IDOL PURSUITS : "TOYS NIGHT OUT". A RECAP and PRELUDE EDITION

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IT FIGURES... this is going to be a multi-purpose post.

No, I'm not complaining or being sarcastic about anything.

"IT FIGURES" was the name I originally used as a subject header / tag-line for a continuing series of blog-posts that deal with "Action Figures", figurines and statuary. I soon realized that in keeping with the mystic nature of this blog's focus (i.e; Doctor Strange and the various magic characters which I collect), that "IDOL PURSUITS" would make more sense, since I am often in pursuit of these plastic (plaster, resin, rubber and/or paper) "idols".

One of the first series of posts when I began this blog were the "Idol Pursuits", wherein I started an extensive look into every action figure, figurine and statue of Doctor Strange, Man-Thing, Rom; Spaceknight and assorted other "6-Dimensions" characters.
However, somewhere in my 2nd year I got sidetracked into other posts (many epic essays and in-depth looks into the comics) and never got back to the "Idol Pursuits".

While I've been meaning to get back to it, I've sadly neglected to do so.

UNTIL NOW...

Since, as of late, I've been spending what (little) free time I have working on fixing up my "Sanctum Sanctorum" (man-cave), I've been surrounded by all of the many, MANY assorted "idols" that are stored within.

And so I feel compelled to light the candles on those alters and continue to pay homage to them here once again.

Just a glimpse of a VERY FEW of the many figures to be showcased in the weeks to come.


Since it has been a few years since I last posted an entry in the "IDOL PURSUITS" category, I feel it best to give a recap / run-down on what has come before with some pics and links to previous posts.

But then, make sure to continue on and read the comic story "TOYS NIGHT OUT" which was first printed as a back-up story in MARVEL FANFARE # 56 - and then come back next time for an IDOL PURSUITS SPECIAL EDITION deluxe entry!


So now in preparation of the continuance of the "IDOL PURSUITS" series, here's your recap of the posts dedicated to presenting detailed and comprehensive histories of DOCTOR STRANGE (and "6-Dimensions" characters) figures/statues/standees etc...:

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Part 1) - 1979 Ben Cooper “dangler” figure – [HERE]

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Part 1a) - ADDENDUM:  The pre-“Action Figure” figures
(Marvel World standees and "Rub-n-Play" standee) – [HERE]

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Part 2) – The DOCTOR STRANGE MEGO figure that almost was – [HERE]

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Part 3-A) – Gaming figures: TSR Standees – [HERE]

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Part 3-B) – Gaming Figures: TSR Metal Figurines – [HERE]

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Part 4) – The PVC Figurines: DOCTOR STRANGE – [HERE]

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Part 4a) The PVC Figurines - addendum 1: “MAN-THING” – [HERE]

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Part 4b) – The PVC Figurines  - addendum 2: “DEFENDERS” – [HERE]

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Special Editions:

Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT "action figure" toy – [HERE]

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Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT model kits: full size and bust - [HERE]

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Idol Pursuits: DR. ORPHEUS bobblehead - [HERE]

Of course, there were OTHER entries in the IDOL PURSUITS series (mostly ancillary and preview posts), but if you want to see ALL of the entries in the series (in reverse order) just click [HERE].

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Well. Before you go up and start clickety-clicking all those links, and (re)reading those previous entries, I'll post a special comic story here for you!

Originally printed in MARVEL FANFARE # 56, this is a story of a kid who can't seem to get his room in order and it's because he spends too much time playing with his... (NO, you filthy-minded people!) Action Figures.

But don't fret... there's a very good reason this story is being showcased here!

But don't worry, I won't spoil it here. I'll recap at the end...

Written by BILL MANTLO with art by DON HECK, enjoy...

 "TOYS NIGHT OUT".

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So, did you figure out WHY this is on my blog?

Not only is it a pseudo-biographical tale of my working on my "Sanctum" (well... except I don't have a mother breathing down my neck about it, and my wife is smarter than to threaten to "take my toys away") but it also comes down to DOCTOR STRANGE (and Dormammu) to save the day!

If only MY action figures and statues would do that.

I've got HUNDREDS of them... it would be a snap for them.

Better go check to see if any of their hands are smoking.

So, remember to come back next time for an IDOL PURSUITS SPECIAL EDITION deluxe entry - where I present the 

DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME 

(Which was OFFICIALLY produced by MARVEL)!!

that YOU can download and print out!

[HERE]

To Do ROM ROM ROM... To Do ROM ROM. -or- Giving the people what they want.

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This is more or less an UPDATE to a previous series of posts - specifically the last one [HERE] (but the rest of the series can be found HERE, HERE and HERE) wherein I had created and submitted an original piece of artwork featuring ROM : SPACEKNIGHT for the SPACENITE2 fundraiser show / auction to benefit former Marvel writer, Bill Mantlo.

 In the last post of the series (again - [HERE]) I presented my original illustration

... for any and all digital colorists out there to try their hand!

However, I was told by some, in comments and emails that the provided images could and/or should be made larger to enable computer colorists a better canvas with which to work.

So... I got to it (finally) and did so.

Instead of posting the artwork here (and bogging down page loads) I am providing links to my DeviantArt page [HERE] where you can download HUGE versions of not only the "inked" black line-art [HERE], but also the original blue-line pencil art [HERE] (which you can then ink yourself).

 

NOTE: 

THESE are NOT the oversized images.

They're BIG, and the inked one might be large enough for some, but the oversized scans are ONLY available from my DeviantArt page.

Heck, don't have access to computerized coloring software?
Then print it out and grab your box of crayons, if you'd like!
(And you need not feel pressured to "stay in the lines".)

And then, as promised... as an added bonus... after you've colored it... send me a digital copy and I'll showcase them on the SANCTUM SANCTORUM COMIX blog in a future post!
(I'll even set up a cool link-exchange, wherein I link your piece to your own blog or site and you can do the same - thus spreading the internet fanbase network.)

All I insist upon is that you leave my various signatures and website info intact.

Feel free to add your own sigs and web-info below mine in the bottom right corner.

That's cool... and fair.

I even adjusted the size and placement of my sigs in the oversized images to allow more room for your info! 

If you need image reference for all the assorted characters in the illustration, don't fret.
I have provided all of those in the previous post (once again - [HERE]).

So, no excuses. Let's see some colored samples!

COLOR ME NEW! To Help ROM in the NEW YEAR!

*UPDATED*

02-27-2011

Links to larger scans provided.

See Update note below image.

Well... we're one day from the end of another year... and to wrap up both the 2010 blogging year as well as the recent ROM SPACEKNIGHT original art series of posts (found HERE, HERE and HERE - wherein I went through the process of creating an original piece of artwork made especially for the fundraiser show/ auction to benefit former Marvel writer, Bill Mantlo) I am presenting my original illustration here... in all its "final inked glory" (if only I could put multiple "quote marks" around the word "glory")...

... for any and all digital colorists out there to try their hand!

Heck, don't have access to computerized coloring software?
Then print it out and grab your box of crayons, if you'd like!
(And you need not feel pressured to "stay in the lines".)

And then... as an added bonus... after you've colored it... send me a digital copy and I'll showcase them on the SANCTUM SANCTORUM COMIX blog in 2011!
(I'll even set up a cool link-exchange, wherein I link your piece to your own blog or site and you can do the same - thus spreading the internet fanbase network.)

All I insist upon is that you leave my various signatures and website info intact.

Feel free to add your own sigs and web-info below mine in the bottom right corner.

That's cool... and fair.

CLICK TO ENLARGE and then DOWNLOAD!

 Artwork by yours truly - PTOR

*UPDATE*

It has been stated in the comments section that the enlarged image isn't big enough for proper coloring.
Well, if you also find the enlarged version of this image isn't big enough for you, feel free to visit my DeviantArt page [HERE] to download HUGE versions of not only the "inked" black line-art [HERE], but also the original blue-line pencil art [HERE] (which you can then ink yourself).
So, no excuses. Let's get some colored samples!
*END UPDATE*

Now, I know It's a jam-packed piece, showcasing nearly all of ROM SPACEKNIGHT's foes, and that there's a LOT going on...
And I'm also aware that there are probably characters and/or design elements in here with which you may find yourselves unfamiliar.
Well... allow me to link their names to pics you can use as reference.

From left to right, top to bottom are;

A Female Witch-Wraith 

The "Dweller on the Threshold"

The "Most High One"

A DeathWing

 (sometimes colored with blue or purple highlights)

Another female Witch-Wraith 

 A "Thornoid" plant

(walking purple plants)

A WatchWraith android

 

(sometimes colored all gold - see Male Wraith pic below)

A Hell-Hound

(in phantom form - in Rom's grip)

 *see pic below*

A Male Wraith

 (Male Wraiths in the company of all-gold Watchwraith androids)

The Horror known as; HYBRID

Another Hell-Hound

(in Phantom form, with the Doberman dog form it morphs from at its feet)

Another "Thornoid"
(tangling ROM's arm and legs with its tendrils)

Another Male Wraith
(getting blasted into Limbo)

(just to show what the whole "falling into Limbo" scene looks like)

Another Male Wraith 
(who is. Freaking. Out!)

And of course, ROM; SPACEKNIGHT in the center of it all.
(If you can't find a pic of ROM, then there may be a problem.)

So... let's get going, people!
Ring in the New Year with some full color SPACEKNIGHT action!
You'll be glad you did.
(I'll even try to get one done, as well!)

SEE YOU IN 2011!

---

"Tamam Shud!"

~P~

 

THIS MAN... THIS MANTLO! -or- BID EARLY AND OFTEN!

Hello Art lovers, comic fans, and collector-enthusiasts of all ages...

I am here (after a few weeks of personal limbo - which I'll get to another time) to hawk the original artworks that are up for sale / auction over at the fund-raising event known as SPACENITE2 that Floating World Comics is holding to raise money for the medical bills of long-time comics writer, BILL MANTLO!
The link to Floating World's site is HERE - so you can preview the artworks in all their glory.
Their eBay auction link for the artworks can be found HERE.

As you may recall from my last post(s) -linked to [HERE] - I have a piece in the auction as well.
I submitted a finalized digitally inked Black and White piece of artwork which they are selling as a high quality, archival print.

MY piece is featured on their site [HERE] .
And the AUCTION for my piece is HERE.

For your convenience, I'll post a pic of the piece at the end of the post.

Now, remember, only ONE of each artist's work will be available.
Some are original works, in a variety of styles and media... some, like mine, are prints (since many artists work digitally there IS no "original").

The auctions end between December 26th and Dec 30th (depending on which images you're interested in).
So you have to bid early and OFTEN to make sure that you secure the one(s) that you want!

And also, (and most importantly) give some much needed funds to help pay for the continued medical care of a man who believed in the better aspects of humanity, and wrote about them in his many comics stories... and then... when he LEFT comics behind (or more accurately, comics left him behind) he became a legal defense attorney for those who had neither voice nor funds to pay for an expensive legal team to help them in their hour of need.

Bill Mantlo put his beliefs up front where he could use them to do good.
A real life super hero.

But, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver, he was left in a serious state of incapacitation, permanent brain damage and physical trauma. He will never be the same man again... on the outside.
But within him still exists the heart and soul of a fighting hero.

Please, be his hero now.

Bid early and often and while you get a sweet piece of artwork (AND a justly deserved feeling of do-goodery), Bill Mantlo gets to know that his words meant something to us all.

---

You don't have to bid on MY piece (but I'd appreciate it if you did)... but here is the blue-line artwork (before digital inks were applied).

Click to make "Galadorian" in size.

original work is

11" x 17" in blue pencil

Artwork by yours truly - PTOR

And... the FINAL "inked" version!

 Artwork by yours truly - PTOR

 

It's a jam-packed piece, showcasing nearly all of ROM SPACEKNIGHT's foes!
From left to right, top to bottom are;

• Female WitchWraith
• The "Dweller on the Threshold"
• The "Most High One"
• DeathWing
• Another female WitchWraith
• A "Thornoid" plant
• A WatchWraith android
• A Hell-Hound (in phantom form - in Rom's grip)
• A Male Wraith
• The Horror known as; HYBRID
• Another Hell-Hound (in Phantom form, with the Doberman dog form it morphs from at its feet)
• Another "Thornoid" (tangling ROM's arm and legs with its tendrils)
• Another Male Wraith (getting blasted into Limbo)
• Another Male Wraith (who is. Freaking. Out!)

And of course, ROM; SPACEKNIGHT in the center of it all.

---
"Tamam Shud!"
~P~

ROM : SPACEKNIGHT Illustration - FINAL IMAGE - For the Spacenite2 Bill Mantlo Fundraiser

*UPDATED* 

- see "*" near end of post

Hey all,

Well, I actually DID get to finish the ROM artwork for the Bill Mantlo benefit (that I mentioned last post - HERE) , but it wasn't until this past weekend that I actually had more than a moment to do so.

Luckily, Jason from Floating World comics (the awesome people hosting the Bill Mantlo fundraiser - linkee HERE) told me that late submissions were still accepted.

I just need a few more moments to transform my blue-line artwork into "digital inks" in photoshop, but alas... time is not my friend.
(* See crazy story at end of this post)

But, without further ado... here is the image that I managed to work up.

Click to make "Galadorian" in size.

original work is

11" x 17" in blue pencil

Artwork by yours truly - PTOR

I had wanted to actually INK and/or digitally color the piece, but time... that fickle mistress likes to kick me.


It's a busy piece, showcasing nearly all of ROM SPACEKNIGHT's foes!
From left to right, top to bottom are;

• Female WitchWraith
• The "Dweller on the Threshold"
• The "Most High One"
• DeathWing
• Another female WitchWraith
• A "Thornoid" plant
• A WatchWraith android
• A Hell-Hound (in phantom form - in Rom's grip)
• A Male Wraith
• The Horror known as; HYBRID
• Another Hell-Hound (in Phantom form, with the Doberman dog form it morphs from at its feet)
• Another "Thornoid" (tangling ROM's arm and legs with its tendrils)
• Another Male Wraith (getting blasted into Limbo)
• Another Male Wraith (who is. Freaking. Out!)

And of course, ROM; SPACEKNIGHT in the center of it all.

 I'll transform this into digital inks and submit the file, and in the meanwhile, will try to find time to actually INK it, so that it'll be a completed piece for the auction.

*UPDATE*

- Well, I DID digitally ink the piece just in time to send in this submission.
I tweaked the consistency of shade, dropped it into Black And White and "inked" it as a nice finished image.
I won't post that one.
Not yet anyway.
I'll give the Spacenite2 event time to do so first for their fundraiser.
I'm just happy I was able to participate and help in some small way.

*END UPDATE*

Maybe, when I have time, I'll colorize it.

So, let me know what you think.

"Tamam Shud!"
~P~
PTOR

----------------

*Crazy story found here:

So, as it turns out, with all the craziness of my life, I managed to finish the artwork and drove to Staples to get it scanned in on their oversized printers, but got into a car wreck on the way.

My car was "totaled" but I did manage to get to Staples to get the job done.

Then I tried to post this last night but my laptop seems to have some kind of virus or something and wont boot up, so I had to wait until now to quickly type this as I try to squeeze a few seconds out of another crazy day.

But... it COULD be worse.

ROM; Space-Toaster -or- Half-baked blog-post.

Over at the "BLOG FOR ROM FANS WHO AREN'T DICKS" (no, really... that's the name of the blog - check it out [HERE]), the proprietor posted a snippet for a proposed fan-based anthology to continue the ROM ; SPACEKNIGHT saga.
The specific post can be found at this link [HERE].

While the posted idea for their spin-off story strikes me as "needs more thought", since it would, in essence erase everything that came from issue # 43 to the end of the series in # 75 as little more than a dream-sequence, I thought the very idea of a fan-based anthology to be a fun idea.

Hell... there are FAR worse fanfic concepts buzzing about the intertubes (usually dealing with sexxy furries getting it on with Gambit and Nightcrawler, Rogue, a gay Batman, and Sailor Moon, but I digress).

I tossed out a stupid concept that just popped into my head while reading it and posted it as a comment.
I'd like to share that synaptic misfire with you all.
I mean why should I be the only one to suffer by my dementia.

---

MY idea for ROM # 76 is for him to save untold worlds by using his "toaster-head" to make satisfying toaster-pastries to satiate Galactus' awesome hunger.

Every issue would see a new world and a new way for ROM to bake wholesome, nutritious goodness into life-saving morsels.

All the while, cosmic entities, like EGO the Living Planet and the SPHYNX try to steal Galactus' lunch.

Think of it as a series of "Hostess Fruit Pie" ads *, but with a lot of punching.

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The concept for this ill-conceived bit of stupidity basically arises from my days as a youth, reading ROM and a friend of mine (the one who got me INTO comics' collecting in the first place) referring to ROM as SpaceToaster, due to the shape of his head (ROM's, not my buddy's).



Then, oddly enough, in issue # 50, during the "wacky" issue published during "Assistant Editors Month" ** they ran THIS as a one-page back-up.

Story and pencils by BOB HARRIS. Inks by TERRY AUSTIN. Love by ALL FANS.

Thus, ROM; SpaceToaster made it to the printed page via collected thought-energies from the multitudes.

---
But, still... the idea for a ROM anthology being made and somehow sold to raise money for the medical bills of creator BILL MANTLO, writer of every issue of ROM (who has been incapacitated since 1992, after a hit-and-run driver struck him, causing irreparable brain-damage) would be a grand idea!
Of course, you need not wait for such a possible dream project.

If you've EVER enjoyed an issue of ROM, or any of Bill's other comics (of which there is too long a list to recap here) feel free to make a donation.
Those wishing to make direct donations may send them to Bill's brother Michael who has long been caregiver of his brother.

Michael Mantlo
425 Riverside Dr #12-E
New York, NY 10025

Of course, if PayPal is more your speed, drop by this link to make a direct donation.
[HERE]
Make a private donation to the SPACENITE - BILL MANTLO FUND directly from your Paypal account. 100% of the funds go to Mike Mantlo.

Or, if money is tight, drop a letter to tell how much you love Mantlo's work.

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*
For those who don't know what a "Hostess Fruit Pie" ad was, they were all the rage and are beloved by comic readers of that 1970's-1980's period as a high-water-mark of the "good-old-days".
There are entire web-sites dedicated to them.
Just google "Hostess Fruit Pie comic" and enjoy.



**
Assistant Editors Month was basically the one month where the Senior Editors were off on some retreat or convention and their assistants were "in charge" of the publications for that month... thus causing wackiness and hilarity to ensue.
Obviously, it was all just a marketing ploy.
Nothing truly erroneous made it to print and it was all a lot of fun.
Heck, google "Marvel Assistant Editors Month" and see what you find.

Hurm...
I did just that, while forgetting to delete "Hostess Fruit Pie" from the navigation and was reminded that, oddly enough, that same "Assistant Editor's Month" the issue of MARVEL TEAM UP # 137 was an issue-long story of Aunt May (becoming herald of Galactus; Golden Oldie) and Franklin Richards quelling Galactus' great hunger with "Twinkles" snack cakes.


Damn... turns out my ROM idea isn't so "original" after all.
But it IS in good company.


Hmmm.... now I want some Pastry Cake goodness.

DR. STRANGE & ROM: SPACEKNIGHT"Together again" (ok. not really)

Sorry for the stupid title for this post, but honestly, I couldn't think of anything else.

The reason for it, is that in WIZARD # 215 (September 2009) has DOCTOR STRANGE on the "artist jam" cover *...

featuring - left to right:
(top row) Tony Harris' DR. STRANGE, Marc Silvestri's CAPTAIN AMERICA, Lee Bermejo's WOLVERINE,
(bottom row) Art Adams' THING, Phil Jimenez' SPIDER-MAN & J. Scott Campbell's IRON MAN

And behind that cover is a 5-page article featuring 1970's - 1980's Marvel go-to-guy writer; BILL MANTLO.

Within the article, entitled; "Tragic Talent", written by Christopher Lawrence, is info on the creator, who had suffered brain trauma from a hit-and-run driver, and among his many works was; ROM: SPACEKNIGHT.

The article also features a few illos of ROM.
The double-page spread header for the piece is a bold and colorful piece by Greg Horn.

illo by Greg Horn
ROM is at the top left corner.

One more is in a blurb box, and features artwork by Michael Golden, taken from the cover to ROM # 9.


With quotes and comments by many fellow creators in the comics' field, including; Keith Giffen, Mike Mignola, Carl Potts, Walt Simonson, Roger Stern, and ROM-editor Al Milgrom, the article gives a basic overview of Mantlo's carreers as a comic writer - and later, when he left comics, as a criminal defense attourney.
It also details information of the tragic 1992 accident that lay him low to where he has required constant medical care ever since.

I'm not a consistent buyer of Wizard (haven't bought an issue an ages), but with Doctor Strange on the cover * and Bill Mantlo article with ROM inside, this one was impossible to pass up.


* For the first time since Wizard Magazine #42 (March 1995), Dr. Strange has made the cover! For those who don't recall... #42 had two covers, each with fold-out triptych Alex Ross paintings:
One of Marvel Superheroes & one of the Villains (Dormammu included).

Heroes

Villains

However, the only way to SEE Strange (or Dormammu) was when you folded out the cover to see the whole
image. At least THIS time, Strange is on the front cover!

Unfortunately, Dr. Strange does not appear anywhere INSIDE the issue.
There are minor mentions, however.
In "70 Marvelous Moments"; a tribute to Marvel's 70th anniversary,
# 24 "Steve Ditko Disappears" is the only mention of Strange.

Also in the issue, Strange Tales #110 is listed as one of the 11 "key"
issues in Marvel history.
But WE already knew that.

The RETURN...? (Out of Limbo)

So... could it BE?
At long last, after YEARS of wrangling legal rights out of a quagmire of inactivity and confusion...?

The RETURN of...

It seems that HASBRO, the holder of the rights to ROM, and manufacturer of Marvel Legends action figures, has recently filed new trademarks for "ROM" and "ROM the SPACEKNIGHT".
Not sure what that means at this time, but since next year is the 30th Anniversary of his appearance (toy and comic), it stands to reason SOMETHING is going on.

Beginning in 1979, ROM started life as a cult-favorite toy "action figure" from Parker Bros., and a simultaneous Marvel comics series written by Bill Mantlo and illustrated by Sal Buscema (and later Steve Ditko).

The comic series was about a man from the planet Galador who, upon seeing his peaceful world attacked by foul, evil invaders, was fused with living armor to become the first, and greatest of the "spaceknights", in order to battle the shape-shifting, evil alien menace. That menace was the DIRE WRAITHS, a race of aliens who sought to take over worlds and rule the galaxy via evil science and dark sorcery. An evolutionary offshoot of the Skrulls, the Wraiths were so reviled by all that even the Skrulls despised them. The Wraiths came to Earth many years earlier and had been infiltrating the world's populace by taking the forms of people from all levels of society; the farmers and the politicians alike. (30 years before Secret Invasion.)

ROM came to Earth to rid it of Wraith infestation. Wielding various weapons and tools, he was able to pierce the wraith's disguises and banish them to an otherworldly Limbo. This was seen, by human eyes, as his murdering innocent humans (since the wraiths human-shells would turn to dust while their spirits fell into the other dimension - unseen), and he was seen as a menacing alien robot by a frightened and confused populace. Soon, however, he earned their respect and trust and not too long thereafter gathered the aid of nearly ALL of the world's super-powered heroes to win the war on Earth.
He would then continue his fight to the stars.

An epic tale of humanity (and alien ass-kicking) and one that is just as good when read today as it was then.

While the toy quickly vanished from shelves, due to a lack of anything else in the toy-line, the series lasted over 7 years (a 75 issue run and 4 annuals, a few guest starring spots and a storyline that TOTALLY affected the landscape of the Marvel Universe). Eventually, his story reached an "end" and it remains a much beloved hallmark in the lives of comic fans to this very day.

There have been many attempts to revive ROM over the past few years, at least one by his creator; Bing McCoy. However, all attempts have ended in... well... LIMBO (except for a horrid one-off mini-series by Marvel - about the Next Generation of Spaceknights - that was received with disdain by all).

However, that is all in the past.
Perhaps now ROM will return from LIMBO!

(the fantastic cover to ROM # 19, by Michael Golden)
image from the GCD

But in what capacity? Only the Gods of Galador know for sure.

Info garnered from the ROM, Spaceknight Revisited site, who garnered info from the Allspark Forum.

Somewhere, Chris Sims is weeping tears of joy.
Me too... me too.

***UPDATE***
(03-21-09)
Check out THIS entry for MORE recent info about a possible RETURN of
ROM!
***END UPDATE***

---------

****2nd UPDATE***
(07-03-09)
Check out THIS entry for MORE recent info on the possible PROBLEMS with a return of
ROM!
***END 2nd UPDATE***

---------

****3rd UPDATE***

(07-01-06)

ROM is BACK!

But it he is being published by IDW, who managed to secure the rights (and not Marvel).

This means that ANY aspect that we loved from the Marvel run can not and will not be in this run.

So, NO Galador, No Hybrid, not much of ANY kind of history really.

It's a clean slate with a whole new take.

I'll buy it and see how it goes.

***END 3rd UPDATE***

---------

****4th UPDATE***

(07-06-07)

ROM is GONE - sorta!

After a little more than a year, ROM's IDW series is "cancelled" (sort of ).

He'll be folded into a new title that he'll share with the MICRONAUTS 

(also being published at IDW).

To be honest, I've bought every issue of the IDW ROM series, but the artwork seemed so... lacking on the first few issues that I never continued reading past #2.

I figured I'd catch up, but just haven't yet.

I'm up in the air if I'll buy the team-up title, as I've opted out of the other crossovers that IDW constantly published (with GI JOE and Micronauts and other properties) and sadly, none of their books LOOK appealing to me (art too amateurish for me, personally, and coloring too garish).

Sadly, if this were old-school Bill Mantlo penning a ROM / MICRONAUTS book I'd be ALL over it.

The past is done, and so, for now (sorta), is ROM

***END 4th UPDATE***