Writer – Bill Mantlo
Artist – Sal Buscema
Inker – Sal Buscema
Colours – Glynis Wein
Letters – John Costanza

Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema return to where they left Rom, now upon Earth and searching out the Dire Wraith threat while still encountering fear and resistance wherever he goes.  This go-round he finds himself in Lansing, West Virginia, interrupting a bunch of men and Wraiths as they attempt to rob a bank.  Like before, the wraiths use the humans to their benefit as fodder to throw in front of Rom, though Rom is now wise to their tricks.  While this is going on, back in Clairton where Rom first touched down, Brandy is being treated for shock even though she swears there is nothing wrong with her.  She knows that Rom is good, but is unable to convince anyone else of that truth.  Mantlo does a great job of showing just how out of place Rom is here on our planet from both the perspective of Rom and mankind.  He is alone and somewhat confused as to why people act the way they do.  Rom finds it hard on our planet and because of that he goes back to see Brandy, the woman he saved and the only one he thinks will understand him and what he has to do.  The interplay between the two is interesting to see, especially as Brandy would never have seen anything like Rom before, and for her to be so trusting speaks of an acceptance that many people just do not possess.  Going forward, the relationship between the two will be curious to see as Rom goes about his mission and if things start to get any easier.  Mantlo crafts a fine tale once more, one that starts to explore the main character a little, to endear him to readers and he does just that.  Rom is intriguing, to say the least, and it should be a lot of fun to see where this leads, both in terms of Rom’s mission and his character.  As for Buscema, he never fails to entertain with his pencils and they look just as good as ever.  If there were one artist born to bring this character to life it is he and it is a good thing for readers that he is on this book. Another great issue in a series that seems to have it all.

4.5 out of 5