Dire Wraiths beware! ROM, Lord of the Solstar Order, has traveled from another galaxy to defend Earth from the wrath of evil that has infiltrated our planet.
Written by Christos Gage and Chris Ryall
Illustrated by David MessinaWE’VE BEEN INVADED AND ONLY A SPACE KNIGHT CAN SAVE US! First there was his epic return in this year’s FCBD #0, and now the ongoing tale of ROM begins in earnest! Christos Gage, Chris Ryall, and David Messina kick off the wildest new series of the year as Rom’s war with the DIRE WRAITHS hits close to home in “Earthfall, part 1!”
The solicit for “ROM” #1 promises science fiction fun involving a being in a mechanical suit whose sole mission is to root out the evil Dire Wraiths. They have come from another world and blended into every nook and cranny of Earth. Based on a hugely popular toy line from the ’80s and a beloved comic book series inspired by the toys, this new iteration of ROM is neither fun nor intriguing. Instead we get a first issue, as well as a reprint of the Free Comic Book Day zero issue, which is amateurish and riddled with clichés. Those clichés would be forgivable if they had at least been tongue-in-cheek. Writers Christos Gage and Chris Ryall give us a mediocre story with emotionless dialogue while David Messina’s art and colors lack inspiration.
That lack of inspiration and pervasive mediocrity contribute to the reader’s lack of interest in the story and characters. One example comes early on in “ROM” #1 when the writers attempt to deal with the important topic of PTSD that affects many soldiers returning from war. The dialogue is stilted and sterile, so we feel no sympathy for the main human character. ROM’s inner dialogue, however, can be interesting at times. If Gage and Ryall can give us an exciting backstory (as well as natural dialogue) to ROM and the rest of the characters, then maybe there can be promise found in future issues.
Gage and Ryall allow Messina plenty of opportunities for exciting action scenes, unfortunately Messina doesn’t take advantage of them. Thrills never materialize. The word “amateur” continuously rears its head regarding the art and writing. Messina, however, does have some moments of promise. His scenes are particularly effective when ROM blasts his prey into smithereens. His use of color and lines that convey motion burst off the page with creativity. Yet these scenes are the exception to this oversized first issue.
During most of “ROM” #1, Messina’s art appears rushed and repetitive. Facial expressions have the same cold look in many panels and appear plastic. There is a lack of consistency in the scene between Darby, who is the main human character, and her family. Shapes of different characters’ faces change from one panel to another and can appear like melting like wax. It would be understandable if their faces were actually being melted by a ray gun. The lack of consistency only contributes to the sense that Messina didn’t pay much attention to detail or put much care into the book.
The coloring by Messina (with assists by Michele Pasta) is also lacking. A book like “ROM” calls for dynamic colors and the excitement of a toy line come to life. Instead we get a muted palette that doesn’t contribute any pep or vivacity. There is a memorable moment with color, though, when a young wraith hawk comes on the scene. The red of his wings and the texture of Messina’s pencils suggest large red beans. Although it may not sound scary, the image of this beast will definitely affect you.
Although not a total disaster, there is nothing in “ROM” #1 to recommend it. Science fiction fans will find this first issue underwhelming, with nothing to make the world of ROM stand out from your usual sci-fi film on the SyFy channel.
Final Verdict: 4.0 – “ROM” #1 has a lot of hype behind it, yet the goodwill behind the concept may not be enough to salvage this title after the first issue.