To build interest in the ROM toy, Parker Brothers licensed the character to Marvel Comics, which created a comic book featuring Rom. The comic expanded on the premise that Rom was a cyborg and gave him an origin, personality, set of supporting characters and villains, as well as interaction within the Marvel Universe. The comic was written by Bill Mantlo and initially illustrated by artist Sal Buscema. Buscema stated in a 2010 interview, “I liked the character. And I liked what they did with it. I thought the concept was quite good. It was unique. It made it attractive to do. I almost hate to say this, but it was pretty easy to draw, too.” Buscema was the main artist for the series from its creation through 1984. Steve Ditko took over for the final two years of the original run.
Ultimately, the toy failed and only sold 200,000 to 300,000 units in the US, with creator McCoy blaming the failure on poor packaging and marketing. Parker Brothers subsequently abandoned the line.
The comic book outlasted the toy which it was created to support. The series lasted for 75 issues (not including the four annual issues) from December 1979 to February 1986. Rom’s regular encounters with mainstream heroes and villains established him as part of Marvel continuity.
EHT Comics 
I remember reading the comics when I was a kid, but I don’t think the toy ever made it to the southern hemisphere. Until now I never knew that there ever was a Rom toy.
Thanks for the pleasant link to my childhood.
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I bought the first issue of ROM at the local drug store as a kid and loved it. I don’t remember seeing the toy anywhere come to think of it. None of my friends had it either. We did have tons of Micronauts and Star Wars stuff though.Those were the days…..
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I have a ROM figure that friends got me some years ago, but I am still looking for a good stand for him, b/c he’s so top heavy he falls over regularly..
I have a full run of ROM comics (and just completed another full run that I plan to give to a friend for Xmas. . .shhhh!)
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That’s one lucky friend!
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I fondly remember the ROM comic growing up. It was one of my favourites and the storyline was so good. I always wanted the toy as a kid, but never saw it here in the UK. Guess it never reached us here, but glad I got to read the comics! 🙂
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