ROM
Perhaps the highlight of Ditko's return to Marvel in 1979 was Rom. Based on a
action-figure toy when it started in Issue #1, Ditko took over with #59 (Oct '84) to its
conclusion in #75. Much like The Silver Surfer, Rom gave up his humanity to defend those he
loved. Ditko concluded the War On The Wraiths, those ugly blob creatures, in high style by
bringing in plenty of old and new Marvel characters for Ditko to draw. The page presented here
is the splash page from the final issue of the book. What made Rom so special was that every
Marvel artist who idolized Ditko got a shot at inking him. Tom Palmer, Bob Layton, Joe Sinnott,
John Byrne, Jackson Guice, Steve Leialoha were some of the names who jumped on board during
Ditko's 17 issue (and one annual) run. P. Craig Russell, a talented artist in his own
right, especially presented Ditko's pencils in an original light. At the end of The Wraith
War, ol' Spidey appeared in a panel filled with Marvel heroes, giving the illusion that
Ditko had finally drawn him again, but it is alledged to have been the inker having a ''laugh''.
I'm sure Ditko took it as such.
If you have any stories or articles concerning
Ditko's take on Rom, please E-MAIL me.
You will receive full credit for your contributions.