Rom #20
Published and © by Marvel and Rom © Parker Brothers, July 1981
Title: “Mindgames”
Synopsis: Rom is confronted by the ghosts of Starshine and Terminator – but Brandy Clark realizes all is not as it seems.
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Penciler: Sal Buscema
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Review: The beginning of this story is marred by comic-book silliness, but Rom’s return from limbo offers a legitimately humorous moment. Writer Bill Mantlo uses the rest of this short lead feature to begin exploring the psychological ramifications of Rom’s long tenure as a Spaceknight. New villain Mentus offers some intrigue.
•••
Synopsis: The spaceknight Terminator is put on trial for murdering an innocent, but the sentencing takes an unexpected turn.
Title: “The Trial of Terminator”
Review: This “Saga of the Spaceknights” backup feature converges with the lead story in intriguing ways.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: The suggestion of a return to Galador holds promise for interesting stories.
Not-so-cool factor: Steve Jackson made a what now?
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 20p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Oh, Steve! Do you really think there’s any chance your homemade energy analyzer will help us find Rom.” – Brandy Clark, knowing there’s no limit to what small-town mechanics can do
Editor’s note: This review was written July 15, 2024.
