ROM Spaceknight Collection

The ROM: Spaceknight comic book series, published by Marvel Comics, debuted in 1979 during a period when licensed properties and toy tie-ins were increasingly shaping the comic book market. Based on the electronic ROM action figure created by Parker Brothers, the series was written primarily by Bill Mantlo with art by Sal Buscema. The story follows ROM, a noble warrior from the planet Galador who sacrificed his humanity to become a cybernetic Spaceknight to battle the shape-shifting Dire Wraiths. This insidious alien race infiltrates Earth while disguised as humans. Although the toy itself had little backstory, Marvel’s creative team built a rich mythology around ROM's mission, blending cosmic science fiction with superhero drama and frequently crossing paths with characters from the wider Marvel Universe. Over its 75-issue run from 1979 to 1986, ROM: Spaceknight became one of Marvel’s most successful licensed comics.