ROM #8 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, Paolo Villanell, REVOLOUTIONARIES, REVOLUTION, Rom, ROM #8, ROM #8 review, Rom The Spaceknight

ROM #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The Space Knight faces a new challenge in ROM #8 as his mission to rid the Earth of the Dire Wraiths following the arrival of two of his fellow warriors from the Solstar Order, Livia, and Orphion, who not only have links to ROM’s past, but have travelled to Earth to stop the Dire Wraiths at all costs – even if that price is the destruction of Earth!

IDW Publishing’s new ROM series continues to go from strength to strength in ROM #8, with plot and script by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage, pencils and Inks by Paolo Villanell, and colors by Alessandra Alexakis. Following ROM’s initial skirmish with Orphion and Livia, Police Officer Camilla Byers was finally cured of the Wraith influence consuming her body (her infected arm was blown off during the battle), ROM’s attempts to reason with his Space Knight brethren only compounds their differences further during a run in with two rogue G.I. Joe operatives, and the Dire Wraiths begin to hatch even darker schemes to vanquish the Solstar Knights.

ROM #8 sees ROM and Livia racing to intercept Orphion as he launched an attack on a drilling platform controlled by the Wraiths. Chris Ryall and Christos Gage continue to explore the bond between thee Space Knight characters as the issue. It seems ROM has deviated from their orders strict adherence to the Solstar Code, something which Orphion, his uncompromising superior officer has been sent to investigate, together with Livia, ROM’s childhood friend and former lover, but she Orhion’s Space Knight partner now and follows his orders to the letter.

Their differences creates an exciting and tense dynamic between this trio of Solstar Knghts, especially when Orphion’s plan to flood the rigs drill with neutralizing energy to send a shockwave into the planets core and destroy the Earth becomes apparent, something which ROM is vehemently too opposed and selflessly prepared to put his life on the line to prevent! Ryall and Gage also build on the subplot involving the two aggrieved G.I Joe soldiers with an axe to grind about ROM’s actions during REVOLUTION, and Darby’s ongoing struggle to cope with her PTSD and her experiences with ROM all take a startling turn.

Paolo Villanell’s artwork brings the stylish action-set pieces to life in this issue with a bold fervour that places us right in the thick of the action at all times. This issue unfolds in exhilarating blockbuster-like fashion, with ROM’s conflict with Livia and Orphan rapidly intercutting between numerous angles and viewpoints across the bold page layouts. Villanell ensures the Space Knights unique attributes and tactics are all impressively realized, and the raw strength and power displayed in their frenetically paced combat is an awesome sight to behold. The color by Alessandra Alexakis strikes a perfect contrasts between the gleaming metallic hues of the Space Knights and the fire fights of dazzling energy bolts that pepper the action, whilst the brief interludes featuring G.I. Joe operatives Beach Head and Grunt and war veteran Darby Mason respectively utilize warmer tones to provide a distinct contrast for these scenes away from the central conflict at the heart of the issue.

ROM #8: Reinforcements Part 4 is packed with wall to wall Space Knight action. Darby also makes a shock discovery, ROM’s no holds barred showdown with Orphian reaches a major turning point, and the Dire Wraiths gather their dark sorceries as they prepare to unleash a frightening new horror against the Space Knights!

The characterization of ROM is pitch perfect throughout, from the subtle redesign of his classic armor, right through to the inflections of his dialogue, this series is lovingly structured to respect the character, and with the recent addition of two new Space Knights in the aftermath of the REVOLOUTION cross-over this title is really firing on all cylinders. Whether you’re a fan of the original Marvel comic book ROM series by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema, or a complete newbie, ROM #8 has something for everyone to enjoy as Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, Paolo Villanell, and Alessandra Alexakis continue make this reimagining of ROM one of the standout titles in the IDW Publishing and Hasbro Entertainments shared universe of characters.

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: Nelson Daniel

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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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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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ROM #3 Review

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Alessandra Alexakis, Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, comics, David Messina, Dire Wraiths, Earthfall Part #2, IDW Publishing, IDW REVOLOUTION, IDW Revolution, J. H. Williams, Michele Pasta, Micronauts, Rom, ROM #3, ROM #3 review, Rom The Spaceknight

ROM #3

Review by Paul Bowler

ROM the Space Knight’s war with the shape-shifting alien Dire Wraiths continues in ROM #3, having rescued the military soldier Darby Mason and neutralised the Dire Wraith infestation that had taken over her Californian hometown, ROM must now face a new threat after rushing to save Police officer Camilla Byers from the hideous Wrath Stalkers. But the failure of ROM’s analyser and a surprise attack by a Wrath from the Sorcerer Cast has left the Space Knight reeling, and hunted by both the Dire Wraiths and the military…

With the big Revolution event from IDW Publishing kicking off this month, ROM #3 finds our lone Knight of the Solstar Order overpowered and trapped by the dark sorceries of the fearsome Dire Wraith known as D’rge. The exciting plot and script by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage ensures Earthfall Part 3 successful builds on their innovative new take on the popular Space Knight, ROM, based on the original Parker Brothers electronic ROM toy and the fondly remembered Marvel comic book series by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema.

ROM’s captor delights in tormenting the fabled Space Knight, despite the protestations of the Dire Wraiths minions disguised as human soldiers. D’rgre’s words also give us a further insight into the Dire Wraiths and even the Space Knights themselves. The Police officer Camilla Byers, wounded and infected by a Wraith during ROM’s first battle on Earth against his shape-shifting foes, is also D’rge’s prisoner, and her tainted blood now allows her see through the Dire Wraiths disguises in much the same way as ROM’s analyser.

Chris Ryall and Christos Gage fuel the suspense effortlessly as D’rge’s attention fixates on Camilla, and this momentary distraction gives ROM the opportunity he’s been looking for to find a way to fight back. However, it is in the quieter moments where this issue really shines as Ryall and Gage begin to flesh out the characters more. The Wrathmark that now blights Camilla inadvertently leads to ROM revealing some startlingly gruesome facts about the Dire Wraiths abilities, and her infection could also give them a crucial advantage. We also catch up with Darby Mason after being rescued from the cave by the military. However, with everything she’s been though, trust is now a precious commodity, and the realization of how Darby’s family must’ve succumbed to the Dire Wraiths is a simultaneously chilling and heartbreaking moment for her.

ROM #3 is another great looking issue. David Messina’s bold pencils and colors are ably enriched by Michele Pasta’s stylish ink work, as big splash pages and concisely structured page layouts stylishly convey the fast-paced action. The redesign of ROM’s armor continues to impress, it just looks so good from every angle. The human characters are also well defined and realized, especially Camilla and Darby, who each get to run a gauntlet of emotions as their lives converge with ROM‘s mission. D’rge is an especially creepy looking Dire Wraith, he’s one of the strongest Wraith Sorcerers, and his scenes are brilliantly menacing.

David Messina’s colors and the color assists by Alessandra Alexakis really come into their own this issue: especially as ROM writhes in D’rge’s mystical Eldritch Energies, the monochrome tinged flashback the Sorcerer Wraith forces Camilla to experience of the Dire Wraiths arrival on Earth and their insidious infiltration is also hauntingly portrayed, and the scenes in the lighthouse are awash with a gloriously macabre fusion of tone and shadow.

The lettering by Chris Mowry’s is also of particular note this issue. This issue is pretty intense dialogue wise, Mowry’s clear, concise, and intricate work on ROM #3 is second to none. I especially liked the way D’rge’s dialogue – like all Wraiths – and thoughts are represented with spiky letting and a distinct positive, negative color scheme. It makes this alien character seem even more sinister, and the scene where this lettering is juxtaposed with ghostly precision by Chris Mowry during D’rge’s ethereal communiqué with his “brother” is absolutely exquisite.

Amidst the drama and seamlessly interlaced exposition, ROM #3 certainly has its full quota of action too, and its not long before the crimson rays of ROM’s Neutraliser are cutting swathe though his enemies. We are teased with several tantalizing future plot threads, especially those concerning Earth’s significance to the Wraiths, and the reason for ROM’s solitary voyage. This issue gives us a greater sense of the world that Chris Ryall and Christos Gage are building for ROM as the Space Knight moves towards becoming a major part of the wider IDW universe in this months REVOLUTION #1, REVOLUTION #2, and ROM: Revolution #1.

This issue finally really steps things up a gear, D’rge’s evil machinations help drive the narrative in new directions, and circumstances also see ROM, Darby, and Camilla united at last. With a fun nod to a certain Sci-Fi film, ROM #3 instigates a dangerous plan which will enable ROM and his allies attempt to uncover the full extent of the Wraiths infiltration. This new ROM series continues to reach new heights with each successive issue, the creative team are doing a fantastic job, and ROM #3 is one of their most exciting issues so far!

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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ROM #2 Review

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Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, comics, David Messina, Dire Wraiths, Earthfall Part #2, IDW Publishing, IDW REVOLOUTION, IDW Revolution, J. H. Williams, Michele Pasta, Micronauts, Rom, Rom #2, Rom #2 review, Rom The Spaceknight

ROM #2

Review by Paul Bowler

ROM’s arrival on Earth has left the Dire Wraiths reeling, now in ROM #2 the Space Knight must contend with an entire town overrun with Dire Wraiths, but eradicating his ancient enemies isn’t going be easy. These Wraiths are unlike anything ROM has encountered before, but how did they get this way, and what is the secret of their newfound power? ROM faces the shocking truth as he confronts the insidious might of the Dire Wraiths in this thrill packed lead in to next months Revolution event from IDW Publishing!

ROM #2 quickly builds on the events of the series’ premier issue, where ROM, warrior of the galactic Solstar Order, made his dramatic arrival on Earth – which now becomes the new battleground in his 200 year war against his ancient enemies: the Dire Wraiths! Earthfall Part 2 finds ROM and his new found ally Darby Mason, the military soldier currently dealing with PTSD who was on leave visiting her family, taking refuge in the Mason household after discovering her home town in California has been overrun by the Dire Wraiths – evil shape-changing aliens that can assimilate and assume human and other organic identities.

The plot and script by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage skilfully focuses on the growing bond between Darby Mason and ROM, as the Space Knight attempts to help Darby come to terms with the shock of finding out that her whole family had been killed and replaced by Dire Wraiths. We also begin to understand how the dark powers of the Dire Wraiths can undermine societies and tear communities apart from within. ROM desperately needs an ally like Darby Mason to help him adapt to this uncanny new world and its customs, someone who he can trust above all else, but she has an inner struggle of her own to contend with…

This ROM revival has been a long time coming, but now it’s finally here at last! IDW and Hasbro have really delivered the goods with this new ongoing monthly series, its new in so many ways, yet still entirely faithful to the original, and the creative teams unwavering dedication and respect for ROM and the characters enduring legacy shines through on every page.

ROM #2 features gorgeous artwork to match the action packed storyline. With pencils and colors by David Messina, together with inks by Michele Pasta, and color Assists by Alessandra Alexakis, this issue is a veritable roller coaster ride of emotions, drama, and big-action set-pieces. Messina and Pasta excel here as the full extent of the Dire Wraith infestation in Darby’s hometown is spectacularly realized, and it goes far deeper than we could’ve ever suspected. We also become privy to other Wraith castes and their special abilities, and in an interesting spin on the Space Knights abilities and technology, we also get to see the “classic” version of ROM’s Nutralizer in action! The airborne sequences are very exciting, but for me the standout moment this issue was the quiet thoughtful scene between ROM and Darby in a cave where the Space Knight gives a moving account of what happened on his own world when the Dire Wraiths invaded. It’s a powerful scene, one that is sure to strike a cord with long-tem fans, and it is here that Messina’s colors and Alexakis’ color assists lavish every panel with rich tones and shades that match the emotional beats of the story perfectly.

This is another issue filled with excitement, mystery and intrigue on all sides. Indeed, we continue to see how the influence of EDC agents, like Dave Dubosky – who is now also a Dire Wraith – and others like him, have managed to infiltrate the corridors of power, even to the extent of getting under the radar of the elite strike force: G.I.Jo, to manipulate events to deal with ROM. It gives us a good idea of how ROM’s role in IDW Publishing’s forthcoming REVOLOUTION brand-wide event will bring ROM, the Transformers, G.I. Jo, the Micronauts, and M.A.S.K, together and finally reinvent them in a one cohesive, shared universe.

The issue builds towards a nerve jangling cliff-hanger as when we catch up with Police officer Camilla Byers, who was wounded by a Wraith during ROM’s initial skirmish on Earth with his shape-shifting enemies, and is now on the run from the grotesque Wraith Stalkers. However, even with his energy levels depleted and the military closing in, ROM charges to the rescue, but the Wraiths dark magiks are not to be underestimated…

Rom #2 maintains the high standard set by the impressive first issue and successfully elevates it to the next level. This issue is really good for fans and newcomers alike, as it reveals more details about ROM, his past, and the fight against the Dire Wraiths. With its intricately plotted and fast-paced storyline, excellent characterization, dynamic artwork, a wide choice of variant covers, and REVOLOUTION Prelude, ROM #2 is a brilliant all round issue. Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, David Messina, Michele Pasta, Alessandra Alexakis, and Shawn Lee have really done the character proud with this issue, it’s real a thrill to see ROM back at long last, and I can’t wait to see ROM become an integral part of the IDW universe during the REVOLOUTION event!

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: Shawn Lee

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