Rom #18
Published and © by Marvel and Rom © Parker Brothers, May 1981
Title: “And a Child Shall Deceive Them!”
Synopsis: Rom mistakenly comes under attack by the X-Men, but the heroes soon team to take on the terror of Hybrid.
Writers (story): Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema
Writer (script): Mantlo
Writer (assist): Chris Claremont
Penciler: Buscema
Inkers: Al Milgrom and Frank Giacoia
Review: Part two of this Rom/X-Men crossover is almost as strong as the first (see review), marred only by some occasionally off-note characterization with its guest stars (Wolverine’s dialogue is particularly awkward). But this speaks more to Chris Claremont’s signature work on Marvel’s Bronze Age flagship franchise; he made those characters real in a way that can make it difficult for other writers to bring them to life. Still, Bill Mantlo pulls together a well-paced, tense tale, melding superheroics and horror elements. And his story gets art solid support from Sal Buscema, who draws a surprisingly strong X-Men. Good stuff.
Grade (for the entire issue): A-
Cool factor: Frank Miller’s cover on the previous issue was excellent, but this one is even better. (Terry Austin’s inks might have something to do with that!)
Notable: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 20p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Shall I age you as I aged my mother? Will your biostructure break down before your armor turns to rust?” – Hybrid, threatening
Editor’s note: This review was written June 8, 2024.
