Rom #2
Published and © by Marvel and Rom © Parker Brothers, January 1980
Title: “Second Coming!”
Synopsis: Rom continues to find Dire Wraiths embedded throughout West Virginia – including those working on a lethal laser project.
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Sal Buscema
Review: Much like this series’ impressive debut (see review), Rom #2 packs an impressive density of story into a single issue. But there’s a been-there-done-that feel to this one. Writer Bill Mantlo continues to explore the Dire Wraith threat and develop the supporting cast, but offers little new to move Rom’s overall story forward. Mantlo also falls prey to some Bronze Age verbosity, with one Wraith delivering a 110-word soliloquy – in the time it takes to draw and fire a disruptor! Still, it’s an enjoyable read and Sal Buscema’s art is solid as usual.
Grade: B
Cool factor: Lots of story!
Not-so-cool factor: Lots – and lots – of dialogue!
Notable: This issue includes “The Human Torch in the Icemaster Cometh,” a one-page ad for Hostess fruit pies featuring early Frank Miller art.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 12p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Let its crackling whine be the last sound you hear before you join the rest of your carrion-kind … in Limbo!” – Rom, fan of his neutralizer, not of Dire Wraiths
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on Jan. 4, 2016.
