Rom #22
Published and © by Marvel and Rom © Parker Brothers, September 1981
Title: “Welcome, One and All, to the Great Rocketeers Revival!”
Synopsis: Rom and new ally Torpedo team to defend Clairton from Dire Wraiths who’ve been armed with powerful rocket suits.
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist (penciler): Sal Buscema
Artist (embellisher): Joe Sinnott
Review: Journeyman writer Bill Mantlo seems to be making the leap with Rom. While still not high art, this issue is another example of professional-grade storytelling: from character motivations to action sequences to story pacing, Mantlo has everything clicking. The opening sequence is particularly well crafted. A solid mid-Bronze comic.
•••
Title: “The Body Snatcher”
Synopsis: The Terminator steals Rom’s human remains from Galador’s Hall of Science; Mentus is playing the long game.
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist (penciler): Sal Buscema
Artist (embellisher): Joe Sinnott
Review: The ongoing “Saga of the Spaceknights!” backup feature is solid, but lacks sufficient real estate for world-building.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: This series is leveling up to become a consistently solid read.
Not-so-cool factor: That’s not an attractive cover. And the Torpedo’s helmet will never be mistaken for cool.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 20p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “That is their way, to place themselves in positions where information regarding the flow of humanity passes through their hands.” – Rom, worried about Dire Wraith insurance agents
Editor’s note: This review was written Jan. 21, 2025.
