starshine's attack, but was defeated just before she and the wraith teleported elsewhere, presumably to fulfill Dredd's desire to slay ROM.

In the dimension between realities, Strange was distracted during his conflict with the In-Betweener by his concern for the Spaceknight. He noticed how ROM had been allured by the potential of being reunited with his late love, Ray-Na, Karas (the first Galadorian to wear the Firefall Spaceknight armor) and his world's Prime Director, among others. The man in front of the doorway convinced ROM that the wraith war was over, and that it was okay to follow him into a world of peace where he would be welcomed and rejoin his friends. 

Strange watched the silver Spaceknight step through the doorway as he fought the In-Betweener, knowing that ROM was about to walk into a trap. The In-Betweener used that distraction to strike back at his foe, just as the spell over the Galadorian was lifted. ROM soon realized that he was back on Wraithworld, and the being with whom he had just been speaking was a wraith-spawned creature, ready to attack him. 

This time, ROM's neutralizer was able to banish the Dweller on the Threshold to limbo. Afterwards, the Galadorian found himself in front of the Living Tribunal and the In-Betweener, with Doctor Strange's body lying next to him, after being defeated in battle. The Tribunal exclaimed that the balance between good and evil was once more out of balance. This time, the silver Spaceknight declared that wraiths tipped the scales of evil against humanity, and that he had arrived on Earth to help them regain the balance and let them deal with their natural opponents. 

Before the Tribunal and In-Betweener vanished from sight, the Tribunal noted that he takes everything into consideration and told the Galadorian to either be victorious or face the consequences for not doing so. ROM was left next to the unconscious Stephen Strange and promised to succeed in his mission.

This was one of the first times that I'd read about the Living Tribunal and the In-Betweener. I didn't know much about them (until I read a What If issue about Korvac), but I found them both to be interesting characters. I was glad that Strange finally interacted with ROM and would continue to do so over the next few years. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised by how easily our hero believed the Dweller in disguise, but I knew that the wraith war did take its toll on the Galadorian from time to time, and he longed for its end to come sooner rather than later. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about the forty-second issue of Marvel's ROM: Spaceknight. In that issue, we'll see what happens with ROM and Doctor Strange after the sorcerer has recovered from his battle. We'll also learn more about the aftermath of Clairton's attack by Starshine and Doctor Dredd, and see another well-known Marvel character, one who might just be able to grant ROM's wish of becoming human. Until then, have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to one another.