Writer – Bill Mantlo
Artist – Sal Buscema
Inker – Mel Candido
Colours – Ben Sean
Letters – Janice Chiang

After the events of the last issue where Rom revealed himself and Brandy to the world and made known the Wraith threat, he now finds himself doubling down on his quest to defeat their kind wherever he might find them. For their part, the Wraiths are also upping their game, determined to make the Earth their own and to destroy Rom and Starshine if they are able. It was a long time coming, but Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema have finally started to deliver what was inevitably coming which was all-out war. With Rom’s help, the U.S. Army is attempting to ferret out the Wraiths by combing their respective technologies. The tactic seems to work, even better than expected for even within the inner circle in which they work, the Wraiths have managed to infiltrate and make their corruption known. There is a lot of action present as Rom and Starshine face off against the Wraiths and it is interesting to see that more than anything else, they are killing the Wraiths instead of banishing them. Another intriguing point is seeing that Rom and Brandy are over their recent personal crises, that all of their self-doubts have been put on hold or have ended in light of the war they have just started. Buscema’s pencils look great, Mantlo’s script is strong and the story is very exciting and it is that excitement which has been missing of late that makes a return in a big way. All around, a great issue.

4.5 out of 5