Marvel Comics has announced (via SFFGazette.com) that Rom is finally returning to the Marvel Universe! Well, sort of.
It's been four decades since we last saw Rom: Space Knight assembling alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The character was initially incorporated into the Marvel Universe after a deal between the comic book publisher and Hasbro saw the popular toy line folded into the world called home by heroes like Spider-Man and The Avengers, but the deal ended in 1986 after 75 issues and a number of annuals.
Marvel Comics bid a final farewell to Rom in 1994's Incredible Hulk #418, though the renamed Spaceknights continued to make sporadic appearances (Venom joined the group's ranks back in 2015).
However, a new deal will see his classic adventures reprinted for a modern audience.
Set in the main Marvel Comics universe, Rom was a full-fledged Marvel icon who had memorable team-ups with the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and even battled bravely against the likes of Galactus and the Skrulls.
These incredible stories by industry legends Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema, along with various Rom guest appearances, will be reprinted for the first time ever in Rom: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 1, on sale January 2024. In addition to this long-awaited collection, fans will also be able to pick up a facsimile edition of Rom's comic book debut, 1979's Rom #1, this September.
IDW Publishing has a deal with Hasbro and last released a story featuring Rom in 2020. With that in mind, it's unclear whether we'll now see the character make an appearance in any current Marvel Comics titles (or even a new solo series set in the Marvel Universe).
You can check out the covers below, including the exemplary original Rom #1 cover art by Frank Miller. In addition, we have never-before-seen Rom artwork from industry legend George Pérez’s archives.
Could Rom eventually join the MCU? We'll see!