ROM: Space Knight… I first encountered this character when it was introduced as a toy. A 12″ action figure that I felt provided less action than I desired in a toy. Sure, he had light-up and noise making features and gadgets you could place in his hands. But his legs couldn’t move. How could I put him in what looked like the splits but was actually a “run super fast” position? For a toy this size, I was spoiled by my Bulletman action figure with multiple points of articulation.

A few years later, I discovered Marvel had put out a comic series about ROM. I only had a couple of issues that I had gotten when I purchased my friend’s collection (an event that more than doubled my collection that I call the Great 10th Grade Comic Acquisition). I read and re-read those few issues multiple times.

I don’t recall who drew the issues I had. But I did have ROM annual #3, one of the last ROM comics. It guest starred The New Mutants which was becoming one of my favorite comic series. And I loved this Bill Sienkiewicz cover.

Just recently, while perusing my Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, I came across the ROM entry. I remembered reading the comic and being inspired by the art and concept. So I decided to try my hand at drawing ROM. He has a pretty simplistic design. The fun really comes in playing with the metallic textures.

I don’t know who owns the license, but it would be kinda cool to see ROM re-enter the Marvel Universe… Assuming there was a big enough demand for that sort of thing.

This piece was draw with black, red, and silver Sharpie on cardboard.

Also posted on my Deviant Art page and my Facebook Fan Page.