‘ROM: The Original Marvel Years’ Omnibus Vol. 2 Continues Collecting The Spaceknight’s Original Comic Adventures

ROM the Spaceknight first appeared in print in December 1979 as a crossover between Marvel and Parker Brothers in an attempt to build interest in a spaceman toy that Parker Brothers had designed. This was actually pretty common practice in the 80’s. Transformers, Care Bears, Sectaurs, GI Joe, Masters Of The Universe, Pound Puppies, and My Little Pony all have similar origin stories. 

The toy flopped, but Marvel was able to draw the backstory into a 75 issue run that lasted until February 1986. The franchise sat largely dormant for three decades until Free Comic Book Day 2016.

I love ROM. The first comic book I ever owned was ROM #66. I clearly remember the day I bought it, after riding my sister’s new red ten-speed bicycle to the grocery store to get bread and milk for my grandmother. I don’t remember why I was riding my sister’s bike. I do remember smashing that bike into the back of a parked mail truck on the way home because I was reading ROM #66 while riding hands-free. 

I sat on the curb and finished the book with blood gushing from my nose, while the mailman angrily removed the mangled bike from under his bumper. I don’t know what that guy’s problem was, but he had some really choice words for me. After I finished the book, I headed home with a loaf of smashed bread, a leaking gallon of 2% milk, a potentially broken nose, and what was left of my sister’s bike. True story, and my sister never forgave me for it. I did replace the bike. Sort of. I got her a scale model of a red ten speed. It was 3 inches tall. I thought it was awesome. She did not.

If you know my sister, ask her about it. I’m sure she remembers it as fondly as I do. 

Following next year’s release of ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 1, ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 2 will arrive in June 2024.

Back in May, fans learned that Marvel Comics and Hasbro would collaborate to reprint ROM’s original comic book series for the first time ever! A special ROM #1 Facsimile Edition will hit stands in September followed by the long-awaited ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 1 in January. These glorious new omnibus collections will contain the entirety of Rom’s beloved solo series as well as his memorable team-ups and guest appearances throughout the Marvel Universe! Today, fans can learn about the contents of ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 2.

Arriving in June 2024, ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 2 will collect ROM (1979) #30-50, ROM Annual (1982) #1-2, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #99 which includes a pivotal storyline involving the iconic X-Men member Rogue and her mother Mystique.

‘Locked in an endless struggle with the Dire Wraiths, Rom’s solemn quest to eradicate them from Earth brings him into conflict with the Metal Master and his army of spiders, Mystique and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and more! The Spaceknight joins Namor to battle monsters of the deep, and Shang-Chi lends his deadly hands to thwart the Wraiths’ black magic! Meanwhile, Rom’s human friend Brandy Clark is transformed, and the impending arrival of the dreaded Dweller on the Threshold may spell doom for all! It’s a cosmic epic featuring Doctor Strange, the In-Betweener, the Living Tribunal…and the human form of Rom?! Has he been freed from his armor at long last? All that, plus the Skrulls, the ever-lovin’ Thing — and a tragedy that even Rom cannot withstand!’

Check out the covers for ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 2 now and experience these rare stories all over again or for the very first time when ROM #1 Facsimile Edition hits stands in September and when ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibuses arrive next year.

ROM: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 2 HC

Written By Bill Mantlo, Mark Gruenwald & Steven Grant

Art By Sal Buscema, Pat Broderick, Greg Larocque & Bob Hall

Cover By Bill Sienkiewicz

Direct Market Exclusive Variant Cover By Mike Zeck

On Sale June 2024