ROM #5 Review

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Alessandra Alexakis, Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, comics, David Messina, Dire Wraith D’rge, Dire Wraiths, IDW Publishing, IDW Revolution, IDW ROM, J. H. Williams, Michele Pasta, Micronauts, Paolo Villanell, REVOLUTION, REVOLUTIONARIES #1, Rom, ROM #5, ROM #5 Review, ROM REVOLUTION #1, Rom The Spaceknight

ROM #5

Review by Paul Bowler

With the REVOLUTION over, ROM #5 finds the Space Knight alone once again in his relentless war against the Dire Wraiths infesting Earth – or so he believes… This strange new world has changed for ROM in the wake of REVOLUTION. Now two armored newcomers known to ROM have arrived on Earth, but are they friend, or foe?

ROM #5 catches up with ROM some time following the aftermath of IDW’s REVOLUTION crossover event, and the plot and script by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage cleverly redefines ROM’s standing now that the IDW universe has become a more cohesive whole in the face of that mini-series’ game changing events.

The issue begins as ROM takes his leave from the tenuous allies he made during the cataclysmic finale of REVOLUTION, but as the Transformers and the forces of G.I. JOE reflect on the Dire Wraith threat still remaining on Earth not everyone shares Scarlet’s and Optimus Prime’s sentiments about ROM’s mission. Indeed, the memory of Megatron’s past actions during the Transformer occupation still resonate a little too close to home for some, and it is this, coupled with ROM’s actions during REVOLUTION where he vanquished a Wraith disguised as key military figure, that could well sow seeds of mistrust and dissent for the future.

Chris Ryall and Christos Gage builds on these themes as the new status-quo of the combined IDW Universe begins to settle into place, ensuring ROM #5 neatly ties-into the conclusion of REVOLUTION and the new era beginning in next months REVOLUTIONARIES #1 – effectively book ending the saga and paving the way for the next chapter in ROM’s quest to rid the Earth of the Dire Wraiths. Speaking of Dire Wraiths, with their leaders dead, some are clearly relishing being free of the Old Guard, and embark on a rampage to take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, with ROM distracted by recent events, two new arrivals have come to Earth with a mission of their own, as two rogue Dire Wraiths in California soon discover to their cost!

With artist David Messina, who has been instrumental in defining the look and tone of IDW’s new ROM series, busy working on the ROM Annual #1, ROM 5-9 will be drawn by Paolo Villanelli. In fact, Paolo Villanelli’s pencils and inks on ROM #5 proves a perfect match for the series; Villanelli’s artwork nicely complements the style established by Messina in the previous issue, while brining Paolo Villanelli’s own distinctive flourishes to the characters and settings. The action is well illustrated and detailed, as the sombre, almost reflective opening scenes gives way to some explosive Dire Wraith carnage, there’s a beautiful panoramic spread recapping the events of REVOLUTION, and the exciting lead in to ROM’s inevitable encounter with his fellow Knights of the Solstar order is brilliantly handled by Villanelli. The colors by Alessandra Alexakis are also rich and vibrant, bringing added clarity to every scene with a vivid mix of color and tone employed throughout.

This issue provides some intriguing insight into ROM’s decision to continue his mission alone. He has encountered the terrible fusion of Wraith magic and Earth technology, in the form of Axiom, the technomage, which, combined the danger posed by Ore 13 during REVOLUTION, has now polarized his opinion of G.I JOE and the Transformers even further.

ROM’s return to Cooper’s Mill and Darby Mason’s family home in this issue also leads to a reunion with Camilla Byers, but has ROM left it too late to save her from the Wraith infection? ROM #5 is an exciting, fast paced issue from Chris Ryall and Christos Gage, and it is here, along with Paolo Villanell’s impressive artwork, that the issue really kicks into high gear as ROM battles to save Camilla from the Wraith influence that’s consuming her. Then of course we have the addition of two new Space Knight’s into the mix, with a big splash-page reveal, which leaves ROM reeling! So, if you haven’t checked out the Space Knight’s new adventures, now is certainly a good time to do so. ROM #5 does a great job of tying up the loose ends from REVOLUTION; it begins a bold new direction for this series, and provides an excellent jumping on point for new readers.

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Plot and script: Chris Ryall and Christos Gage

Pencils and Inks: Paolo Villanell / Color by: Alessandra Alexakis

Letters by: Shawn Lee

Regular Cover: Bob Layton & Mike Cavallaro

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Kong: Skull Island Official Trailer

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Brie Larson, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, John Goodman, Johsn C Reilley, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, King Kong, Kong, Kong Skull Island, Kong Skull Island Official Trailer, Kong Skull Island Trailer, New Kong Skull Island Trailer, Samule L Jackson, Skull Island, Tian Jing, Toby Kebbell, Tom Hiddleston

New Official Trailer For Kong: Skull Island

Check out the new official trailer for Kong: Skull Island! This new trailer looks really good, and give us a much better look at the movie. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Kong: Skull Island stars Brie Larson (Weaver), Tom Hiddleston (Captain James Conrad), Toby Kebbell (Major Chapman), Tian Jing (San), Samuel L. Jackson (Lieutenant Colonel Packard), John Goodman (Bill Randa), Corey Hawkins, John C. Reilly, and Jason Mitchell (Glenn Mill).

Kong: Skull Island arrives in cinemas on March 10, 2017.

Awesome posters as well!

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Thanos #1 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Civil War II, comics, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Thanos, Thanos #1, Thanos #1 review, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #1 marks the return of the most evil, villainous being to have ever stalked the Marvel Universe! Yes, the mad Titan, Thanos is back, and in this new ongoing Marvel Comics series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin, Thanos is hell bent on seeking revenge on anyone who stands in his way. Get ready to walk in the shadows as Thanos embarks on a deadly journey, where a reckoning with his own family soon awaits him…

Thanos is a godlike being of almost unimaginable power and he has returned to wreak his own unique brand of devastating wrath against those foolish enough to oppose him. Thanos is arguably the biggest, big bad the Marvel Universe have ever known. He’s left an untold level of destruction and chaos in his wake during his many attempts to conquer the universe, more often than not solely to impress the cosmic embodiment of death herself. Even Thanos’ homeworld, the moon Titan, is now in ruins, and following his most recent battle with the Earth’s mightiest heroes during Civil War II, where, despite their advanced foreknowledge of his scheme provided by the new precognitive Inhuman Ulysses, his enemies still paid a heavy price.

Everybody loves a good villain, and there’s something instantly compelling about them, and its great to see Thanos being explored in a new way in this series. Thanos #1 quickly establishes the new order former stooge Coryus Glaive has forged for himself since Thanos became more concerned with other matters, and under Glaive’s reign, the Black Order has prospered as order superseded chaos. Now the deposed tyrant Thanos has returned, and writer Jeff Lemire instantly presents us with a Thanos who is every bit as powerful and as ruthless as ever, but there is also a sense that something far more ominous is driving the mad Titan’s bid to reclaim his seat of power.

The characterization is absolutely spot on, but as well as capturing the pure malevolence and evil of Thanos, Jeff Lemire also quickly builds the mystery and intrigue in this issue as the self styled Champion of the Universe, Tryco Slatterus, goes in search of Starfox, with an important message and new mission that will in turn herald the ultimate challenge. The dialogue positively sparkles with dark wit at times as the plot begins to take shape under Lemire’s assured guidance, as Thanos returns to power, and these characters who have been circling each other for so long gradually embark on the dark paths that will inevitably bring them into conflict.

Right from its majestic opening in the Black Quadrant, through to Thanos’ titanic show of force to reclaim his throne, and the sweeping scale of the story as it unfolds, artist Mike Deodato ensures Thanos #1 is a blockbusting spectacle in every respect. Concisely structured pages deftly balance the action and character moments, glorious full page layouts dazzle as interlocking panels splice story and characterization seamlessly as one, and Deodato‘s rendering of the characters, especially Thanos, and the numerous locals are stunning. The palette of rich tones and shades from colorist Frank Martin complements Deodato’s art perfectly; sombre hues and deep shadows dominate the relentless advance of Thanos, while cool blue, green, and violet tones reflect the seedy nature of the space station Starfox is frequenting when Tryco Slatterus tracks him down.

Following some poignant reflection on a distant ruined world, the issue is rounded off with an epic secret that is so shocking it could quite possibly become the greatest betrayal of all… Thanos #1 is everything that fans of Marvel’s ultimate evil nemesis to creation itself, Thanos, could’ve wished for, and then some! I swear you can almost feel every thunderous step as Thanos inexorably stomps, blasts, and smashes his way back to reclaiming his throne, and Thanos even offers a deliciously wicked act of mercy too for good measure.

It’s clear from this first issue that we are in for one hell of a journey for Thanos and his extended family. Thanos #1 is a welcome darker themed offering from Marvel, with its great story by Jeff Lemire, superb art by Mike Deodato and colors by Frank Martin, and letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles, this is one Marvel Now title that you won’t want to miss!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

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Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman: Return to Arkham Collection Arkham City

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Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Bane, Batman, Batman Return to Arkham Arkham City Walkthrough, Batman: Return to Arkham Collection, Batmobile, Catwoman, Gotham, Harley Quinn, Hugo Strange, Killer Croc, Mr Freeze, Paul Bowler YouTube, Poison Ivy, PS4, PS4 Share, Ra's al Ghul, Scarecrow, The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two Face, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman Return to Arkham: Arkham City

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out my YouTube Channel while I’ve been playing the Batman Return to Arkham Collection. I had a great time completing Arkham Asylum, so, after short break I’ve now started Arkham City. I’m really enjoying revisiting Arkham City again, the scope and scale of the game is even bigger than Arkham Asylum, and there are loads of great story moments and villains for Batman fans to enjoy!

The first video I streamed features the opening of the Arkham City as Bruce Wayne is captured by Hugo Strange and sent to Arkham City. Once Batman suits up its time to save Catwoman from Two Face. We also get to see Penguin, Calendar Man, Harley Quinn, and Bane, before Batman tracks down the Joker’s hideout in the Steel Mill.

Having reached Joker’s lair its time for Batman’s first confrontation in this game with the Joker! I found a few Riddler trophies as well, sorry if I wander around a bit looking for them! There’s also the first part of the Catwoman storyline here as well, I’ve never played any of the DLC for Arkham City before, so that was fun.

In this video Batman searches the Old GCPD building to find out where Penguin has taken Mr Freeze. The Riddler and Deadshot missions begin, and this part concludes as Batman makes a poignant visit to Crime Alley.

I think the remastered graphics in Arkham City look really good as well, even better than Arkham Asylum. I’ll stream and post some more Arkham City videos on my channel as I play through the game, obviously it’s a much bigger game than Arkham Asylum, so I’ll probably concentrate on the main storyline and boss fights. I might uses some of the different character skins as well, like the 70’s Batman or Dark Knight Returns Batman, to mix things up a bit. So, look out for new videos on my YouTube channel as I explore Arkham City, I hope you enjoy them, and please feel free to hit that like button and subscribe if you do.

Thanks for watching and cheers for all your support!

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Invincible Iron Man #1 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Invincible Iron Man #1, Invincible Iron Man #1 Marvel Now, Invincible Iron Man #1 Review, Iron Man, Ironheart, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Riri Williams, Stefano Caselli, Tony Stark

Invincible Iron Man #1

Review by Paul Bowler

An exciting new era begins in Marvel Now’s Invincible Iron Man #1 as Riri Williams steps up to become the worlds newest armored superhero! Kitted out in her homemade Iron Man armor, former M.I.T student Riri is ready to rise to the challenges of the Marvel Universe, but the young genius has some pretty big armored boots to fill – especially now that a certain billionaire mega-genius isn’t exactly around much these days…

Yes, there’s a new armored hero on the block in Invincible Iron Man #1, and her name is Riri Williams! Marvel Now continues apace in the wake of Marvel’s Civil War II as Brian Michael Bendis, Stefano Caselli, and Marte Gracia bring us the adventures of Riri Williams, Marvel’s new hero from Chicago, Ironheart!

Having a new character stepping into the role once held by a long-standing character is nothing new in comics. Invincible Iron Man #1 marks the beginning of a new era with Riri Williams taking centre stage after writer Brian Michael Bendis had already firmly established her character in the previous volume of Invincible Iron Man. It is this cleverly constructed groundwork that has made Riri‘s, as well as Victor‘s, gradual integration into Tony Stark’s life, seem all the more believable, and not just another change for change’s sake scenario as the Iron-Mantles are effectively passed to Riri Williams and Doctor Doom respectively.

From the opening video-blogger style credit page opening, Brian Michael Bendis gives us an insightful and moving glimpse into the life and times of Riri Williams. The battle with the rogue monster-spawning mutant Animax fills the prerequisite action quota for Invincible Iron Man #1, with our rookie super genius Iron-heroine quickly realizing the limitations of her cobbled together armor, sans a properly efficient AI, but it is the fascinating glimpse into Riri’s formative years that really forms the backbone of the issue.

Bendis skilfully intercuts the present-day events with some especially moving flashbacks to drive the narrative, highlighting some of the stark parallels and difficulties associated with being a super genius, while the more powerful themes and their heartbreaking aftermath resonates strongly on every level. Even though we’ve known Riri Williams for a while now, this issue really expands our knowledge of the character in ways that few could’ve predicted, and it makes Riri’s debut here feel all the more impressive as she sets out to make her presence felt in the Marvel Universe!

Stefano Caselli’s artwork conveys the finer nuances of Bendis’ script beautifully. Page layouts are keenly structured to match the emotional beats of the story and the characters are all defined in the highest detail. The scene between the young Riri and her new friend Natalie are wonderfully staged. There’s tragedy and heartbreak for Riri too, and Caselli’s art makes you feel like you are there with Riri every step of the way as her life unfolds before you. The fight with Animax is also good, but it is what transpires directly afterwards that probably resonates the most – with its gun crushing finality grittily polarizing the impact of the flashbacks in our minds eye. Color artist Marte Gracia employs bright, vibrant palette of colors throughout, nicely complementing Stefano Caselli’s artwork with a blend of rich shades and tones to bring added highlights to virtually every scene.

The issue rounds off with a great scene between Riri and her mother that effectively brings Riri’s story full circle. As for Tony Stark..? Well, he might not be around anymore, but you know Tony, he has a knack of thinking of contingencies for everything!

I must admit, as much as I love the character of Riri Williams, I was a little sceptical about her taking over as the lead character in Invincible Iron Man. I’m pleased to say that Brian Michael Bendis has won me over once again with his superb storytelling and characterization skills. One thing that shines through is the sheer hope and optimism Riri Williams brings to the title, which considering the events in those flashbacks, shows just what strong and delightfully positive character traits Riri Williams will bring to the Marvel Universe.

Invincible Iron Man #1 revamps the status quo and provides a confident start to Riri’s brand new adventures. Even though I’m sure Tony Stark will return as Iron Man eventually, we can rest assured that the legacy of Iron Man is in safe hands, so here’s hoping that Riri Williams will be around for a long time to come.

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Stefano Caselli

Color Artist Marte Gracia / VC’s Clayton Cowles Letterer

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Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman Return to Arkham Collection: Part 2

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Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Knight, Batman, Batman Return to Arkham Arkham Asylum Walkthrough, Batman: Return to Arkham Collection, Batmobile, Gotham, Harly Quin, Killer Croc, Paul Bowler YouTube, Poison Ivy, PS4, PS4 Share, Scarecrow, The Joker, The Riddler, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman: Return to Arkham Collection

Part 2 Arkham Asylum completed!

Hello everyone, and thank you checking out my YouTube Channel.  I’ve been playing the Batman: Return to Arkham Collection recently, and I’ve now completed Arkham Asylum!

I’m a big Batman fan, and I love all the Arkham games – so I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to play the remastered version of Arkham Asylum in this collection. The trio of new videos here cover lots of my favourite moments from playing Arkham Asylum again.

First is a face-off with the Scarecrow, featuring a really wacky mind-trip for Batman that cleverly gives us a chilling new version of the games opening sequence.

Time to explore Killer Croc’s lair! This was probably my favourite part of Arkham Asylum. Its creepy, atmospheric, and you never know when Killer Croc will jump out!

After defeating Poison Ivy in the Botanical Gardens, its time for the epic showdown with the Joker, and the final battle with the Titan / Joker! I’ve included the end credits as well and the cut scene afterwards.

This is the first time I’ve streamed a game from start to finish like this on my YouTube Channel, it went quite well, and I’d just like to say thank you for all the support you‘ve given me. It was a lot of fun to do. I thought the remastered graphics in Arkham Asylum looked very impressive overall, the storyline and combat mechanics were just as good as I remembered, and I loved the dark, creepy atmosphere of the whole game. All my Arkham Asylum walkthrough videos (1-12) are now on my YouTube channel, so please feel free to check them out and like and subscribe if enjoy them. I’ve had a great time playing Arkham Asylum again, cheers everyone, and thanks for joining me!

Next stop, Arkham City!

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New Wonder Woman Official Trailer Released!

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DC Comics, Gal Gadot, New Wonder Woman Trailer, Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman Film, Wonder Woman Official Trailer, Wonder Woman Trailer, Zack Snyder

New Wonder Woman Official Trailer

Check out the awesome new Wonder Woman official trailer released by Warner Brothers and DC Films. I think its a brilliant trailer, so excited for this Wonder Woman film!

It begins with her… Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman!!

Great new posters as well!

 

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ROM #4 Review

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Alessandra Alexakis, Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, comics, David Messina, Dire Wraith D’rge, Dire Wraiths, Earthfall Part 4, IDW Publishing, IDW Revolution, IDW ROM, J. H. Williams, Michele Pasta, Micronauts, REVOLUTION, Rom, ROM #4, ROM #4 review, ROM REVOLUTION #1, Rom The Spaceknight

ROM #4

Review by Paul Bowler

As the otherworldly events of REVOLUTION reverberate across the world ROM #4 finds our erstwhile Space Knight a prisoner of the military. Not all is quite as it seems though as the evil Dire Wraiths plot against the helpless ROM and his human allies, Darby Mason and Camilla Byers. ROM must now escape from his intangible prison and save his friends from the Dire Wraiths and their nefarious alien powers.

With IDW Publishing’s REVOLUTION crossover event well underway, ROM #4 sees Darby’s plan to use her credentials as a soldier to fool Dubosky and investigate the Vandenberg Air Force Base – with ROM and Camilla posing as captives – work like a charm, as Earthfall Part 4 finally uncovers the full extent of the shape-shifting alien Dire Wraiths infestation of the EDC. Indeed, the Wraith disguised as EDC operative David Dubosky certainly seems to have the upper hand, with ROM caged in a bizarre ghost-like state, and Camilla is also being held in quarantine where her Wraithmark infection is being closely monitored. Things don’t look good for ROM, especially with the magic of Sorcerer Wraith, D’rge, somehow counteracting the affects of the Space Knight’s analysers. ROM #4 is a powerful, almost brooding issue as times, and the exciting plot and script by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage gradually ramps up the tension and drama to the max as Darby work covertly to get close enough to help ROM and sound out those she can trust.

We also get introduced to a number of new characters: Corporal Leonard Song gets inadvertently drawn into the action, C.O Marcus is as a tough no-nonsense character, and Dr Shen is very much concerned for Darby’s emotional well being considering she is still coping with PTSD and the loss of her entire family. All of them experience and witness things over the course of this issue that cannot be unseen or easily denied, there’s a lot of potential to be explored here, and I hope we see more of these characters in the future.

Fortunately for ROM and Darby, Police Officer Camilla Byers infected Wraithmark does give them all one advantage, namely, that it allows Camilla to see through the Wraiths ability to disguises themselves – and it’s an ability that doesn’t seem to be affected by D’rge’s dark magiks like ROM’s analysers were. She also sees through David Dubosky in an instant, who it seems is also a very special kind of Dire Wraith, the scenes between them in this issue are genuinely disquieting, and they offer us chilling insight into the dark forces that threaten to consume her.

With excellent pencils and colors by David Messina, bold inks from Michele Pasta, and vibrant color assists by: Alessandra Alexakis, ROM #4 is another magnificent looking issue in this new IDW series. The pace and flow of the page layouts complement the intense action and the emotional beats of the story perfectly, and all of the characters are clearly defined. ROM looks fantastic as well and the creative team are clearly having a ball putting the Space Knight through his paces with this issue. ROM’s escape is ingeniously handled, there’s a nifty new use for his Neutralizer, and ROM gets to go toe-to-toe with a fearsome Warrior Wraith in what is undoubtedly one of this series’ most brutal and bloody confrontations so far.

Everything builds from an unflinching and uncompromising series of events for ROM and his allies in this issue, and what initially feels like a downbeat ending for this arc quickly evolves into something far more poignant and moving. Chris Ryall and Christos Gage’s brilliant scripting explores some especially strong themes and motivations for the characters here. ROM’s two-hundred year war with the Dire Wraiths has already taken its toll on the Space Knight, there are some striking parallels to be drawn here, ultimately ROM’s actions in this issue puts the inhumanity of war in a whole new perspective for everyone concerned, and for some they’ve already lost too much…

ROM’s involvement in IDW Publishing’s REVOLUTION crossover event also spins out of ROM #4 and continues over in the one-shot special ROM REVOLOUTION #1, and ROM also has a major role in the main five part REVOLOUTION series that will unite the IDW and Hasbro properties: Transformers, G.I. JOE, Action Man, M.A.S.K, ROM, and the Micronauts into one collective universe for the very first time.

Chris Ryall and Christos Gage close out this first arc of their new ROM series with dramatic style. ROM #4 is a rich blend of taut plotting and superb characterization, it moves towards a thrilling and moving finale, and the coda paves the way for some very exciting developments indeed! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed ROM’s return in this IDW series. The classic elements from Marvel’s original ROM series by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscena have been successfully reimagined by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage; along with a great new look for the character by David Messina, Michele Pasta, and Alessandra Alexakis. Sure, there have been some changes, but for the most part they’ve been successful, and there can be no doubt the creative team’s passion, love, and dedication to the character and the original comic book series shines through on each and every page of this new ROM series. ROM #4 is a hugely enjoyable issue, it brings something refreshingly new and different to the table, I’m really pleased with how this first arc has panned out, and I can’t wait to see where ROM’s adventures take him next.

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Plot and script: Chris Ryall and Christos Gage

Pencils and colors: David Messina / Inks: Michele Pasta

Color Assists by: Alessandra Alexakis / Letters by: Chris Mowry

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